San Anton Gardens (part four)

Abstract

The sun formed a hazy wafer on the thickness of the trees and on the Eagle Fountain built in 1623. It is a landmark in a straight line with the palace steps. Its back is formed by the still fashionable rugged stones which sharply contrast with the well finished ones in front. It was designed by the Knights and represents two children supporting a spreading eagle. The water spouts through pipes by agravity system. The boys stand on opened shell beds held by four dolphins, and the water runs from the shells on to the green heads of the water lilies floating in the pool below. The garden is planned in the cruciform pattern and landscaped with stone benches, many circles and bypasses. The old Coprasma Lucida is of enormous proportions, her roots gnarl like some prehistoric wiry-glued stained arms. Its big branches surrender a little of their night blackness to the lacy clouds and that section seems flat and unreal as aquarelle. A couple of yards ahead the main circular pond is most welcoming. It has small bamboo awnings on both sides and the ducks dry their feathers in the shade. The youngsters sail their paper ships in the pond and in the bottom of the pool between the stones the-gold fish make his home. De Paule had brought rare fish and birds from Sicily.