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Full text of "A new pantheon: or, Fabulous history of the heathen gods, heroes ... explain'd in a manner intirely new ... Adorn'd with figures depicted from ancient paintings, medals and gems ... To which is added, a discourse on the theology of the ancients ... as also an explanation of their ancient mythology .."

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Fay  H.  Laighton 
Alberta  W.  Laighton 


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ANEW 

PANTHEON: 

Fabulous   Historyq- 

O  F     T  H  E  * 

HEATHEN   GOD  5, ' 

Heroes,  Goddesses,   &^c. 

Explained  in  a  Manner  intirely  New, 

And  render'd  much  more  ufeful  than  any  hitherto  publlfh'd 

on  this  Subjedl. 

ADORN'DWITH 

Figures  depicted  from  ancient  Paintings,  Medals  and  Gems, 
for  the  uie  of  thofe  who  would  underftand  History,  Poetry, 
Painting,  Statuary,  Coins,  Medals,  (sfc» 

To  which  is  added, 

A  Difcourfe  on  the  Theology  of  the  Ancients,  wherein  the 
Manner  of  their  Worftiip,  and  the  Rifs  and  Progrefs  of  Ido- 
dolatry  are  confidered. 

AS    ALSO 

An  Explanation  of  their  ancient  Mythology  from  the  Writ- 
ings of  Mo/esj  the  Egyptian ^  Grecian,  Roman,  and  Eaftern 
Hiftorians,  Philofophers,  Poets,  &c. 

J5y   SAMUEL    BOYSE,    ^.  M. 
With    an    APPENDIX, 

CONTAINING 
Some  Account  of  their  various  fuperftitious  Obfervances  by 
Aftrology,  Prodigies,  Auguries,  Arufpices,  Oracles,  &c.  in 
which  the  Origin  of  each  are  pointed  out.  As  alfo  a  Ihort  hifto» 
rical  Account  of  the  Rife  of  Altars,  facred  Groves,  Priells 
and  Temples. 

By  a  Gentleman  of  CAMBRIDGE. 

LONDON: 

Printed  for  J.  Neweery,  at  the  Bible  and  Sun  oppofite  the  North 
Door  in  St.  Paul's  Church-Tard',  aud  B.  Collins,  Bookfeller, 
Qiith^  Ne%v  Canal  in  Salijhury,    M.DCC.LIU, 


^^h^ 


/^i¥- 


«71W 


THE 

PREFACE. 

E  have  here  no  Defign  to  raife  the  Re- 
putation of  this  Work,  by  depreciat- 
ing the  many  others  that  have  already 
been  pubHfh'd  on  this  Subje6b;  it  is 
fufEcient  for  us  to  fay,  that  we  have  followed  a 
Plan  entirely  new,  and  at  the  fame  Time  fuch  a 
one  as  has  appeared  to  us  much  more  ufeful,  more 
rational,  and  lefs  dry  than  any  that  has  gone  be- 
fore it. 

As  all  Works  of  this  Kind  mull  neceffarily  con- 
fifl  of  Materials  colleded  from  other  Authors,  no 
Expence,  no  Labour  has  been  fpared,  the  moft 
celebrated  Works  on  this  Subjeft  have  been  con^ 
fulted  and  compared  with  each  other,  and  it  has 
frequently  happen' d,  that  fcattered  Hints  widely 
difperfed  have  ferved  to  clear  up  the  moft  difficult 
and  intricate  Meanings,  to  a  Degree  of  Demon - 
ftration  -,  but  amongft  all  the  Authors  to  which  we 
have  had  Recourfe,  we  muft  here  particularly  ac-^ 
A  2  knowledge 


IV 


PREFACE. 


knowledge  the  great  Advantage  we  have  re-' 
ceived  from  that  ingenious  Gentleman  the  Abbe  le 
Pluche,  in  his  Hiftory  of  the  Heavens,  and  our 
having  received  fome  ufeful  Hints  from  Banier's 
Mythology. 

Some  Acquaintance  with  the  Heathen  Gods  and 
the  ancient  Fables,  is  a  neceflary  Branch  of  polite 
Learning,  as  without  this  it  is  impofTible  to  obtain 
a  competent  Knowledge  of  the  Claflics,  impofTible 
to  form  a  Judgment  of  Antique  Medals,  Statues 
or  Paintings  •,  or  even  to  underftand  the  Perfor- 
mances of  the  Moderns  in  thefe  polite  Arts. 

From  hence  thefe  Studies  have  been  generally 
efteemed  neceflary  for  the  Improvement  of  Youth  j 
but  in  Works  of  this  Kind  fufficient  Care  has  not 
been  taken,  to  unfold  the  Origin  of  the  Heathen 
Gods,  which  has  generally  been  miflaken.  Some 
imagining  that  they  had  been  Kings  and  Princes  j 
others,  that  they  were  the  various  Parts  of  Nature. 
And  others,  that  they  were  the  Patriarchs  and  He- 
roes of  the  Jewifh  Nation.  But  each  of  thefe 
have  been  found  equally  contrary  to  Truth,  when 
applied  to  the  Pagan  Theology,  though  fome  of 
their  Fables  have  been  imbellifhed  with  many  Cir- 
cumftances  related  in  the  Mofaic  Hiftory.  In 
Works  of  this  Kind,  no  Care  has  hitherto  been 
taken  to  give  the  leaft  Intimation  of  abundance  of 
Circumftances  neceflary  to  be  known  ;  and  a  Per- 
fon  reads  the  Hiftory  of  the  Gods  without  finding 

any 


PREFACE.  V 

any  Thing  added,  that  can  help  them  to  entertain 
the  ieafl  Idea  of  the  Religion  of  their  Worfhippers. 
The  Greeks  were   entirely  ignorant  as   to   the 
Origin  of  their  Gods,  and  incapable  of  tranfmit- 
ting  their  Hiftory  to  Poflerity.     Herodotus  informs 
us,  that  the  Gods  of  the  Greeks  were  originally 
brought  from  Egypt  and  Phsenicia,  where  they  had 
been  the  Objeds  of  religious  Worlhip  long  before 
any  Colonies  from  thefe  Countries  fettled  in  Greece. 
We  ought  then  to  fearch  in  Egypt  for  the  Origin 
of  the  Gods,   for  the  Gods  invented  by  the  Egyp- 
tians, and  carry'd  by  the  Phaenicians  over  all  the 
Coafls  of  the  Mediterranean.     The  firft  Egyptians, 
unacquainted  with  Letters,  gave  all  their  Informa- 
tions to  the  People,  all  the  Rules  of  their  Condud, 
by  erecting  Figures,  eafily  underllood,  and  which 
ferved  as  Rules  and  Orders  neceffary  to  regulate 
their  Behaviour ,  and  as  Advertifements  to  provide 
for  their  own  Safety.     A  very  few  Figures  diver- 
fified  by  what  they  held  in  their  Hands,  or  carried 
on  their  Heads,  were  fufficient  for  this  Purpofe. 
Thefe  were  ingenious   Contrivances,  and  fuch   as 
were  abfolutely  neceffary  in  a  Country,  where  the 
leaft  Miflake  in  Point  of  Time  was  fufficient  to 
ruin  all  their  Affairs. 

But  thefe  Egyptian  Symbols,  giving  Way  to 
the  eafy  Method  of  reaping  Inflrudion  from  the 
Ufe  of  Letters,  which  were  afterwards  introduced, 
fQon  became  obfolete,  and  the  Memory  of  fome 

particular 


vi  PREFACE. 

particular  Virtues  flili  remaining,  they  were  revereci 
as  the  Images  or  Reprefentations  of  fuperior  and 
friendly  Beings,  who  had  frequently  delivered  them 
from  impending  Dangers,  and  foon  were  wor^ 
fhipped  as  the  Gods  of  their  Fathers.  Their  Hif- 
tories  were  wrote  in  Verfe,  and  imbellifh'd  with 
Fidtions  founded  on  ancient  Traditions.  The 
Priefts  of  different  Countries  increafed  the  Delu-r 
fion  ;  they  had  read  the  Mofaic  Hiftory,  or  at  leaft 
had  heard  that  the  Sons  of  God  had  Converfation 
with  the  Daughters  of  Men  •,  and  from  hence,  in- 
fluenced by  Luft  or  Avarice,  cloak' d  their  own 
Debaucheries,  and  fometimes  thofe  of  Princes  and 
great  Men,  under  thofe  of  a  God  ;  and  the  Poets, 
whenever  a  Princefs  fail'd  in  Point  of  Modefty, 
had  recourfe  to  the  fame  Method,  in  order  to  fhel- 
ter  her  K  eputation  from  vulgar  Cenfure.  By  this 
Means  the  Deities  in  after  Times  were  faid  to  live 
in  various  Countries,  and  even  in  far  diftant  Ages. 
Thus  there  became  three  hundred  Jupiters,  an 
Opinion  derived  from  there  being  a  Number  of 
Places  in  which,  in  different  Ages,  Jupiter  was 
faid  to  have  lived,  reigned  and  performed  fome 
extraordinary  Adlions,  which  antient  Fables,  the 
Fictions  of  the  Poets,  and  the  Artifices  of  Priefls 
had  render'd  famous.  But  notwithflanding  all 
thefe  Fables,  Jupiter  was  always  acknowledged  by 
the  wifefl  Heathens  to  be  impeccable,   immortal, 

the 


PREFACE.  vii 

the  Author  of  Life,   the  univerfal  Creator,  and 
the  Fountain  of  Goodnefs. 

This  Scheme  is  here  carried  on  and  explained 
with  refpedb  to  each  Heathen  Deity,  and  added  to 
the  common  Hiftories  and  Fables  of  the  Gods  and 
Goddefles. 

In  the  fhort  Differtation  on  the  Theology  of  the 
Ancients,  we  have  fhewn  the  Rife  of  Idolatry,  and 
its  Conne(5lion  with  the  ancient  Symbols,  which 
gave  Names  to  the  Planets,  and  the  Signs  of  the 
Zodiac.     We  have  there  exhibited  the  Sentiments 
of  the  Pagans  with   regard  to  the  Unity  of  the 
Deity,  and  the  Perfedions  they  afcribe   to  him, 
from  the  concurrent  Teftimony  of  the   Philofo- 
phers  in  various  Ages,  amongft  the  Greeks  and 
Romans.     And   the  whole   is   concluded  with  a 
fhort  Account  of  the  Progrefs  of  Idolatry. 

In  the  Differtation  on  the  Mythology  of  the 
Ancients,  we  have  endeavoured  to  account  for  the 
Rife  of  a  Variety  of  Fables  from  the  Licence  of 
Poetry,  imbellifhing  the  common  Incidents  of  Life 
by  perfonating  inanimate  Beings,  introducing  fidli- 
tious   Charaders   and  fupernatural   Agents.     We 
have  given  the   Hiftory  of  the   Creation  of  the 
World,  the  State  of  Innocence,  the  Fall  of  Man, 
the  univerfal  Deluge,  &c.  according  to  the  Tra- 
ditions of  different  Nations,  and  the  Opinions  of 
the  Poets  and   moft  eminent   Philofophers,   and 
compared  them  with  the  Account  given  by  Mofes; 

In 


viii  PREFACE. 

In  fhort,  we  have  here  given  a  View  of  their  reli- 
gious, as  well  as  moral  Sentiments; 

To  the  Whole  is  added,  by  Way  of  Appendix, 
a  rational  Account  of  the  various  fuperllitious 
Obfervances  of  Aflrology,  and  the  Manner  by 
which  Influences  and  Powers  became  afcribed  to 
the  Signs  and  Planets,  of  Prodigies,  Auguries,  the 
Arufpices  and  Oracles  -,  of  Altars,  facred  Groves^ 
and  Sacrifices;  of  Priefts  and  Temples,  &c.  In 
which  the  Origin  of  each  is  pointed  out,  and  the 
Whole  interfperfed  with  fuch  moral  Refledions,  as 
have  a  Tendency  to  preferve  the  Minds  of  Youth 
from  the  Infedlion  of  fuperflitious  Follies,  and  to 
give  them  fuch  fundamental  Principles,  as  may  be 
of  the  greateil  Service  in  helping  them  to  form 
juft  Ideas  of  the  Manners,  Principles,  and  Con- 
duct of  the  Heathen  Nations. 


^M^ 


THE 


tojace^  C^kap.. 


T.  Irtfint  ^i'.  f/^i/^// 


/r.JL  .  Jr,u/A  t/^/^/ 


THE 

Theology    and    History 

O  F    T  H  E 

HEATHENS, 

Explain'd  and  Illuftrated. 


C  H  A  P.    I. 

Of  CHAOS. 

E  S I O  D  the  firft  Author  of  the  fabulous 
Syftem  of  the  Creation,  from  whom  Ovid 
derived  all  his  Knowledge  that  way,,  begins 
his  Genealogy  of  the  Gods  with  Chaos^  (i) 
unacquainted  with  the  Light  of  Revelation, 
and  incapable  of  conceiving  how  fomething  could  be  pro- 
duced from  nothing,  he  afferted  the  Eternity  of  Matter,  and 
imagined  to  himfelf  a  vaft  confus'd  Mafs  lying  in  the  Womb 
of  Nature,  which  contain'd  the  Principles  of  all  beings,  and 
which  afterwards  rifing  by  Degrees  into  Order  and  Harmony, 
at  length  produced  the  Univerfe.     Thus  the  Heathen  Poets 

(i)  According  to  Heftod,  Chaos  was  the  Original  of  all  Things,  and 
produced  'Terra,  or  the  Earth,  and  Erebus,  or  Night, 

B  endeavoured 


2  Fabulous   HISTORY 

endeavoured  to  account  for  the  Origine  of  the  World,  of 
which  they  knew  fo  little,  that  it  is  no  Wonder  they  difguis'd 
rath^  than  illuftrated  the  Subjed  in  their  Writings.  We 
find  Virgil  reprefenting  Chaos  as  one  of  the  infernal  Deities, 
(  z)  and  Onjid  at  his  firft  fetting  out  in  the  Metamorphofeos^  or 
Transformation  of  the  Gods,  gives  a  very  poetical  Picture 
of  that  diforderly  State  in  vi'hich  all  the  Elements  lay  blend- 
ed and  intermixed  without  Order  or  Diftindlion.  Laaantius 
informs  us,  that  the  Father  of  all  Nature  was  call'd  Demi- 
gorgon^  or  God  of  the  Earth,  (by  which  the  Heathens  meant 
no  doubt  the  Anima  Mundi)  and  affigns  him  Eternity  for  his 
Companion.  It  is  eafy  to  fee,  under  all  this  Confufion  and 
Perplexity,  the  Remains  of  Truth  :  The  antient  Tradition 
of  the  Creation,  being  obfcur'd  with  a  Multiplicity  of  Ima- 
ges and  Allegories,  became  an  inexhauftible  Fund  for  Fic- 
tion to  improve  upon,  and  fwell'd  the  Heathen  Theology 
into  an  unmeafurable  Compafs ;  fo  that  in  this  Senfe  Chaos 
may  indeed  be  properly  ftil'd  the  Father  of  the  Gods. 

Though  it  does  not  feem  eafy  to  give  a  Picture,  or 
graphical  Reprefentation  of  Chaosy  2l  modern  Painter  (3)  has 
been  fo  bold  to  attempt  it.  Beyond  the  Clouds,  which  com- 
pofe  the  Body  of  his  Piece,  he  has  reprefented  an  immenfe 
Abyls  of  Darknefs,  and  in  the  Clouds  an  odd  Medley  of 
Water,  Earth,  Fire,  Smoke,  Winds,  ^c.    But  he  has  un- 

(2)  To  introduce  the  Defcent  of  his  Hero  to  Hell,  the  Poet  invokes  th« 
infernal  Powers. 

Di,  quibus  Imperium  eft  animarum,  umbrasque  filentes 
Et  Chaoiy  &  Phlegethon.  En;eid  VI. 

TTe  fuhtcrranean  Gods  !  ivbofe  aivful  Siuay 

*I be  gliding  Ghofli  and  Ji lent  Shades  obey  ; 

0  Chaos  i'oar,  and  ?h\t^e\.hon profound !  Pitts. 

And  in  his  Fourth  Book  he  makes  the  Maflylian  Prieftefs  commence  her 
Rites  by  calling  on  Chaos,  Erebus  and  triple  Hecate,  or  Diana. 

(3)  The  Painter's  Name  was  Abraham  Diepenbeke.  He  was  born  at 
Boti  le  Due,  and  for  fome  Time  ftudied  under  Peter-Paul  Rubens.  M. 
Meijftm  in  his  Book  entituled  Des  Images  des  Peintres,  gives  him  the  Cha- 
rader  of  a  great  Artift,  efpecially  in  Painting  on  Glafs.  The  Piece  above- 
mentioned  has  been  confider'd  by  moft  People  as  a  very  ingenious  Jumble, 
and  'tis  plain  the  Painter  himfelf  was  fond  of  it  3  for  he  has  wrote  his 
Name  in  the  Mafs  to  complete  the  Confufion, 

luckily 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  3 

luckily  thrown  the  Signs  of  the  Zodiac  into  his  Work,  and 
thereby  fpoird  his  whoJe  Defign. 

Our  great  Milton  has  yet  exceeded  the  Latin  Poet  in  the 
noble  and  mafterly  Manner  in  which  he  has  painted  the 
State  in  which  Matter  lay  before  the  Creation. 

On  hea<venly  Ground  they  Jioody  and  from  the  Shore, 
7hey  njienjSd  the  <vajl  unmeafurahle  Abyji 
Outrageous  as  a  Sea,  dark^  ^wajieful  nxjild: 
Up  from  the  Bottom  turnd  by  furious  Winds 
And  furging  Waives,  as  Mountains^  toajfault- 
Hean/ns  Height,  and'  ivith  the  Centre  mix  the  Foli, 

BookVn.  1.  21^ 
and  yet  more  particularly  in  another  Place, 
Before  their  Eyes  in  fudden  Vieiv  appear, 
The  Secrets  of  the  hoary  deep — a  dark 
Illimitable  Ocean  luithout  Bounds 

Without  Dimenfon—^where  Lengthy  Breadth  and  Height^ 
And  Time  and  Place  are  loft  :  Where  eldeft  Night 
And  Chaos  Ancejiors  of  Nature,  hold 
Eternal  Anarchy,  amid  ft  the  Noife 
Of  endlefs  Wars— and  by  Confufion  ftand,       BookL  1.  890.. 

C  H  A  P.    II 
Of  CiELUS    and  TERRA. 

CE  L  U  S,  or  Uranus,  as  he  was  call'd  by  the  Greeks,  is 
faid  to  be  the  Son  of  jEther  and  Dies,  according  to 
Hefiod  he  married  Terra,  (the  fame  as  Gaia  or  Vefta).  This 
Goddefs  before  this  Union,  had  given  him  Birth,  that  (he 
might  be  furrounded  and  covered  by  him,  and  that  he  might 
afford  a  Manfion  for  the  Gods.  She  next  bore  Ourea,  or 
the  Mountains,  the  Refidence  of  the  Wood  Nymphs,  and 
Laftly  fhe  became  the  Mother  of  Pelagus,  or  the  Ocean. 
After  this  (he  married  her  Son  Uranus,  and  had  by  him  a 
numerous  Offspring,  among  whom  were  Oceanus,  C^eusy 
Creus^  Hyperion^  Japhet^  Theia,  Rlna,  Themis,  Mnemofyne,  Ph^bcy 

B  2  Tethysy 


4  Fabulous   HISTORY 

TethySf  Saturn^  the  three  Cyclops,  n;iz..  Brontes,  Steropes  and 
Jrges  ;  and  the  Giants,  Cottusy  Gyges,  and  Briareus,  Terra^ 
however,  was  not  fo  ftridly  bound  by  her  conjugal  Vow, 
for  by  'Tartarus  {lie  had  T^ypheeus^  or  Typhon^  the  great  Enemy 
of  Jupiter.  C^Ius,  having  for  fome  OfFence,  imprifon'd  the 
Cyclops^  his  Wife  to  revenge  herfelf  incited  her  Son  Saturn, 
who  by  her  Affiftance  took  the  Opportunity  to  caftrate  his 
Father  with  an  Inftrument  (he  furnifh'd  him  with.  The 
Blood  of  the  Wound  produced  the  three  Furies,  the  Giants, 
and  the  Wood  Nymphs.  The  Genital  Parts,  which  fell 
into  the  Sea,  impregnating  the  genial  Power  of  the  Waters, 
formed  Venus^  the  moft  potent  and  charming  of  the  Goddefles. 
According  to  LaSlantius^  Caliis  was  an  ambitious  and 
mighty  Prince,  who  affecting  Grandeur,  call'd  himfelf  the 
Son  of  the  Sky,  which  Title  his  Son  Saturn  alfo  aflum'd  in  his 
Turn.  But  Diodorus  makes  Uranus  the  firft  Monarch  of  the 
Atlantides^  a  Nation  inhabiting  the  Weftern  Coaft  of  Africa^ 
and  famous  for  Commerce  and  Hofpitality.  From  his  Skill 
in  Aftronomy,  the  Starry  Hea'vens  were  called  by  his  Name, 
and  for  his  Equity  and  Beneficence  he  was  denominated  King 
of  the  Vni'verfe,  Nor  was  his  Queen  'Titea  lefs  efteem'd  for 
her  Wifdom  and  Goodnefs,  which  after  her  Death  procured 
her  the  Honour  of  being  deify' d  by  the  Name  of  Terra.  She 
is  reprefented  in  the  fame  Manner  as  Vefla^  of  whom  we 
ihall  have  Occafion  to  fpeak  more  particularly. 


CHAP.    III. 
Of   HYPERION   and  THEIA. 

TH  E I  A  or  Bafileia  fucceeded  her  Parents  C<£lus  and 
Terra  in  the  Throne;  (he  was  remarkable  for  her 
Modefty  and  Chaftity ;  but  being  defirous  of  Heirs,  (he 
married  Hyperion  her  Brother,  to  whom  fhe  bore  Helios  and 
Sekngy  (the  Sun  and  Moon)  as  alfo  a  fecond  Daughter,  call'd 

Aurora  > 


Of  the  Heathen   Gods.  5 

Aurora\  (or  the  Morning)  but  the  Brothers  of  Thet a  con- 
fpiring  againft  her  Hulband  caufed  him  to  be  affaiTinated, 
and  drown'd  her  Son  He/ios  in  the  River  ErUanus  ( i ).  Selene 
who  was  extremely  fond  of  her  Brother,  on  hearing  his 
Fate,  precipitated  herfelf  from  a  high  Tower.  They  were 
both  rais'd  to  the  Skies,  and  T^beia  after  wandering  diftra6i:ed, 
at  laft  difappear'd  in  a  Storm  of  Thunder  and  Lightning, 
After  her  Death  the  Confpirators  divided  the  Kingdom. 

Hiftorians  fay,  that  Hyperion  was  a  famous  Artronomer> 
who,  on  Account  of  his  difcovering  the  Motions  of  the  ce- 
leftial  Bodies,  and  particularly  the  two  great  Luminaries  of 
Heaven  ;  was  called  the  Father  of  thofe  Planets. 


CHAP.     IV. 
Of  OCEANUS   and   TETHYS. 

THIS  Deity  was  one  of  the  eldeft  Sons  of  C^lus  and 
Terra,  and  married  his  Sifter  Tethys^  befides  whom  he 
had  feveral  others,  each  of  them  pofTefs'd  a  hundred  Woods, 
and  as  many  Rivers.  By  his  Wife  he  had  Ephyre,  who  was 
match'd  to  Epimetheus  and  Pleione  the  Wife  of  Atlas.  He 
had  feveral  other  Daughters  and  Son§  mentioned  by  Hefady 
whofe  Names  would  be  endlefs  to  enumerate,  and  indeed 
are  only  thofe  of  the  principal  Rivers  of  the  World. 

Oceanus  had  two  other  Wive-^,  Pamphyloge  and  Parthenope^ 
By  the  firft  he  had  two  Daughters  Jfta  and  Lybia ;  and  by 
the  laft  two  more  call'd  Europa  and  Thracia^  who  gave  their 
Names  to  the  Countries  fo  denominated.  He  had  alfo  a 
Daughter  call'd  Cephyra^  who  educated  Neptune  and  three 
Sons,  <viz.  Triptolemus,  the  Favourite  of  Ceres^  Nereus^  who. 
prefided  over  Salt- Waters,  and  Achelous  the  Deity  of  Foun- 
tains and  Rivers. 

The  Antients  regarded  Oceanus  as  the  Father  of  Gods  and 

(i)  This  feems  copied  from  tl;e  Story  of  Pbauon^ 

Men» 


6  Fabuhui   HISTORY 

Men,  on  Account  of  the  Ocean's  encompafllng  the  Earth 
with  his  Waves,  and  becaufe  he  was  the  Principle  of  that 
radical  Moifture  difFufed  through  univerfal  Matter,  without 
which,  according  to  Thales^  nothing  could  either  be  produced 
or  fubfift. 

Homer  makes  Juno  vifit  him  at  the  remoteft  Limits  of  the 
Earth,  and  acknowledge  him  and  Tethys  as  the  Parents  of  the 
Gods,  adding  that  flie  herfelf  had  been  brought  up  under 
their  Tuition. 

Oceanus  was  depi(9:ured  with  a  Bull's  Head,  to  reprefent 
the  Rage  and  Bellowing  of  the  Ocean  whea  agitated  by 
Storms.  This  Image  gives  a  ftrong  Sufpicion,  that  he  is  no 
other  than  the  Ojlris  of  the  Egyptians^ 


CHAP.    V. 
Of  AURORA    and   TITHONUS. 

WE  have  already  obferved,  that  this  Goddefs  was  the 
youngeft  Daughter  of  Hyperion  and  Theia,  By  the 
Greeks  ihe  was  llil'd  E^c ;  and  by  the  Latins  Aurora^  on  Ac- 
count of  her  bright  or  golden  Colour,  { i )  and  the  Dew 
which  attends  her.  Orpheus  calls  her  the  Harbinger  of  fitan^ 
becaufe  the  Dawn  befpeaks  the  Approach  of  the  Sun,  others 
make  her  the  Daughter  of  Titan  and  the  Earth.  Sjie  feU  \j\ 
Love  with  a  beautiful  Youth  named  Ccphalusy  (whom  fome 
fuppofe  to  be  the  fame  with  the  Sun)  by  whom  fhe  had 
Phaeton.  She  had  alfo  an  Amour  with  Orion^  whom  fhe 
firft  faw  a  Hunting  in  the  Woods,  and  carried  him  with  her 
to  Delos.  By  AJireaj  her  Hufband,  one  of  the  Titans^  fhe 
had  the  Stars,  and  the  four  Winds  Argejies^  Zephyrus^  Boreas 
;jnd  Notus.  But  her  greateft  Favourite  was  7V/^;?»/,  (2)  to 
whom  fhe  bore  j£matbion  and  Memnon  (3).     This  youjig 

(i)  From  Aurea,  or  Golden  ;  and  Ros,  Dew. 

(2 )  Son  of  Laomedon  King  of  Troy,   by  Rhea  the  Daughter  of  Scamander, 

(3)  He  was  kill'd   by  AchiUei  at  the  Siege  of  Troy.     Some  fay  that 
*Tit bonus  grew  weary  of  Life  for  ^he  Lofs  of  this  Favourite  Son. 

Prince 


J .  6rrt  t>n  T'Tlyf.  f^^y^'/^^ny. 


Of  the  Heatmei^  Gods.  7 

f  rince  {he  tranfported  to  Deloi^  thence  to  ^Ethiopia,  and  laft 
into  Heaven,  where  (he  obtain'd  for  him  from  the  Deftinies, 
the  Gift  of  ImmortaUty  ;  but  at  the  fame  Time  forgot  to  add 
Youth,  which  alone  could  render  the  prefent  valuable. 
7ithonus  grew  old,  and  fo  decriped  as  to  be  rock'd  to  Sleep 
like  an  Infant.  His  Miftrefs  not  being  able  to  procure  Death, 
to  end  his  Mifery  changed  him  into  a  Grafshopper;  an  In- 
fedl:  which  by  cafting  its  Skin  renews  its  Youth,  and  in  its 
chirping  ftill  retains  the  Loquacity  of  old  Age. 

The  Hiftorians  fay  that  Tithonus  was  a  great  Improver  of 
Aftronomy,  and  ufed  to  rife  before  Morning  to  make  his 
Obfervations.  They  add,  that  his  Vigilance  and  Tempe- 
rance were  rewarded  with  a  long  Life  ^  but  when  the  Inlir- 
mities  of  old  Age  came  on  at  laft,  Aurora  by  the  Help  of  ori- 
ental Drugs,  reftor'd  him  to  Health  and  Vigour.  This 
Prince  is  faid  to  have  reign'd  in  Media,  where  he  founded  the 
City  of  Sufa  on  the  River  Choafpes^  which  became  afterwards 
the  Seat  of  the  Perfian  Empire. 

The  Story  of  Cephalus  is  related  differently.  He  was  the 
Son  of  jEolus,  and  had  married  Procris  Daughter  of  Erich- 
theui  King  of  Athens,  Aurora  feeing  him  often  early  in  the 
Woods,  intent  on  his  Sport,  conceiv'd  a  violent  Pallion  for 
him,  and  carried  him  with  her  to  Heaven,  where  flie  in  vain 
ufed  all  her  Arts  to  engage  him  to  violate  his  conjugal  Vow. 
The  Prince,  as  fond  of  his  Wife  as  the  Goddefs  was  of  hini, 
remain'd  inexorably  faithful.  Aurora  therefore  to  undeceive 
him  fent  him  to  Procris  in  the  Difguife  of  a  Merchant,  to 
tempt  her  Conftancy  by  large  Prefents :  This  Artifice  flic- 
ceeded,  andjuft  when  his  Spoufe  was  on  the  Point  of  yield- 
ing, the  unhappy  Hufband  difcovered  himfelf,  and  Procris 
fled  to  the  Woods  to  hide  her  Shame.  But  being  afterwards 
reconciled,  fhe  m?ii\t  Cephalus  aPr  fent  of  an  unerring  Dart- 
A  Prefent  like  this  increafed  his  Inclination  to  Hunting,  and 
prov'd  doubly  fatal  to  the  Donor.  It  happen'd  the  young 
Prince,  one  Day  wearied  with  his  Toil,  fat  down  in  the 
Woods  and  call'd  for  Aura^  or  the  gentle  Breeze  to  cool 

him; 


8  Fabulous    HISTORY 

him ;  (4)  this  being  over-heard  was  carried  to  Procns,  who 
though  inconftant,  was  Woman  enough  to  be  jealous  ;  influ- 
enc'd  by  this  Paffion  (he  followed  her  Hufband,  and  conceal'd 
herfelf  in  a  Thicket,  where  fhe  could  obferve  his  Motions, 
Unluckily  the  Noife  fhe  made  alarm'd  her  Hufband,  who 
thinking  fome  wild  Beafl  lay  conceal'd,  difcharged  the  infal- 
lible Arrow,  and  pierced  her  to  the  Heart.  OwV  has  related 
this  Story  in  that  maflerly  Manner  which  is  peculiar  to  him. 
There  is  no  Goddefs  of  whom  we  have  fo  many  beautiful 
Defcriptions  in  the  Poets  as  Aurora ;  Homer  reprefents  het 
with  that  Majefly  which  is  confpicuous  in  all  his  Writings ; 
VirgilMxs  great  SuccefTor  falls  little fhort  of  him;  Indeed  it 
is  no  Wonder  they  are  luxuriant  on  this  Subje6t,  as  there  is 
perhaps  no  Theme  in  Nature,  which  affords  fuch  an  exten- 
live  Field  for  Poetry  or  Painting  as  the  varied  Beauties  of  the 
Morning,  whofe  Approach  feems  to  exhilerate  and  enliven 
the  whole  animal  Creation. 

Ihe  Saffron  Morn  nx:ith  early  BluJIjes  fpread, 
Nouj  roje  refulgent  from  Tithonus'  Bedy 
With  new-born  Day  to  gladden  mortal  Sight j 
And  gild  the  Courts  of  Heavn  ifjith  facred  Light, 

Mr.  Pope. 


CHAP.    V. 
Of    A  T  L  A  S. 

ATLAS  was  the  Son  of  Japetus  and  Clytnene,  and  the 
Brother  of  Prometheus.  In  the  Divifion  of  his  Father's 
Dominions,  Mauritania  fell  to  his  Share,  where  he  gave  his 
own  Name  to  that  Mountain,  which  flill  bears  it.  As  he 
was  greatly  fkill'd  in  Aftronomy,  he  became  the  firfl  In- 

(4)  In  a  Capital  Pi<Eture  near  the  Jiagucy  this  Goddefs  is  reprcfented  in 
a  golden  Chariot  drawn  by  wliJte  Horfes  wing'd  5  on  her  Head  is  the 
Morning  Star,  and  Ihe  is  attended  by  Phtsbui  and  the  Dawn^ 

ventor 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  9 

Ventor  of  the  Sphere,  which  gave  Rife  to  the  Fable,  of  his 
fupporting  the  Heavens  on  his  Shoulders.  He  had  many 
Children.  Of  his  Sons  the  moft  famous  w^as  He/perus,  Tooke 
calls  him  his  Brother,  p.  325,  who  reign'd  fome  I'ime  ia 
Jtaly^  which  from  him  was  call'd  Hefperla.  It  is  faid,  this 
Prince  being  on  Mount  Atlas  to  obferve  the  Motion  of  the 
Stars j  was  carried  away  by  a  Tempeft,  and  in  Honour  to 
his  Memory  the  Morning- Star  was  afterwards  call'd  by 
his  Name.  He  left  three  Daughters,  ^gle^  Arethufa  and 
Hefperithufa^  who  went  by  the  general  Appellation  of  He/pe- 
rides^  and  were  pollefs'd  of  thofe  famous  Gardens  which  bore 
golden  Fruit,  and  were  guarded  by  the  Vigilance  of  a  formi- 
dable Dragon. 

