Colossi of Memnon

Nicholas Michell

We cross the Nile:— Worn rough by countless years,
Like some tall tower, huge Memnon's form appears;
Pale Arabs pause to scan that brow of pride,
And list sweet music harping from his side.

* Author's Note: The statue of Memnon, so celebrated for its vocal qualities, stands opposite the Temple at Luxor, but on the west side of the Nile. It is of hard gritstone, and has undergone many repairs. Its height is 52 feet, being 18 feet across the shoulders, and 17 feet from the elbow to the fingers' ends. It rests on a throne, the hands being placed on the knees. Another statue, of nearly similar dimensions, appears near it.

The Colossi of Memnon are statues of Amenhotep III. They were reputed to 'sing'.