One of its ancient kings was Latinus. […] An oracle was consulted by the person who found the shield, in order to learn its origin. […] As, for example, the palladium of American liberty, or its security, is the virtue of our citizens. […] Near its eastern gate reposed the body of Vala, the prophetess. […] The stones of its pavements were wrought to an exquisite polish.

It was low, and its roof was covered with reeds and straw woven together. […] The cottage, too, soon changed its form: it rose in height; its grey front became pure white marble; its little casements turned to polished columns; the green turf before it was altered to a broad pavement, and rich sculpture graced its lofty portico; in short, it became a temple of the gods. […] An accumulation of earth, says the fable, grew to this rock, extended its base, and exalted its summit, so that at length clouds enveloped its head, and forests grew on its sides. […] When Perseus reached Argos, he found his grandfather no longer its king. […] They desired to possess it, and now they haunt its borders.”