Atlas  had  feven  Daughters,  call'd  after  his  own  Name 
Atlantides,  viz.  Maia,  Eledra,  Taygetey  Afterope,  Merope, 
Haylcyone  and  Celceno.  All  thefe  were  match'd  either  to  Gods 
or  Heroe?,  by  whom  they  left  a  numerous  Pofterity.  Thefe 
from  their  Mother  Pleioncy  were  alfo  ftyled  Pleiades  (i)» 
Bujiris  King  of  Egypt  carried  them  ofF  by  Violence;  but 
Hercules  travelling  through  Africa  conquer'd  him,  and  deli- 
vering the  PrincelFes,  reftor'd  them  to  their  Father,  who  to 
requite  his  Kindnefs  taught  him  Allronomy,  whence  arofe 
the  Fable,  of  that  Hero's  fupporting  the  Heavens  for  a  Day 
to  eafe  Atlas  of  his  Toil.  The  Pleiades  however,  endured  a 
new Perfecution  from  Orion^  who  purfued  them  fne  Years, 
till  Jo^e  prevailed  on  by  their  Prayers  took  them  up  into  the 
Heavens,  where  they  form  the  Conftellation,  which  bears 
their  Name. 

By  j^thra.  Atlas  was  the  Father  of  Seven  Daughters, 
call'd  Amhrofia^  Endora^  Pafitkoey  Coronis,  Plexaris^  Pjtho  and 
■  fykiy  who  bore  one  common  Appellation  of  thef/>Wtv  (2), 

(i)  So  caird  from  a  Greek  Word,  which  fignifies  Sailing  j  becaufe  they 
were  reckon' d  favourable  to  Navigation. 

(2)  From  the  GreekVzxb  to  Rain,  the  Latins  calPd  them  Suculce,  from 
the  Gretk  Word  v  kj  ©r  Swine,  becaufe  they  feem'd  to  delight  in  wet 
and  dirty  Weather, 

C  Thefe 


lo  Fabulous   HISTORY 

Thefe  Virgins  griev'd  fo  immoderately  for  the  Death  o^ 
their  Brother  Hyas,  devour'd  by  a  Lion,  that  Jupiter  out  o* 
Companion  changed  them  into  Stars,  and  placed  them  in 
the  Head  of  Taurus^  where  they  ftill  retain  their  Grief,  their 
Rifmg  and  Setting  being  attended  with  extraordinary  Rain  . 
Others  make  thefe  laft  the  Daughters  of  Lycurgus^  born  in  the 
Ifle  of  NaxoSf  and  tranflated  to  the  Skies,  for  their  Care  in 
the  Education  of  Bacchus^  probably  becaufe  thefe  Showers 
are  of  great  Benefit  in  forwarding  the  Vintage. 

According  to  Hyginus^  Atlas  having  aflifted  the  Giants  in 
their  War  againft  Jupiter^  was  by  the  vi6lorious  God  doom'd 
as  a  Puniftiment,  to  fuftain  the  Weight  of  the  Heavens. 

O^vid  gives  a  very  different  Account  of  Jtlas^  who,  as  he 
fays,  was  the  Son  of  Japetus  and  JJia.  He  reprefents  him  as 
a  powerful  and  wealthy  Monarch,  Proprietor  of  the  Gardens 
which  bore  golden  Fruit;  but  tells  us,  that  being  warn'd  by 
the  Oracle  of  Themis ^  that  he  (hould  fufFer  fome  great  Injury 
from  a  Son  of  Jupiter^  he  ffrittly  forbid  all  Foreigners  ac- 
cefs  to  his  Court  or  Prefence*  Per/eus,  however,  had  the 
Courage  to  appear  before  him,  but  was  ordered  to  retire, 
with  ftrong  Menaces  in  Cafe  of  Difobedience.  But  the 
Hero  prefenting  his  Shield  with  the  dreadful  Head  of  Medufa 
to  him,  turn'd  him  into  the  Mountain  which  ftill  bears  hi* 
Name. 

The  Abbe  La  Pluche  has  given  a  very  clear  and  ingenious 
Explication  of  this  FabJe.  Of  all  Nations  the  Egyptians 
hud  with  the  greateft  Affiduity  cultivated  Afirommy.  To 
point  out  the  Ditriculties  which  attend  the  Study  of  this  Sci- 
ence, they  reprefented  it  by  an  Horus^  or  Image,  bearing  a 
Globe  or  Sphere  on  its  Back,  and  which  they  call'd  Atlas^  a 
^  Vord  fignifying  ( 3 )  great  Toil  or  Labour.  But  the  Word  aifo 
Signifying y^//?«?r/,  (4)  the  Phcenicians^  led  by  the  Reprefenta- 

(3)  From  Tclaab,  to  ftrive,  ccmes  Atlab  Toil  ;  whence  the  Greeks  ds- 
rived  their  a  J  TA05,  or  Labour,  and  the  Romam  exant/o  to  furmount  great 
DifficultieE. 

(4.0  From  Tclab,  to  fufpend,  is  derived  A:Iah,  fopport,  whence  thg 
Cretk  Wcrd  Sr>;A   for  a  Column  or  Pillar. 

tion. 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  ii 

tion,  took  it  in  this  laft  Senfe ;  and  in  their  Voyages  to 
Mauritamaf  feeing  the  high  Mountains  of  that  Country  co- 
vered with  Snow,  and  lofing  their  Tops  in  the  Clouds,  gave 
them  the  Name  of  Jtlas^  and  fo  produced  the  Fable,  by 
which  the  Symbol  of  Aftronomy  ufed  among  the  Egyptians^ 
became  a  Mauritanian  King,  transform'd  into  a  Mountain, 
whofe  Head  fupports  the  Heavens. 

The  reft  of  the  Fable  is  equally  eafy  to  account  for.  The 
annual  Inundations  of  the  'Nile  obliged  that  People,  to  be  very 
exadl  in  obferving  the  Motions  of  the  heavenly  Bodies.  The 
Hyadcs  or  Uuades^  took  their  Name  from  the  Figure  V  which 
they  form  in  the  Head  of  Taurus.  The  Pleiades  were  a  re- 
markable Conftellation,  and  of  great  Ufe  to  the  Egyptians  in 
regulating  the  Seafons.  Hence  they  became  the  Daughters 
of  Jtlas:  and  Orio?7^  who  rifes  juft  as  tliey  fet,  was  call'd  their 
Lover.  The  golden  Apples  which  grew  in  the  Gardens  of 
the  He/perides^  was  only  an  allegorical  Way  the  Phenicians 
had  of  expreiling  the  rich  and  beneficial  Commerce  they 
carried  on  in  the  Mediterranean ;  which  being  carried  on  dur- 
ing three  Months  of  the  Year  only,  gave  Rife  to  the  Fable 
of  the  Hefpcrian  Sifters  (5). 

Of  all  the  Poets,  Virgil  has  given  us  the  moft  exa6l  and 
noble  Reprefentation  of  Atlas  in  the  Fourth  Book  of  his 
^neid\  which  would  furniih  fufficient  Materials  to  the 
Painter. 


CHAP    VI. 

Of  JAPETUS  and  his  Sons  Epimetheus  and 
Prometheus ;  of  Pandora'j  Box^  and  the  Story 
of  Deucalion  and  Pyrrha. 

JAPETUS  was  the  Offspring  of  Crrlus  and  Terra,  and 
one  of  the  Giants  who  revolted  againft  Jupiter.     He  was 
a  powerful  and  haughty  Prince,  who  liv'd  fo  long,  that  his 

(5)  From  Ef^er,  the  good  Share,  or  the  beft  Lot. 

C  2  age 


12  Fabulous   HISTORY 

Age  became  a  Proverb.  Before  the  War  he  had  a  Daughter 
call'd  Anchiale^  who  founded  a  City  of  her  own  Name  ia 
Cilicia,  He  had  feveral  Sons,  the  chief  of  whom  were 
Jtlasy  (mention'd  in  the  preceding  Chapter)  Btiphagusy  Prome-. 
theus  ( I )  and  Epimetheus.  Of  thefe,  Prometheus  became  remar- 
kable, by  being  the  Object  of  Jupiter  s  Refentment.  The 
Occafion  is  related  thus :  Having  facrificed  two  Bulls  to  that 
Deity,  he  put  all  the  Flefh  of  both  in  one  Skin,  and  the 
Bones  in  the  other,  and  gave  the  God  his  Choice,  whofe 
Wifdom  for  once  fail'd  him  fo,  that  he  pitch'd  upon  the 
worft  Lot.  Jupiter  incenfed  at  the  Trick  put  upon  him, 
took  aw^ay  Fire  from  the  Earth,  'till  Prometheus,  by  the  Af- 
fiftance  of  Minerva,  ftole  into  Heaven,  and  lighting  a  Stick 
at  the  Chariot  of  the  Sun,  recovered  the  BlelFmg,  and 
brought  it  down  again  to  Mankind.  Others  fay  the  Caufe 
of  Jupiter's  Anger  was  different,  Prometheus  being  a  great 
Artift  had  formed  a  Man  of  Clay  of  fuch  exquifite  Work- 
manfhip,  that  Pallas  charm'd  with  his  Ingenuity,  offered 
him  whatever  in  Heaven  could  contribute  to  finifn  his  De- 
fign  :  For  this  End  ihe  took  him  up  with  her  to  the  celeftial 
Manfions,  where,  in  a  Ferula,  he  hid  fome  of  the  Fire  of 
the  Sun's  Chariot  Wheel,  and  ufed  it  to  animate  his  Image 
(2).  Jupiter,  either  to  revenge  his  Theft,  or  the  former 
Affront,  commanded  Vulcan  to  make  a  Woman,  which, 
when  he  had  done,  fhe  was  introduced  into  the  Affembly  of 
the  Gods,  each  of  whom  bellowed  on  her  fome  Additional 
Charm  or  Perfeftion,  Venus  gave  her  Beauty,  Pallas  Wif- 
dom,  Juno  Riches,  Mercury  taught  her  Eloquence,  and 
Jpollo  Mufick :  From  all  thefe  Accomplifhments  fhe  was 
ftil'd  Pandora  (3),  and  was  the  lirfl  of  her  Sex.  Jupiter,  ta 
complete  his  Defigns,  prefented  her  a  Box,  in  which  he  had 
inclofed  Age,  Difea/es,  War^  Famine,  Pejiilence,  Dijcordt  En'vy, 
(i)  So  call' d  from  r^c,  yi^c^/t^tic..^  or  Providence,  that  is,  his  Skill  in 
Divination. 

(2)  Some  fay  his  Crime  was  not  the  enlivening  a  Man  of  Clay  j  but 
the  Formation  of  Woman. 

(3)  So  call'd  from  'na.</  cojfo"  {.  e.  loaded  with  Gifts  or  Accomplifh- 
snents.  Hefted  has  given  a  fine  Defcription  of  her  in  his  Tbeogony,  Cooke ^ 
?•  770- 

Calumnvy 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  13 

Calumny^  and,  in  fhort,  all  the  Evils  and  Vices  v/hich  he  in- 
tended to  afli6i:  the  World  with.  Thus  equipped,  fhe  was 
fent  down  to  Prometheus^  who  wifely  was  on  his  Guard 
againft  the  Mifchief  defign'd  him.  Epimetheus  his  Brother, 
though  forewarn'd  of  the  Danger,  had  lefs  Refolution  ;  for 
enamour'd  with  the  Beauty  of  Pandora^  (4)  he  marrried  her> 
and  opened  the  fatal  Box,  the  Contents  of  which  foon  over- 
fpread  the  World.  Hope  alone  refted  on  the  Cavity  entire 
from  Evaporation.  But  Jupiter  not  yet  fatisfy'd  difpatch'd 
Mercury  and  Vulcan  to  feize  Prometheus^  whom  they  carry'd  to 
Mount  Caucafusy  where  they  chain'd  him  to  a  Rock,  whil^ 
Jo^ve  fent  an  Eagle  or  Vulture,  the  Daughter  of  fyphon  and 
Echidna,  to  prey  on  his  Liver,  which  every  Night  was  re- 
newed in  Proportion  as  it  was  confum'd  by  Day.  But  Her" 
cules  foon  after  kill'd  the  Vulture  and  delivered  him.  Others 
fay  Jupiter  reftor'd  him  his  Freedom  for  difcovering  his  Fa- 
ther Saturn  s  Confpiracy,  (5)  and  diffuading  his  intended 
Marriage  with  Thetis.  Nicander,  to  this  Fable  of  Prometheus^ 
lends  an  additional  Circumftance.  He  tells  us  feme  ungrate- 
ful Men  difcovered  the  Theft  of  Prometheus  firft  to  Jupiter^ 
who  rewarded  them  With  perpetual  Touth,  This  prefent  they 
loaded  on  the  Back  of  an  Afs,  who  flopping  at  a  Fountain 
to  quench  his  Thirll,  was  hinder'd  by  a  Water  Snake,  who 
would  not  let  him  drink  'till  he  gave  him  the  Burthen  he  car- 
ried. Hence  the  Serpent  renews  his  Youth  upon  changing 
his  Skin. 

Prometheus  had  an  Altar  in  the  Academy  at  Athens^  in 
common  with  Vulcan  and  Pallas.  His  Statues  are  repre^ 
fented  with  a  Sceptre  in  the  Fland. 

There  is  a  very  ingenious  Explanation  of  this  Fable;  it  is 
faid  Prometheus  was  a  wife  Prince,  who  reclaiming  his  Sub« 
jeds  from  a  Savage  to  a  fecial  Life,  was  faid  to  have  ani- 

(4)  Others  fay  Pandora  only  gave  the  Box  to  the  Wife  of  Epmetheui, 
who  open'd  it  from  a  CurioHty  natural  to  her  Se'x. 

(5)  Luctan  haa  a  ver)'  fine  Dialogue  between  Frometbeui  and  Jupiter  oi\ 
this  Subjeft, 

mate4 


H  Fabulous   HISTORY 

mated  Men  out  of  Clay  :  He  firft  inftituted  Sacrifices  ^ac- 
cording to  (6)  Pliny)  which  gave  Rife  to  the  Story  of  the 
two  Oxen.  Being  expeli'd  his  Dominions  by  Jupiter  he 
fled  to  Scythia,  where  he  retir'd  to  Mount  Caucafus^  either  to 
make  Aftronomical  Obfervations,  or  to  indulge  his  Melan- 
cholly  for  the  Lofs  of  his  Dominions.  This  occafion'd  the 
Fable  of  the  Vulture  feeding  upon  his  Liver.  As  he  was 
alfo  the  firft  Inventor  of  forging  Metals  by  Fire,  he  was  faid 
to  have  ftole  this  Element  from  Heaven.  In  (hort,  as  the 
firft  Knov/ledge  of  Agriculture,  and  even  Navigation,  is 
afcribed  to  him,  it  is  no  Wonder  if  he  v.'as  celebrated  for 
forming  a  living  Man  from  an  inani mated  Subftance. 

Some  Authors  imagine  Prometheus  to  be  the  fame  with 
Noah,  The  learned  Bochart  imagines  him  to  be  Magog. 
Each  Opinion  is  fupported  by  Arguments,  which  do  not 
'want  a  Shew  of  Probability.  It  is  evident,  however,  that  Ovid 
underftood  Prometheus^  forming  Man  in  the  literal  Senfe. 

Horace  has  given  a  very  ftrong  Pidlure  of  Prometheus\ 
Crime  and  its  fatal  Confequences,  and  the  Story  of 
Pandora  affords  very  diftin6l  Traces  of  the  Tradition  of  the 
Fall  of  our  firft  Parents,  and  the  Sedudion  of  Adam  by  his 
Wife  E've, 


CHAP.    VII. 
Of  DEUCALION    and    PYRRHA. 

DEUCALION  was  the  Son  of  Prometheus^  and  had 
married  his  Couun  German  Pyrrha  the  Daughter  of 
Epimetheusy  who  bore  him  a  Son  called  Helenes^  who  gave 
his  Name  to  Greece.  Deucalion  reigned  in  TheJ^aly,  (i)  which 
he  govern'd  v/ith  Equity  and  Juftice ;  but  his  Country,  for 

^6)  P/Vwy,  Book  7,  cap.  56. 

(j)  By  the  AmrdeUan  Marbles,  DeucaUcn  rul'd  at  lycereoy  in  the 
Xei};hhourhood  of  Parnajfus^  about  the  Beginning  of  the  Reign  of 
Curtis  Kirg  of  Atbim, 

the 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  15 

the  Wlckediiefs  of  the  Inhabitants,  being  deflroyM  by  a 
Flood,  he  and  his  Queen  only  efcaped  by  faving  themfelves 
on  Mount  ParnaJ/us.  After  the  abating  or  Decreafe  of  the 
Waters,  this  illuftrious  Pair  confulted  the  Oracle  of  Themis 
in  their  Diftrefs.  The  Anfwer  was  in  thefe  Terms,  '  Depart 
'  the  Temple^  cueii  your  Heads  and  Faces ^  unloofeyour  Girdles y  and 
'  throiv  behind  your  Backs  the  Bones  of  your  Grandmother^. 
Pyrrha  was  fhock'd  at  an  Advice,  which  her  Piety  made  her 
regard  with  Horror  :  But  Deucalion  penetrating  the  myftical 
Senfe  reviv'd  her,  by  telling  her  the  Earth  was  their  Grand- 
mother, and  that  the  Bones  were  only  Stones.  They  imme- 
diately obey  the  Oracle,  and  behold  its  EfFe6l.  The  Stones 
which  Deucalion  threw  became  living  Men :  Thofe  call  by 
Pyrrha  rofe  into  Women.  With  thefe  returning  into  Thef- 
faly,  that  Prince  repeopled  his  Kingdom,  and  was  honour'd 
as  the  Rejlorer  of  Mankind. 

To  explain  this  Fable  it  is  ncceflkry  to  obferve,  there  were 
five  Deluges,  of  which  the  one  in  Queftion  was  the  Fourth^ 
in  order  of  Time,  and  lafted  according  to  ^riJiotU\  Account, 
the  whole  Winter.  It  is  therefore  needlefs  towafteTime 
in  drawing  a  Parallel  between  this  Story  and  the  Mofaic  Nar- 
rative of  the  Flood.  The  Circumftance  of  the  Stones  (2)' 
feems  occafioned  by  the  fame  Word  bearing  two  Significa- 
tions ;  fo  that  thefe  myfterious  Stones  are  only  the  Children 
of  fuch  as  efcap'd  the  general  Inundation. 


CHAP.    VIII. 
Of    SATURN. 

ALL  the  poetical  Writers  agree,  that  Saturn  was  the 
younger  Son  of  C^lus  and  Tena^  and  tliat  he  married 
his  Sifter  Vejia.    Under  the  Article  of  C^Aa,  we  have  taken 

(^)  The  Phenician  Word  Aben,  or  Eben,  fignifies  'ooth  a  Stone  and  a 
Child  ;  and  the  Creek  Word  AiS^j  or  Asio?  denotes  either  a  Stone  or  a 

People. 

Notice- 


16         Pabukus  History 

Notice  how  he  treated  his  Father.  We  find  a  new  Proof  of 
his  Ambition  in  his  endeavouring,  by  the  Affiftance  of  his 
Mother,  to  exclude  his  elder  Brother  Titan  from  the  Throne^ 
in  which  he  fo  far  fucceeded,  that  this  Prince  was  obHged  to 
refign  his  Birthright,  on  thefe  Terms,  that  Saturn  fhould 
not  bring  up  any  Male  Children,  that  fo  the  Succellion 
might  devolve  or  revert  to  the  right  Male  Line  again. 

Saturn,  it  is  faidj  obferved  thefe  Conditions  fo  faithfully, 
that  he  devour'd  all  the  Sons  he  had  by  his  Wife,  as  foon  as 
born.  But  his  Exactitude  in  this  Point  was  at  laft  fruftrated 
by  the  Artifice  of  Fejia.  Having  brought  forth  the  Twins 
Jupiter  and  Juno,  fhe  prefented  the  latter  to  her  Hufband* 
and  concealing  the  Boy,  fent  him  to  be  nurfed  on  Mount 
Ida  in  Crete,  committing  the  Care  of  him  to  the  Curetes  and 
Corybantcs,  the  Priells  of  Cyhele.  Saturn,  however,  getting 
fome  Intelligence  of  the  Afi^air,  demanded  the  Child,  in 
whofe  Head  his  Wife  gave  him  a  Stone  fwaddled  up,  which 
he  fwallow'd.  This  Stone  had  the  Name  oi  Ab-addir  (oi  the 
Potent  Father^  and  receiv'd  divine  Honours. 

This  FicSlion,  of  Saturn's  devouring  his  Sons,  according  to 
Mr:  Le  Clerc,  (8)  was  founded  upon  a  Cuftom  which  he  had  of 
banifiiing  or  confining  his  Children,  for  fear  they  fhould  one 
Day  rebel  againft  him.  As  to  the  Stone  which  Saturn  is  faid 
to  fwallow,  this  is  another  Fiction  founded  on  the  double 
Meaning  of  the  Word  Ebfn,  which  fignifies  both  a  Stone  and 
a  Child,  and  means  no  more  than,  that  Saturn  was  deceived  by 
Rhea's  fubftituting  another  Child  in  the  Room  of  Jupiter. 

Titan  findii]g  the  mutual  Compaft  made  between  him  and 
his  Brother  thus  violated,  took  Arms  to  revenge  the  Injury, 
and  not  only  defeated  Saturn,  but  made  him  and  his  Wife 
FeJia  Prifoners,  whom  he  confin'd  in  Tartarus,  a  Place  fo 
dark  and  difmal,  that  it  afterwards  became  one  of  the  Apel- 
lations  of  the  infernal  Regions,  In  the  mean  time  Jupiter 
being  grown  up,  rais'd  an  Army  in  Cnte  for  his  Father's 

(8)  Remaiks  upon  Ihfiod. 

beins 


^a^t 


T.  f'/i/w  J /If,  I'^^/t'/tn 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  17 

Deliverance.  He  alfo  hired  the  Cecrops  to  aid  him  in  this 
Expedition  j  but  on  their  Refufal  to  join  him,  after  taking 
the  Money,  he  turned  them  into  Apes.  After  this  he  mar- 
ched again  ft  the  'Titans,  and  obtain'd  a  complete  vidory. 
The  Eagle  which  appeared  before  the  Engagement,  as  an 
aufpicious  Omen,  was  ever  after  chofen  to  carry  his  1  hun- 
der.  From  the  Blood  of  the  Titans  flain  in  the  Battl«,  pro^ 
ceeded  Serpents,  Scorpions,  and  all  venomous  Reptiles. 
Having  by  this  Succefs  freed  his  Parents,  the  young  Prince 
taufisd  all  the  Gods  aflembled  to  renew  their  Oath  of  Fide- 
lity to  Saturn,  on  an  Jltar^  which  on  that  Account  has  been 
rais'd  to  a  Conjiellation  in  the  Heavens.  Jupiter  after  this 
married  Metis  Daughter  of  Oceanus^  who  it  is  reported  gave 
Saturn  a  Potion,  which  caufed  him  to  bring  up  Neptune  and 
Pluto^  with  the  reft  of  the  Children  he  had  formerly  de- 
vour'd  (i). 

The  Merit  of  the  Son,  (as  it  often  happens)  only  ferv'd 
to  increafe  the  Father's  Jealoufy,  which  received  new 
Strength  from  an  antient  Oracle  or  Tradition,  that  he 
fhould  be  dethron'd  by  one  of  his  Sons.  Jupiter  therefore 
fecretly  inform'd  of  the  Meafures  taken  to  deftroy  him,  fuf- 
fer'd  his  Ambition  to  get  the  Afcendant  over  his  Duty,  and 
taking  up  Arms,  depofed  his  Father,  whom  by  the  Advice 
of  Prometheus  he  bound  in  woollen  Fetters,  and  threw  into 
Tartarus  with  Japetus  his  Uncle.  Here  Saturn  fufFered  the 
fame  barbarous  Punil'hment  of  Caftration  he  had  infli(£led 
on  his  Father  C^elus. 

Macrobius  fearches  into  the  Reafon  why  this  God  was 
bound  with  Fetters  of  Wool,  and  adds  from  the  Teftimony 
of  Jpolidorus^  that  he  broke  thefe  Cords  once  a  Year  at  the 
Celebration  of  the  Saturnalia.  (2]  This  he  explains  by  fay- 
ing, that  this  Fable  alluded  to  the  Corn,  which  being  fhut 
up  in  the  Earth,  and  detain'd  by  Chains,  foft  and  eafily 
broken,  fprung  forth  and  annually  arriv'd  at  Maturity,    The 

(i)  By  this  Jupiter  fhould  be  thoyoungefl  Son  of  Saturn, 
(2)  Sat.  Lib.  1.  c.  8. 

D  ^hhg 


i8  Fabuhus   HISTORY 

Jbbe  Banter  fays,  ( 3 )  that  the  Greeks  look'd  upon  the  Places 
fituated  to  the  Eaft,  as  higher  than  thofe  that  lay  weftward  ; 
and  from  hence  concludes,  that  by  Tartarus^  or  Hell^  they 
only  meant  5/m>.  As  to  the  Caftration  of  Saturn^  Mr.  ir 
Clerc  conje<£lures,  (4)  that  it  only  means  that  Jupiter  had 
corrupted  his  Father's  Council,  and  prevailed  upon  the  moft 
confiderabie  Perfons  of  his  Court  to  defert  him. 
.  The  Manner  in  which  Saturn  efcaped  from  his  Prifon  is 
not  related.  He  fled  to  Italy^  where  he  was  kindly  receiv'd 
by  Janus  then  King  of  that  Country,  who  afTociated  him  in 
the  Government.  From  hence  that  Part  of  the  World  ob- 
tained the  Name  of  Satumia  Tellusy  as  alfo  that  of  Latium 
from  Lateo  to  lie  hid,  becaufe  he  found  a  Refuge  here  in  his 
Diftrefs.  On  this  Account  Money  was  coin'd  with  a  Ship 
on  one  Side,  to  fignify  his  Arrival,  and  a  Janus  with  a  dou- 
ble Head  on  the  other,  to  denote  his  fharing  the  regal 
Authority. 

The  Reign  of  Saturn  was  fo  mild  and  happy,  that  the 
Poets  have  given  it  the  Name  of  the  Golden  Age,  and 
celebrated  it  with  all  the  Pomp  and  Luxurlancy  of  Imagi^ 
nation  (5).  According  to  Farro  this  Deity,  from  his  in- 
ftru£i:ing  the  People  in  Agriculture  and  Tillage,  obtain'd  his 
Name  (6)  of  Saturn,  The  Sickle  which  he  ufed  in  reaping 
being  caft  into  Sicily^  gave  that  Ifland  its  antient  Name  of 
Drepanon^  which  in  Greek  fignifies  that  Inftrument. 

The  Hiftorians  give  us  a  very  different  Picture  of  Saturn, 
Viodorus  reprefents  him  as  a  tyrannical,  covetous,  and  cruel 
Prince,  who  reign'd  over  Italy  and  Sicily^  and  enlarged  his 
Dominions  by  Conqueil:  He  adds,  that  he  opprefs'd  his 
Subjects  by  fevere  Taxes,  and  kept  them  in  Awe  by  ftrong 
Garrifons.  This  Account  agrees  very  well  with  thofe  who 
make  Saturn  the  firft  who  inftituted  human  Sacrifices,  which 

(l)  Bafiier''s  Mythology,  Vol.  2.    185. 
(4.)  Remarks  upon  Hrf.od. 

('^)  The  Reader  wiJl  fee  more  on  this  Head  under  the  fucceeding 
Article. 
(())  From  Satu!,  that  is,  Sowine  or  Seed-Time. 

probably 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  19 

probably  gave  Rife  to  the  Fable  of  his  devouring  his  own 
Children.  Certain  it  is,  that  the  Carthagimam  (j)  ofFer'd 
young  Children  to  this  Deity  ;  and  amongft  the  Romans  his 
Priefts  vi^ere  cloath'd  in  Red,  and  at  his  Feftivals  Gladiators 
were  employed  to  kill  each  other. 

The  Feafts  of  this  Deity  were  celebrated  with  great 
Solemnity  amongft  the  Romans  about  the  Middle  of  Decern^ 
her.  They  were  firft  inftituted  by  fullus  Hoflilius^  though 
Li'vy  dates  them  from  the  Confulfhip  of  Manilius  and  Semp- 
ronius.  They  lafted  but  one  Day  till  the  Time  of  Julius  C^/ar^ 
who  ordered  them  to  be  protra6led  to  three  Days  j  and  in 
procefs  of  Time  they  were  extended  to  five  Days.  During 
thefe,  all  publick  Bufinefs  was  flopp'd,  the  Senate  never  af- 
fembledj  no  War  could  be  proclaimed,  or  Offender  exe- 
cuted. Mutual  Prefents  of  all  Kinds,  (particularly  Wax 
Lights)  were  fent  and  receiv'd.  Servants  wore  the  Pileus  or 
Cap  of  Liberty,  and  wtxe.  waited  on  by  their  Maffers  at 
Table.  All  which  was  defign'd  to  fhew  the  Equality  and 
Happinefs  of  Mankind  under  the  golden  Age. 

The  Romans  kept  in  the  Temple  of  Saturn  the  Lihri  Ele~ 
phantinij  or  Rolls,  containing  the  Names  of  the  Rotnan  Citi- 
zens, as  alfo  the  Publick  Treafure.  This  Cuftom  they  bor- 
row'd  from  the  Egyptians^  who  in  the  Temple  of  Sudec  or 
Chrone  depofited  their  Genealogies  of  Families  and  the  pub- 
lick Money. 

Saturn  like  the  other  Heathen  Deities  had  his  Amours.  He 
fell  in  Love  with  the  Nymph  Phyliyra  the  Daughter  of 
Oceanus,  and  was  by  his  Wife  Rhea  fo  near  being  furpris'd  in 
her  Company,  that  he  was  forced  to  afTume  the  Form  of  a 
Horfe.  This  fudden  Transformation  had  fuch  an  Effe6l  on 
his  Miftrefs,  that  fhe  bore  a  Creature  whofe  upper  Part  was 

(•])  Mr.  SeUcn  in  his  Treatife  of  the  Syrian  Gods,  fpeaking  of  Mofoc.k, 
imagines  from  the  Cruelty  of  his  Sacrifices,  he  was  the  fame  as  Saturn. 
In  the  Reign  of  Tiberius,  that  Prince  crucify'd  the  Priefts  of  Saturn  for 
offering  young  Infants  at  his  Altars.  This  Idea  of  Saturn's  Malignity  is, 
perhaps,  the  Reafon  why  the  Planet,  which  bears  this  Name,  isfo  inaufpi- 
cious  and  unfriendly  to  Mankind. 

D  2  like 


20  Fabulous   HISTORY 

like  a  Man,  and  the  reft  like  a  Horfe.  This  Son  of  Saturn 
became  famous  for  his  Skill  in  Mufick  and  Surgery. 

A  modern  Author,  M.  La  Pluche^  has  veryjuftly  accounted 
for  this  fabulous  Hiftory  of  Saturn^  which  certainly  deriv'd 
its  Origine  from  Egypt.  The  annual  Meeting  of  the  Judge^ 
in  that  Country  was  notify'd  by  an  Horus,  or  Image,  with  a 
long  Beard  and  a  Scythe  in  his  Hand.  The  firft  denoted 
the  Age  and  Gravity  of  the  Magiftrates,  and  the  latte^ 
pointed  out  the  Seafon  of  their  affembling,  juft  before  the 
firft  Hay-making  or  Harveft.  This  Figure  they  call'd 
by  the  Names  of  Sudec,  (8)  Chrone,  (gj  Chiun,  (lo)  and 
Saterin ;  fii)  and  in  Company  with  it  always  expofed 
another  Statue  reprefenting  Jfis,  with  feveral  Breafts,  and 
furrounded  with  the  Heads  of  Animals,  which  they  call'd 
M/jea  (12)  as  thefe  Images  continued  expofed  till  the  Begin- 
ning of  the  new  Solar  Year,  or  the  Return  of  OJtris  ^the 
Sun^  fo  Saturn  became  regarded  as  the  Father  of  Time, 
Upon  other  Occafions  the  Egyptians  depictured  him  with 
Eyes  before  and  behind,  fome  of  them  open,  others  afleep  j 
and  with  four  Wings,  two  fhut  and  two  expanded  (^13^, 
The  Phceniciansy  who  communicated  all  this  to  the  Greeks^ 
took  thefe  PicSlures  in  the  litteral  Senfe,  and  turn'd  into  fabu- 
lous Hiftory  what  was  only  allegorical. 

Bochart,  and  fome  other  learn'd  Antiquaries,  conceived 
Saturn  to  be  the  fame  with  Noah,  and  drew  a  Parallel  in  ma- 
ny Inftances,  which  feem  to  favour  their  Opinion. 

^^/i/r^wasufually  reprefented  as  an  old  Man,  bare-headed 
and  bald,  with  all  the  Marks  of  Age  and  Infirmity  in  his 
Face.  In  his  right  Hand  they  fometimes  plac'd  a  Sickle  or 
Scythe,  at  other's  a  Key,  and  a  Serpent  biting  its  own  Tail, 

(%)  From  Tjadick^  or  Sudec,  Juftlce,  or  the  Juft. 
((j)  From  Keren,  Splendour,  the  Name  given  to  M.ojes  on  his  Defcent 
^om  the  Mount  ;  hence  the  Greek  Xf'i"'?. 

