The rows of fluted Doric columns, tapering symmetrically towards the roof, were like beautiful lily stems supporting flowers, the mellow yellow tone of the stone was varied by the ferns and acanthus which grew everywhere around, and the sunshine, falling on the rows of delicate shafts, seemed to linger lovingly, and invest them with a halo of golden light.
"What must these temples have been when the world was young!" said Miss Morley.

"If we could only get a glimpse of them as they were more than two thousand years ago.

Think what processions must have paced down those glorious aisles.

Priests and singers and worshipers all crowned with flowers.

The rose gardens of Paestum used to be famous among the Roman poets.