Above each statue the pendentive of the dome is occupied by a group in plaster, sculptured by Mr. Martiny, consisting of two winged geniuses, modelled as if half flying, half supported on the curve of the arches, and holding between them a large tablet carrying an inscription in gilt letters. Above the tablet is a pair of crossed palm-branches (meaning peace), and below are the lamp and open book symbolical of learning, these last being surrounded by an oak-wreath, typifying strength--the whole group thus signifying the power and beneficence of wisdom. The inscriptions were selected by President Eliot of Harvard University, who several years before had furnished the memorable sentences carved upon the Water Gate at the World’s Fair in Chicago. Each is appropriate to the subject of the statue below it. Thus, above the figure of _Religion_ are the words:-- What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? _Micah_ vi, 8. Above the figure of _Commerce_:-- We taste the spices of Arabia yet never feel the scorching sun which brings them forth. _Anonymous._[9] Above the figure of _History_:-- One God, one law, one element, And one far-off divine event, To which the whole creation moves. _Tennyson._ Above the figure of _Art_:-- As one lamp lights another, nor grows less, So nobleness enkindleth nobleness. _Lowell._ Above the figure of _Philosophy_:-- The inquiry, knowledge, and belief of truth is the sovereign good of human nature. _Bacon._ Above the figure of _Poetry_:-- Hither, as to their fountain, other stars Repairing, in their golden urns draw light. _Milton._ Above the figure of _Law_:-- Of law there can be no less acknowledged than that her voice is the harmony of the world. _Hooker._ Above the figure of _Science_:-- The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. _Psalms_ xix, 1.