^10^  From  Cohen  a  Prieft,  is  deriv'd  Keunah,  or  the  facerdotal  Office. 
(11)  from  Setery  a  Judge,  is  the  Plural  .St-rfr/ffj,  or  the  Judges. 
(l^)  From Rahab,  to  feed,  comts  Rcbea,  or  Rhea,  a  Nurfe. 
(11 J  This  Figure  feems  borrow 'd  from  the  Cherubim  of  the  liebreivi, 

and 


Of  the  Heathen   Gods.  i\ 

and  clrcumflex'd  in  his  Left.  He  fometimes  was  piclur'd 
with  fix  Wings,  and  Feet  of  Wool,  to  fhew  how  infenfibly 
and  fwiftly  Time  pafTes.  The  Scythe  denoted  his  cutting 
down  and  impairing  all  Things,  and  the  Serpent  the  Revo, 
lution  of  the  Year. 


CHAP.    IX. 
0/  /y^^    G  O  L  D  E  N   A  G  E. 

DIFFICULT  as  it  is,  to  reconcile  the  Inconfiftencie 
between  the  Poets  and  Hiftorians  in  the  preceding  Ac. 
count  of  Saturn^  yet  the  concurrent  Teftimony  of  the  for- 
mer in  placing  the  Golden  Age  in  his  Times,  feems  to  deter- 
mine the  Point  in  his  Favour ;  and  to  prove  that  he  was  a 
Benefactor  and  Friend  to  Mankind,  fmce  they  enjoy 'd  fuch 
Felicity  under  hib  Adminiftration.  We  can  never  fuffici- 
^ntly  admire  the  mafterly  Defcription  given  by  Firgil  of 
thefe  Halcyon  Days,  when  Peace  and  Innocence  adorn'd  the 
World,  and  fweeten'd  all  the  Bleilings  of  untroubled  Life. 
0<vid  has  yet  heighten'd  the  Picture  with  thofe  Touches  of 
Imagination  peculiar  to  him.  Amongll  the  Greek  Poets, 
fleJiod\\?iS  touch'd  this  Subjec!:^  with  that  agreeable  Simplicity 
which  diftinguifhes  all  his  Writings. 

By  the  Golden  Age  might  be  figured  out  the  Happinefs  of 
the  primaeval  State  before  the  firft  and  univerfal  Deluge, 
when  the  Earth  remaining  in  the  fame  Pofition  in  which  it 
was  firft  created,  flourifh'd  with  perpetual  Spring,  and  the 
Air  always  temperate  and  ferene,  was  neither  difcompos'4 
by  Storms,  nor  darkened  by  Clouds.  The  Reafon  of  aiHx- 
ing  this  Time  to  the  Reign  of  Saturn^  was  probably  this : 
The  Egyptians  held  the  firft  annual  AfTembly  of  their  Judges 
in  the  Month  of  February^  and  as  the  Decifions  of  thefe 
Sages  were  always  attended  with  the  higheft  Equity,  fo  the 
People  regarded  that  Seafon  as  a  Time  of  geneial  Joy  anci 

Happinefs^ 


22  Fabulous   H  I  S  T  O  RY 

Happinefs,  rather  as  all  Nature  with  them  was  then  in  Bloom, 
and  the  whole  Country  looked  like  one  enamell'd  Garden 
or  Carpet,  from  one  End  of  the  Kingdom  to  the  other. 
But  after  all  it  appears,  that  thefe  halcyon  Times  were  but 
of  a  fhort  Duration,  fince  the  Chara6ter  P/«/o,  Pythagoras^ 
and  others  give  of  this  Age  can  only  relate  to  that  State  of 
perfeft  Innocence  which  ended  with  the  Fall. 


CHAP.     X. 
Of    the    GIANT  S. 

TH  E  Giants  were  produced  (as  has  been  already  ob- 
ferv'd)  of  the  Blood  which  flow'd  from  the  Wound  of 
Saturn^  when  caftrated  by  his  Son  Jupiter.  Proud  of  their 
own  Strength,  and  fir'd  with  a  daring  Ambition,  they  en- 
ter'd  into  an  AlTociation  to  dethrone  Jupiter,  for  which  pur- 
pofe  they  pilM  Rocks  on  Rocks,  and  from  thence  darted 
Trees  fet  on  Fire  againft  the  Heavens,  in  order  to  fcale  the 
Skies.  This  Engagement  is  differently  related  by  Authors, 
both  as  to  the  Place  where  it  happen'd  and  the  Circum- 
ftances  which  attended  it ;  feme  Writers  laying  the  Scene 
in  Italy  ( I)  others  in  Greece  (2).  It  feems  the  Father  of  the 
Gods  was  appriz'd  of  the  Danger,  as  there  was  a  prophe- 
tical Rumour  amongft  the  Deities,  that  the  Giants  fhould 
not  be  overcome,  unlefs  a  Mortal  affifted  in  the  War.  For 
this  Reafon  Jon^e^  by  the  Advice  of  Pallas^  call'd  up  Herculesy 
and  being  aflilfed  by  the  reft  of  the  Gods  gain'd  a  complete 
Vicl:ory  over  the  Rebels,  moft  of  whom  perifh'd  in  the  Con- 
flicl:.  Hercules  firft  flew  j^hyon  with  an  Arrow,  but  he  ftill 
reviv'd  and  grew  ftronger,  till  Minerva  drew  him  out  of  the 
Moon's  Orb,  when  he  expir'd.    This  Goddefs  alfo  cut  off 

(i)  In   the   Pbkgraan   Plains,  in    Camparia,    near  Mount  Vefwvius^ 
which  abound  with  fubterraneous  Fires,  and  hot  Mineral  Springs. 

(?)  Where  they  fet  Mount  OJfa  on  Fdicnt  in  order  to  afcendthe  Skies, 

the 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  23 

the  Heads  of  Encehdus  and  Pallantes^  and  afterwards  encoun- 
tering Alcyomus  at  the  Corinthian  Ifthmus,  kill'd  him  in  Spite 
of  his  monftrous  Bulk.  Porphyris^  about  to  ravifti  Juno,  fell 
by  the  Hands  oi  Jupiter  and  Hercules,  Apollo  and  Hercules  dif- 
patch'd  Ephialtes^  and  Hercules  flew  Eurytus^  by  darting  an 
Oak  at  him.  Clytius  was  flain  by  Hecate^  and  Polybotes  flying 
through  the  Sea,  came  to  the  Ifle  of  Coos^  where  Neptune 
tearing  off  Part  of  the  Land,  hurl'd  it  at  him,  and  form'd 
the  Ifle  of  Nifyros,  Mercury  flew  HyppolituSy  Gratian  was  van- 
quifh'd  by  'Diana,  and  the  Faroe  claim'd  their  Share  in  the 
Vi6lory,  by  the  Deftrudion  of  Agryus  and  Thoan,  Even 
^ilenus  his  Afs  by  his  opportune  braying,  contributed  to  put 
the  Giants  in  Confuflon,  and  compleat  their  Ruin.  Dur- 
ing this  War,  of  which  O'vid  has  left  us  a  fliort  Defcription, 
Pallas  difliinguifh'd  herfelf  by  her  Wifdom,  Hercules  by  his 
Strength,  Pan  by  his  Trumpet,  which  ftruck  a  Terror  in 
the  Enemy,  and  Bacchus  by  his  A6livity  and  Courage.  In- 
deed their  Afliftance  was  no  more  than  feafonable ;  for  when 
the  Giants  firft  made  their  audacious  Attempt,  the  Gods 
were  fo  aftonifh'd  they  fled  into  Egypt ,  where  they  conceard 
themfelves  in  various  Shapes. 

But  the  moft  dreadful  of  thefe  Monfters,  and  the  mcft 
difliicult  to  fubdue,  was  Typhon  or  Typhcsus^  who  according  to 
Hefiod  was  the  Son  of  Erebus  and  Terra,  When  he  had  al- 
moft  difcomfited  all  the  Gods,  Jupiter  purfued  him  to  Mount 
Caucafus^  where  he  wounded  him  with  his  Thunder;  but 
Typhon  turning  upon  him  took  him  Prifoner,  and  after  cut- 
ting with  his  own  Sickle  the  Nerves  of  his  Hands  and  Feet, 
threw  him  on  his  Back  and  carried  him  into  Qlicia^  and  im- 
prifon'd  him  in  a  Cave,  from  whence  he  was  deliver'd  by 
Mercury^  who  reftor'd  him  to  his  former  Vigour.  After  this, 
Jo've  had  a  fecond  Engagement  with  Typhon,  who  flying  into 
Sicily^  was  overwhelm'd  by  Mount  ^tna.  Onjid  has  given 
a  Defcription  of  this  Accident,  and  of  his  Puniibmentf 

The  Giants  are  reprefented  by  the  Poets  as  Men  of  huge 
Stature  and  hoxrible  Afpea,  their  lower  Parts  being  of  a  Ser- 
pentine 


24  Fabulous    HISTORY 

J^entine  Form.  But  above  all,  Typhon^  or  Typhous,  was  de* 
pidlur'd  in  the  moft  fhocking  Manner.  Nothing  can  ex-» 
ceed  the  dreadful  Defcription  we  find  of  him  in  Hejtod^ 
who  makes  him  the  Father  of  the  Winds.  Others  fay,  that 
by  his  Wife  Echidne  he  had  the  Gorgon^  Scylla^  Cerberus  the 
infernal  MaftifFj  Hydra,  Sphynx^  and  the  two  Dragons  who 
Watched  the  Golden  Fleece^  and  the  Hefperian  Gardens, 

Hiftorians  fay  T^yph^sus  was  the  Brother  of  Ofiris  King  of 
^gypt^  who  in  the  Abfence  of  this  Monarch  on  fome  Expe- 
dition, formM  a  Confpiracy  to  dethrone  him  at  his  Return, 
for  which  End  he  invited  him  to  a  Feaft,  at  the  Conclufion 
of  which  a  Cheft  of  exquifite  Workmanftiip  was  brought  in, 
and  ofFer'd  to  him  who  lying  down  in  it  fhould  be  found  to 
fit  it  beft.  OJiris  not  diftrufting  the  Contrivance,  had  no 
fooner  got  in  but  the  Lid  was  clos'd  upon  him,  and  the  un- 
happy King  thrown  into  the  Nile.  Ifis  his  Queen,  to  revenge 
the  Death  of  her  belov'd  Hufband  rais'd  an  Army,  the  Com- 
mand of  which  fhe  gave  to  her  Son  Orus^  who  after  van- 
quifhing  the  Ufurper,  put  him  to  Death.  Hence  the  Egyp- 
tians^  who  detefted  his  Memory,  painted  him  in  their  Hie- 
roglyphic Chara6ters  in  fo  frightful  a  Manner.  The  length 
and  Multiplicity  of  his  Arms  denoted  his  Power :  The  Ser- 
pents which  form'd  his  Hair  fignify'd  his  Addrefs  and  Cun- 
ning :  The  Crocodile  Scales  which  cover'd  his  Body  ex- 
prefs'd  his  Cruelty  and  DiiHmulation  j  and  the  Flight  of  the 
Gods  into  Egypt,  fhew'd  the  Precautions  taken  by  the  great 
Men  to  fhelter  themfelves  from  his  Fury  and  Refentment. 

It  is  eafy  in  this  Story  of  the  Giants  to  trace  the  Mofaic 
Hiftory,  v/hich  informs  us  how  the  Earth  was  afflided  with 
Men  of  uncommon  Stature  and  great  Wickednefs.  l^he 
Tradition  of  the  Tower  of  Babel,  and  the  Defeat  of  that 
impious  Defign  by  the  Confufion  of  Languages,  might  na- 
turally give  Rife  to  the  Attempt  of  thefe  Monfters,  to  in- 
fult  the  Skies  and  make  War  on  the  Gods. 

But  there  is  another  Explication  of  this  Fable,  which 
feems  both  more  rational  and  curious.    Amongll  the  Names 

of 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  25 

bifthe  Giants  we  find  thofe  of  Briareus  ( i),  Roechus  (2),  Othus 
(3),  Ephialtes  (4)5  Porphyrion  (5),  Enceladus  (6),  and  M/w^j  {7). 
Now  the  literal  Signification  of  thefe  leads  us  to  the  Senfe  o^ 
the  Allegory,  which  was  defign'd  to  point  out  the  fatal  Con- 
fequences  of  the  Flood,  and  the  confiderable  Changes  it  in- 
troduced with  Regard  to  the  Face  of  Nature.  This  is  fur- 
ther confirm'd  by  their  Tradition,  that  their  OJiris  (xho,  fame 
with  Jupiter)  vanquifh'd  the  Giants,  and  that  Orus  his  Son, 
in  particular,  ftopp'd  the  Purfuit  of  Rcechus^  by  appearing 
before  him  in  the  Form  of  a  Lion.  By  which  they  meant, 
that  that  induftrious  People  had  no  Way  of  fecuring  them- 
felves  againft  the  bad  EfFe6ts  of  the  vernal  Winds,  which 
brought  on  their  annual  Inundation,  but  by  exadly  obferv- 
ing  the  Sun's  Entrance  into  Leo^  and  then  retiring  to  the 
high  Grounds,  to  wait  the  going  off  of  the  Waters. 

Hejjed  in  his  Enumeration  of  the  different  Ages  of  the 
World  has  given  us  that  of  the  Heroes  or  Giants*  which 
he  places  the  third  in  his  Order,  immediately  after  the  Silver 
Age.  It  may  not  be  improper  to  add,  that  from  the  Blood 
of  the  Giants  defeated  by  Jupiter^  were  produc'd  Serpents 
and  all  Kinds  of  venomous  Creatures. 

(i)  YxomBeri,  Serenity  5  znd  Harcus,  Loft,  to  (hew  the  Temperature 
of  the  Air  deftroy'd. 

(2)  From  Reuach,  the  Winds. 

(3)  From  Ouitta,  or  Otbus,  the  Times,  to  tipify  the  Viciffitude  of 
iSeafons. 

(4.)  From  Evi,  or  Ephi,  Clouds  j  and  Alt  ah,  Darkncfs,  /.  e.  dark 
gloomy  Clouds. 

(5)  Vrom  Phaur,  to  hr^zk,  corr\t%  Pharpher  to  feparate  minutely:  to 
denote  the  general  DlfTolution  of  the  primoeval  Syftem. 

(6)  From  Encekdy  violent  Springs  or  Torrents. 

(7)  From  Maim,  great  and  heavy  P.ains.  Now  all  thefe  were  Phaeno- 
mena  new,  and  unknown  before  the  Flocd.  See  La  P/uchc's  Hiftory  of 
the  Heavens,  Vol.  i.  p.  60. 


E  CHAP. 


26  Fabulous   HISTORY 

CHAP.    XI. 
Of   JANUS. 

TH  E  Connexion  between  Saturn  and  Janus^  renders  the 
Account  of  the  Latter  a  proper  Supplement  to  the  Hi- 
ftory  of  the  Former.  Writers  vary  as  to  the  Birth  of  this 
Deity,  fome  making  him  the  Son  of  Coelus  and  Hecate^  others 
the  Offspring  of  Apollo,  by  Creufa  Daughter  of  Erictheus^  King 
of  Athens.  Hejtod'is  filent  about  him  in  his  Theogony^  and  in^ 
deed  Janus  was  a  God  Uttle  known  to  the  Greeks.  Accord- 
ing to  Cato^  he  was  a  Scythian  Prince,  who  at  the  Head  of  a 
victorious  Army,  fubdued  and  depopulated  Italy.  But  the 
moft  probable  Opinion  is,  that  be  was  an  Etrurian  King,  and 
one  of  the  earlieft  Monarchs  of  that  Counti7,  which  he 
govern'd  with  great  Wifdom,  according  to  the  Teftimony 
of  Plutarch^  who  fays,  '  whatever  he  was,  whether  a  King 

*  or  a  God,  he  was  a  great  Politician,  who  tempered  the 

*  Manners  of  his  Subjeds,  and  taught  them  Civility,  on 

*  which  Account  he  was  regarded  as  the  God  of  Peace,  and 

*  never  invoked  during  the  Time  of  War.'  It  was  doubtlefs 
on  Account  of  the  Equity  of  his  Government,  he  had  the  Ti- 
tles of  Deus  Deorum  f  the  moft  antient  of  the  Gods^  and 
Janus  Pater  given  him  by  the  Romans^  who  had  him  in  pecu- 
liar Veneration. 

From  Fabius  Picior^  one  of  the  oldeft  Roman  Hiftorians,  we 
learn,  that  the  antient  Tufcans  were  firft  taught  by  this  good 
King  to  improve  the  Vine,  to  fow  Corn,  and  to  make 
Bread,  and  that  he  firft  rais'd  Temples  and  Altars  to  the 
Gods,  who  were  before  worfhipp'd  in  Groves.  We  have 
already  mention'd  Saturn^  as  the  Introducer  of  thefe  Arts 
into  Itaiy^  where  Ja?ius  aflbciated  him  into  a  Share  of  his 
Power.  Janus  firft  confecrated  the  Bounds  of  Cities  (i) 
and    Invented    Locks    and   Keys;    (z)  he  alfo  regulated 

(i)  When  Romul-Ji  founded  the  Walls  of  Romty  he  fent  into  I'ufcany  to 
be  exa(£Liy  inform' d  of  the  Ceremonies  on  that  Occafion  prcfcrib'd  by 
^fjnuSj 

(2)  Hence  Doors  receiv'd  the  Name  of  ^^ nr^f . 

the 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  27 

tlie  Months  ('},).  Some  fay  he  was  married  to  the  youngeft 
Vejia^  the  Goddefs  of  Fire-,  others  make  his  Wife  the  God- 
defs  Carna,  or  (^)  Carma, 

It  is  certain  that  he  early  obtained  divine  Honours  at  Rome, 
v/hevQ  Numa  Pompilius  inftituted  an  annual  Feftival  to  him  in 
January^  which  was  celebrated  with  manly  Exercifes. 
Romulus  and  Tatius  had  before  ere£led  him  a  Temple  upon 
Occafion  of  the  Union  of  the  Romans  with  the  Sabims. 
Numa  ordain'd  it  fhould  be  open'd  in  Time  of  War,  and 
fhut  in  Time  of  Peace,  f  5  j  which  happen'd  but  thrice  for 
feveral  Centuries,  i.  in  the  Reign  of  Numa.  2.  In  the  Con- 
fulate  of  Attilius  Balbus,  and  Manlius  Torquatus ',  and,  3.  By 
Augufius  Cafar^  after  the  Death  of  Anthony^  and  Redudion 
of  Egypt, 

Janus  was  the  God  who  prefided  over  all  new  Undertak- 
ings. Hence  in  all  Sacrifices  the  firft  Libations  of  Wine  and 
Wheat  were  offered  to  him,  as  likewife  all  Prayers  were  pre- 
fac'd  with  a  fhort  Addrefs  to  him.  The  peculiar  Offerings 
at  his  Feflival  were  Cakes  of  new  Meal  and  Salt,  with  new 
Wine  and  Frankincenfe  (6).  Then  all  Artificers  and  Tradef- 
men  began  their  Works,  and  the  Roman  Confuls  for  the 
New  Year  folemnly  enter'd  on  their  Office.  All  Quarrels 
were  laid  afide,  mutual  Prefents  were  made,  and  the  Day 
concluded  with  Joy  and  Mirth. 

Some  imagine  a  Refemblance  between  Janus  and  Noahy 
but  Parallels  of  this  Kind,  though  they  open  a  large  Field  to 
Fancy,  and  may  be  fupported  with  a  great  Oftentation  of 
Learning,  contribute  little  to  inform  the  Reafon  or  dired 
the  Judgment. 

(3)  The  firft  of  which  is  from  him  call'd  January.  The  firft  Day  of 
every  Month  was  alfo  facrcd  to  him. 

(4)  Ccirr.j,  or  Carma,  was  a  Goddefs  who  prefided  over  the  vital  Parts, 
arid  occafion'd  a  healthy  Conftitution  of  Body. 

(5)  Hence  Janm  took  the  Names  of  Patulcim  and  Chi/ius. 

(6)  Tcoke  contradifts  O'vidy  and  fuppofes  Pliny  to  prove,  that  the  Anti- 
cntsdid  not  ufe  this  Gum  in  their  Sacrifices,  but  the  Hafl*age  of  that  Author, 
only  fays  it  was  not  ufcd  in  the  Time  of  the  Trojan  War. 

E  2  Janui 


28  Fabulous   H  I  STORY 

Janus  was  reprefented  with  two  Faces  on  one  Neck  (•}). 
either  to  denote  his  Prudence,  or  thathe  views  at  oncethepaft 
and  approaching  Year.  He  was  feated  in  the  Centre  of  twelve 
Altars,  to  mark  the  Divifion  he  had  made  of  it  into  fo  many 
Months.  He  had  a  Key  in  his  right  Hand,  and  a  Sceptre  in 
his  left,  to  fignify  his  Invention  of  Locks,  and  his  extenfive 
Authority.  Sometimes  his  Image  had  four  Faces,  to  exprefs 
the  four  Seafons  of  the  Year  over  which  he  prefided. 

Thouo-h  Janus  be  properly  a  Roman  Deity,  yet  it  is  amongft 
the  Egyptians  we  muft  feek  for  the  true  Explanation  of  his 
Hiflory.  That  Nation  reprefented  the  Rifmg  of  the  Dog- 
Star,  which  opened  their  Solar  Year  by  an  Horus,  or  Image, 
with  a  Key  in  its  Hand,  and  two  Faces,  one  old  and  the 
other  young,  to  tipify  or  mark  the  old  and  new  Year.  King 
Picus  with  a  Hawk's  Head,  who  is  ufually  drawn  near  Janus-, 
leaves  no  Doubt  biit  that  the  Symbol  of  this  Deity  was  bor^ 
row'd  from  that  mylHcal  People  (%),  They  call'd  this  dou- 
ble-fac'd  Horus  by  the  Name  of  Jnuhis. 

(7)  Whence  the  Jarus  Bifrom  of  Ovid^  and  Biceps  of  ViryiU 

(8)  See  La  Pluche's  Hiftory  of  the  Heavens,  Vol.  I.  p.  160. 

CHAP.     XII. 

Of  the  Elder  VESTA,  or  Cybele  the   Wife  of 

Saturn. 

IT  is  highly  neceflary,  in  clalTing  the  Heathen  Divinities, 
to  diftiRguith  between  this  Goddefj,  who  is  alfo  calFd 
Khea  (\)  and  Ops  (z)  from  another  F^«  their  Daughter, 
becaufe  the  Poets  have  been  faulty  in  confounding  them,  and 
afcribing  the  Attributes  and  Actions  of  the  one  to  the  other. 
The  elder  Vejia  (i)  was   the  Daughter  of    C^tus   and 

(i)  So  the  Greeks  C2i\V -A.  her,  as  aKo  Pafuhea,  to  denote  the  Blefilngs 
vyhich  flow  from  her. 

(a)  From  opcm  ferre,  becaufe  (he  afiifts  Mankind. 

(3)  Either  denominated  from  Veftioy  to  cloath,  becaufe  (he  cloathsthe 
Earth  with  the  annual  and  vegetable  Produ^ions,  or  from  Vi  Stando,  i.  e^ 
p^eding  no  Support.     Ovid  gives  his  Opinion  for  tliis  .'art  Etymology. 

Stat  vi  Terra  fua,  vi  flando  P''e!}a  vocatur.  Oiv^ifarti,  Lib.  VI. 

0*1  the  firm  Bafii  of  this  Earthly  frame. 
Fair  Vefta  f-ar.'Jr,  and  thence  dent'cs  her  Nam:. 

Ttrra^ 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  29 

^erra^  and  married  to  her  Brother  Saturn^  to  whom  fhe  bore 
a  numerous  Offspring.  She  had  a  MultipHcity  of  Names, 
(^)  of  which  the  principal  were  Cybele^  Magna  Mater,  or 
the  Great  Mother  of  the  Gods  ;  .and  Bona  Dea,  or  the  good 
Goddefs  .  Under  thefe  different  Characters  Ihe  had  different 
Reprefentations,  and  different  Sacrifices. 

As  Vejia,  (he  is  reprefented  fitting,  to  denote  ^he  Stability 
of  the  Earth,  fhe  carries  a  Drum  in  her  Lap,  to  fignify  the 
Earth's  Cavity,  and  the  Winds  imprifon'd  in  it.  Her  Head 
is  crown'd  with  Towers,  and  fne  is  furrounded  with  Ani- 
mals of  Afferent  Kinds,  who  fport  around  her  to  exprefs  her 
Fruitfulnefs  and  Bounty. 

Under  the  Character  oiCyhele  fhe  makes  a  more  magnifi- 
cent Appearance,  being  feated  on  a  lofty  Chariot  drawn  by 
Lions,  crown'd  with  Towers,  and  having  a  Key  extended  in 
her  Hand,  agreeably  to  the  pompous  Defcription  of /^Vr^;7(  5). 

Some  indeed  make  the  Phrygian  Cyhele  a  different  Perfon 
from  Vejla  :  They  fay  flie  was  the  Daughter  of  M^ones  an 
antient  King  of  Phrygia  and  Dyndimay  and  that  her  Mother 
forfomeReafons,  expos'dheron  Mount  Cy^f/w^,  where  fhe  was 
nourifh'd  by  Lions.  Her  Parents  afterwards  own'd  her,  and 
fhe  fell  in  Love  with  j^tys,  by  whom  conceiving,  her  Father 
caus'd  her  Lover  to  be  (lain,  and  his  Body  thrown  to  thd 
wild  Beafls ;  Cybele  upon  this  ran  mad,  and  fill'd  the  Woods 
with  her  Lamentations.  Soon  after  a  Plague  and  Famine 
laying  wafte  the  Country,  the  Oracle  was  confulted,  who 
advifed  them  to  bury  Jtys  with  great  Pomp,  and  to  worfhip 
Cybele  as  a  Goddefs.  Accordingly  they  eredl:ed  a  Temple  to 
her  Honour  at  PeJJinus,  and  plac'd  Liens  at  her  Feet,  to  denote 
her  being  educated  by  thefe  Animals. 

(4)  As  Dyndimine,  Dea  PaJJinuvtia,  Idea,  and  Magna  Pale:.  Dec^ 
Phrygia  &  BerecynthiUy  Fauna.,  Fatua,  &c. 

(5)  Proud  as  the  mighty  Moti^er  of  the  Sky, 

When  o"" er  the  Phrygian  Toiv'' r%  jublime  tn  Air, 

She  rides  triumphant  in  her  gddcn  Car  ; 

Croivn''d  with  a  nodding  Diadem  of  Te,':v''rSy 

And  counts  her  Offspring,  the  celefiial  Poiv^ rs  I 

A  frimng  Train  !    IVhofll  the  blejl  Ahode, 

A  hundred  Sons — and  every  Son  a  God  I  Mr.  PiftS. 


30  Fabulous   HISTORY 

0<vid  relates  the  Story  a  little  more  in  the  marvellous  Way; 
\/Jtys  was  a  Boy  fo  call'd  by  Cybeky  that  fhe  appointed  him  to 
prefide  in  her  Rites,  enjoining  him  inviolate  Chaftity  5  but 
the  Youth  happening  to  forget  his  Vowr,  in  Refentment  the 
Goddefs  depriv'd  him  of  his  Senfes:  But  at  laft  pitying  his 
Mifery,  fhe  turned  him  into  a  Pine  Tree,  which  as  well  as 
the  Box  Tree,  were  held  facred  to  her.  The  Animal  moft 
commonly  facrificed  to  Cybele  was  the  Sow,  on  Account  of 
its  Fruitfulnefs. 

The  Priefts  of  this  Deity  were  the  Corybantes^  Curetes, 
Idcet^  Dafiyli  and  Telchinesy  all  originally  of  Crete,  and  who  in 
their  myftical  Rites  made  great  Ufe  of  Cymbals  and  other 
Inftruments  of  Brafs,  attended  with  extravagant  Cries  and 
Howlings.  They  facrificed  fitting  on  the  Earth,  and  oiFer'd 
only  the  Hearts  of  the  Victims. 

The  Goddefs  Cybele  was  unknown  to  the  Romans  till  the 
Time  of  Hannibal^  when  confulting  the  SybilUjie  Oracles 
they  found  that  formidable  Enemy  could  not  be  cxpell'd  till 
they  fent  for  the  Idaan  Mother  to  Rome.  Attains  then  King 
of  Phrygia^  at  the  Requeft  of  their  Embafladors,  fent  her 
Statue,  which  was  of  Stone.  But  the  Veflel  which  carried 
it  arriving  in  the  Tyber,  was  miraculoufly  ftopp'd,  till  Claudia 
one  of  the  Veftal-Virgins  drew  it  afliore  with  her  Girdle. 

It  is  not  difficult  to  difcover  from  the  Name  (6)  and  Attri- 
butes of  this  Goddefs,  that  Cybele  is  no  other  than  the  Ifa  or 
Rhea  of  the  Egyptians.  The  Adventures  and  Death  of  Atysy 
which  fo  nearly  refemble  thofe  of  Ofiris^  add  great  Weight 
to  the  Conjedlure.  What  puts  the  Matter  beyond  Doubt, 
is  the  Reprefentation  of  the  Phrygian  Cybele.  Now  IJis  is  al- 
ways drawn  with  a  Crown  of  Turrets,  and  bore  a  Key 
with  a  Lion  at  her  Foot,  to  mark  that  the  principal  Fcftival 
of  Egypt  was  juft  fix'd  at  the  Time  the  Sun  enter'd  Leo. 

As  to  the  Priefts  of  Cybele^  the  Corybantes^  Curetes^  ^c.  they 
are  of  the  fame  Original.  Crete  was  a  Colony  of  the  Egyptians ^ 

f6)  Cyhe'eh  deriv'd  from  Cape!  in  Uebrciv,  a  Chain  or  Tyej  whence 
our  Word  Cnupk, 

Confiflins 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  3  r 

CDnfiftlng  of  three  Clafles  of  People,  i.  The  Coryhantes  or 
Priefts  (7).  2.  Th^Cureies^  f  8^  or  Hufbandmen,  and  In- 
habitants of  Towns.  ^.  The  DaiSytiy  (g)  or  Artificers  and 
kbouring  Poor.  All  which  Names  are  of  Egyptian  Deri- 
vation. 

CybeU  was  honoured  at  Rome  by  the  Title  oi  Bona  Dea^  or 
good  Goddefs.  But  this  Devotion  was  only  paid  her  by  the 
Matrons,  and  the  Rites  were  celebrated  in  fo  fecret  a  Man- 
ner, that  it  was  no  lefs  than  Death  for  any  Man  to  be  prefent 
at  the  Aflembly  f  lo^.    Whence  they  were  call'd  Opertoria, 

The  Roman  Farmers  and  Shepherds  worfhipp'd  CybeU  or 
Vejia,  by  the  Title  of  Magna  Pales^  or  the  Goddefs  of  Cattle 
and  Paftures.  Her  Feftival  was  in  ^pril^  and  at  which  Time 
they  purify'd  their  Flocks  and  Herds  with  the  Fumes  of 
Rofemary,  Laurel  and  Sulphur,  offer'd  Sacrifices  of  Milk 
and  Millet  Cakes,  and  concluded  the  Ceremony  by  dancing 
round  Straw- Fires.  Thefe  annual  Feafts  were  call'd  Paiilia, 
and  were  the  fame  with  the  Q)i'^i^o(po(ix  of  the  Greeks^  and 
probably  of  Vhanklan  or  Egyptian  Original  (w). 

The  great  Feftival  of  Cybele^  call'd  Megalefia^  was  always 
celebrated  in  Apfil^  and  lafted  eight  Days  at  Rome, 

(7)  From  Coriflw,  a  Sacrifice  or  Oblation. 

(8)  From  Kerety  a  City  or  Town,  comes  the  Plural  AT^rfr/w,  to  fignify 
the  Inhabitants. 

(9)  From  dac^  poor ;  and  tul  or  tyly  a  Migration :  Hence  our  ultima 
Thule.  The  Greeki  for  the  fame  Reafon  call  the  Fingers  ZJtf^;?//,  becaufe 
they  are  the  Inftruments  of  Labour. 

(10)  So  we  learn  from  Tjbullus,  Eclogue  VI. 

Sacra  Bona  marihus  non  adeunda  Deae. 

(11)  The  Name  Falil.t  feems  derived  Uom  pelil,  which  fignifie*  the  pub- 
lick  Order. 


CHAP.    XIII. 
Of  V  E  S  T  A,  the  younger, 

THIS  Goddefs  was  the  Daughter  of  Saturn,  and  the 
yejia  mention'd  in  the  preceding  Article,  and  the  Sif- 
ter of  Ceres.     She  was  fo  fond  of  a  fmgle  Life,  that  when 

her 


32  Fabulous    HISTORY 

her  Brother  Jupiter  afceiided  the  Throne,  and  ofFer'd  td 
grant  whatever  ihe  afk'd,  fhe  defir'd  only  the  Prefervation  of 
her  Virginity,  and  that  fhe  might  have  the  firft  Oblation  in 
all  Sacrifices,  (i)  which  fhe  obtained.  According  to  Lac- 
tantius,  the  Chaftity  of  Vejia  is  meant  to  exprefs  the  Nature 
of  Fire,  which  is  incapable  of  Mixture,  producing  nothings 
but  converting  all  Things  into  itfelf. 

