We have already called this edifice the _Temple_, believing it not to have been originally a palace. This distinction is nearly defined from the fact that _hieroglyphics_ are found upon the edifice: for hieroglyphics (_i. e._, sacred and symbolical writing) constitute the Religious language of nearly all the ancient nations,--but of Egypt especially. The language of Religion and the Hieratic (that of the priests) were placed upon the _sacred_ edifices, and being so placed, proved them to be Temples. Those languages were, also, painted upon mummy-cloths and coffins, or sculptured upon the outward granite Sarcophagii,--the Egyptians holding the rights of Sepulture in the most sacred estimation; for those rights were only granted upon a public investigation of the character of the deceased, and a general verdict in his favour. This _post-mortem_ examination of character even the king was not exempt from, and the poorest subject of Egypt could bring his accusation against the deceased monarch; with the privilege of sustaining his charges by facts and argument,--for by the laws of Egypt every Egyptian was considered equal and noble with his countrymen,--Character and Talent being the only distinctions to entitle the deceased to sepulture, and the hieroglyphical inscriptions to perpetuate a name. The King of Egypt might (and it was a custom) build his own monument and Sarcophagus, inscribe them with his victories and virtues; but his body (after death) would not be placed within, unless at the public ordeal upon his life and character the _People_ should grant permission. If such a custom obtained at the present day, how many lying tomb-stones and monumental effigies would escape the charge of falsehood; and how many unrecorded possessors of talent and character, would breathe in marble for the imitation of their posterity! The Enchorial language (_i. e._ the common or spoken) was not placed (alone) on sacred edifices: therefore its absence on a building almost demonstrates that building to have been erected and adorned for sacred purposes. Upon this consideration we shall view the great edifice of Palenque,--as the Temple, and not the Palace. And, it might naturally be asked if this is a Palace, where is the Temple?--for in all ancient nations the Temple of worship was always the grandest edifice of a metropolis: the same custom is still continued in more modern times,--Rome has its St. Peter's, and London its St. Paul's. The hieroglyphics on the Altar and Idols of Copan (_vide_ last Section) in a similar manner demonstrate those sculptures to be of a Religious character, but that fact does not preclude the association of Historical events,--they were so introduced and incorporated by the Egyptians and the ancients, in order to _deify_ those events;--and by thus rendering a sacristy of character to the hero, or the glory, to give them both (in their belief) an earthly, or rather a celestial immortality!