Numa  Pompilius^  the  great  Founder  of  Religion  among  the 
^omansj  is  faid  firft  to  have  reftor'd  the  antient  Rites  and 
Worihip  of  this  Goddefs,  to  whom  he  ere6led  a  circular 
Temple,  which  in  fucceeding  Ages,  was  much  embellifh'd. 
He  alfo  appointed  four  PrieftelTes  to  be  chofen  out  of  the  no- 
bleft  Families  in  Romej  and  of  fpotlefs  Character,  whofe  Of- 
fice was  to  attend  the  facred  Fire  kept  continually  burning 
near  her  Altar.  Thefe  Vejial-Virgins  continued  in  their 
Charge  for  Thirty  Years,  and  had  very  great  Privileges  an- 
nex'd  to  their  Dignity.  This  Fire  was  annually  renew'd 
with  great  Ceremony,  from  the  Rays  of  the  Sun,  on  the  Ka- 
lends of  March,  It  was  preferv'd  in  Earthen  Pots  fufpended 
in  the  Air,  and  efteem'd  fo  facred,  that  if  by  any  Misfor- 
tune it  became  extinguifh'd,  (as  happened  once)  a  CelTation 
enfued  from  all  Bufinefs,  till  they  had  expiated  the  Prodigy. 
If  this  Accident  appear'd  owing  to  the  Negle6l  of  the  Vejials* 
they  were  feverely  punifhed ;  and  if  they  violated  their  VoW 
of  Chaftity,  they  were  interr'd  alive. 

As  VeJia  was  the  Goddefs  of  Fire,  the  Romans  had  no 
Images  in  her  Temple  to  reprefent  her,  the  Reafon  of  which 
we  learn  in  O-vid  (z).    Yet  as  fhe.  was  the  Guardian  of 


(i)  It  is  a  Queftion  if  this  Privilege  did  not  rather  belong  to  the  elder 
Vefla,  in  common  with  Janus, 
(2)  His  Words  are  thefe. 

EfEgiem  nullam  VeJla  rtec  Ignis  habeti         Frf/?/,  Lib.  VI. 


iV<j  Image  Vefta'j  Semblante  can  exprefs. 

Fire  is  toojubtile  to  admit  cfDreJs, 


Houfcs 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods*  33 

Houfes  or  Hearths,  (i)  her  Image  was  ufually  placM  in  the 
Porch  or  Entry,  and  a  daily  Sacrifice  ofter'd  her. 

It  is  certain  nothing  could  be  a  ftronger  Or  more  lively 
Symbol  of  the  Supreme  Being,  than  Fire.  Accordingly  we 
find  this  Emblem  in  early  Ufe  throughout  all  the  Eaft.  The 
Ferjians  held  it  in  Veneration  long  before  Zoroafter^  who,  in 
the  Reign  of  Darius  Hyjiafpes  reduced  the  Worfhip  of  it  to  a 
certain  Plan,  The  Prytanei  of  the  Greeks  were  perpetual  an^i 
holy  Fires.  We  find  jEneas  bringing  with  him  to  Italy  his 
Penates  (or  Houfhold  Gods)  the  Palladium  and  the  /acred 
Fire.  The  Vejia  of  the  Etrurians^  Sabines^  and  Romans  was 
the  fame. 

(3)  Hence  the  Word  Vefiibulunty  for  a  Porch  or  Entry  j  and  the  Romavs 
call'd  their  round  Tables  F'ejia,  as  the  Greeks  us'd  the  common  Word 
Er»*  to  fignify  Chimneys  and  Altars. 


CHAP.    XIV. 
Of    JUPITER. 

WE  come  now  to  the  great  King,  or  Mafler  of  the 
Gods,  This  Deity  was  the  Son  of  Saturn^  and  Rhea 
or  Vejia^  at  leaft  this  is  that  Jupiter  to  whom  the  Actions  of 
all  the  others  were  chiefly  afcribM.  For  there  were  fo  many 
Princes  call'd  by  his  Name,  that  it  feems  to  have  been  a 
common  Appellation  in  early  Times  for  a  powerful  or  vidlo. 
rious  Prince  ( i ).  The  mod  confiderable  of  thefe  was  cer- 
tainly the  Cretan  Jove  above-mention'd,  of  whofe  Education 
we  have  very  various  Accounts,  as  well  as  the  Place  of  his 
Birth.  The  MeJJenians  pretended  to  fhow  in  the  Neigh- 
bourhood of  their  City  a  Fountain  call'd  Clep/ydra,  where 
Jupiter  was  educated  by  the  Nymphs  Ithome  and  tseda  \  others 
fay  he  was  born  at  T^hebes  in  Baotia\  but  the  moft  general 
and  receiv'd  Opinion  is,  that  he  was  brought  up  near  Mount 


(i)  Varro  reckon'd  up  300  Jupiters,  and  each  Nation  feems  to  have  had 

one  peculiar  to  itfelf,  as  the  AJjyian  Bel,  or  Eelui,  and  the  Lytian  Hirmr.on. 

F  Ida 


34  Fabulous   HISTORY 

Ida  in  Crete,  Virgil  tells  US  he  was  fed  by  the  Bees,  out  of 
Gratitude  for  which  he  changed  them  from  an  Iron  to  a  gol- 
den Colour.  Some  fay  his  Nurfes  were  Amalth^a  and 
MeliJJa^  Daughters  of  MeliJJeus  King  of  Crete^  who  gave  him 
Goats  Milk  and  Honey ;  others,  that  Amalth^a  was  the 
Name  of  the  Goat  who  nurfed  him,  whofe  Horn  he  pre- 
fented  to  thofe  Princefe  with  this  Privilege  annexed,  that 
whoever  pofleiTed  it  fhould  immediately  have  whatever  they 
defired  3  whence  it  came  to  be  call'd  the  Bom  of  Plenty,  After 
this  the  Goat  dying,  Jupiter  plac'd  her  amongfl:  the  Stars, 
and  by  the  Advice  of  Themis  cover'd  his  Shield  v/ith  her  Skin 
to  ftrike  Terror  in  the  Giants,  whence  it  obtain'd  the  Name 
of  uEgis.  According  to  others,  he  and  his  Sifter  Juno  fuck'd 
the  Breafts  of  Fortune.  Some  alledge  his  Mother  Vefia,  or 
the  Earth,  fuckled  him  j  fome  that  he  was  fed  by  wild  Pi- 
geons, who  brought  him  Afnhrof.a  from  Oceanus^  and  by  an 
Eagle,  who  carried  NeSiar  in  his  Beak  from  a  fteep  Rock ;  in 
Recompenfe  of  which  Services,  he  made  the  former  the 
Fore-tellers  of  Winter  and  Summer,  and  gave  the  laft  the 
Reward  of  Immortality,  and  the  Office  of  bearing  his  Thun- 
der. In  fhort,  the  Nymphs  and  the  Bears  claim  a  Share  in 
the  Honour  of  his  Education,  nor  is  it  yet  decided  which 
has  the  beft  Title. 

Let  us  now  come  to  the  A6lIons  of  Jupiter.  The  firft? 
and  indeed  the  moft  memorable  of  his  Exploits,  was  his 
Expedition  againft  the  Titans^  for  his  Father's  Deliverance 
and  Reftoration,  of  which  we  have  already  fpoken  under 
the  Article  of  Saturn.  After  this  he  dethroned  his  Father, 
and  having  poflefsM  himfelf  of  his  Throne,  was  acknow- 
ledge by  all  the  Gods  in  Qi^iality  of  their  fupreme  Head- 
Jpollo  himfelf  crown'd  with  Laurel,  and  rob'd  with  Purple, 
Gondefcended  to  fing  his  Praifes  to  his  Lyre.  Hercules,  in  or- 
der to  perpetMjate  the  Memory  of  his  Triumphs,  inftituted 
the  Olympic  Games,  where  it  is  faid  that  Phoebus  carried  oiF 
the  firft  Prize,  by  overcoming  Mercury^  at  the  Race.  After 
this,  Jupiter  being  fully  Icttled,  divided  his  Dominions  with 

his 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  35 

his  Brothers  Neptune  and  Pluto^  as  will  be  (hewn  In  the 
Sequel. 

Jupiter f  however,  is  thought  to  ufe  his  Power  in  a  little 
too  tyrannical  a  Manner,  for  which  we  find  Juno,  Neptune-, 
and  Pallas  confpir'd  againft,  and  actually  feiz'd  his  Perfon. 
But  the  Giants,  Cottus^  ^yg^^  ^nd  Briareus^  who  were  then 
his  Guards,  and  whom  T^hetis  calPd  to  his  Aiiiftance,  fet  him 
at  Liberty.  How  thefe  Giants,  with  others  of  their  Race 
afterwards  revolted  againft  him,  and  were  overthrown,  has 
been  already  mention'd  in  its  Place. 

The  Story  of  Lycaon  is  not  the  leaft  diilinguifhing  of  his 
A£lions.  Hearing  of  the  prevailing  Wickednefs  of  Man- 
kind, Jonie  defcended  to  Earth,  and  arriving  at  the  Palace  of 
this  Prince,  King  oi  Arcadia^  declar'd  who  he  was,  on  which 
the  People  prepar'd  Sacrifices,  and  the  other  Honours  due  to 
him.  But  Lycaon^  both  impious  and  incredulous,  kill'd  one 
of  his  Domeflicks,  andferved  up  the  FlejQi  drefs'd  at  the  En- 
tertainment he  gave  the  God,  who  detefting  fuch  horrid  In- 
humanity, immediately  confum'd  the  Palace  with  Lighten- 
ing, and  turn'd  the  Barbarian  into  a  Wolf.  Q'vid  has  re- 
lated this  Story  with  his  ufual  Art. 

But  as  Ambition,  when  arriv'd  at  the  Height  of  its  Wifhes, 
feldom  ftri6fly  adheres  to  the  Rules  of  Moderation,  fo  the  Air 
of  a  Court  is  always  in  a  peculiar  Manner  fatal  to  Virtue. 
\i  any  Monarch  dfferv'd  the  Character  of  encouraging 
Gallantry  by  his  Example,  it  was  certainly  Jupiter^  w^hole 
Amours  are  as  numberlefs  as  the  Metamorphofes  he  aflum'd 
to  accomplifh  them,  and  have  afforded  an  extenfive  Field  of 
Defcrlption,  to  the  Poets  and  Painters,  both  antient  and 
modern. 

Jupiter  had  feveral  Wives,  Metis  his  firft  he  is  faid  to  have 
devour'd,  when  big  with  Child,  by  which  himfelf  becom- 
ing pregnant,  Miner-va  ifTued  out  of  his  Head  completely 
arm'd  and  fully  grown.  His  fecond  was  T^hemis^  tlie  Name 
of  his  third  is  not  known,  only  Ihe  is  faid  to  be  a  Cretan 
born  near  Gnojfus^  His  fourch  was  th€  celebrated  Juno,  his 
X   2  Sifter, 


36  Fabulous   HISTORY 

Sifter,  whom  it  is  reported  he  deceived  under  the  Form  of  a 
Cuckoo^  who,  to  fliun  the  Violence  of  a  Storm,  fled  for 
Shelter  to  her  Lap  ( i ). 

Of  his  Intrigues  we  have  a  pretty  curious  Detail.  One  of 
his  firft  Miftrefles  was  Calijio  the  Daughter  of  Lycaon^  one  of 
the  Nymphs  of  Diana.  To  deceive  her  he  aflum'd  the 
Form  of  the  Goddefs  of  Chaftity,  and  fucceeded  fo  far  as  t» 
make  the  Virgin  violate  her  Vow.  But  her  Difgrace  being 
reveal'd,  as  fhe  was  bathing  with  her  Patronefs,  the  incens'd 
Deity  not  only  difgrac'd  her,  but  (2)  turn'd  her  into  a  Bear. 
Jonje  in  Companion  to  her  Punifhment  and  Sufferings,  raisM 
her  to  a  Conftellation  in  the  Heavens  (3).  Califio,  however, 
left  a  Son  call'd  Arcas^  who  having  inftrufted  the  Pelafgians 
in  Tillage  and  the  Social  Arts,  they  from  him  took  the 
Name  of  Arcadians ^  and  after  his  Death  he  was  by  his  divine 
Father,  allotted  alfo  (^)  a  Seat  in  the  Skies. 

There  is  fcarce  any  Form  which  Jupiter  did  not  at  fome 
Time  or  other  aflume  to  gratify  his  Defires.  Under  the 
Figure  of  a  Satyr  he  violated  Antiope  the  Wife  of  Lycus  King 
of  Thebes^  by  whom  he  had  two  Sons,  Zethus  and  Amphion, 
In  the  Refemblance  of  a  Swan  he  corrupted  Leda  the  Spoufe 
of  Tyndarus^  King  of  Lacojiia.  Under  the  Appearance  of  ^ 
white  Bull  he  carried  off  Europa,  Daughter  of  Agenor  King 
of  Ph^nieia,  into  Crete,  where  he  enjoy'd  her.  In  the  Shape 
of  an  Eagle  he  furpris'd  Afteria  the  Daughter  of  Cceus^  and 
bore  her  away  in  his  Talons  in  Spite  of  her  Modefty.  Aided 
by  the  fame  Difguife,  he  feizM  the  beauteous  Ganymede  Son 
of  T^ros  as  he  was  hunting  on  Mount  Ida^  and  rais*d  him  to 
the  joint  Fun6tions  of  his  Cup-bearer  and  Catamite. 

It  was  indeed  difficult  to  efcape  the  Purfuits  of  a  God, 
who  by  his  unUmited  Power  made  all  Nature  fubfervient  to 
his  Purpofes.     Of  this  we  have  a  remarkable  Inftance  in 

(i)  At  a  Mountain  near  Corinth y  thence  call  'd  Coceyx.' 

(z)  Some  (ay  it  was  Juno  turn'd  lier  into  that  Animal. 

tl)  Caird  Urfa  ma';or  by  the  Latins  f  and  He  lice  by  the  Greeks. 

(4.)  The  L'WJ  Mi'^.cr  of  tl)e  Latim,  and  Cynofura  of  the  Creeks. 

Danaf* 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  37 

Danae^  whofe  Father  Acrifms  jealous  of  her  Condu£^,  had 
fecured  her  in  a  Brazen  Tower ;  \)vxjupiter  defcending  in  a 
golden  Shower,  found  Means  to  elude  all  the  Vigilance  of 
her  Keepers.  He  found  Means  to  inflame  jEgina  the  Daugh- 
ter of  j^fopus^  King  of  Baotia^  in  the  Similitude  of  a  lam- 
bent Fire,  and  then  carried  her  from  Epidaurus  to  a  defert 
Ifle  call'd  OEnope^  to  which  fhe  gave  her  own  Name  (5}. 
Clytoris^  a  fair  Virgin  of  TheJJ'aly,  he  debauch'd  in  the  Shape  of 
an  Ant ;  but  to  corrupt  Alcmena  the  Wife  of  Amphytrion^  he 
was  oblig'd  to  aflume  the  Form  of  her  Hufband,  under  which 
the  fair  one  deceiv'd,  too  innocently  yielded  to  his  Defires. 
By  Thalia  he  had  two  Sons  call'd  the  Pal  lad,  and  two  by 
Frotogenia,  'viz.  Mthlius  the  Father  oi  Endyinion,  and  Epaphus 
the  Founder  of  Memphis  in  Egypt,  and  Father  of  Libya^  who 
gave  her  Name  to  the  Continent  of  AfricL  Ekdra  bore 
him  Dardanus^  Laodamia^  Sarpedon  and  Argus y  Joda7na^  Deu^ 
calion ;  with  many  others  too  tedious  to  enumerate  though 
mention'd  by  the  Poets. 

It  is  very  evident  that  moft,  if  not  all  the  Stories  relating 
to  the  Amours  of  the  Gods,  were  invented  by  their  refpec- 
tive  Priefts,  to  cover  their  Corruption  or  Debauchery.  Of 
which  this  of  Danae  feems  at  leaft  a  palpable  Inftance,  and 
may  ferve  to  give  fome  Idea  of  the  reft :  Acrijius  was  informed 
by  an  Oracle,  that  his  Grandfon  would  one  Day  deprive 
him  of  his  Crown  and  Life ;  on  which  he  {hut  her  up  in  a 
Brazen  Tower  of  the  Temple  of  Apollo  at  Delphos^  the  Priefts 
of  which  Oracle  probably  gave  him  this  Information,  with 
no  other  view  than  to  forward  their  Scheme,  which  tended 
to  griitify  the  Luft  of  Pratus  the  King's  Brother,  who  being 
let  through  the  Roof,  pretending  to  be  Jupiter^  and  throwing 
large  Quantities  of  Gold  amongft  her  Domefticks,  obtained 
his  Wifhes. 

Two  particular  Adventures  of  his  are  too  remarkable  to 
be  pafii'd  in  Silence.     He  had  deluded  by  his  Arts  Scmels 


(5)  The  Ifle  of  JEgina  in  i\iQ  Archipelago. 


Daughter 


38  Fabulous   HISTORY 

Daughter  of  Cadmus^  King  o^Thehes^  who  proved  with  Child. 
Juno  hearing  of  it,  and  intent  on  Revenge,  under  the  Dif- 
guife  of  Beroe^  Nurfe  to  the  Princefs,  was  admitted  to  her 
Prefence,  and  artfully  infinuating  to  her  that  Ihe  might  not 
be  deceiv'd  in  her  Lover,  fhe  advis'd  her  the  next  Time  he 
vifited  her,  to  requeft  as  a  Proof  of  his  Love,  that  fhe  might 
fee  him  in  the  fame  Majefty  with  which  he  embraced  Juno* 
Jupiter  granted,  not  without  Reludance,  a  Favour  he  knew 
would  be  fo  fatal  to  his  Miftrefs.  The  unhappy  Fair-one 
unable  to  bear  the  dazzling  Effulgence  perifh'dinthe  Flames, 
and  with  her,  her  Offspring  mufl  have  done  fo  too,  if  the 
God  had  not  taken  it  out  and  inclos'd  it  in  his  Thigh, 
where  it  lay  the  full  Time,  when  he  came  into  the  World 
by  the  Name  of  Bacchus. 

Jupiter  next  fell  enamour'd  with  lo  the  Daughter  of 
Jnachusy  and,  as  forae  fay,  the  Prieftefs  of  Juno  ;  having  one 
Day  met  this  Virgin  returning  from  her  Father's  Grotto,  he 
endeavour'd  to  feduce  her  to  an  adjacent  Forefl;  but  the 
Nymph  frying  his  Embraces,  he  involv'd  her  in  fo  thick  a 
Mift,  that  fhe  loft  her  Way,  fo  that  he  eafily  overtook  and 
enjoy'd  her.  Junoj  whofe  Jealoufy  always  kept  her  watch- 
ful, mifling  her  Hufband,  and  perceiving  a  thick  Darknefs 
on  the  Earth,  defcended,  difpell'd  the  Cloud,  and  had  cer- 
tainly difcover'd  the  Intrigue,  had  not  Jupiter  fuddenly  tranf- 
form'd  lo  into  a  white  Heifer.  Juno  pleas'd  with  the  Beauty 
of  the  Animal,  begg'd  her,  and  to  allay  her  Jealoufy,  he 
was  oblig'd  to  yield  her  up.  The  Goddefs  immediately  gave 
her  in  Charge  to  -^rgus^  who  had  a  hundred  Eyes,  two  of 
which  only  flept  at  a  Time:  Her  Lover  pitying  the  Mifery 
of  lo  in  fo  ftridt  a  Confinement,  fent  Mercury  down  difguis'd 
Jike  a  Shepherd,  who  with  his  Flute  charm'd  Jrgus  to  fleep, 
feaPd  his  Eyes  with  his  Caduceus  or  Rod,  and  then  cut  off  his 
Head.  Junoy  in  regard  to  his  Memory,  plac'd  his  Eyes  in 
the  Tail  of  the  Peacock,  a  Bird  facred  to  her,  and  then  turn- 
ing her  Rage  againft  lo^  fent  the  Furies  to  purfue  her  where- 

ever 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  39 

ever  {he  went  ( i ) ;  io  that  the  wretched  Fugitive  weary  of 
Life,  implor'd  Jonje  to  end  her  Mifery.  Accordingly  the 
God  intreats  his  Spoufe  to  (hew  her  Compaflion,  fwearing 
by  StyXf  never  to  give  her  further  Caufe  of  Jealoufy.  Juno 
on  this  becomes  appeas'd,  and  /o  being  reftor'd  to  her  former 
Shape,  is  worfhipp'd  in  Egypt  by  the  Name  of  Ifu, 

The  Fable  of  h  and  Argus  is  certainly  of  Egyptian  Birth, 
and  the  true  Mythology  is  this :  The  Art  of  weaving  firfl: 
invented  in  Egypt^  was  by  Colonies  of  that  Nation  carried 
to  Greece  and  Cbolcis,  where  it  was  pra6lifed  with  this  Diffe- 
rence, that  the  Seafons  for  working  were  varied  in  each 
Country  according  to  the  Nature  of  the  Climate.  The 
Months  of  February^  March^  April  and  May  they  employ'd 
in  Egypt  in  cultivating  their  Lands;  whereas  thefe  being 
Winter  Months  with  the  Greciansy  they  kept  the  Looms  bufy, 
Nov/  the  IJiSt  which  pointed  out  the  Neomenia  or  Monthly 
Feftivals  in  Egypt^  was  aUvays  attended  with  an  Horus  or  Fi- 
gure expreflive  of  the  Labour  peculiar  to  the  Seafon.  Thus 
the  Horus  of  the  weaving  Months,  was  a  little  Figure  ftuck 
over  with  Eyes,  to  denote  the  many  Lights  necefTary  for 
working  by  Night.  This  Image  was  call'd  Argos  (2)^  to 
fignify  his  Intention.  Now  the  vernal  IJis  being  depiilur'd 
with  the  Head  of  a  Heifer^  to  exemplify  the  Fertility  and 
Pleafantnefs  of  Egypt  on  the  Sun's  Entrance  into  Taurus^  at 
the  Approach  of  Winter  fhe  quitted  this  Form,  and  fo  was 
faid  to  be  taken  into  Cuftody  of  Argos,  from  whom  fhe  was 
next  Seafon  deliver'd,  by  the  Horns  reprefenting  Anubis,  (ox 
Mercury)  that   is  the  riling  of  the  Dog  Star.     The  taking 

(i)  Dr.  King  relates  this  Srory  a  little  differently,  lo  purfued  by  77/?- 
fhijne  (one  ot  the  Fuiies)  fell  into  the  Sea  and  was  carried  firft  to  the 
I'bracian  Bofpborus,  and  thence  into  if^^-^r,  wliere  the  Monrter  ftill  puf- 
fuing  her,  was  repelTd  by  the  Ni/c.  After  this  (he  was  deify'd  by  Jupiter 
and  appointed  to  prellde  over  Winds  and  Navigation.  It  is  eafy  to  fee  this 
agrees  better  with  the  Egyptian  Mythology. 

(2)  From  Argoth,  or  Argos,  Weaver's  Work  ;  whence  the  Greeks  bor- 
row'd  their  Ejv  ov.  Opus,  or  a  Work.  Hence  the  Iile  of  Amorgos,  one  of 
the  JEgean  Ides,  derives  its  Name  from  An:,  Mother  ;  and  Orgin,  Wea- 
vers, or  the  Mother  or  Colony  cflVi-ai'crs,  being  firft  planted  from  Egypt. 

theie 


40  Fakilous    HISTORY 

thefe  Symbolical  Reprefentations,  in  a  litteral  Senfe,  gave 
Rife  to  the  Fable. 

It  is  no  Wonder  if  the  Number  of  Jupiter's  Gallantries 
made  him  the  Subject  of  Deteftation  among  the  primitive 
Chrijiians^  as  well  as  the  Ridicule  of  the  v^^ifer  amongft  the 
Heathens.  Tertullian  obferves  with  Judgment,  "  That  it 
*'  was  no  way  ftrange  to  fee  all  Ranks  fo  debauched,  when 
*'  they  were  encouraged  in  the  moft  infamous  Crimes  by 
"  the  Example  of  thofe  they  worfhipp'd,  and  from  whom 
''  they  were  to  expe61:  Rewards  and  Punifhments."  Lucian 
in  his  Dialogues  introduces  Momus  pleafantly  rallying  Jonje 
with  regard  to  his  amorous  Metamorphofes.  I  have  often 
trembl'd  for  you,  fays  he,  "  Leafl  when  you  appear'd  like  a 
*'  Bull,  they  fhould  have  carried  you  to  the  Shambles,  or 
*'  clappM  you  in  the  Plough ;  had  a  Goldfmith  catch'd  you 
**  when  you  vifited  Danae,  he  would  have  melted  down 
"  your  Godfhip  in  his  Crucible.  Or  when  you  courted 
**  Leda  like  a  Swan,  what  if  her  Father  had  put  you  on 
«  the  Spit?" 

Jupiter  had  a  Multiplicity  of  Names,  either  from  the 
Places  where  he  was  worfhipp'd,  or  the  Attributes  afcrib'd 
to  him.  The  Greeks  gave  him  the  Name  of  Ato?,  and  Die- 
fpiter^  or  the  Father  of  Light :  They  alfo  gave  him  the  Epi- 
thets of  Xenius,  or  the  Hofpitable.  E/icius  on  account  of  his 
Goodnefs  and  Clemency  ;  and  Dodon^us  on  Account  of  the 
oracular  Grove  at  Dodona,  confecrated  to  him,  and  famous 
thro'  all  Greece. 

Amongft  the  Rojnans  he  had  the  Apellatlons  of  optimut 
maximus^  on  Account  of  his  Beneficence  and  Power :  Almus^ 
from  his  cherifhing  all  Things  ;  Stabilitor,  from  his  fupport- 
ing  the  World  ;  Opitulator  from  his  helping  the  diftrefs'd  ; 
^tator  from  his  fufpending  the  Flight  of  the  Romans  at  the 
Prayer  of  Romulus ;  and  Predator  on  account  of  Part  of  the 
Plunder  being  facred  to  him  in  all  Victories.  From  his 
Temple  at  tlie  Capitol,  on  the  Tarpeian  Rock,  he  was  call'd 
Capitolims  and  Tarpeius,     When  a  Roman  King  or  General 

flew 


u 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  ^i 

flew  an  Enemy  of  the  fame  Quality,  the  Spoils  were  ofFcr'd 
to  him  f^J  by  the  Name  of  Feretrius.  To  conclude  with 
the  Words  of  Orpheus  ^  '*  Jo^e  is  omnipotent,  he  is  the  firft 
*'  and  the  lafi,  the  Head  and  the  Middle,  the  Giver  of  all 

Things,  the  Foundation  of  the  Earth  and  i^arry  Heavens  i 

he  is  both  Male  and  Female,  and  immortal.  Jupiter  is 
*'  the  fource  of  enlivening  Fire,  and  the  Spirit  of  all  Things.'* 

Though  the  Power  of  Thunder  feems  aflign'd  to  Jupiter^ 
yet  according  to  the  antieht  Etrurians  it  was  committed  tc> 
nine  Gods  (^).  The  Romans  took  Notice  only  of  two  Sorts 
of  Thunder,  tjiz.  the  Diurnal^  which  they  afcrib'd  to  J<n>e^ 
and  the  No^umalf  which  they  thought  owing  to  Summanus  or 
Piuto»  With  regard  to  the  firft,  all  Perfons  kill'd  by  it  were 
deprived  of  Funeral  Rites,  and  the  Places  where  it  fell  puri- 
fy'd  by  Sacrifice. 

Jupiter  is  very  differently  reprefented,  according  to  the 
Places  where  he  was  worfhipp'd.  The  Lacedemonians  depic- 
tur'd  him  without  Ears  to  exprefs  his  Impartiality,  whereas 
the  Cretans  painted  him  with  four,  to  denote  his  Omnifcience j 
and  knowing  all  Things.  Thie  Greeks  gave  him  the  Title  of 
^riophthalmus  or  Three-Ey'd,  becaufe  he  furveys  all  Things 
^t  one  View.  Homers  Defcription  of  him  is  fo  majeftick, 
that  it  is  laid  a  famous  Statuary  copied  it  in  his  Work. 

The  ufual  Style  in  which  this  Deity  is  figur'd,  i  ,  feated  on 
a  golden  Throne,  furroun.'ed  with  Clouds,  vcfted  in  a  pur- 
ple Robe,  grafping  his  Thunder,  and  having  the  Eagle  at 
liis  Feet.  Some  place  a  Sceptre  in  his  Right-Hand  with  an 
Eagle  at  the  Top. 

(3)  Hiftory  mentions  three  Inftaiices  of  thcfc  SpoKa  Ofima.  i.  When 
Romului  flew  Acton  King  of  the  Ccnir.enfes.  2.  When  Cornelius  Callus 
kili'd  Tolumniui  King  of  Etruria.  3.  When  M.  Marcellus  vanquifli'd 
Virid«marui  King  of  Caul. 

(4)  AmoBgft  whom  were  Fuhah,  Mintria,  Junof  Mars,  and  the  South 
mnds. 


CHAP, 


42  Fabulous   HISTORY 

CHAP.    XV. 
Of  the    SILVER    AGE- 

1HAVE  already  obfervcd  howcontradidory  theHiflorians 
and  Poets  are  in  their  Accounts  of  the  golden  Age,  and 
the  Reign  oi  Saturn ;  they  are  not  more  confonant  with  Regard 
to  Jupiter  and  the  Age  of  Silver.  If  we  credit  Diodorus^  Saturn 
Tvas  a  Tyrant,  who  by  his  Cruelty  and  Severity  rendered  him- 
felf  fo  unpopular  and  odious  to  his  Subje6b,  that  they  readily 
affifted  his  Son  in  dethroning  him.  How  ihall  we  reconcile 
fuch  an  Adminiftration  with  the  Pi£ture  the  Poets  give  (i) 
us  of  the  golden  Age  in  his  Time  ?  On  the  other  Hand  the 
fame  Hiftorian  reprefents  Jupiter  as  a  wife  and  good  Prince 
who  for  his  Equity  and  Clemency  was  fo  beloved  by  his 
People,  that  they  deify'd  him  after  Death :  How  does  this 
agree  with  the  Poets  Account  of  his  Debaucheries,  and  an 
Age  of  Iron  ?  Some  fay,  to  confirm  this,  that  his  Reign  was 
not  fo  agreeable  to  his  Subjedls  as  that  of  Saturtt,  either  on  Ac- 
count of  the  Rigour  of  his  Government,  or  that  having  af- 
cended  the  Throne  by  Force,  he  maintained  himfelf  in  it  by 
the  Help  of  a  ftanding  Army.  This  Change  gave  Rife  to 
the;  Notion  of  the  Silver  Age,  by  which  is  meant  an  Age 
inferior  in  Happinefs  to  that  which  preceded  it,  though  fu- 
perior  to  thofe  which  followed  after. 

,  Of  this  Age  the  Poets  have  given  us  feveral  Defcrlptions, 
that  of  Hejiod  is  the  molt  antient  one  we  have,  and  ac- 
cording to  the  Genius  of  that  Poet  very  plain  and  fimple. 
O'viiTs  Pi6lure  of  it  is  more  luxuriant  and  embelliih'd, 
though  fufficiently  concife. 

A  C»)  -Perhaps  a  Conjecture  may  be  ofFer'd  to  folve  this  Difficulty.  Saturn 
while  he  reign'd  in  Crete,  before  his  Depofition,  was  probably  a  fevere  and 
arbitrary  Prince,  which  contributed  not  a  little  to  his  Expulfion  j  but  after 
his  Flight  to  Italy ^  and  being  aflbciated  with  Janus  in  the  Kingdom,  he 
was  taught  Wifdom  by  his  Misfortunes,  and  applying  himfelf  to  gain  the 
Love  of  the  People  by  Mildnefs  and  Equity,  became  an  excellent  Prince. 

CHAP. 


J>afe.4-3- 


I.  Ort/t-t/i2m//e^^^/e/» 


i>  L.  ^f/nt^i^cul 


J 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  43 

CHAP.    XVI. 
0/  J  U  N  O. 

UNO  the  Sifter  and  Confort  of  Jupiter ,  was  on  that 
Account  ftyl'd  the  Queen  of  Heaven,  and  indeed  we 
iind  her  in  the  Poets  fupporting  that  Dignity  with  an  Ambi- 
tion and  Pride  fuitable  to  the  Rank  fhe  bore. 

Though  the  Poetical  Hiftorians  agree  fhe  came  into  the 
World  at  a  Birth  with  her  Hufband,  yet  they  differ  as  to 
the  Place,  fome  placing  her  Nativity  at  Argos^  others  at 
Samoi  near  the  River  Imbrafus,  Some  fay  fhe  was  nurs'd  by 
Eubaa^  Por/ymna  zndJr^ea  Daughters  of  the  River  JJierioni 
others  by  the  Nymphs  of  the  Ocean,  Otes^  an  antient  Poet, 
tells  us  fhe  was  educated  by  the  Uora  or  Hours :  And  Homer 
affigns  this  Pofl  to  Oceanus  and  Tethys  themfelves. 

It  is  faid  that  this  Goddefs,  by  bathing  annually  in  the 
Fountain  of  Canatho  near  ArgoSf  renew'd  her  Virginity.  The 
Places  where  fhe  was  principally  honour'd  were  Sparta^ 
Mycene  and  Argos,  At  this  Place  the  Sacrifice  offered  to  her 
confiftedof  100  Oxen. 

Juno  in  a  peculiar  Manner  preflded  over  Marriage  and 
Childbirth ;  on  the  firfl  Occafion,  in  facrificing  to  her,  the 
Gall  of  the  Vidim  was  always  thrown  behind  the  Altar,  to 
denote  no  Spleen  fhould  fubfift  between  married  Perfons. 
Women  were  peculiarly  thought  to  be  under  her  Protedlion, 
of  whom  every  one  had  her  Juno^  as  every  Man  had  his 
Guardian  Genius.  Numa  order'd,  that  if  any  unchafte  Wo- 
man fhould  approach  her  Temple,  fhe  fhould  offer  a  Female 
Lamb  to  expiate  her  Offence. 

The  Lacedemonians  ftyl'd  her  Mgophaga^  from  the  Goat 
which  Hercules  facrificed  to  her.  At  Elis  fhe  was  call'd  Hop- 
lofmia,  her  Statue  being  completely  arm'd.  At  Corinth  fhe 
was  term'd  Buneea^  from  Buno  who  ere£led  a  Temple  to  her 
there.  She  had  another  at  Euhaa^  to  which  the  Emperor 
Adrian  prefented  a  magnificent  Offering,  confifting  of  a 

G  z  Crowft 


44  Fabulous   HISTORY 

Crown  of  Gold,  and  a  purple  Mantle  embroider'd  with  the 
Marriage  of  Hercules  and  Hebe  in  Silver,  and  a  large  Peacock 
whofe  Body  was  Gold,  and  his  Tail  compos'd  of  precious 
Stones  refembling  the  natural  Colours. 

Amongft  the  Romans^  who  held  her  in  high  Veneration 
file  had  a  Multiplicity  of  Names.  The  chief  were,  Lucina 
from  her  firft  fhewing  the  Light  to  Infants ;  Fronuha^  be- 
caufe  no  Marriage  was  lawful  without  previoufly  invoking 
her ;  Socigena  and  Juga  from  her  introducing  the  conjugal 
Yoke,  and  promoting  matrimonial  Union.  Domiduca  on 
Account  of  her  bringing  home  the  Bride ;  Unxia  from  the 
anointing  the  Door  Pofts  at  that  Ceremony.  Cinxia  from 
her  unloofing  the  Virgin-Zone,  or  Girdle ;  PerfeSIa^  becaufe 
Marriage  completes  the  Sexes ;  Opigena  and  Ohjletrix  fromher 
afiifting  Women  in  Labour;  Populofa^  becaufe  Procreation 
peoples  the  World ;  and  So/pita  from  her  preferving  the  Fe- 
male Sex.  She  was  alfo  nam'd  ^iritis  or  Curitis,  from  a 
Spear  reprefented  in  her  Statues  and  Medals  j  Kalendaris^  be- 
caufe of  the  Sacrifices  ofFer'd  her  the  firft  Day  of  every 
Month ;  and  Moneta  from  her  being  regarded  as  the  Godded 
of  Riches  and  Wealth. 

It  is  faid  when  the  Gods  fled  into  Egypt^  Juno  difguisM  her 
felf  in  the  Form  of  a  white  Cow,  which  Animal  was,  on 
that  Account,  thought  to  to  be  acceptable  to  her  in  her 
Sacrifices. 

Juno^  as  the  Queen  of  Heaven,  preferv'd  a  good  deal  of 
State.  Her  ufual  Attendants  were  Terror  and  Boldnefs, 
Caftor  and  Pollux^  and  fourteen  Nymphs  ;  but  her  moil 
faithful  and  infeparable  Companion  was  Iris  the  Daughter  of 
*rhaumasy  who  for  her  furprifing  Beauty  was  reprefented  with 
Wings,  borne  upon  her  own  Rainbow  to  denote  her  Swift- 
nefs.  She  was  the  MefTenger  of  Juno  (i)^  as  Mercury  was 
of  Jcve ;  but  with  this  Variety,  that  the  latter  was  always 
employ'd  on  peaceful  Errands,  and  by  his  Office  was  ap- 

(i)  This  is  not  rtriftly  true;  for  we  fir\A\r>  Homer ,  /;7j  employ'd  by 
Ji'titcr  10  forbid  H<:nor  from  engaging  with  Ackilks. 

pointed 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  45 

pointed  to  releafe  the  Souls  of  Men  from  their  Bodies, 
-whereas  hu  was  commonly  fent  on  Meflages  of  Difcord, 
and  at  Death  feparated  the  Souls  of  Women  from  their  cor- 
poreal Chains  (2). 

This  Goddefs  was  not  the  moft  complaifant  of  Wives. 
We  find  in  Homer,  that  Jupiter  (3)  was  feme  times  oblig'd  to 
make  ufe  of  all  his  Authority  to  keep  her  in  due  Subjeftion. 
When  fhe  enter'd  into  that  famous  Confpiracy  againft  him, 
the  fame  Author  relates  that  by  Way  of  Punilhment,  fhe  had 
two  Anvils  tied  to  her  Feet,  golden  Manacles  faften'd  to  her 
Hands,  and  fo  was  fufpended  inthe  Air  or  Sky,  where  fhe  ho- 
ver'd  on  Account  of  her  Levity,  while  all  the  Deities  look'd 
on  without  a  poflibility  of  helping  her.  By  this  the  Mytho- 
logifls  fay  is  meant  the  Harmony  and  Connexion  of  the  Air 
with  the  Earth,  and  the  Inability  of  the  Gods  to  relieve  her 
fignifies,  that  no  Force,  human  or  divine,  can  diflblve  the 
Frame  or  Texture  of  the  Univerfe  (4).  According  to  Pau- 
fanias  the  Temple  of  Juno  at  Athens  had  neither  Doors  nor 
Roof,  to  denote  that  Jum  being  the  Air  in  which  we  breathe, 
•<!an  be  inclos'd  in  no  certain  Bounds. 

The  implacable  and  arrogant  Temper  of  Juno  once  made 
her  abandon  her  Throne  in  Heaven  and  fly  into  Euhesa^ 
Jupiter  in  vain  fought  a  Reconciliation,  till  he  confulted 
Citheron  King  of  the  Plat^ans,  then  accounted  the  wi fefl  of 
Men.  By  his  Advice  the  God  drefs'd  up  a  magnificent 
Image,  feated  it  in  a  Chariot,  and  gave  out  it  was  Plat^a  the 
paughter  of  jEfopus  whom  he  defign'd  to  make  his  Queen. 
Juno  upon  this  refuming  her  antient  Jealoufy,  attacked  the 
mock  Bride,  and  by  tearing  off  its  Ornaments,  found  the 
Deceit,  quieted  her  ill  Humour,  and  was  glad  to  make  up 
the  Matter  with  her  Hufband. 

Though  none  ever  felt  her  Refentment  more  fenfibly  than 
Hercules^  he  was  indebted  to  her  for  his  Immortality ;  for 

(2)  So  in  Virgil,  Juno  fends  Irii  to  releafe  the  Soul  of  Didc.  after  (ht 
bad  ftabb'd  herfelf. 

(3)  There  are  feveral  diverting  Inftances  of  this  in  Homer  particularly. 

(4)  Thcfe  Interprrtaticns  fcem  to  be  conftrain'd  and  forc'd. 

Pallas 


46  Fabulous   H  I  S  T  O  R  Y 

Pallas  brought  him  to  Jupiter  while  an  Infant,  who,  while 
Juno  was  afleep,  put  him  to  her  Breaft.  But  the  Goddefs 
waking  haftily  feme  of  her  Milk  falling  upon  Heaven  form'd 
the  Milky  Way.  The  reft  dropp'd  on  the  Earth,  where  it 
jRiade  the  Lillies  white,  which  before  were  of  a  Saffron 
Colour. 

Juno  is  reprefented  by  Homer  as  drawn  in  a  Chariot  adorn'd 
with  precious  Stones,  the  Wheels  of  Ebony  nail'd  with  Sil- 
ver, and  drawn  by  Horfes  with  Reins  of  Gold;  but  moft 
commonly  her  Car  is  drawn  by  Peacocks,  her  favourite  Bird. 
At  Corinth  {he  was  depidur'd  in  her  Temple  as  feated  on  a 
Throne,  crowned,  with  a  Pomegranate  in  one  Hand,  and  in 
•the  other  a  Sceptre  with  a  Cuckoo  at  Top,  This  Statue 
was  of  Gold  and  Ivory. 

This  Goddefs  was  no  other  than  the  Egyptian  Ifis,  the 
Wife  oiOJiris^  whom  the  Greeks  and  Romans t  on  Account  of 
the  various  Figures  under  which  ihe  was  reprefented,  fplit 
into  three  or  four  Deities. 


CHAP.    XVII. 
Of    N  E  P  T  U  N  E. 

THIS  remarkable  Deity  was  the  Son  of  Saturn  and 
Vejia,  or  Ops  and  the  Brother  of  Jupiter,  Some  fay 
he  was  devour'd  by  his  Father.  Others  alledge  his  Mo- 
ther gave  him  to  fome  Shepherds  to  be  brought  up  amongft 
the  Lambs,  and  pretending  to  be  delivered  of  a  Foaly  gave  it 
inftead  of  him  to  Saturn.  Some  fay  his  Nurfe's  Name  was 
Jrno ;  others,  that  he  was  brought  up  by  his  Sifter  Juno, 

His  moft  remarkable  Exploit  was  his  affifting  his  Brother 
Jupiter  in  his  Expeditions,  for  which  that  God,  when  he  ar- 
rived at  the  fupreme  Power,  aflign'd  him  the  Sea  and  the 
Iflands  for  his  Empire.    Others  imagine  he  was  Admiral  of 

Saturn''^ 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  ^7 

Saturn's  Fleet,  or  rather  according  to  Pamphus^  Generaliflimc* 
of  his  Forces  by  Sea  and  Land. 

The  favourite  Wife  of  Neptune  was  Amphltrite^  whom  he 
courted  a  long  Time  to  no  Purpofe,  till  he  fent  the  Dolphia 
to  intercede  for  him,  who  fucceeding,  the  God  in  Acknow-^ 
ledgment  plac'd  him  amidft  the  Stars.  Neptune  had  two  other 
Wives,  the  one  call'd  Salacia^  from  the  Salt-JVater,  the  othec 
Venilia,  from  the  Ebbing  and  Flowing  of  the  Tides. 

Neptune  is  faid  to  be  the  firft  Inventor  of  Horfemanlhip 
and  Chariot -Racing.  Hence  Mithridates  King  of  Pontus 
threw  Chariots  drawn  by  four  Horfes  into  the  Sea  in  Honour 
of  him,  and  the  Romans  inftituted  Horfe-Races  in  the  Circut 
during  his  Feftival,  at  which  Time  all  Horfes  left  working^ 
and  the  Mules  were  adorn'd  with  Wreaths  of  Flowers. 
Probably  this  Idea  of  Neptune  arofe  from  the  famous  Contro- 
verfy  between  him  and  Minewa^  when  they  difputed  who 
fhould  give  Name  to  Cecropia.  The  God  by  ftriking  the 
Earth  with  his  Trident  produced  a  Horfe.  Pallas  rais'd  an 
Olive-Tree  by  which  fhe  gain'd  the  Victory,  and  the  new 
City  was  from  her  call'd  Jthens.  But  the  true  Meaning  of 
this  Fable  is  a  Ship,  not  a  Horfe  ^  for  the  Queftion  really  was, 
whether  the  Athenians  fhould  apply  themfelves  to  Navigation 
or  Agriculture,  and  as  they  naturally  inclined  to  the  firft,  it 
was  neceflary  to  fhew  them  their  Miftake,  by  convincing 
them  that  Hulbandry  was  preferable  to  failing.  However,  it 
is  certain  Neptune  had  fome  Skill  in  the  Management  of 
Horfes  ;  For  we  find  in  Pamphus^  the  moft  antient  Writer  of 
divine  Hymns,  this  Encomium  of  him,  '  That  he  was  the 
'  Benefa6lor  of  Mankind  in  beflowing  on  them  Horfes, 
*  and  Ships  with  Decks  refembling  Towers.' 

When  Neptune  was  expell'd  Heaven  for  his  Confpiracy 
againft  Jupiter ^  he  fled  with  Apollo  to  Laomedon  King  of  Troy  ; 
but  he  treated  them  differently :  For  having  employed  them 
in  raifing  Walls  round  this  City,  in  which  the  Lyre  oi  Apollo 
was  highly  ferviceable,  he  paid  that  Deity  divine  Honours, 
whereas  he  difmifs'd  Neptune  unrewarded,  who,  in  Revenge, 

fent 


48  Pabuious    HISTORY 

fent  a  vaft  Sea  Monfter  to  lay  wafte  the  Country,  to  ajipeafe 
which  Laomedon  was  forc'd  to  expofe  his  Daughter  Heftom, 

On  another  Occafion  this  Deity  had  a  Conteft  with  Vulcan 
and  Miner'va  in  regard  to  their  Skill.  The  Goddefs  as  a 
Proof  of  her's  made  a  Houfe,  Vulcan  eredled  a  Man,  and 
l^eptune  a  Bull ;  whence  that  Animal  was  us'd  in  the  Sacri- 
fices paid  him.  But  it  is  probable,  that  as  the  Vidlim  wars 
to  be  black,  the  Defign  was  to  point  out  the  raging  Quality 
and  Fury  of  the  Sea,  over  which  he  prefided. 

Neptune  fell  little  fhort  of  his  Brother  Jupiter  In  Point  of 
Gallantry.  Ovid  in  his  Eplftles  has  given  a  Catalogue  of  his 
MiftrefTes-  By  Venus  he  had  a  Son  call'd  Eryx.  Nor  did  he  af- 
fume  lefs  different  Shapes  to  fucceed  in  his  Amours.  Ceres  fled 
him  in  the  Form  of  a  Mare  j  fie  purfued  in  that  of  a  Horfe; 
but  it  is  uncertain  whether  this  Union  produced  the  Centaur,' 
call'd  Orion^  or  a  Daughter.  Under  the  Refemblance  of 
the  River  Enipeus  he  debauch'd  Tyro  the  Daughter  of  Salmo^ 
neus,  who  bore  him  Pelias  and  Neleus.  In  the  fame  Difguife 
he  begot  Othus  and  Ephialtes^  by  Ephi media  Wife  of  the  Giant 
Moees,  Melantho  Daughter  of  Proteus  often  diverting  hcrfelf 
by  riding  on  a  Dolphin^  Neptune  in  that  Figure  fupriz'd  and 
enjoy'd  her.  He  changed  Theophane^  a  beautiful  Virgin,  into 
an  Ewe,  and  afluming  the  Form  of  a  Ram,  begot  the  golden 
Fleec'd  Ram,  which  carried  Phryxus  to  Cholcis,  In  the  Like- 
nefs  of  a  Bird  he  had  Pegafus  by  Medufa, 

He  was  not  only  fond  of  his  Power  of  transforming  him- 
felf  but  he  took  a  Pleafure  in  beftowing  it  on  his  Favourites  ; 
Froteus  his  Son  poflefs'd  it  in  a  high  Degree.  He  conferr'd  it 
on  PericUmenus  the  Brother  oiNefior^  who  was  at  laft  kill'd  by 
Hercules^  as  he  watch'd  him  in  the  Form  of  a  Fly.  He  eveii 
oblig'd  his  MiftrefTes  with  it.  We  find  an  Inflance  of  this  in 
Metra  the  Daughter  of  Eriftchton.  Her  Father  for  cutting 
down  an  Oak-Grove  confecrated  to  Ceres^  was  pimiih'd  with 
fuch  an  infatiable  Hunger,  that  to  fupply  it  he  was  forc'd  to  i€^ 
all  he  had.  His  Daughter  upon  this  intreated  of  her  Lover 
the  Power  of  changing  her  Form  at  Pleafure  -,  fo  that  becom- 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  49 

ing  fometimes  a  Mare,  a  Cow,  or  a  Sheep,  her  Father  fold 
her  to  reheve  his  Wants,  while  the  Buyers  were  ftill  cheated 
in  their  Purchafe.  Having  ravifh'd  Canis^  to  appeafe  her  he 
promis'd  her  any  Satisfaction,  on  which  fhe  defir'd  to  be 
turn'd  intb  a  Man,  that  fhe  might  no  more  fufter  the  Hke 
Injury.  Her  Requeft  was  granted,  and  by  the  Name  of 
C^neus  fhe  became  a  famous  Warrior. 

Neptune  W2is  a  confiderable  Deity  amongft  the  Greeks,  He 
had  a  Temple  in  Arcadia  by  the  Name  of  Proclyjiius ;  or, 
the  O'verfo^er  ;  becaufe  at  Juno's  Requeft  he  deliver'd  the 
Country  from  an  Inundation.  He  was  cali'd  Hippius^  Hippo- 
courius  and  Taraxippus,  from  his  Regulation  of  Horfeman- 
fhip.  The  Places  moft  celebrated  for  his  Worfhip  were 
T^narusy  Corinth  and  Calabria,  which  laft  Country  was  pe- 
culiarly dedicated  to  him.  He  had  alfo  a  celebrated  Temple 
at  Rome  enrich'd  with  many  naval  Trophies  ;  but  he  receiv'd 
a  fignal  Affront  from  Augujius  Ccsfar^  who  pull'd  down  his 
Statue,  in  Refentment  for  a  Tempeil,  which  had  difpers'd 
his  Fleet  and  endanger'd  his  Life.  Some  think  Neptune  the 
fame  with  the  antient  God  Cenjus  worfhipp'd  at  Romey  and  fo 
cali'd  from  his  advifmg  Romulus  to  the  Pvape  of  the  Sabines, 

Let  us  now  examine  the  mythological  Senfe  of  the  Fable. 
The  Egyptians  to  denote  Navigation,  and  the  annual  Return 
of  the  Phanician  Fleet  which  vifited  their  Coaft,  us'd  the 
Figure  of  an  Ofiris  carried  on  a  winged  Horfe,  or  holding  a 
three-fork'd  Spear  or  Harpoon  in  his  Hand.  To  this  Image 
they  gave  the  Names  of  Pofeidon  ( i )  or  Neptune  (2),  which  the 
Greeks  and  Romans  afterwards  adopted  j  but  which  fuiliciently 
prove  this  Deity  had  his  Birth  here.  Thus  the  Maritime 
Ofiris  of  the  Egyptians  became  a  new  Deity  with  thofe  who 
knew  not  the  Meaning  of  the  Symbol. 

Neptune  reprefented  as  God  of  the  Sea,  makes  a  confide- 

(1)  From  P^/),  Plenty  or  provifions,  and  Jedaim,  the  Sea  Coaft  j  or 
the  provifion  of  the  Maritime  Countries. 

(2)  From  Noiiphy  to  difturb  or  agitate  \  and  oni  a  Fleet,  which  forms 
Neptoni,  the  Arrival  of  the  Fleet. 

H  rab!e 


so  Fabulous   HISTORY 

rable  Figure.  He  is  defcrib'd  with  black  or  dark  Hair,  mi 
Garment  of  an  Azure  or  Sea-Green  Colour,  feated  in  a  large 
Shell  drawn  by  Whales  or  Sea  Horfes,  with  his  Trident  in 
his  Hand  (3)5  attended  by  the  Sea  Gods  Palamon^  Glaucus 
and  Phorcys ;  the  Sea  GoddefTes,  Thetis^  Melita  and  Panopaa^ 
and  a  long  Train  of  Tritons  and  Sea  Nymphs.  ■  In  fome 
antient  Gems  he  appears  on  Shore;  but  always  holding  in 
his  Hand  the  three-fork'd  Trident,  the  Emblem  of  his 
Power,  as  it  is  call'd  by  Homers  and  Virgil^  who  have 
given  us  a  fine  Contraft  with  regard  to  its  Ufe.  The  antient 
Foets  all  make  this  Inftrument  of  Brafs ;  the  modern  Pain- 
ters of  Silver, 

(3)  Some  by  a  far-fetch'd  Allufion,  imagine  the  triple  Forks  of  the 
Trident  reprefent  the  three- fold  Power  of  Neptune  in  difturbing,  moderat- 
ing^ or  calming  the  Seas.  Others  his  power  over  Salt  Water,  trelh  Water, 
and  that  of  Lakes  or  Pools. 


CHAP.    xvin. 
Of    PLUTO. 

WE  now  come  to  the  third  Brother  of  Jupiter,  and  not 
the  leaft  formidable,  if  we  confider  his  Power  and 
Dominion.  He  was  like  him  the  Son  of  Saturn  and  Ops, 
and  when  his  vi6torious  Brother  had  eftablifti'd  himfelf  in 
the  Throne,  he  was  rewarded  with  a  Share  in  his  Father's 
Dominions,  which  as  fome  Author's  fay,  was  the  Eajlern 
Continent  and  lower  Part  of  Jfia,  Others  make  his  Divi- 
fion  lie  in  the  Weft,  and  that  he  fix'd  his  Refidence  in  Spain, 
which  being  a  fertile  Country  and  abounding  in  Mines,  he 
was  efteem'd  the  ( i )  God  of  Wealth. 

Some  imagine  that  his  being  regarded  as  the  Ruler  of  the 
Dead  and  King  of  the  infernal  Regions,  proceeded  from  his 

(i)  The  Poets  confound  Pluto  the  God  of  Hell  with  Pluttn  the  God  of 
Riches  ;  whereas  they  are  two  very  diftinit  Deities,  and  were  always  fo 
confider'd  by  the  Antients. 

firft 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  51 

firfl  teaching  Men  to  bury  the  deceased,  and  Inventing  Fu- 
neral Rites  to  their  Honour.  Others  fay  he  was  a  King  of 
the  MoloJJians  in  Epirus,  call'd  Jidoneus  or  Orciis,  that  he  ftole 
Proftrpinas  Wife,  and  kept  a  Dog  call'd  Cerberus^  who  de- 
vour'd  Pirithous^  and  would  have  lerv'd  Thejem  in  the  fame 
Manner,  if  Hercules  had  not  timely  interpos'd  to  fave  him. 

The  Poets  relate  the  Matter  differently  :  They  tell  us  that 
Pluto  chagrin'd,  to  fee  himfelf  childlefs  and  unmarriedj 
while  his  two  Brothers  had  large  Families,  mounted  his 
Chariot  to  vifit  the  World,  and  arriving  in  o/cZ/y,  chanc'd 
to  view  Proferpine^  with  her  Companions,  gathering  Flow- 
ers (2).  Urged  by  his  Paffion  he  forc'd  her  into  his  Chariot, 
and  drove  her  to  the  River  Chemarus^  through  which  he 
open'd  himfelf  a  Paffage  back  to  the  Realms  of  Night.  Ceres 
difconfolate  for  the  Lofs  of  her  loved  Daughter,  lighted  two 
Torches  at  the  Flames  of  Mount  jEtna^  and  wander'd 
through  the  World  in  Search  of  her;  till  hearing  at  laft 
where  fhe  was,  fhe  carried  her  Complaint  to  Jupiter^  who 
on  her  repeated  Sollicitations,  promis'd  that  Proferpine  fliould 
be  reflor'd  to  her^  provided  fhe  had  not  yet  tafted  any  Thing 
in  Hell.  Qr^j  joyfully  bore  this  CommiiTion,  and  her  Daugh- 
ter was  preparing  to  return,  when  Jfcalaphus^  the  Son 
of  Acheron  and  Gorgyra  gave  Information,  that  he  faw 
Profperine  eat  fome  Grains  of  a  Pomegranate  fhe  had  gathered 
in  Pluto  ?>  Orchard,  fo  that  her  Return  was  immediately 
countermanded.  Afcalaphus  was  for  this  malicious  Intelli- 
gence transform'd  into  a  Toad.  But  Jupiter^  in  order  to 
mitigate  the  Grief  of  Ceres^  for  her  Difappointment,  granted 
that  her  Daughter  fnould  half  the  Year  refide  with  her,  and 
the  other  Half  continue  in  Hell  with  her  Hufband.  It  is 
eafy  to  fee,  that  this  Part  of  the  Fable  alludes  to  the  Corn, 
which  muft  remain  all  the  Winter  hid  in  the  Ground,  in 
order  to  fprout  forth  in  the  Spring  and  produce  the  Harveft. 

Pluto  was  extremely  rever'd  both  amongfl  the  Greeks  and 
Rofnatis.   He  had  a  magnificent  Temple  at  Pjhs^  near  which 

(2)  In  the  Valley  of  Enna  near  Mount  Mtna, 

H  2  waa 


jz-  Fabulous    HISTORY 

was  a  Mountain,  that  derlv'd  its  Name  from  the  Nymph 
Menthe^  whom  Proferpine  out  of  Jealoufy  at  Pluto's  FamiU- 
arity  with  her,  changed  into  the  Herb  call'd  Mint.  Near 
the  River  Corellus  in  Baotia  this  Deity  had  alfo  an  Altar  in 
common  with  Pallas^  for  fome  myftical  Reafon.  The 
Greeks  call'd  him  A^elejius,  becaufe  all  Mirth  and  Laughter 
were  banifh'd  his  Dominions  j  as  alfo  Hades,  on  Account  of 
the  Gloominefs  of  his  Dominions.  Among  the  Romans  he 
had  the  Name  of  Februus  from  the  Luftrations  ufed  at  Fune- 
rals, and  Summanus  becaufe  he  was  the  chief  of  Gholls,  or 
rather  the  Prince  of  the  Infernal  Deities.  He  was  alfo  call'd 
the  Terreflrial  or  Infernal  Jupiter. 

His  chief  Feftival  was  in  February^  and  call'd  Charijiia, 
becaufe  Oblations  were  made  for  the  Dead,  at  which  Rela- 
tions affifted,  and  all  Qiiarrels  were  amicably  adjufted. 
Black  Bulls  were  the  Vidtims  ofFer'd  up,  and  the  Ceremo- 
nies were  perform'd  in  the  Night,  it  not  being  lawful  to  fa- 
crifice  to  him  in  the  Day-time  (3). 

Pluto  is  ufually  reprefented  in  an  Ebony  Chariot  drawn  by 
Four  Black  Horfes,  whofe  Names  the  Poets  have  been  care- 
ful to  tranfmit  (4)  to  us.  Sometimes  he  holds  a  Sceptre  to 
denote  his  Power,  at  others  a  Wandwixh.  which  he  commands 
and  drives  the  Ghofts,  Homer  fpeaks  of  his  Helmet,  as 
having  the  Quality  of  rendering  the  Wearer  invifible ;  and 
tells  us  that  Minernja  borrow'd  it  when  fhe  fought  againfl  the 
Trojans^  to  be  conceal'd  from  Mars. 

Let  us  now  feek  the  Mythology  of  the  Fable  in  that 
Country  where  it  firft  fprung,  and  we  fhall  find  that  the  my- 
fterious  Symbols  of  Truth  became,  in  the  Sequel  through 
Abufe,  the  very  Sources  of  Idolatry  and  Error.  Pluto  was 
indeed  the  Funeral  Ofiris  of  the  Egyptians.  Thefe  People  ( 5 ) 
every  Year,  at  an  appointed  Seafon,  aflembled  to  mourn 

(3)  On  Account  of  his  Averfion  to  the  Light. 
(4.)  Or-phnaui,  JEthon,  NyBeus,  and  Alaflor. 

(5)  The  Jeius  retain'd  this  Cuftom,  as  we  find  by  the  annual  Lamen- 
tations of  the  Virgins  over  Je^tka'z  Daughter. 

over 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  53 

over  and  offer  Sacrifices  for  their  Dead.  The  Image  that 
was  expos'd,  to  denote  the  Approach  of  this  Solemnity,  had 
the  Name  of  Pelouta  (6)  or  the  Deliverance,  becaufe  they  re- 
garded the  Death  of  the  Good,  as  a  Deliverance  from  Evil. 
This  Figure  was  reprefented  with  a  radiant  Crown,  his  Body 
being  entwin'd  with  a  Serpent,  accompanied  with  the  Signs 
of  the  Zodiack^  to  fignify  the  Duration  of  one  Sun,  orSoiar 
Year. 

(6)  VxomValat,  to  free  or  deliver,  comes  Pi?/oar<2£>  Deliverance,  \vhich 
is  eaiily  by  Corruption  made  Pluto, 


CHAP.    XIX. 
Of    PROSERPINE, 

THIS  Goddefs  was  the  Daughter  of  Jupiter  and  Ceresy 
and  educated  in  Sicily ;  from  whence  fhe  was  ftole  by 
Pluto,  as  is  related  in  the  preceding  Article.  Some  fay  fhe 
was  brought  up  with  ]\Iiner'va  and  Diana^  and  being  ex- 
tremely beautiful  was  courted  both  by  Mars  and  Apollo ^  who 
could  neither  of  them  obtain  her  Mother's  Confent.  Jupiter y 
it  is  faid,  was  more  fuccefsful,  and  ravifh'd  her  in  the  Form 
of  a  Dragon.  The  Ph^nicians  on  the  other  Hand  affirm 
with  more  Reafon,  that  fhe  was  earlier  known  to  them 
than  to  the  Greeks  or  Romans  \  and  that  it  was  about  200 
Years  after  the  Time  of  Mojes,  that  fhe  was  carried  off  by 
Aidoneus  or  Orcus  King  of  the  MoloJ/ians. 

Jupiter  on  her  Marriage  with  Pluto  gave  her  the  Ifle  of 
Sicily  as  a  Dowry  ;  but  fhe  had  not  been  long  in  the  infernal 
Regions,  when  the  Fame  of  her  Charms  induced  Thefeus  and 
Pirithous,  to  form  an  Affociation  to  carry  her  off.  They 
defcended  by  Way  of  Tanarus,  but  fitting  to  reft  themfelves 
on  a  Rock  in  the  infernal  Regions,  they  could  not  rife  again, 
but  continued  fixed,  till  Hercules  deliver'd  Thefeus,  becaufe 
his  Crime  confifted  enly  in  afTifting  his  Friend,  as  bound  by 

Oath 


54  Fabulous   HISTORY 

Oath  (0;  but  Pirithouswz^  left  in  Durance,  becaufe  he 
had  endanger'd  himfelf  through  his  own  Wih'^ulners  and 
Rafhnefs. 

Others  make  Proferpine  the  fame  with  Luna,  Hecate  and 
Diana^  the  fame  Goddefs  being  call'd  Luna  in  Heaven* 
Diana  on  Earth,  and  Hecate  in  Hell,  when  fhe  had  the  Name 
of  Tri/ormis  or  Tergatnina.  The  Greeks  call'd  her  Defpoina^  or 
the  Lady^  on  Account  of  her  being  Queen  of  the  Dead. 
Dogs  and  barren  Cows  were  the  Sacrifices  ufually  ofFer'd  to 
her. 

She  is  reprefented  under  the  Form  of  a  beautiful  Woman 
enthron'd,  having  fomething  ftern  and  melancholy  in  her 
Afpedt. 

The  mythological  Senfe  of  the  Fable  is  this :  The  NaYne 
oi  Proferpine^  ox  For feph one  zmong^  iht' Egyptians,  was  ufed 
to  denote  the  Change  produc'd  in  the  Earth  by  the  Deluge 
(2)5  which  deftroy'd  its  former  Fertility,  and  render'd  Til- 
lage and  Agriculture  necefTary  to  Mankind. 

( i)  They  agreec^  to  affift  each  other  in  gaining  a  Miftrefs.  Pirtthous  had 
helped  Tbefeus  to  get  Helena,  who  in  Return  attended  him  in  this  Ex- 
pedition. 

(a)  From  Peri,  Fruit ;  and  Patat,  to  perifti  ;  comes  Perepbattab,  or 
the  Fruit  loji.  From  Peri,  Fruit ;  and  Sapbon,  to  hide,  comes  Perfe- 
pkonab,  or  the  Corn  deftroy'd  or  hid. 


CHAP.     XX: 

Of  the  Infernal  Regions, 

IT  is  evident  that  the  Heathens  had  a  Notion  of  future 
Puniftiments  and  Rewards,  from  the  Defcriptions  their 
Poets  have  given  of  Tartarus  and  Elyjium,  though  the  whole 
is  overloaded  with  Fidlion.  According  to  Plato,  Jpallo  and 
Ops  brought  certain  Brazen  Tablets  from  the  Hyperboreans  to 
Delos,  defcribing  the  Court  of  Pluto  as  little  inferior  to  that 
of  Joije  ;  but  that  the  Approach  to  it  was  exceeding  difficult 
on  Account  of  the  Rivers  Acheron^  Cocytus,  Styx  and  Phlege- 

thon^ 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  55 

ihon,  which  it  was  neceffary  to  pafs  in  order  to  reach  thefe 
infernal  Regions. 

Acheron  was,  according  to  fome,  the  Son  of  ^itan  and 
T^erray  or  as  Others  fay,  born  of  Ceres  in  a  Cave  without  a 
Father.  The  Reafon  aflign'd  for  his  being  fent  to  Hell  is, 
that  he  furnifli'd  the  T^itam  with  Water,  during  their  War 
with  the  Gods.  This  fhews  it  was  a  River,  not  a  Perfon  ; 
but  the  Place  of  it  is  not  afcertain'd.  Some  fixing  it  amongft 
the  Cimmerians  near  Mount  Circe  ( i ),  and  in  the  Neighbour- 
hood of  Cocytus ;  others  making  it  that  fulphurous  and  ftink- 
ing  Lake  near  Cap  Mijenum  in  the  Bay  of  'Naples  (2),  and 
not  a  few  tracing  its  Rife  from  the  Jcherujian  Fen  in  Epirufy 
near  the  City  of  Pandofia ;  from  whence  it  flows  till  it  falls 
into  the  Gulf  of  Atnbracia, 

The  next  River  of  the  Plutonian  Manfions  is  Styx^  though 
whether  the  Daughter  of  Oceanus  or  T^erra^  is  uncertain. 
She  was  married  to  Pallas  or  Piras^  by  whom  fhe  had  Hydra. 
To  Acheron  fhe  bore  ViSlory^  who  having  aflifted  Jupiter 
againft  the  Giant s^  he  rewarded  her  Mother  {3)  with  this 
Privilege,  that  the  moft  folemn  Oath  amongft  the  Gods 
fhould  be  by  her  Deity ;  fo  that  when  any  of  them  were 
fufpe»5led  of  Falfhood,  Iris  was  difpatch'd  to  bring  the  Stygian 
Water  in  a  Golden  Cup,  and  if  the  Perfon  prov'd  perjur'd  he 
was  depriv'd  for  a  Year  of  his  Neflar  and  Amhrofia  \  and 
for  nine  Years  more,  feparated  from  the  celeftial  AfTembly. 
Some  place  Styx  near  the  Lake  of  A-vemus  in  Italy,  others 
make  it  a  Fountain  near  Nonacris  in  Arcadia,  of  fo  poifon- 
ous  and  cold  a  Nature,  that  it  would  difTolve  all  Metals  (4), 
and  could  be  contain'd  in  no  Veflel. 

Cocytus  and  Phlegethon  are  faid  to  flow  out  of  Styx  by  con- 
trary Ways,  and  re  unite  to  increafe  the  vafl:  Channel  of 

(i)  On  the  Coaft  of  Naples. 

(2)  Near  Cuma. 

(3)  Some  fay  it  was  on  her  own  Account,  for  difcovering  the  Combi- 
nation of  the  Giants  againft  Jupiter. 

(4)  It  is  reported  Alexander  was  poifon'd  with  it  at  Bahylon,  and  that  it 
was  carried  for  this  Purpofe  in  an  Afs's  Hoof, 

Acheror., 


56  Fabulous    HISTORY 

Acheron,  The  Waters  of  Fhkgethon  were  reprefented  as 
Streams  of  fire^  probably  on  Account  of  their  hot  and  ful- 
phurous  Nature, 


CHAP.    XXI. 

Of  the  Farca  or  Bejlinies, 

THESE  infernal  Deities  who  prefided  over  human 
Life,  were  in  Number  Three^  and  had  each  their  pe- 
culiar Province  aflign'd,  Clothos  held  the  DiftafF,  Lachefis 
drew  or  fpun  oiF  the  Thread,  and  Jtropos  flood  ready  with 
her  SciiTars  to  cut  it  afunder. 

Thefe  were  three  Sifters,  as  fome  fay,  the  Daughters  of 
Jupiter  and  Themis^  and  Sifter  to  the  Horte  or  Hours ;  or  ac- 
cording to  others  the  Children  of  Erebus  and  AW.  They 
were  Secretaries  to  the  Gods,  whofc  Decrees  they  wrote. 

We  are  indebted  to  a  late  ingenious  Writer  for  the  true 
Mythology  of  thefe  Characters.  They  were  nothing  more 
originally  than  the  myftical  Figures  or  Symbols,  which  repre- 
fented the  Months  of  January^  February^  and  March  amongft 
the  Egyptians,  They  depi6tur'd  thefe  in  Female  Drefles, 
with  the  Inftruments  of  Spinning  and  Weaving,  which  was 
the  great  Bufmefs  carried  on  in  that  Seafon.  Thefe  Images 
they  call'd  (i)  Parc^  which  fignifies  Linticn  Cloth ^  to  denote 
the  Manufacture  produc'd  by  this  Induftry.  The  Greeksy 
who  kacw  nothing  of  the  true  Senfe  of  thefe  allegorical 
Figures,  gave  them  a  Turn  fuitable  to  their  Genius,  feitile 
in  Fiction. 

The  Parcce  were  defcrib'd  or  reprefented  in  Robes  of 
White,  border'd  with  Purple,  and  feated  on  Thrones,  with  . 
Crowns  on  their  Heads,  compos'd  of  the  Flowers  of  the 
l^arctjffus, 

(i)  From  P^rf,  or  Parokett,  a  Cloth,  Curtain  or  Sail, 

CHAP. 


r^^j^' 


2-  O/ir'f'/  //rr',-/^,/>/ 


ir.Z,.  t  frn///l  l'.W  . 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.'  £7 

CHAP.     XXII. 
Of  the   HARPIES. 

THE  next  Group  of  Figures  we  meet  In  the  Shadowy 
Realms  are  the  Harpies^  who  were  Three  in  Number, 
Ceimo,  Jello  and  Ocypete^  the  Daughters  of  Oceams  and 
Terra.  They  Hv'd  in  Thrace^  had  the  Faces  of  Virgins,  the 
Ears  of  Bears,  the  Bodies  of  Vultures,  with  human  Arms 
and  Feet,  and  long  Claws.  Phmeus  King  of  Arcadia, 
for  revealing  the  Myfteries  of  Jupiter^  was  fo  tormented  by 
them,  that  he  was  ready  to  perifh  for  Hunger,  they  devour- 
ing whatever  was  fet  before  him,  till  the  Sons  oi Boreas,  who 
attended  Jajon  in  his  Expedition  to  Colchis,  delivered  the 
good  old  King,  and  drove  thefe  Monffers  to  the  Illands 
call'd  Echinades^  compelling  them  to  fwear  to  return  no  more. 
This  Fable  is  of  the  fame  Original  with  the  former  one. 
During  the  Months  of  April^  May,  and  June,  efpecially  the 
two  Latter,  Egypf  was  greatly  fubjecl  to  ftormy  Winds, 
which  laid  wafte  their  Olive  Grounds,  and  brought  nun:ie- 
rous  Swarms  of  Grafhopers  and  other  troublefome  Infects 
from  the  Shores  of  the  Red  Sea,  which  did  infinite  Damage 
to  the  Country.  The  Egyptians  therefore  gave  the  ///es,  or 
Figures  which  proclaim'd  thefe  three  Months,  a  Female 
Face,  with  the  Bodies  and  Claws  of  Birds,  and  ca  I'd  them 
Harop  (2)  a  Name  which  fufficiently  denoted  the  true  Senfe 
of  the  Symbol.  All  this  the  Greeks  realiz'd,  and  embcllifh'd 
in  their  Way. 

(2)  From  Hjrcpb^  or  Harcp,  a  noxious  FJy  j  or  from  Aroeb,  a  Lcc;//?, 


CHAP. 


58 


Fabulous   H  ISTORY 


CHAP.     XXIII. 
Of  CHARON  and  CERBERUS. 

CHARON,  according  to  He/tod* s  Theogony,  was  the 
Son  of  Erebus  and  Nox^  the  Parents  of  the  greateft 
Part  of  the  infernal  Monfters.  His  Poft  was  to  ferry  the 
Souls  of  the  deceas'd  over  the  Waters  of  Acheron.  His  Fare 
was  never  under  one  Half-penny,  nor  exceeding  Three, 
which  were  put  in  the  Mouths  of  the  Perfons  interr'd; 
for  as  to  fuch  Bodies  who  were  denied  Funeral  Rites,  their 
Ghofts  were  forc'd  to  wander  a  hundred  Years  on  the  Banks 
of  the  River,  VirgiPs  u£neidy  VI.  330,  before  they  could 
be  admitted  to  a  PafTage.  The  Hermonienfes  alone  claim'd  a 
free  PafTage,  becaufe  their  Country  lay  fo  near  Hell.  Some 
mortal  Heroes  alfo,  by  the  Favour  of  the  Gods,  were  allow'd 
tovifit  the  infernal  Realms,  and  return  to  Light j  fuch  as- 
Hercules^  Orpheus ,  Vlyjfes^  Thejeus,  and  ^neas. 

This  venerable  Boatman  of  the  lower  World,  is  repre- 
fented  as  a  fat  fqualid  old  Man,  with  a  bufhy  grey  Beard  and 
rheumatick  Eyes,  his  tatter'd  Rags  fcarce  covering  his  Na- 
kednefs.  His  Difpofition  is  mention'd  as  rough  and  morofe, 
treating  all  his  PalFengers  with  the  fame  impartial  Rudenefs, 
without  Regard  to  Rank,  Age  or  Sex.  We  fhall  in  the  Se- 
quel fee  that  Charon  was  indeed  a  real  Perfon,  and  juflly  me- 
rited this  Chara6ter. 

After  crolnng  the  Acheron,  in  a  Den  adjoining  to  the  En- 
trance of  Pluto's  Palace,  was  plac'd  Cerberus,  or  the  three- 
headed  Dog,  born  of  Typhon  and  Echidna,  and  the  dreadful 
Maftif,  who  guarded  thefe  gloomy  Abodes.  He  fawn'd  upon 
all  who  enter'd,  but  devour'd  all  who  attempted  to  get  back ; 
yet  Hercules  once  mafter'd  him,  and  dragg'd  him  up  to  Earth, 
where  in  ftruggling,  a  Foam  dropp'd  from  his  Mouth,  which 
produc'd  the  poifunous  Herb,  call'd  Aco?nte  or  Wolf-Bane. 

Hefiod 


r^^3s- 


JZ.  Ort^//i  i/n^ :  'el-  //^/i 


(^.Z.Jr,u^  -J^u^ 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  ^9 

Eefiod  gives  Cerberus  50,  and  fome  100  Heads;  but  he  is 
more  commonly  reprefented  with  Three.  As  to  the  reft  he 
had  the  Tail  of  a  Dragon,  and  inftead  of  Hair,  his  Body- 
was  cover'd  with  Serpents  of  all  Kinds,  The  dreadfulnefs 
of  his  Bark  or  Howl,  VirgH\  JEneid  VI.  416,  and  the  intol- 
lerable  Stench  of  his  Breath,  heighten'd  the  Deformity  of  the 
Pidure,  which  of  itfelf  was  fufficiently  difagreeable. 


CHAP.    XXIV. 
0/"  N  O  X  and  her  Progeny^  Death,  Sleep,  &c. 

NO  X  was  the  moft  antient  of  the  Deities,  and  Orpheus 
afcribes  to  her  the  Generation  of  Gods  and  Men. 
She  was  even  reckon'd  older  than  Chaos.  She  had  a  nume- 
rous Offspring  of  imaginary  Children,  as  LyJ/a^  or  Madnefs, 
Erys^  or  Contention,  Death^  S/eep  and  Dreams^  all  which  fhe 
bore  without  a  Father.  From  her  Marriage  with  Erebus 
proceeded  Old  Age^  Labour ,  LtO<ve^  Fear^  Deceit^  Emulation^ 
Mijery^  Darknefs^  Complaint^  Objlinacy^  and  Partiality,  Want^ 
Care,  D  if  appointment,  Difeafe,  War  and  Hunger.  In  fhort,  all 
the  Evils  which  attend  Life,  and  which  wait  round  the  Pa- 
lace of  Tluto  to  receive  his  Commands. 

Death  brings  down  all  Mortals  to  the  infernal  Ferry.  It  is 
faid  that  her  Mother  Nox  beftow'd  a  peculiar  Care  in  her 
Education,  and  that  Death  had  a  great  AfFe£lion  for  her 
Brother  Somnus,  or  Sleep,  of  whofe  Palace  Virgil  has  given 
us  a  fine  Defcription,  JSneidVl-  894.  Somnus  had  feveral 
Children,  of  whom  Morpheus  was  the  moft  remarkable  for 
his  fatyrical  Humour,  and  excellent  Talent  in  mimicking 
the  Actions  of  Mankind. 

Amongft  the  Eleans,  the  Goddefs  AW,  or  Night,  was  re- 
prefented by  a  Woman  holding  in  each  Hand  a  Boy  afleep, 
with  their  Legs  diftorted ;  that  in  her  Right  was  White,  to 
I  2  fignify 


6o  Fabulous   HISTORY 

fignify  Sleep,  that  in  her  Left  Black,  to  figure  or  reprefent 
Death.  The  Sacrifice  ofier'd  to  her  was  a  Cock^  becaufe  of 
its  Enmity  to  Darknefs,  and  rejoicing  at  the  Light.  Somnus 
was  ufually  reprefented  with  Wings,  to  denote  his  univerfal , 
Sway. 


CHAP.     XXV.  •  * 

Of  the  Infernal  Judges^  Minos,  Rhadamanthus, 
and  ^acus. 

AFTER  entering  the  Infernal  Regions,  juft  at  the 
Separation  of  the  two  Roads  which  lead  to  Tartarus 
and  Elyfium,  is  plac'd  the  Tribunal  of  the  three  inexorable 
Judges,  w^o  examine  the  Dead,  and  pafs  a  final  Sentence 
on  departed  Souls.  The  chief  of  thefe  was  Minos  the  Son 
of  Jupiter  by  Europa,  and  Brother  of  Rhadamanthus  and 
■  Sarfedon.  After  his  Father's  Death  the  Cretans  would  not 
admit  him  to  fucceed  in  the  Kingdom,  till  praying  to  Nepr 
tune  to  give  him  a  Sign,  that  God  caufed  a  Horfe  to  rife  out 
of  the  Sea,  on  which  he  obtained  the  Kingdom.  Some 
think  this  alludes  to  his  reducing  thefe  Iflanders  to  Subjection, 
by  Means  of  a  powerful  Fleet.  It  is  added,  that  Jo've  kept 
him  nine  Years  conceal'd  in  a  Cave,  to  teach  him  Laws  and 
the  Art  of  Government. 

Khadamanthus  his  Brother  was  alfo  a  great  Legiflator.  It  is 
faid  that  having  kill'd  his  Brother,  he  fled  to  OEchalia  in 
Baotia^  where  he  married  y^/fw£«<2  the  Widow  of  Amphytrion, 
His  Province  was  to  judge  fuch  as  died  impenitent. 

j^acus  was  the  Son  of  Jupiter  by  Mgina.  When  the  Ifle 
of  ^^gina  (focall'd  from  his  Mother)  was  depopulated  by  a 
Plague,  his  Father  in  Compailion  to  his  Grief,  chang'd  all 
the  Ants  there  into  Men  and  Women.  The  Meaning  of 
which  Fable  is,  that  when  the  Pyrates  had  depopulated  the 
Country^,  and  forced  the  People  to  fly  to  Caves,  Macus  en- 

courag'd 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  6i 

courag'd  them  to  come  out,  and  by  Commerce  and  Induftry 
recover  what  they  had  loft.  His  Charader  for  Juftice  was 
fuch,  that  in  a  Time  of  univerfal  Drought,  he  was  nomi- 
nated by  the  Delphic  Oracle  to  intercede  for  Greece ^  and  his 
Prayer  was  anfwer'd. 

Rhada?7ianthus  and  Macus  were  only  inferior  Judges,  the 
firft  of  whom  examin'd  the  Jftaticks^  the  latter  the  Europeans^ 
and  bore  only  plain  Rods  as  a  Mark  of  their  Office.  But 
all  difficult  Cafes  were  referr'd  to  Minos,  who  fat  over  them 
with  a  Sceptre  of  Gold.  Their  Court  was  held  in  a  large 
Meadow,  calFd  the  Field  of  Truth.  Plato  and  TuUy  add 
Triptolemus  to  thefe  as  a  Fourth  Judge. 


CHAP.    XXVI. 
Of  TARTARUS,  and  the  Eumenides  or  Furies. 

IN  the  Recefles  of  the  Infernal  Regions  lay  the  Seat  or 
.  Abode  of  the  wicked  Souls,  cali'd  Tartarus,  reprefented 
by  the  Poets,  as  a  vafl  deep  Pit  furrounded  with  Walls  and 
Gates  of  Brafs,  and  totally  depriv'd  of  Light.  This  dread- 
ful Prifon  is  furrounded  by  the  Waters  of  Phlegethjn,  which 
emit  continual  Flames.  The  Cuftody  of  the  unfortunate 
Wretches,  doom'd  to  this  Place  of  Punifhment,  is  given  to 
the  Eumenides,  or  Furies,  who  are  at  once  their  Gaolers  and 
Executioners. 

The  Names  of  thefe  avengeful  Sifters  were  Tijiphone,  JkBo, 
and  Meg^ra ;  but  they  went  by  the  general  Apellation  of 
the  Furi^y  on  account  of  the  Rage  and  Diftra6lion  attending 
a  guilty  Confcience :  Of  Erynnice  or  Erynnis,  becaufe  of  the 
Severity  of  their  Punifhment;  and  Eumenides,  becaufe  though 
cruel  they  were  capable  of  Supplication,  as  Orejles  found  by 
following  the  Advice  of  Pallas.  Their  Birth  is  fo  differently 
related,  that  it  is  impoffible  to  fix  their  Genealogy  or  Paren- 
tage.    Indeed  the  Theogony  of  the  Greeks  and  Romans  requires 

an 


6i  Fabulous    HISTORY 

an  uncommon  Clue  to  get  out  of  the  Labyrinth,  which  Fic- 
tion has  contriv'd. 

Though  the  Furies  were  implacable,  they  were  fufcepti- 
ble  of  Love.  We  find  an  Inftance  of  this  in  Tijiphone^  who 
growing  enamour'd  with  Cjth^ron  an  amiable  Youth,  and 
fearing  to  affright  him  by  her  Form,  got  a  third  Perfon  to 
difclofe  her  Flame.  He  was  fo  unhappy  to  reject  her  Suitf 
on  which  (he  threw  one  of  her  Snakes  at  him,  which  twin- 
ing round  his  Body  ftrangled  him.  All  the  Confolation  he 
had  in  Death  was  to  be  changed  into  a  Mountain,  which 
ilill  bear3  his  Name. 

Thefe  Goddeffes  were  fo  terrible,  that  it  was  in  fome  De- 
gree facrilegious  to  invoke  their  Name.  Yet  however  the 
Obje6ts  of  Terror,  they  had  their  Temples,  as  at  Athens 
near  the  Areopagus,  at  Cafina  in  Arcadia,  and  at  Carmia  in  the 
Pelopomfus.  But  their  higheft  Solemnities  were  at  Telphufia  in 
Arcadia^  where  their  Prieilefles  went  by  the  Name  of  Hefy- 
chyd^y  and  the  Sacrifices  were  perform'd  at  Midnight,  amidft 
a  profound  Silence,  a  black  Ewe  burnt  whole  being  the 
Vidim.  No  Wine  was  us'd  in  the  Libations,  but  only 
limpid  Water,  or  a  Liquor  made  of  Honey ;  and  the  Wreaths 
us'd,  were  of  the  Flowers  of  the  NarciJ/us  and  Crocus  in- 
termix'd. 

The  Mythologifts  have  aflign'd  each  of  thefe  Tormen* 
treffes  their  particular  Department.  Tijjphone  is  faid  to  punifh 
the  Sins  arifing  from  Hatred  and  Anger^  Megeera  thofe  oc- 
cafion'd  by  Envy ;  and  Ale^o  the  Crimes  owing  to  Ambition 
and  Luft.  Some  make  but  one  Fury,  call'd  Adraftia,  the 
Daughter  of  Jupiter  and  Necejftty^  and  the  Avenger  of  all 
Vice. 

The  Furies  are  depl£l:ur'd  w^ith  Haircompos'd  of  Snakes, 
and  Eyes  infiam'd  with  Madnefs,  carrying  in  one  Hand 
Whips  and  Iron  Chains,  and  in  the  other  flaming  Torches, 
yielding  a  difmal  Light.  Their  Robes  are  black,  and  their 
Feet  of  Brafs,  to  fhew  their  Purfuit  though  flow,  is  fleddy 
and  certain. 

Is 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  63 

Is  it  pofTible  to  conceive,  that  after  this  folemn  and  horrid 
Reprefentation,  the  Eumenides^  or  Furies^  (hould  be  quite 
harmlefs  Beings  ?  And  the  very  Deformities  afcrib*d  to  them 
the  Symbols  of  national  Joy  and  Repofe.  The  Egyptians 
us'd  thefe  Figures  to  denote  the  Three  Months  of  Autumn, 
The  Serpents  wa«  with  that  People,  the  Hieroglyphic  of  Life 
and  Happinefs,  the  Torch  was  the  publick  Indication  of  a 
Sacrifice,  and  they  plac'd  two  Quails  at  the  Feet  of  the  Fi- 
gure to  fignify,  that  the  general  Security  was  owing  to  the 
Plenty  of  the  Seafon.  All  this  is  elucidated  by  the  Names 
of  thefe  vifionary  Beings,  Tifiphone  (i),  Jhao  (2),  and  Me- 
gara  ( 3 ) ;  which  are  all  deriv'd  from  Circumftances  relating 
to  the  Vintage. 

(i)  From  Tfaphan  to  inchfc  or  to  bide,  and  Tfeponeb,  the  Time  of  put- 
ing  the  Wine  into  Pitcher*. 

(2)  From  Leket,  to  gather. 

(3)  From  Migera  the  linking  of  the  Dregs,  or  the  clarifying  the  Wine. 


CHAP.     XXVII. 

Of  the  fabulous  Perfons  punifh'd  in  Tartarus. 

TH  E  Poets,  In  order  to  people  this  difmal  Region, 
have  plac'd  here  the  Giants  or  Titans^  who  rebell'd 
againft  Jupiter^  and  who  are  bound  in  everlafting  Chains. 
They  alfo  mention  feveral  other  notorious  Criminals  con- 
demn'd  to  fuffer  here,  the  chief  of  whom  follow : 

Tityus  was  the  Son  of  Jupiter  and  Elara,  Daughter  of  the 
River  Orchomenius  in  Thejfaly,  His  Father  apprehenfive  of 
'Juno\  Jealoufy,  it  is  faid,  conceal'd  him  in  the  Earth,  where 
he  grew  to  a  monftrous  Bulk-  He  refided  in  Pampaa,  where 
he  became  formidable  for  Rapine  and  Cruelty,  till  Jpollo 
kill'd  him  for  endeavouring  to  raviih  Latona^  though  others 
fay  he  was  flain  by  Diana  for  an  Attempt  on  her  Chaftity. 
He  was  next  fent  to  Tartarus.,  and  chain'd  down  on  his  Back, 
his  Body  taking  up  fuch  a  Compafs  as  to  cover  nine  Acres, 

In 


64  Fabulous    HISTORY 

In  this  Pofture  two  Vultures  continually  prey'd  on  his  Li\'er, 
which  ftill  grew  again  as  faft  as  it  was  confum'd. 

Fhlegyas  was  the  Son  of  Mars^  and  King  of  the  Lapitha^  a 
People  of  Thejfaly :  JpoUo  having  debauch'd  his  Daughter 
Coronisy  to  revenge  the  Injury  he  fet  Fire  to  the  Temple  of 
Delphos,  for  which  Sacrilege  that  God  killed  him  with  his 
Arrows,  and  thruft  liim  into  Tartarus^  where  he  is  fentenc'd 
to  fit  under  a  huge  Rock,  which  hanging  over  his  Head 
threatens  him  with  perpetual  Deftruftion. 

Ixion  was  the  Son  of"  Mars  and  Pijldice^  or  as  others  fay  of 
jEthon  and  Pijione.  Having  married  Dia  the  Daughter  of 
Dioneus^  he  promisM  very  confiderable  Prefents  to  her  Father 
for  his  Confent;  but  to  elude  the  Performance,  he  invited 
him  to  a  Feaft,  and  murdered  him.  Stung  with  Remorfe 
for  the  Crime  he  run  mad,  fo  that  Jupiter  in  Compaflion  not 
only  forgave  him,  but  took  him  up  into  Heaven,  where  he 
had  the  Impiety  to  endeavour  to  corrupt  Jum.  Jupiter  to  be 
the  better  afTur'd  of  his  Wickednefs,  form'd  a  Cloud  in  the 
Shape  of  his  Wife,  upon  which  Ixion  begot  the  Centaurs, 
But  boafting  of  his  Happinefs,  Jo^e  hurl'd  him  down  to 
Tartarus^  where  he  lies  lix'd  on  a  Wheel  encompafs'd  with 
Serpents,  and  which  turns  without  ceafmg. 

Sijiphus  was  a  Defcendant  of  JEolus^  and  married  Merope^ 
one  of  the  Pleiades^  who  bore  him  Glaucus.  His  Refidence 
was  'dtEpyra  in  Pehponefus^  and  he  was  a  crafty  Man.  The 
Reafons  given  for  his  Punifhment  are  various,  though  all  the 
Poets  agree  as  to  its  Nature,  which  was  to  roll  a  great  Stone 
to  the  Top  of  a  Hill,  from  whence  it  conftantly  fell  down 
again,  fo  that  his  Labour  was  incefiantly  renewed  (i). 

Tantalus  a  Phrygian  Monarch,  the  Son  of  Jupiter^  and  the 
Nymph  Plata,  had  the  Impiety,  in  an  Entertainment  he 
gave  the  Gods,  to  kill  his  Son  Pelops  and  ferve  him  up  as  one 
of  the  Difhes.  All  the  Deities  percciv'd  the  Fraud  but 
Ceres^  who  eat  one  of  his  Shoulders  ;  but  in  Compaliion  to 

(i)  Some  make  Syfv^hus  a  Trojan  Secretary,  who  was  punifh'd  for  dif- 
covering  Secrets  of  ijtate.  Others  fay  he  was  a  notorious  Robber  kill'd  by 
Thefeus. 

his 


Of  the  Heathen  Gcds.^  65' 

his  Fate,  fhe  leftorM  him  to  Life  by  boiling  him  in  a  Caul- 
dron, and  gave  him  an  I'vory  Arm  to  fupply  the  Defe6l. 
The  Crime  of  the  Father  did  not  pafs  unpunifh'd.  He  was 
plac'd  in  Tartarus,  where  he  was  afflidled  with  eternal  Thirft 
and  Hunger,  having  Water  and  the  moft  delicious  Fruits 
ftill  within  his  Reach ;  but  not  being  able  to  tafte  either, 
becaufe  they  vanifhM  before  his  Touch.  O^id  IV.  445, 

Salmoneus^  King  of  Elis^  Virgil^  /En  VI.  i;Si;.  had  thePre- 
fumption  to  perfonatc  Jupiter^  by  driving  a  Chariot  over  a 
Bridge  of  Brafs,  and  cafting  flaming  Torches  amongft  the 
Spe6tators,  to  imitate  Thunder  and  Lightning.  For  this  he 
was  doom'd  to  the  Tortures  of  this  infernal  Dungeon. 

The  Belides  complete ,this  fabulous  Catalogue.  They  were 
the  Daughters  of  Danaus  the  Son  of  Belus  who  was  cotem- 
porary  with  Cecrop  King  of  Athens.  This  Prince  who 
came  from  Egypt  into  Greece^  expell'd  Sthenelus  King  of  the 
Jrgi'ves  out  of  his  Kingdom,  and  by  different  Wives  had 
thefe  fifty  Sifters.  His  Brother  Egyptus,  with  whom  he  had 
fome  Difference,  propofed  a  Reconciliation,  by  marrying 
his  Fifty  Sons  with  their  fair  Coufin  Germans.  The  Wed- 
ding was  agreed,  but  Danaus  perfidioufly  diredled  each  of  his 
Daughters  to  murder  their  Hufbands  on  the  Marriage  Night. 
IJypermneJlra  alone  fuffer'd  Lynceus  to  efcape  to  Lyrcea  near 
Argos  (2).  The  Belides,  for  this  unnatural  Crime,  were 
condemn'd  to  draw  Water  out  of  a  Well  with  Sieves,  and 
pour  it  into  a  certain  Veflel ;  fo  that  their  Labour  was  with- 
out End,  or  Succefs. 

(2)  He  afterwards  dethron'd  Danaus. 


CHAP.    XXVIII. 

Of  the  Elyfian  Fields^  and  Lethe. 

BY  Way  of  Contrail  to  Tartarus^  or  the  Prifon  of  the 
Wicked,  let  us  place  the  Elyfian  Fields,  or  the  happy 
Abodes  of  the  Jufl  and  Good,  of  which  Virgil^  of  all  the 

K  antient 


66  Fabulous   HISTORY 

antlent  Poets,  has  given  us  the  moft  agreeahle  Picture,  HrgiPs 
^neidVl,  635.  It  were  endlefs  to  give  all  the  Variety  of 
Defcriptions,  which  a  Subjed  of  this  Nature  affords  Room 
for.  An  eternal  Spring  of  Flowers  and  Verdure,  a  Sky- 
always  ferene,  and  fann'd  by  ambrofial  Breezes,  an  univerfal 
Harmony  and  uninterrupted  Joy  embalm'd  thefe  delightful 
Regions.  But  at  the  End  of  a  certain  Period,  the  Souls  plac'd 
here  return'd  to  the  World  to  re-animate  new  Bodies,  before 
which  they  were  obliged  to  drink  at  the  River  Lethe  (i), 
whofe  Waters  had  the  Virtue  to  create  an  Oblivion  of  all 
that  had  pafs'd  in  the  former  Part  of  their  Lives. 

To  illuftrate  all  this  complex'd  Chaos  of  Fable,  let  us  once 
more  have  Recourfe  to  the  Egyptian  Mythology,  where  we 
{hall  find  the  whole  Secret  of  Tartarus  and  the  Elyfian  Fields 
unravelled.  There  was  near  each  of  the  Egyptian  Towns  a 
certain  Ground  appointed  tor  a  common  Burial-Place.  That 
at  Memphist  as  defcrib'd  by  DiodaiiSy  lay  on  the  other  Side 
of  the  Lake  Achemfia  (z)  to  the  Shore  of  which  the  deceased 
Perfon  was  brought,  and  fet  before  a  Tribunal  of  Judges 
appointed  to  examine  into  his  Conduct.  If  he  had  not  paid 
his  Debts  his  Body  was  deliver'd  to  his  Creditors,  till  his 
Relations  releas'd  it,  by  collecting  the  Sums  due.  If  he 
had  not  faithfully  obferv'd  the  Laws,  his  Body  was  left  un- 
buried,  or  probably  thrown  into  a  Kind  of  common  Shore 
call'd  Tartarus  f^J,  The  fame  Hiftorian  informs  us,  that 
near  Memphis  there  was  a  leaking  Veflel  into  which  they  in- 
ceflantly  pour'd  Ni/e  Water,  v/hich  Circumftance  gives 
ground  to  imagine,  that  the  Place  where  unburied  Bodies 
were  cait  out,  was  furrounded  with  Emblems  exprellive  of 
Torture  or  Remorfc,  fuch  as  a  Man  tied  on  a  Wheel  always 
in  Motion  ;  another  vi^hofe  Heart  was  the  Prey  of  a  Vulture  ; 
and  a  Third  rolling  a  Stone  up  a  Hill  with  fruitlefs  Toil. 
Hence  the  Fables  of  Ixion^  Prometheus  and  Syftphus, 

(i)   Az-o  Trj?  Ayj^/j;,  or  Ohii-vion. 

(2)  From  Ackarci,  after  ;  and  ijh,  Man  5  comes  Achariijhy  or  the  laji 
State  of  Men,  or  Acheron,  that  is,  the  ultimate  Condition. 

(3)  From  the  Chaldaick  Tarah^  Admonition,  doubled  Comes  Tartar  ah  y 
OV  'Tartarus,  that  is,  an  cxtraordirary  JVarning, 

When 


Jh^^  ^y. 


Z.  ^n/i 


i/r/L  i^*tv.  e-ra^uf? 


'/-c/^/^': 


^.Jj.  J'mieA^t^ct//^- 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  67 

When  no  Accufer  appear'd  again  ft  the  DeceasM,  or  the  Ac- 
cufer  was  conviiled  of  P'alfhood,  they  ceafed  to  lament  him» 
and  his  Panegyrick  was  made  ;  after  which  he  was  delivered 
to  a  certain  fevere  Ferryman,  who  by  Order  of  the  Judges, 
and  never  without  it,  receiv'd  the  Body  into  his  Boat  (4)  and 
tranfported  it  a-crofs  the  Lake,  to  a  Plain  embellifh'd  with 
Groves,  Brooks,  and  other  rural  Ornaments.  This  Place 
was  call'd  Elizout  (5),  or  the  Habitation  of  Joy.  At  the  En- 
trance of  it,  was  pofited  the  Figure  of  a  Dog  with  three 
Pair  of  Jaws,  which  they  call'd  Cerberus  (6)  -,  and  the  Cere- 
mony of  Interment  was  ended  by  thrice  (7)  fprinkling  Sand 
over  the  Aperture  of  the  Vault,  and  thrice  bidding  the 
Deceas'd  JJieu  All  thefe  wife  Symbols  addrefs'd  as  fo 
many  Inftruilions  to  the  People,  became  the  Sources  of  end- 
lefs  Ficliion,  when  tranfplanted  to  Greece  and  Rome,  The 
Egyptians  regarded  Death  as  a  Deliverance  ( 8).  The  Boat  of 
Tranfportation  they  call'd  ^mj  (9),  or  Tranquility  j  and  the 
Waterman,  who  was  impartial  in  the  juft  Execution  of  his 
Office,  they  ftyl'd  Charon  which  fignifies  Inflexibility  or 
AVrath. 

(4)  Sometimes  the  Judges  denied  even  their  Kings  Funeral  Rites  on 
account  of  their  Mif-  government. 

(5)  From  Elixout,  full  Satisfa£lion,  or  a  Place  of  Repofe  and  Joy. 

(6)  They  plac'd  this  Image  on  Account  of  that  Animal's  known  Fide- 
lity to  Man.  The  three  Heads  denoted  the  three  Funeral  Cries  over  the 
Corpfe,  which  is  the  Meaning  of  the  Name,  from  Cert  or  Criy  an  Excla- 
mation j  and  Ber  the  Grave  or  Vault,  comes  Cerber  or  Cerieru:,  the 
Cries  of  the  Grave. 

(7)  Jnjeffo  ter  ful'vere.     Horace^  Book  I.  Ode  28. 

(8)  They  call'd  it  Feloutab,  Alleviation  or  Deliverance.  Horace  has 
the  fame  Thought. 

Lev  are  funElum  pauper  em  Labor  i  bus. 

(9)  From  Beriy  Quiet,  Serenity  j  whence  Diodorus  Siculus  calls  Cbaron^s 
Bark  Ben's. 

CHAP.     XXIX; 
Of  APOLLO. 

THIS  Deity  makes  one  of  the  moft  confpicuous  Fi- 
gures in  the  Heathen  Theology,  indeed  not  unjuftly, 
from  the  glorious  Attributes  afcrib'd  to  him  of  being  the  God  of 

K  2  Li^bty 


68         -     Fabulous    HISTORY 

Light t  Medicine^  Verfe  and  Prophecy,  Tally  mentions  four  ofthiS 
Name,  the  moft  antient  of  whom  was  the  Son  of  Vulcan^  and 
tutelary  God  of  the  Athenians  J  the  Second  a  Son  of  Corybas^ 
and  born  in  Crete ;  the  Third  an  Arcadian  call'd  Nomion^  from 
his  being  a  great  Legillator ;  and  the  laj}^  to  whom  the 
greateft  Honour  is  afcrib'd,  the  Son  of  Jupiter  and  Latona(ij9 
whofe  Beauty  having  gain'd  the  AfFe6tion  of  the  King  of 
the  Gods,  Juno^  on  her  difcovering  her  Pregnancy,  drove 
her  out  of  Heaven,  and  commanded  the  Serpent  Pytho  to 
deftroy  Her,  from  whofe  Purfuit  Latona  fled  to  the  Ifle  of 
Delos  in  the  Shape  of  a  Quail  (z)^  where  fhe  was  deliver'd 
of  Twins,  caird  Diana  and  Apollo^  the  latter  of  whom  foon 
after  his  Birth,  deftroy'd  the  Monfler  Pytho  with  his  Arrows 
(^3^,  though  fome  defer  the  Time  of  this  Vidory  till  he 
came  to  riper  Years.  But  Latona's  Troubles  did  not 
end  here,  for  flying  into  Lycia  with  her  Children,  fhe  was 
denied  the  Water  of  the  Fountain  I^ela^  by  the  Shepherd 
Niocles  and  his  Clowns,  upon  which  fhe  turn'd  them  into 
Frogs,  After  fettling  her  Son  Apollo  in  Lycia^  fhe  return'd 
to  Delosy  and  Diana  went  to  refide  in  Crete, 

The  Adventures  of  Apollo  are  pretty  numerous.  The  moft 
remarkable  are,  his  Quarrels  with  Jupiter  on  account  of  the 
Death  of  his  Son  Mfculapius,,  kill'd  by  that  Deity  on  the 
Complaint  of  Pluto^  that  he  decreased  the  Number  of  the 
Dead  by  the  Cures  he  performed.  Apdlo  to  revenge  this  In- 
jury kill'd  the  Cyclops^  who  forg'd  Jonje's  Thunderbolts,  for 
which  he  was  banifti'd  Heaven,  and  endur'd  great  Sufferings 
on  Earth,  being  forc'd  to  hire  himfelf  as  a  Shepherd  to  (d^) 
Admetus  King  of  Thejaly^  during  his  exercifmg  which  Office 
he  is  faid  to  have  invented  the  Lyre  or  Lute,  to  footh  his 

(i)  The  Daughter  of  Cau%  the  T/V<r«,  and  Vhcehe. 

(2)  W^ hence  the  Ifle  was  calPd  Ortygia\  though  fome  fay  that  AV/>/««e 
rais'd  it  out  of  the  Sea  to  give  her  Refuge. 

(3)  Some  alTert  that  Diana  afiTifted  him  in  this  Fight. 

(4)  Some  give  this  Hiflory  another  Turn,  and  tell  us  that  Apol/o  being 
King  of  the  Arcadians,  and  depos'd  for  his  Tyranny,  fled  to  Admetus , 
who  gave  him  the  Command  of  the  Country  lying  near  the  River  yf«- 
fbrypsj  inhabited  by  Sbe^berds, 

Trouble, 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  (J9 

Trouble.  In  this  Retirement  an  odd  Incident  happen'd  ta 
him  ;  Mercury  was  born  in  the  Morning,  by  Noon  he  had 
learn'd  Mufick,  and  compos'd  the  Tejiudo,  and  in  the  Even- 
ing coming  to  Jpollo  he  fo  amus'd  him  v/ith  this  new  Inftru- 
ment,  that  he  found  an  Opportunity  to  fteal  bis  Catde. 
Jpollo  difcovering  the  Theft,  and  infifting  on  Reftitution,  the 
ily  Deity  ftole  his  Bow  and  Arrows  j  fo  that  he  was  forc'd 
to  change  his  Refentment  into  Laughter  (^5^. 

From  T^hejfaly,  Jpollo  remov'd  to  Sparta^  and  fettled  near 
the  River  Eurotas,  where  he  fell  in  Love  with  a  fair  Boy 
cali'd  Hyachithus,  with  whom  being  at  Play,  7,ephyrus  through 
Envy  blew  Apollo's  Quoit  at  his  Head,  and  kill'd  him  on  tho 
Spot.  To  preferve  his  Memory,  the  God  from  his  Blood 
rais'd  the  Flower  which  bears  his  Name  (6).  Though  ac- 
cording to  others  he  only  ting'd  with  it  the  Violet  (which 
was  white  before)  into  a  Purple.  O'vid  has  given  us  this 
Story  with  his  ufual  Art  (7). 

CypariJJus  a  beautiful  Boy,  a  Favourite  of  Jpollo,  being 
excellively  griev'd  for  the  Death  of  a  Fawn  or  Deer  he  lov'd^ 
was  chang'd  by  him  to  a  Cyprefs  Tree,  which  is  frnce  facred 
to  Funeral  R.ites. 

Apollo  next  vifited  Laomedon  King  of  Troy,  where  finding 
^eptune  in  the  fame  Condition  with  himfelf,  and  exil'd  from 
Heaven,  they  agreed  with  that  King  to  furnifh  Bricks  to 
build  the  Walls  of  his  Capital ;  but  being  cheated  of  their 
promis'd  Reward,  Jpollo  fent  a  Peftilence,  which  made  great 
Havock.     He  alfo  aififted  Akathons  in  building  a  Labyrmth« 

(5)  Te  Bovei  oliniy  niji  reddidijfes 
Per  dolum  amotas,  puerum  minaci 
Voce  dum  terrety  Viduus  Pharetra 

Rifit  Apollo.  Horat.  Lib.  I.  Ode  X.  1.  10. 

(6)  The  Hyacinth  or  Violet. 

(7)  lalia  dum  vera  msmorantur  Apollinis  orSf 

Ecce  CruoKy  qui  fujus  hutr.i  Jigna-verat  Her  bam, 

Deftnit  ejfe  Cruor  > Tirtoque  mtentior  OJiro 

Flos  oritur  ;  formamque  capit ^  quam  Lilia  :  Si  ron 
Furjfureui  color  huic,  Argenteus  ejfet  in  illis. 

Ovid  Metamorph,  Lib,  X.  209,. 


70  Fabulous   HISTORY 

in  which  was  a  Stone  on  which  he  us'd  to  repofit  his  Lyre^  and 
which  emitted  an  harmonious  Sound  on  the  flighteft  Stroke. 

Though  Apollo  was  diftinguifh'd  for  his  Excellency  in 
Mufick,  yet  he  was  extremely  jealous  of  Rivalfhip  on  this 
Head.  It  was  on  this  Account  the  Mufes  were  under  his 
immediate  Prote£lion  (^),  and  the  Grafhopper  was  confe- 
crated  to  him  by  the  Athenians  on  account  of  its  Harmony 
((^).  We  find  Midas  King  of  Phrygia  being  conftituted  Judge 
between  him  and  Pan^  who  pretended  to  vye  with  him  for 
Harmony,  and  giving  Judgment  for  the  latter,  rewarded 
with  a  Pair  of  Afles  Ears,  to  point  out  his  bad  Tafte  ^io>^. 
0<vid  has  defcrib'd  this  Story  in  an  agreeable  Manner.  Linuj^ 
who  excell'd  all  Mortals  in  Mufick,  prefuming  to  fmg  with 
Apollo^  was  punifti'd  with  Death  -,  nor  did  Marfyas  the  Satyr 
efcape  much  better,  for  having  found  a  Flute  or  Pipe  which 
Miner'va  threw  away  (\\)  he  had  the  Vanity  to  difpute  the 
Prize  with  Apollo,  who  being  decreed  Victor,  hung  up  his 
Antagonift  on  the  next  Pine  Tree,  and  flea'd  him  alive- 
but  afterwards  changed  him  into  a  River,  which  falls  into 
the  Meander. 

This  Deity  was  fo  fkill'd  in  the  Bow,  that  his  Arrows 
were  always  fatal.  Python  and  the  Cyclops  experienc'd  their 
Force.  When  the  Giant  ^ityus  endeavour*d  to  ravifh  Diana, 
he  transfix'd  and  threw  him  into  Hell,  where  two  Vultures 
prey  on  his  Liver.  Niobe  the  Daughter  of  Tantalus  and  Wife 
of  Amphion,  being  happy  in  feven  Sons,  and  as  many  Daugh- 
ters, was  fo  foolifh  as  to  prefer  herfelf  to  Latona,  This  fo 
cnrag'd  Apollo  and  Diana,  that  the  former  flew  her  Sons  with 
his  Darts,  and  the  latter  kill'd  her  Daughters  in  the  Embraces 
of  their  Mother,  whom  Jupiter  in  Compaflion  to  her  incef- 

(8)  He  was  the  Prefident  of  the  Mufes,  as  the  God  of  Poetry. 

(9)  The  Grecian  Poets  celebrate  the  Graftiopper  as  a  very  inufical  In- 
fe(5i,  that  fings  amongft  the  higheft  Branches  of  the  Trees  ;  fo  that  it  muft 
have  been  a  very  different  Creature  from  the  Grafhopper  known  to  us. 
See  the  Notes  in  Cooke's  Hefiod. 

(10)  Ow^  Book  XI.  Fab.  III.  1.  90. 

(11)  Becaufe  as  (he  blew  it,  feeing  herfelf  in  a  Fountain,  (he  found  it 
deform'd  her  Face, 

fant 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  ji 

fant  Grief,  turn'd  into  a  Stone^  which  ftill  emits  Moifture 
inftead  of  Tears  ("izj. 

The  true  Meaning  of  the  Fable  of  Niobe  is  this  ;  it  figni- 
fy'd  the  Annual  Inundation  of  Egypt,  The  Affront  fhe  of- 
fered to  Latona  was  a  Symbol,  to  denote  the  Neceffity  (he 
laid  that  People  under  of^retreating  to  the  higher  Grounds. 
The  14  Children  of  t^iobe  are  the  14  Cubits,  that  mark'd  the 
Increafe  of  the  l<lile  (13).  Apollo  2ind  Diana  killing  them 
with  their  Arrows,  reprefents  Labour  and  Induftry  overcom- 
ing thefe  Difficulties,  after  the  Retreat  of  the  Flood.  Niobe^s 
being  turn'd  to  a  Stone,  was  owing  to  an  Equivocation . 
The  Continuance  of  Niobe  was  the  Prefervation  of  Egypt, 
But  the  Word  Se/au,  which  fignify'd  Safety,  by  a  fmall  Al- 
teration (SelanAj)  exprefs'd  a  Stone.  Thus  Niobe  became  a 
real  Perfon  metamorphos'd  to  a  Rock. 

JpoIIo  refembled  his  Father  Jupiter,  in  his  great  Propenfity 
to  Love.  He  fpent  fome  Time  with  Fe/iuj  m  the  Ifle  of 
Rhodes,  and  during  their  Interview  it  is  faid  the  Sky  rain*d 
Gold,  and  the  Earth  was  cover'd  with  Lillies  and  Rofes.  His 
moft  celebrated  Amour  was  with  Daphne,  (the  Daughter  of 
the  River  Peneus)  a  Virgin  of  TheJ/aly,  who  was  herfelf  pre- 
pofTefs'd  in  Favour  of  Leucippus,  a  Youth  of  her  own  Age. 
Jpolloy  to  be  reveng'd  on  his  Rival,  put  it  in  his  Head  to  dif- 
guife  himfelf  amongft  the  Virgins  who  went  a  Bathing, 
who  difcovering  the  Deceit,  ftabb'd  him.  After  this  the 
God  purfued  Daphne ,  who  flying  to  prefer ve  her  Chaftity, 
was,  on  her  Intreaties  to  the  Gods,  changed  into  a  Laurel 
(i^^t  whofe  'Ltzx^s  Apollo  immediately  confecrated  to  bind 
his  Temples,  and  made  that  Tree  the  Reward  of  Poetry. 
The  Nymph  BoUna^  rather  than  yield  to  his  Suit,  threw 

(12)  OwVBookVI.  1.310. 

(13)  The  Statue  of  Nile  in  the  Tuilleries  zt  Par:'s,  has  14  Children 
plrtc'd  by  it,  to  denote  thefe  Cubits. 

(14)  Ovidy  Book  I.  556. 
grafping  at  empty  Praife 


He  fnatcb" d at  Love,  andjUVd  h'n  Armi  nvitb  Bays. 

Waller. 


herfelf 


72  F(^iuIous    HISTORY 

herfelf  into  the  Sea,  for  which  he  render'd  her  immortal : 
Nor  was  he  more  fuccefsful  in  his  Courtfhip  of  the  Nymph 
Cajialia,  who  vanifh'd  from  him  in  the  Form  of  a  Fountain, 
which  was  afterwards  facred  to  the  Mufes  (i^).  He  de- 
bauch'd  Leucothoe  Daughter  of  Orcamus^  King  of  Babylon^  m 
the  Shape  of  her  Mother  Eurynome^  Clytie  her  Sifter  jealous 
of  her  Happinefs  difcover'd  the  Amour  to  their  Father,  who 
order'd  Leucothoe  to  be  buried  alive.  Her  Lover,  in  Pity  to 
her  Fate,  pourM  Nectar  on  the  Grave,  which  turn'd  the 
Body  into  the  Tree,  which  weeps  the  Gum  calPd  Frankin- 
cenfe.  He  then  abandon'd  Clytie  who  pinM  away»  continu- 
ally looking  on  the  Sun,  till  fhe  became  the  Heliotrope  or 
Sun-Flower  (i6). 

Of  the  Children  oi  Jpello  we  fliall  fpeak  more  at  large  in 
the  following  Se6lion. 

Jpollo  had  a  great  Variety  of  Names,  either  taken  from 
his  principal  Attributes,  or  the  chief  Places  where  he  was 
worfhippM.  He  was  call'd  Phabin  on  account  of  his  Splendor, 
and  Deliusj  either  for  his  revealing  Things  conceal'd,  or  his 
being  born  at  Delos,  He  was  ftil'd  Peean  from  his  killing  the 
Python  (17).  Nomixs  and  Agraus^  from  his  feeding  of  Cattle 
and  making  Laws  j  Cynthius  from  Mount  Cynthius  in  Delos, 
The  Latins  call'd  him  Sol. 

The  principal  Places  where  he  was  worfhipp'd  were  Chry- 
fus^  Tenedosy  Cylla^  Cyrrha,  Patraa^  Claros^  Ahaa^  a  City  in 
Lycia^  at  Miletus,  and  amongft  the  M^onians^  from  all  which 
Places  he  was  denominated.  He  had  an  Oracle  and  Temple 
at  T^egyra^  near  which  were  two  remarkable  Fountains,  call'd 
the  Palm  and  the  Oli've^  on  account  of  the  Sweetnefs  and 
Tranfparency  of  the  Water.  He  had  an  Oracle  at  Delos  for 
Six  Months  in  the  Summer  Seafon,  which  for  the  reft  of  the 
Year  was  remov'd  to  Patara  in  Lyciuy  and  thefe  Removals 

(it;)  Thence  call'd  CaPalian  Sifters. 

(16)  O-vjd,  Book  IV.  205. 

(17)  During  this  A(f>ion,  it  is  faid  his  Mother  Latotia  and  Diar.a  encou- 
rag'd  him  with  crying  out  lo  Paan  !  lo  Paan  !  which  Words  became  after- 
wards us'd  in  all  Triumphs  and  Ovations, 

were 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods."  73 

Were  made  with  great  Solemnity.  But  his  moft  celebrated 
Temple  was  at  Delphos  (i8),  the  Original  of  which  was 
thus :  Jpolh  being  inftru6led  in  the  Art  of  Divination  by 
Pan  the  Son  of  Jupiter,  and  the  Nymph  Thymbris^  went  to 
this  Oracle,  where  at  that  Time  Themis  gave  her  Anfwers  ; 
but  the  Serpent  Pytho  hindering  him  from  approaching  the 
Oracle,  he  flew  him  and  fo  took  Pofleflion  of  it.  His  Tem- 
ple here,  in  Procefs  of  Time,  became  fo  frequented,  that 
it  was  call'd  the  Oracle  of  the  Earth,  and  all  the  Nations  and 
Princes  in  the  World  vied  with  each  other  in  their  Munifi- 
cence to  it.  Crajus,  King  of  Lydia  gave  at  one  Time  a 
Thoufand  Talents  of  Gold  to  make  an  Altar  there.  Vha- 
laris  the  Tyrant  of  j^grigentum  prefented  it  a  brazen  Bull,  a 
Mafter-piece  of  Art.  The  Refponfes  here  were  delivered 
by  a  Virgin  Prieftefs  (19)  calPd  Pythia,  or  Phcebas,  plac'd  on  a 
Tripos  (20),  or  Stool  with  three  Feet,  call'd  alfo  Cortina  from 
the  Skin  of  the  Python  with  which  it  was  cover'd.  It  is  un- 
certain after  what  Manner  thefe  Oracles  were  deliver'd, 
though  Cicero  fuppofes  the  Pithonefs  was  infpir'd,  or  rather 
intoxicated  by  certain  Vapours  which  afcended  from  the 
Cave,  In  Italy,  Apollo  had  a  celebrated  Shrine  at  Mount 
Sora^e,  where  his  Priefts  were  fo  remarkable  for  Sandity, 
that  they  could  walk  on  burning  Coals  unhurt.  The  Romans 
ere<S^ed  him  many  Temples.  After  the  Battle  of  Aaium, 
which  decided  the  Fate  of  the  World,  and  fecur'd  the  Em- 
pire to  Augujius,  this  Prince  not  only  built  him  a  Chapel  on 
that  Promontary,  and  renew'd  the  folemn  Games  to  him  ; 
but  foon  after  rais'd  a  moft  magnificent  Temple  to  him  on 
Mount  Palatine  in  Rome,  the  whole  of  Clarian  Marble.  The 

(18)  In  Baoti'a,  fuppos'd  by  the  Antients  to  lye  in -the  Centre  of  the 
World,  becaufe  Jupiter  having  at  one  Time  fent  out  two  Eagles,  one  to 
the  Weft  and  the  other  Eaftward,  they  met  here,  in  Memory  of  which  a 
golden  Eagle  was  depoflted  in  the  Temple. 

(19)  Some  fay  that  the  Pytbonefs  being  once  debauched,  the  Oracles 
were  afterwards  delivered  by  an  old  Woman  in  the  Drefs  of  a  young 
Maid. 

(20)  Authors  vary  as  to  the  Tripos,  fome  making  it  a  Veflel  in  which 
the  Prieftefs  bath'd, 

L  Great 


74  Fabulous   HISTORY 

Gates  V7cre  of  Ivory  exquifitely  carved,  and  over  the  Frors- 
tifpiece  was  the  Solar  Chariot  and  Horfes  of  maffy  Gold.' 
The  Portico  contain'd  a  noble  Library  of  the  Greek  and 
Latin  Authors.  Within,  the  Place  was  decorated  with  noble 
Paintings,  and  a  Statue  of  the  God  by  the  famous  Scopas,  at- 
tended by  a  Gigantic  Figure  in  Brafs  Fifty  Feet  high.  .  In 
In  the  Area  were  four  Brazen  Cows,  reprcfenting  the  Daugh- 
ters of  Pr^tus  King  of  the  Arginjes^  who  were  changed  into 
that  Form  for  prefuming  to  rival  Juno  in  Beauty.  Thefe 
Statues  were  wrought  by  Myron, 

The  ufual  Sacrifices  to  Apollo ^  were  Lambs,  Bulls  and  Oxen» 
The  Animals  facred  to  him  were  the  IVolf^  from  his  acute- 
iiefs  of  Sight ;  the  Croiv  from  her  Augury,  or  foretelling  the 
Weather  ;  the  S^van  from  its  divining  its  own  Death  ;  the 
Jianvk  from  its  Boldnefs  in  Flight;  and  the  Cock  from  its 
foretelling  his  Rife.  The  Grojhofper  was  alfo  reckon'd  agree- 
able to  him  on  account  of  its  Mufick.  Of  Trees,  the  Laurel^ 
Palm,  Olive  and  Juniptry  were  moll  in  Efteem  with  him. 
All  young  Men,  v/hen  their  Beards  grew,  confecrated  their 
Locks  in  his  Temple,  as  the  Virgins  did  theirs  in  the  Tem- 
ple of  Diana. 

The  four  great  Attributes  of  Apollo  were  Divination,  Heal- 
ing, Mufick,  and  Archery  ;  all  which  manifelHy  refer  to  the 
Sun.  Light  difpelling  Darknefs  is  a  llrong  Emblem  of  Truth 
diliipating  Ignorance :  What  conduces  more  to  Life  and 
Health  than  the  Solar  Warmth  ?  Or  can  there  be  a  jufter 
Symbol  of  the  Planetary  Harmony  than  Apollo's  (21)  Lyre? 
As  his  Darts  are  faid  to  have  deftroy'd  the  Monfter  Python^ 
fo  his  Rays  dry  up  the  noxious  Moiflure,  which  is  pernici- 
ous to  Vegetation  and  Fruitfulnefs. 

The  Perfi.ans^  who  had  a  high  Veneration  for  this  Planet, 
ador'd  it  by  the  Names  of  h'ithra  and  Orojmanes.  The 
Egyptians  worfhipp'd  him  by  thofe  of  Ofiris  and  Orus^  and 
from  their  Antiquities,  let  us  now  feek  fome  lUuflration  of  the 
pirth  and  Adventures  oi  Apollo. 

{-zi)  The  feven  Strings  of  which  are  faid  to  reprefent  the  feren  Planets. 

The 


Of  the  Heathen  Gops.  7^ 

The  /yf>,  which  pointed  out  the  Neomenia  or  Monthly  Fef- 
tival  before  their  annual  Inundation,  was  the  fymbolical  Fi- 
gure of  a  Creature  with  the  upper  Part  of  a  Woman,  and 
the  hinder  of  a  Lizard  plac'd  in  a  reclining  Pofture.  This 
they  caird  Leto  (22),  and  us'd  it  to  fignify  to  the  People  the 
Neceffity  of  laying  in  the  Provifions  of  0//t'^;,  parch'dCorn, 
and  fuch  other  Kinds  of  dry  Food,  for  their  Subfiftence  dur- 
ing the  Flood.  Now  when  the  Waters  of  •  the  Nile  decreas'd 
time  enough  to  allow  them  a  Month,  before  the  Entrance  of 
the  Sun  into  Sagitarius^  the  Egyptian  Farmer  was  fure  of  Lei- 
fure  enough  to  furvey  and  fow  his  Ground,  and  oi  remain- 
ing in  abfolute  Security  till  Harvcft.  This  Conqueft  of  the 
Nile  was  reprefented  by  an  Orus^  or  Image  arm'd  with  Ar- 
rows, and  fubduing  the  Monfter  Python.  This  they  cali'd 
Ores  (23),  or  Jpjllo  (2^).  The  Figure  of  ^j  above-men- 
tion'd,  they  alfo  ftyl'd  Deione^  or  Diana  ^25^,  and  they 
plac'd  in  her  Hand  the  ^ail^  a  Bird,  which  with  them  was 
the  Emblem  of  Security  (zd), 

Thefe  Erhblems  carried  by  the  Ph^nicians  into  Greece, 
gave  Rife  to  all  the  Fable  of  Latona^  perfecuted  by  the  Python^ 
and  flying  to  Delos  in  the  Form  of  a  Quail,  where  fhe  bore 
Orus  and  Dione^  or  Apollo  and  Diana.  Thus  (as  on  former 
Occafions)  the  Hieroglyphicks,  only  defign'd  to  point  out 
the  regular  Feftivals,  and  to  inftru6t  the  People  in  what  they 
were  to  do,  became  in  the  End  the  Objects  of  a  fenfelefs  and 
grofs  Idolatry. 

When  T^yre  was  befieged  by  Alexander.,  the  Citizens  bound  . 
the  Statue  of  Apollo  with  Chains  of  Gold;  but  when  that 
Conqueror  took  the  Place  he  releas'd  the  Deity,  who  thence 
obtain'd  the  Name  of  Philaxandrus^  or  the  Friend  of  Alex^ 
ander.    At  Rhodes^  where  he  was  worfhipp'd   in  a  peculiar 

(22)  From  LetOf  or  Letoah,  a  Lizard. 

(23)  From  Hores  the  Deftroyer  or  Wafter. 

(24)  Apollo  fignifies  the  fame. 

(25)  From  Dci,  Sufficiency  j  comes  DcionCf  Abundance. 

(26)  Selave  in  the  Phanician  lignifies  Security,  as  alfo  a  ^ail  '^  hence 
they  us'd  the  Quail  to  fignify  the  Thing.  The  Latin  Words  Saius  and 
Saho  are  deriv'd  from  hence. 

L  2  Manner, 


76  Fabulous   HISTORY 

Manner,  there  was  a  Coloflal  Image  of  him  at  the  Mouth 
of  the  Harbour  feventy  Cubits  high  f  27  j. 

Fhcehm  (2%)  was  very  differently  reprefented  in  different 
Countries  and  Times  according  to  the  Characler  he  alTum'd, 
To  depidiure  the  Sun  the  Perfians  us'd  a  Figure  with  the 
Head  of  a  Lion,  cover'd  with  a  Tiara^  in  the  Perfian  Garb, 
and  holding  a  mad  Bull  by  the  Horns  ;  a  Symbol  plainly  of 
'Egyptian  Original.  The  latter  People  exprefs'd  him  fome^ 
times  by  a  Circle  with  Rays  \  at  other  Times  by  a  Sceptre,, 
with  an  Eye  over  it. 

Under  the  Charader  of  the  Sun,  Apollo  was  depi£ted  in  a 
Chariot  drawn  by  four  Horfes,  whofe  Names  the  Poets  have 
taken  Care  to  give  us  as  well  as  thofe  of  Pluto  (^29 j.  The 
Poets  feign'd  each  Night,  that  he  went  to  Reft  with  T^hetis 
in  the  Ocean,  and  that  the  next  Morning  the  Hours  got 
ready  his  Horfes  for  him  to  renew  his  Courfe,  (^fee  Cambraf^ 
Telemaque  for  a  Pidure  j  and  unbarr'd  the  Gates  of  Day.  It 
is  no  Wonder  they  have  been  lavifh  on  a  Subje6t,  which 
affords  fuch  extenfive  Room  for  the  Imagination  to  difplay 
itfelf,  as  the  Beauties  of  the  Sun-rifmg.  When  reprefented  as 
Liber  Pater  f^ojy  he  bore  a  Shield  to  fliew  his  Protection  of 
Mankind.  At  other  Times  he  was  drawn  as  a  beardlefs 
Youth,  his  Locks  difhevell'd,  and  crown'd  with  Lawrel, 
holding  a  Bow  in  his  Right-Hand  with  his  Arrows,  and  the 
Lyre  in  his  Left.  The  Palace  of  the  Sun  has  been  admi, 
rably  defcrib'd  by  0<t;;V,  as  well  as  his  Car,  in  the  fecond 
Book  of  his  Metamorphcjis, 

(27)  We  (hall  fpeak  of  this  hereafter, 

(28)  From  Fheoby  the  Source,  and  ob  the  Overflowing,  or  the  Source  of 
the  Inundation,  the  Egyptians  exprefling  the  annual  Excefs  of  tha  Ni/e  by 
a  Sun  with  a  River  proceeding  from  its  Mouth. 

■  (29)  Pyroeiiy  Eouit  jetton ,  and  Pblegon. 
(30)  Virgil  givps  him  this  Name  in  his  firft  Georgic  5 
'"  •       ■  Voiy  0  clarijpma  Mundi 
Luminoy  labentem  calo  qui  ducitis  annum ^ 
Liber  fif  alma  Ceres, 


CHAP. 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  77 

CHAP.    XXX. 

Of  the  Sons  or  Offspring  of  Apollo,  iEfculapius, 
Phaeton^  Orpheus,  Idmon,  Arillasus,  Cs?c. 

AS  JpoUo  was  a  very  gallant  Deity,  fo  he  had  a  very  nu- 
merous IfTue,  of  which  it  is  neceflary  to  give  fome 
Account,  as  they  make  a  confiderable  Figure  in  poetical 
Hiftory.  The  firft  and  moft  noted  of  his  Sons  was  jEfcu^ 
lapiusj  whom  he  had  by  the  Nymph  Coronis.  Some  fay  that 
Jpollo  fhot  his  Mother,  when  big  with  Child  of  him,  on  ac- 
count of  her  Infidelity ;  but  repenting  the  Fa6l  fav'd  the  In- 
fant, and  gave  him  to  Chiron  to  be  inftru(Sled  (i)  in  Phyfick. 
Others  report,  that  as  King  Phlegyas  her  Father  was  carry- 
ing her  with  him  into  Peloponnefusy  her  Pains  furpriz'd  her  on 
the  Confines  of  Epidauria^  where  to  conceal  her  Shame  fhe 
expos'd  the  Infant  on  a  Mountain.  However  this  be,  under 
the  Care  of  his  new  Mailer,  he  made  fuch  a  Progrefs  in  the 
Medical  Art,  as  gain'd  him  a  high  Reputation ;  fo  that  he 
was  even  reported  to  raife  the  Dead.  His  firfl  Cures  were 
wrought  upon  Afiles  King  of  Epidaurus^  and  Junes  King  of 
Daunia,  which  laft  was  troubled  with  fore  Eyes.  In  fhort, 
his  Succefs  was  fo  great,  that  Pluto  who  faw  the  Number  of 
his  Ghofts  daily  decreafe,  complained  to  Jupiter^  who  kill'd 
him  with  his  Thunder-bolts, 

Cicero  reckons  up  three  of  this  Name.  Thefirft  the  Son  of 
Jpollo  worlhipp'd  in  Arcadia^  who  invented  the  Probe,  an(J 
Bandages  for  Wounds  i  the  Second  the  Brother  of  M^rrary, 
kiird  by  Lightning  ;  and  the  Third  the  Son  of  Jrjippus  and 
Jrjtone,  who  firft  taught  the  Art  of  Tooth-drawing  and 
Purging.  Others  make  uE/cuLpius  an  Egyptian  King  of 
Memphis  antecedent  by  a  thoufand  Years  to  the  JEfculapius  of 

(0  Onjidy  who  relates  the  Story  of  Coron/j  his  fanciful  Way,  tells  us, 
that  Corvusy  or  the  Ra-ven,  who  difcover'd  her  Amour,  had  by  ApollOf  his 
feathers  chang'd  from  Black  (o  White, 

the 


^3  Fabuhtis   HISTORY 

the  Greeks:  The  Romans  number'd  him  amongft  the  Dii 
Adfcitttii^  or  fuch  as  were  rais'd  to  Heaven  by  their  Merit, 
as  Hercules^  Cafior  and  Pollux,  t^c, 

,  vS/culaptushd.d  firft  divine  Honours  aflign'd  him  in  Greece  * 
His  c|iief  Temples  were  at  Pergamus^Smyrna,  at  Tric;a  a  City  of 
Jofiia,  and  the  Ifie  of  Coos  3  in  all  which  votive  Tablets  were 
hung  up  fzj^  {hewing  the  Difeafes  cur'd  by  his  Alliftance; 
but  his  moft  famous  Shrine  was  at  Epidaurus^  where  every 
five  Years  in  the  Spring,  folemn  Games  were  inftituted  to. 
him  in  his  natal  Grove,  exadly  nine  Days  after  the  Ifthmian 
Games  at  Corinth, 

The  Romans  grew  acquainted  with  him  by  an  Accident ;, 
A  Plague  happening  in  Italy^  the  Oracle  was  confulted,  and 
the  Reply  v/as,  that  they  fhould  fetch  the  God  jEfculapius 
from  Ep'idaurus.  An  Embafly  was  appohited  of  ten  Senators, 
at  the  Head  of  whom  was  i^  Ogulnius.  Thefe  Deputies  on 
their  Arrival,  vifiting  the  Temple  of  the  God,  a  huge  Ser- 
pent came  from  under  the  Altar,  and  croiling  the  City,  went 
dire6Hy  to  their  Ship  and  lay  down  in  the  Cabbin  of  Ogul- 
mus,  upon  which  they  fet  fail  immediately,  and  arriving  in 
the  Tiber,  the  Serpent  quitted  the  Ship,  and  retir'd  to  a 
little  Ifland  oppofite  the  City,  where  a  Temple  was  ereded 
to  the  God,  and  the  Peftilence  ceas'd. 

The  Animals  facrificed  to  JEfculapius  were  the  Goat, 
fome  fay  on  account  of  her  nurfmg  him  5  others,  becaufe 
this  Creature  is  unhealthy,  as  labouring  under  a  perpetual 
Fever.  The  Dog  and  the  Cock  were  facred  to  him  on  ac- 
count of  their  Fidelity  and  Vigilance.  The  Ra'ven  was  alfb 
devoted  to  him  for  its  Forecaft,  and  being  fkill'd  in  Divina- 
tion. Authors  are  not  agreed  as  to  his  being  the  Inventor  of 
Phyfick,  fome  affirming  he  only  perfeded  that  Part,  which 
relates  to  the  Regimen  of  the  Sick. 

Let  us  now  feek  for  the  Origin  of  this  Fable.  The  pub- 
lick  Sign  or  Symbol  expos'd  by  the  Egyptians  in  their  Aflem- 

(2)  From  there  Tablets,  or  votive  Infcriptions^  Hippocrata  is  faid  to 
kavs  colledled  his  Aphorifms. 

biles 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  79 

biles  to  warn  the  People  to  mark  the  Depth  of  the  Inunda- 
tion»  in  order  to  regulate  their  Ploughing  accordingly, 
was  the  Figure  of  a  Man  with  a  Dog's  Head  carrying  a  Pole 
with  Serpents  twifted  round  it,  to  which  they  gave  the 
Names  of  Anubis  (  3  j,  Tahant  f 4J,  and  jEfculapius  f^J,  In 
Procefs  of  Time  they  made  ufe  of  this  Reprefentation,  for  a 
real  King  who  by  the  Study  of  Phyfick  fought  the  Preferva- 
tlon  of  his  Subjects.  Thus  the  Dog  and  the  Serpent  became 
the  Charzi£i:erifticks  of  jEfadapius  amongft  the  Romans  and 
Greeks^  v/ho  were  entirely  Strangers  to  the  original  Meaning 
of  thefe  Hieroglyphicks. 

jEjcidapiui  had  by  his  Wife  Epione  two  Sons,  Machaon  and 
Podaliriusy  both  Ikill'd  in  Surgery,  and  who  are  mention'd 
by  Homer  as  prefent  at  the  Siege  of  Troy,  and  were  very  fer- 
viceable  to  the  Greeks,  He  had  alfo  two  Daughters  call'd 
Hygifea  and  Jafo* 

This  Deity  is  reprefented  in  different  Attitudes.  At  Epi- 
daurus  his  Statue  was  of  Gold  and  Ivory  f6j,  feated  on  a 
Throne  of  the  fame  Materials,  his  Head  crown'd  with  Rays, 
and  a  long  Beard,  having  a  knotty  Stick  in  one  Hand,  the 
other  entwin'd  with  a  Serpe?tt^  and  a  Dog  lying  at  his  Feet, 
The  Phliafians  depi6lur'd  him  as  beardlefs  j  and  the  Romans 
crown'd  him  with  Lawrel,  to  denote  his  Defcent  from  Jpollo, 
The  Knots  in  his  StafF  fignify  the  Difficulties  that  occur  in 
the  Study  of  Medicine. 

Phaeton  was  the  Son  of  JpoUo,  and  the  Nymph  Clymene, 
Having  a  Difpute  v/ith  Epaphus  the  Son  of  Jupiter  and  lo, 
the  latter  upbraided  him,  that  he  was  not  really  the  Son  of 
his  Father,  and  that  his  Mother  only  made  \i{q  of  that  Pre- 
tence to  cover  her  Infamy.  The  Youth  fir'd  at  this  Re- 
proach, by  his  Mother's  Advice  carried  his  Complaint  to  hfs 

(3)  From  Hannohcach,  which  in  Pbanician  fignifies  the  Barker^  or 
TVitrner. — Anubii. 

(4)  The  Word  Tayant,  fig;nifies  th«  Xto^. 

(5)  From  Jijh  Man  j  and  Calepb,  Dog,  comes  Mfcalepb  the  Man-Dog, 
or  yEj'cuIapius, 

(6)  This  Image  was  tlie  Work  of  Tlrafj^r.ides  the  Son  of  Arigrotus,  a 
Native  of  Pares. 

Father 


So  Fabulous    HISTORY 

Father  Ph^ehus,  who  receiv'd  him  with  great  Tenderners, 
and  to  allay  his  Difquietude,  fwore  by  Styx  to  grant  what- 
ever he  requefted,  as  a  Mark  of  his  acknowledging  him  for 
his  Son.  Phaeton  boldly  ask'd  the  Direction  of  the  Solar 
Chariot  for  one  Day,  The  Father  at  once  griev'd  and  fur- 
prizM  at  the  Demand,  us'd  all  Arguments  in  vain  to  difTuade 
him  from  the  Attempt  j  but  being  by  his  Oath  reduc'd  to 
fubmit  to  his  Obftinacy,  he  gave  him  the  Reins,  with  the 
beft  Direftions  he  could  how  to  ufe  them.  The  Ambition 
of  our  young  Adventurer  wa?  too  fatal  to  himfelf.  He  loft 
his  Judgment  and  Way  together,  and  Jupiter,  to  prevent 
his  fetting  the  World  on  Fire,  was  oblig'd  with  his  Thun- 
derbolts to  hurl  him  from  his  Seat  into  the  River  Eridanus^ 
or  Po,  His  Sifters  Phaethufa^  Lampetia  and  Ph^be  lamented 
his  Lofs  fo  incefTantly  upon  the  Banks,  that  the  Gods  chang'd 
them  into  Black  Poplar  Trees^  whofe  Juice  produces  the  Elec 
trum,  or  Amber,  Cycnus  King  of  Liguria,  no  lefs  griev'd  for 
his  Lofs,  was  changed  into  a  Snvan^  a  Bird  which  became 
after  facred  to  Jpollo,  This  Story  makes  a  very  confiderable 
Figure  in  O'Vid(j),  who  has  out-done  himfelf  on  this  Subjedt. 
A  late  Author  offers  an  ingenious  Conjecture,  with  Re- 
gard to  this  Fable  (8).  Linnen-CIoth  was  the  great  Manu- 
facture of  Egypt,  and  the  Bleaching  of  it  confequently  of 
great  Importance.  The  Horusy  or  Image,  expos'd  for  direct- 
ing this,  was  a  Youth  with  Rays  round  his  Head,  and  a 
Whip  in  his  Hand,  feated  on  an  Orb,  to  which  they  gave 
the  Name  of  Phaeton  (9,^,  and  Ben  Climmah  (10).  Probably 
the  Months  of  May^  June^  and  July^  were  the  three  Sifters 
of  Phaeton,  becaufe  during  thefe  Months  they  waflied  their 
Linnen  white,  of  which  Cycnusy  or  the  Swan,  the  Friend  of 
Phaeton,  is  a  further  Symbol.    Now  as  the  Word  Albanoth 

(7)  Ovid  Met  amor ph.  Lib.  II.  in  incipio. 

(8)  La  P/a<:/?)e  Hift.  de-Cieux. 

(9)  From  Vha  the  Month  j  and  Eton  Linnen,  is  VMk6&  Fhaeton  j  that  is 
the  Indidion  of  the  Linnen-works. 

(10)  Bcn-Cllmmah,    the  Son  of  Hot-weather.     Hence  the  Story  of 
Phaeton  i  burning  the  World, 

applied 


Of  the  Heathen  Ggds;  8i 

applied  to  thefe  Months  (ii)^  fignifies  alfo  Poplar  Trees ^  it 
gave  Rife  to  this  Metamorphofis. 

Orpheus  was  the  Son  oi  Ph^bus^  by  the  Mufe  Calliope  (iz). 
He  was  born  in  Thrace,  and  refided  near  Mount  Rhodope^ 
where  he  married  Eurydke  a  Princefs  of  that  Countryj  Arijleus 
a  neighbouring  Prince  who  fell  in  Love  with  her,  attempted 
to  furprize  her;  and  in  her  Flight,  to  efcape  his  Violence, 
(he  was  kill'd  by  the  Bite  of  a  Serpent.  Her  difconfolate 
Hufband  was  fo  afFeiled  at  his  Lofs,  that  he  defcended  by 
the  Way  of  Tanarus  to  Hell,  in  order  to  recover  her.  As 
Mufic  and  Poetry  were  to  him  hereditary  Talents,  he  ex- 
erted them  in  fo  powerful  a  Manner,  that  Pluto  and  Prefer- 
fine  were  fo  far  touch'd,  as  to  reflore  him  his  belov'd  Con- 
fort  on  one  Condition,  that  he  fhould  not  look  back  on  her, 
till  they  came  to  the  Light  of  the  World.  His  impatient 
Fondnefs  made  him  break  this  Article,  and  he  loft  her  for 
ever.  Griev'd  at  her  Lofs  he  retir'd  to  the  Woods  and  Fo- 
reftsj  which  it  is  faid  were  fenfible  of  his  Harmony  (I'i), 
But  the  Manades  or  Baccha^  either  incens'd  at  his  vowing  a 
widow'd  Life,  or  as  others  fay,  inftigated  by  Bacchus^  whofe 
Worfhip  he  negle6led  f  14J,  tore  him  in  Pieces,  and  fcat- 
terM  his  Limbs  about  the  Fields,  which  were  collected  and 
bury'd  by  the  Mufes.  His  Head  and  Harp,  which  were  caft 
into  the  Hebrus^  were  carried  to  Lejbos^  and  the  former  in- 
terr'd  there.  His  Harp  was  tranfported  to  the  Skies,  where 
it  forms  one  of  the  Conftellations.  He  himfelf  was  chang'd 
into  a  Swan,  and  left  a  Son  call'd  Methon^  who  founded 
in  Thrace  a  City  of  his  own  Name.  Ovid  has  given  us  this 
whole  Story  (i^),  but  contrary  to  his  ufual  Method,  has 


(11)  Alhan^thy  or  Lebanothy  fignifies  the  whitening  Fields,  or  Yards 
for  Bleaching. 

(12)  Some  make  him  the  Son  of  Oeagrus  and  Calliope, 

(13)  Olid  Metam.  Lib.  XI.  in  incipio. 

(14)  Others  fay  by  Venus,  on  account  of  his  d'efpifing  her  Rites,  and 
thar  the  Nymphs,  excited  by  her,  tore  him  in  Pieces,  in  ftrugi^hng  who 
Ihould  have  him. 

(15)  In  his  Xth  and  Xlth Books. 

M  broke 


82  Fabulous   HISTORY 

broke  the  Thread  of  it,  by  interfperfing  it  in  different  Parts 
of  his  Work. 

It  is  certain  that  Orpheus  may  be  plac'd  as  the  earlieft  Poet 
of  Greece^  where  he  firft  introduc'd  JJironomy^  Di'vinity,  Mur 
Jick  and  Poetry^  all  which  he  had  learn*d  in  Egypt,  He  wrote 
many  Volumes  in  natural  Philofophy  and  Antiquities  (i())* 
of  which  only  a  few  imperfeft  Fragments  have  efcaped  the 
Rage  of  Time.    In  his  Book  of  Stones  he  fays  of  himfelf, 

*  he  could  underftand  the  Flight  and  Language  of  Birds,  ftop 

*  the  Courfe  of  Rivers,  overcome  the  Poifon  of  Serpents, 

*  and  even  penetrate  the  Thoughts  of  the  Heart  (ij)* 
Let  us  feek  the  Origin  of  this  Fable  once  more  in  Egypt^ 

the  Mother  Country  of  Fidtion.  In  July,  when  the  Sun 
enter'd  Leoj  the  Nile  overflowed  all  the  Plains.  To  denote 
the  publick  Joy  at  feeing  the  Inundation  rife  to  its  due  Height, 
they  exhibited  an  Horus^  or  Youth  playing  on  the  Lyre  or 
Sijirum,  and  fitting  by  a  tame  Lyon.  When  the  Waters  did 
not  increafe  as  they  fhould,  this  Horus  was  reprefented 
ftretch'd  on  the  Back  of  a  Lyon  as  dead.  This  Symbol 
they  caird  Oreph,  or  Orph^j  fiS-J^  to  fignify  that  Agricul- 
ture was  then  quite  unfeafonable  and  dormant.  The  Songs 
they  amus'd  themfelves  with  at  this  dull  Seafon,  for  Want 
of  Exercife,  were  calPd  the  Hymns  of  Orpheus,  and  as  Huf- 
bandry  reviv'd  immediately  after,  it  gave  Rife  to  the  Fable  of 
Orpheus  returning  from  Hell.  The  IJts  plac'd  near  this  Horus , 
they  caird  Euridyce  fig),  and  as  the  Greeks  took  all  thefe 
Figures  in  the  literal  and  not  the  Emblematical  Senfe,  they 
made  Eurydke  the  Wife  of  Orpheus, 

(i6)  He  wrote  a  Book  o(  Hymr.!  and  Treatifes  on  the  Generation  of  the 
Elements  j  on  the  Giants  War  j  on  the  Rape  of  Prefer  pine  ;  on  the  La- 
bours of  Hercules  j  of  Stones  j  on  the  Rites  and  Myileries  of  the 
Egyptians. 

(17)  This  probably  gave  Rife  to  the  Fable  of  his  making  Rocks  and 
Forefts  move  to  his  Lyre. 

(r8)  From  Orephy  Occiput,  or  the  back  Part  of  the  Head. 

(19)  From  Eriy  a  Lyon  ;  and  Dacay  tamed,  is  formed  Eridaca^  Eury- 
dice,  or  the  Lyon  tamed,  i,  e.  the  Violence,  or  Rage  of  the  Inundation 
evercome. 

Idmon 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  8^ 

Idmon  was  the  Son  of  Jpollo  by  JJierie,  and  attended  the 
Jrgonauts  in  their  Expedition  to  Colchos,  being  fam'd  for  his 
Skill  in  Augury  ;  but  wandering  from  his  Companions,  as 
they  occafionally  landed,  he  was  kill'd  by  a  wild  Boar. 

Another  of  the  Children  oi  Apollo  was  Linus,  whom  he  had 
by  the  Nymph  Terpjichore,  He  was  born  at  Thebes,  and  emi- 
nent for  Learning,  if  it  be  true  that  Thamyris^  Orpheus^  and 
Hercules^  were*all  his  Scholars.  Some  fay  he  was  flain  by 
the  latter  for  ridiculing  him  j  but  if  Orpheus  (as  others  af- 
firm) liv'd  ICO  Years  before  Hercules,  it  is  rather  probable 
that  Linus  was  the  Difciple  of  Orpheus.  However  this  be, 
Linus  wrote  on  the  Origin  of  the  World,  the  Courfes  of 
the  Sun  and  Moon,  and  the  Production  of  Animals ;  but 
of  thefe  not  the  leaft  Fragments  remain. 

After  all,  Linus  was  only  an  Horus,  or  Symbol  of  the  Egyp- 
tiansy  which  the  Greeks^  according  to  Cuftom,  perfonated. 
At  the  End  of  Autumn  or  Harveft,  the  Egyptians  fell  to  their 
Night-work  of  making  Linnen-Cloth  (20),  and  the  Figure 
then  expos'd  was  call'd  Z/»aj  {21),  and  denoted  the  fitting 
up  or  watching  during  the  Night. 

Arijlaus  was  the  Son  of  Apollo  by  Cyrene,  a  Virgin  Nymph, 
who  us'd  to  accompany  him  in  hunting,  and  whom  he  firll 
fell  in  Love  with  on  feeing  her  encounter  a  Lyon.  He  was 
born  in  Lybia.  He  received  his  Education  from  the  Nymphs, 
who  taught  him  to  extradl:  Oil  from  Olives,  and  to  make 
Honey,  Cheefe  and  Butter;  all  which  Arts  he  communi- 
cated to  Mankind.  On  this  account  he  was  regarded  as  a 
rural  Deity.  From  Africa  he  pafs'd  into  Sardinia  and  Sicilyy 
from  whence  he  travell'd  into  Thrace,  where  Bacchus  initiated 
him  in  his  Myfteries.  We  have  already  mentioned  how  his 
Pallion  occafion'd  the  Death  of  Eurydice,  to  revenge  which 
the  Wood-Nymphs  deftroy'd  his  Bee-Hives.  Concerned  at 
this  Lofs  he  advis'd  with  his  Father,  and  was  told  by  the 
Oracle,  to  facrifice  Bulls  to  appeafe  her  Shade  3  which  Coun- 

(20)  This  was  theli  chief  Manufad^ure. 

(21)  Linus,  from  Lyn,  to  watch,  whence  our  Word  Linnen,  that  is,  the 
Work,  for  the  lime  of  doing  it. 

M2  id 


84  Fabulous   HISTORY 

fel  following,  the  Bees  which  iflued  from  the  Carcafles  fully 
fupplied  the  Damages  he  had  fuftain'd  (zz).  He  died  near 
Mount  Eamuiy  and  was  deify'd  on  account  of  the  Services 
he  had  done  to  Mankind  by  his  ufeful  Inventions.  He  was 
alfo  honour'd  in  the  Ifle  of  Coos^  for  his  calling  the  Etejian 
Winds  to  relieve  them  in  an  excefTive  Time  of  Heat.  Hero- 
dotus fays,  that  he  appeared  at  Cyzicum  after  his  Death,  and 
three  Hundred  and  forty  Years  after,  was  feen  in  Italy  at 
Metapontum^  where  he  injoin'd  the  Inhabitants  to  ered  a 
Statue  to  him  near  that  of  /Apollo,  which  on  confiilting  the 
Oracle,  they  performed. 

Circe  was  the  Daughter  of  ?halus  by  Perfis^  the  Child  of 
Oceanus,  and  a  celebrated  Sorcerefs.  Her  firft  Hufband  was 
a  King  of  the  Sarmatte^  whom  (he  poifon'd,  for  which  flie 
\vas  expeird  the  Kingdom,  and  fled  to  a  Promontory  on  the 
Coaft  of  T^ufcanyy  which  afterwards  took  her  Name.  Here 
Ihe  fell  in  Love  with  Glaucus^  one  of  the  Sea  Deities,  who 
preferring  Scylla  to  her,  fhe  chang'd  her  into  a  Sea  Monfter. 
Picus^  King  of  the  Latins^  her  next  Favourite,  for  rejeft- 
ing  her  Addrefles,  was  metamorphofed  into  a  Woodpecker. 

The  moft  remarkable  of  Circe\  Adventures  was  with 
JJlyJfes.  This  Prince  returning  from  Troy^  was  caft  away  on 
her  Coaft,  and  his  Men,  by  a  Drink  fhe  gave  them,  trans^ 
form'd  to  S^xine  and  other  Beafts.  UlyJJes  was  preferv'd  by 
Mercury^  who  gave  him  the  Herb  Moly,  to  fecure  him  from 
her  Inchantments,  and  inftruci:ed  him  when  fhe  attempted  to 
touch  him  with  her  Wand,  to  draw  his  Sword,  and  make 
her  fwear  by  Styx  fhe  would  ufe  him  as  a  Friend,  otherwife 
he  would  kill  her.  By  this  Means  he  procur'd  the  Liberty 
of  his  Companions,  and  continued  a  Year  with  Circet  who 
bore  him  two  Children,  'viz,  Jgrius  and  Latinus.  Circe  had 
a  Sepulchre  in  one  of  the  Ifles  call'd  Pbarmacu/^  n^TivSalamis. 

Circe  was  no  other  than  the  Egyptian  IJis^  whofe  Horus,  or 
attending  Image,   every   Month   afTuming  fome  different 

{%%)  Virgil  has  introduced  this  Story  with  great  Elegance  and  Propriety, 
in  his  IVth  Ceorgick,  1,  314.. 

Form, 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  8^ 

Form,  as  a  human  Body,  with  the  Heads  of  a  Lyon,  Dog, 
Serpent,  or  Tortoife,  gave  Rife  to  the  Fable  of  her  chang- 
ing Men  by  her  Inchaiitments  into  thefe  Animals.  Hence 
the  Egyptians  gave  her  the  Name  of  Circe ^  which  fignifies  the 
JEnigma^  or  myfterious  Wrapper. 

Jpollo  had  many  other  Children,  j^thufa  the  Daughter  of 
Neptune  bore  him  Elutherus,  Ey  E<vadne  he  had  Janm  :  By 
Jtria^  Miletus^  Oaxes  and  Arahus^  who  gave  his  Name  to 
Arabia ;  By  Melia  he  had  IJmenius  and  Ta^narus.  By  Aglaia^ 
^heftor  ;  by  Manto^  Mop/us  ;  by  Anathrippe^  Chius  ;  by  Achalidt 
he  had  Delphus^  and  many  others  too  tedious  to  enumerate. 


CHAP.    XXXI. 

Of  the  Mufes,  and  Pegafns,   the  Graces  and  the 
Syrens, 

THESE  celebrated  GoddefTes,  the  Mu/es^  were  the 
Daughters  of  Jupiter  and  Mnemofyncy  though  fome 
think  them  born  of  Calus.  Their  Number  at  firft  was  only 
three  or  four  (i)^  but  Homer  and  ///f/Fo^  have  fixed  it  at 
Nine  (z)t  which  it  has  never  fmce  exceeded.  They  were 
born  on  Mount  P/Vm,  and  educated  by  the  Nymph  Eupheme, 
They  had  many  Appellations  common  to  them  all,  as 
Pierides  from  the  Place  of  their  Birth.  Heliconides  from  Mount 
Helicon  mB^otia:  ParnaJJides^  from  the  Hill  of  ParnaJ/usm 
Phocis :  Cither  ides  from  Mount  Cither  on  ^  a  Place  they  much 
frequented  :  Aonides  from  Aonia  ;  Hippocranliles^  Agannipides  and 
Cajialidesy  from  different  Fountains  confecrated  to  them,  or 
to  which  they  were  fuppofed  to  refort. 

(i)  Mneme^  AedCi  Mclete,  that  \%  Memory y  SIngir.g  and  Aleditatiott,  to 
which  fome  add  Thelxicpe. 

(2)  Some  aflign  as  a  Reafon  for  this,  that  when  the  Citizens  of  Sicyott 
dire(^ed  three  flcilful  Statuaries,  to  make  each  three  Statues  of  the  three 
Mufes,  they  were  ail  fo  well  executed,  that  they  did  not  know  which  to 
chufe,  but  eredled  all  the  Nine,  and  that  HeJiodoT\\y  gave  them  Names. 

In 


86  Fabulous   HISTORY 

In  general  they  were  the  tutelar  Goddefles  of  all  facred 
Feftivals  and  Banquets,  and  the  PatroneiTes  of  all  polite  and 
ufeful  x\rts.  They  fupported  Virtue  in  Diftrefs,  and  pre- 
ferv'd  worthy  A6tions  from  Oblivion.  Homer  calls  them  the 
MiJireJJes  and  CorreSreJJis  of  Manners  f^).  With  Regard  to 
the  Sciences,  thefe  Sifters  had  each  their  particular  Province 
or  Department,  though  Poetry  feem'd  more  immediately 
under  their  united  Protedion. 

Calliope  (fo  call'd  from  Xh^  fweetnefs  of  her  Voice)  prefided 
over  Rhetorick^  and  was  reckon'd  the  firft  of  the  Nine  Sifters* 

Clio  the  Second  (4),  was  the  Mufe  of  Hiftory,  and  takes 
her  Name  from  her  immortalizing  the  Adions  (he  records. 
,  Erato  f^Jy  was  the  Patronefs  of  elegiac,  or  amorous  Po- 
etry, and  the  Inventrefs  of  Dancing.  To  Thalia  (6)  be- 
long'd  Comedy,  and  whatever  was  gay,  amiable,  and  plea- 
iant.-  Euterpe^  (nam'd  from  her  Love  of  Harmony  J  had  the 
Care  of  Tragedy. 

Melpomene f  ({o  ftyl'd  from  the  Dignity  and  Excellency  of 
her  Song  J   was  the  Guardian   Mufe  of  Lyric  and  Epic 

Poetry  r?;. 

Terpfichore  was  the  Prote6lrefs  of  Mufick,  particularly  the 
Flute  (%),  The  Chorus  of  the  antient  Drama  was  her 
Province,  to  which  fome  add  logick. 

To  Polyhymnia  fgj  belong'd  that  Harmony  of  Voice  and 
Gefture,  which  gives  a  Perfection  to  Oratory  and  Poetry, 
and  which  flows  from  juft  Sentiments  and  a  good  Memory. 

Urania  was  the  Mufe  whofe  Care  extended  to  all  divine  or 
celeftial  Subjeds,  fuch  as  the  Hymns  in  Praife  of  the  Gods, 

(3)  Hence  of  old  Bards  and  Poets  were  in  fuch  high  Efteem,  that  when 
Agamemnon  went  to  the  Siege  of  Tro^,  he  left  one  with  Clytemncjira^  to 
keep  her  faithful,  undEgijibui  could  not  corrupt  her,  'till  he  had  deftroy'd 
this  Counfellor. 

(4)  From  KAs©',  Glory  (5),  from  £§«i'?,  Love  (6),  from^«?vX«»>9,  to 
flourifti  or  revive  (7),  from  f*=Ao?  irtdtv,  to  make  a  Concert  or  Symphony 

(8),  rtpzuv  Tot?  xo^oic^  to  delight  in  Chorufes. 
(9)  From  zchvi  and  fcvjja,   3  great  Memory. 

The 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  ^j 

the  Motions  of  the  heavenly  Bodies,  and  whatever  regarded 
Philofophy  or  Aftronomy  ("lo;. 

The  Mufes,  though  faid  to  be  Virgins^  were  no  Enemies  to 
Love  (ii)'  We  have  already  taken  Notice  of  Calliope  and 
Terpfichore  yielding  to  the  AddrefTes  of  Apollo.  If  their  Com- 
plaifance  v/as  folely  owing  to  the  Refentment  of  Venus^  who 
infpir'd  the  Flames  of  Love,  to  revenge  the  Death  of  her 
Favourite  Adonis ;  it  muft  be  own'd  that  the  Mufes  have 
fmce  been  fufHciently  devoted  to  her  Service. 

The  Mufci  were  themfelves  not  wholly  free  from  Revenge, 
as  appears  in  the  Story  of  ^hamyris.  This  Perfon  was  the 
Son  of  Philammon,  and  the  Nymph  Agriopa^  and  born  at 
OderJ^^  once  a  famous  City  of  Thrace.  He  became  fo  excel- 
lent a  Proficient  in  Mufick,  that  he  had  the  Courage,  or 
Vanity  to  contend  (\z)  with  the  Mufes;  but  being  over- 
come, they  not  only  punifhed  him  with  the  Lofs  of  Sight 
and  Memory,  but  caus'd  Jupiter  to  caft  him  into  Hell,  to  ex- 
piate his  Impiety. 

The  Mufes  were  reprefented  crown'd  with  Flowers,  or 
Wreaths  of  Palm,  each  holding  fome  Inftrument  or  Token 
of  the  Science,  or  Art  over  which  fhe  prefided.  They  were 
depiftur'd  as  young,  and  the  Bird  facred  to  them  was  the 
Znioan  (l^J. 

To  trace  the  Origin  of  thefe  fabulous  Deities,  it  is  necef- 
fary  to  obferve,  that  the  Nine  JJ/es  or  emblematical  Figures^ 
which  were  exhibited  amongft  the  Egyptians,  to  denote  the 
Nine  Months,  during  which  that  Country  was  free'd  from 
the  Inundation,  had  each  fome  Inftrument,  or  Symbol  pe- 
culiar to  the  Bufinefs  of  the  Months,  as  a  Pair  of  Compafles, 
a  Flute,  a  Mafk,  a  Trumpet,  &c.  All  thefe  Images  were 
purely  hieroglyphical,  to  point  out  to  the  People  what  they 

(lo)   From    n^ay'^.  Heaven. 

(i  i)  The  Virginity  or  Chaftity  of  the  Mufes,  is  a  Point  di'fputed  by  the 
antient  Writers,  though  the  Majority  inclines  in  their  Favour. 

(12)  Thamyris  wrote  a  Poem  on  the  Wars  of  the  Gods  with  the  'Jitar.s, 
which  exceeded  every  Thing  that  had  appeared  of  the  Kind  before. 

(13)  Perhaps  becaufe  it  was  confecrated  to  their  Mafter  Apollo. 

were 


88  mulous    HISTORY 

were  to  do,  and  to  afcertain  their  Ufe,  they  were  call'd  the' 
NineMo/^j  (i^).  The  Greeks,  who  adopted  this  Groupeof 
Emblems,  as  fo  many  real  Divinities,  took  Care  to  give 
each  a  particular  Name,  fuited  to  the  Inftruments  they 
bore,  and  which  threw  a  new  Difguife  over  the  Truth. 

Th^  Graces  properly  are  Attendants  of  the  ik/i(/^j,  though 
they  are  often  plac'd  in  the  Train  of  Venus  (n^).  Some 
make  them  the  Daughters  of  Jupiter  and  Eurynome^  others  of 
Bacchus  and  Venus,  They  were  Three,  Aglaia^  Thalia  and 
Euphrofyne,  Names  relative  to  their  Nature  fi6j.  The 
Lacedemonians  and  Atheniatis  knew  but  two,  to  whom  they 
gave  different  Appellations  (ij)^  Eteocles^  King  of  the 
Orchomenians^  was  the  firfl  who  ereded  a  Temple  to  them. 

Pegafus  was  a  winged  Horfe  produced  by  the  Blood  which 
fell  from  Medufa's  Head,  when  fhe  was  kill'd  by  Perfeus.  He 
flew  to  Mount  Helicon^  the  Seat  of  the  Mufes^  where,  with  a 
Stroke  of  his  Hoof,  he  open'd  a  Fountain  call'd  Hippocrene, 

or  the  Horfes  Spring  { 1 8 ). 

The  unravelling  thefe  Figures,  will  convince  us  how  juftly 
they  belong  to  this  Article,  as  they  compleat  its  Illuftration; 
Near  the  Nine  Ififes^  which  betoken'd  the  dry  Seafon,  were 
plac'd  three  others  reprefenting  the  three  Months  of  Inunda- 
tion, and  were  drawn  fometimes  fwath'd,  as  incapable  of 
ufmg  their  Hands  and  Feet.  Thefe  were  call'd  Chantout 
(19),  or  the  Di^vorce.    The  Refemblance  of  this  Word  to 

(14)  From  the  Word  Mofe,  that  is,  fav'd  or  difengag'dfrom  the  Wa- 
ters ;  whence  the  Name  of  Mofes  given  to  the  Hebreiu  Lawgiver,  fo  near 
did  the  Pbam'cian  and  Egyptian  Languages  agree,  though  the  Difference  of 
Pronunciation  made  ttiem  two  diltindl  Tongues. 

(15)  I  chufe  to  place  them  here  on  account  of  the  Explanation  of  the 
Fable  under  one  View. 

(16)  jlglaia^  or  Honefty,  to  (hew  that  Benefits  (hould  be  beftow'd 
freely:  Tbalia,  or  fiourifliing,  to  denote  that  the  Senfe  of  Kindnefs  ought 
never  to  die  j  and  Euphrofyne,  or  chearfulnefs,  to  fignify  that  Favours 
fliould  be  conferr'd  and  received  with  mutual  Pleafufe. 

(17)  The  iS/>ur/;2n  Graces  were  C///0  and  Pi)rf^Kd  3  thoiQoiAtkem,  Auro 
and  Hegemo. 

(18)  For.s  Cahallinus.     SeePerJius,  Satyr  I. 

(19)  From  Char  at,  to  divide,  comes  Cbaritout  the  Separation  of 
Commerce. 

the 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  89 

the  ^reek  Charites,  which  fignifies  Thankfgivings  or  Favours^ 
gave  Rife  to  the  Fable  of  the  Graces,  or  three  GoddefTes  pre* 
liding  over  Benefits  and  outward  Charms. 

Yet,  as  during  the  Inundation,  all  Parts  could  not  be  fo 
fully  fupply'd,  but  that  fome  Commerce  was  neceflary,  they 
had  recourfe  to  fmall  Barks,  to  fail  from  one  City  to  the 
other.  Now  the  emblematical  Figure  of  a  Ship  or  VefleU 
in  Egypt  and  Phceniciay  was  a  winged  Horfe  (20),  by  which 
Name  the  Inhabitants  of  Cadiz^  a  Phoenician  Colony,  call'd 
their  Veflels.  Now  if  the  Mu/es  and  Graces  are  the  Goddefles 
which  prefide  over  Arts  and  Gratitude,  this  Emblem  be* 
comes  unintelligible.  But  if  we  take  the  Nine  Mufes  for  the 
Months  of  Adion  and  Induftry,  and  the  Three  Graces  for 
the  three  Months  of  Inundation  and  Reft,  the  winged  Horfe, 
or  Boat  with  Sails,  is  a  true  Pidlure  of  the  End  of  Navi- 
gation, and  the  Return  of  rural  Toils.  To  this  Figure  the 
Egyptians  gave  the  Name  oi  Fegafus  (21),  exprelTive  of  its 
true  Meaning.  All  thefe  Images  tranfplanted  to  Greece^  be- 
came the  Source  of  endlefs  Confufion  and  Fable. 

By  the  Latin  and  Greek  Poets,  the  Graces  are  reprefented 
as  beautiful  young  Virgins,  naked,  or  but  very  flightly 
cloath'd  (22),  and  having  Wings  on  their  Feet.  They  are 
alfo  joind  Hand  in  Hand,  to  denote  their  Unity. 

The  Syrens  were  the  Daughters  of  Achelous.  Their  lower 
Parts  were  like  Fifhes,  and  their  upper  like  Women ;  but 
they  were  fo  (kill'd  in  Mufickj  that  they  infnar'd  all  who 
heard  them  to  Deftrudtion.  Prefuming  to  contend  with  the 
Mufes  they  were  vanquifh'd,  and  ftripp'd  at  once  of  their 
Feathers  and  Voices,  as  a  Punifhment  for  their  Folly. 

The  Egyptians  fometimes  reprefented  the  three  Months  of 
Inundation  by  JJifes^  or  Figures  half  Female  and  half  Fifh, 

(20)  Strabo  Geograph.  Lib.  II.  p.  99.  Edit.  Reg.  Paris. 

(21)  From  P<2|^  to  ceafe,  and  Sui  a  Ship,  Pegafus,  or  the  Ceffation  of 
Navigation. 

(22)  Solutis  Gratiae  Zonis.       Ode  xxx.  5. 
JunBaque  Nyniphis  Gratia  decentes 

Alterno  terram  quatiunt  Pede.       Horace,  Lib.  I.  Ode  iv.  5. 

N  to 


90  Fabulous   HISTORY 

to  denote  to  the  Inhabitants  their  living  in  the  Midft  of  th^ 
Waters.  One  of  thefe  Images  bore  in  her  Hand  the  Sijirum^ 
or  Egyptian  Lyre,  to  (hew  the  general  Joy  at  the  Floods  ar- 
riving to  its  due  Height,  v^^hich  vi^as  the  Aflurance  of  a  fuc- 
ceeding  Year  of  Plenty.  To  thefe  Symbols  they  gave  the 
Name  o^ Syrens  (23),  expreffive  of  their  real  Meaning.  The 
Phcentcians,  who  carried  them  into  Greece^  rcprefented  them 
as  real  Perfons,  and  the  Greeks  and  Romans  had  too  ftrong  a 
Tafte  for  the  Fabulous,  not  to  embellifh  the  Story  (24). 

(23)  From  Skur  a  Hymn  j  and  ranan  to  fing. 

(24)  Hence  our  imaginary  Form  of  the  Mermaid. 


CHAP.     XXXII: 

Of  Diana,  Luna,  or  Hecate. 

HAVING  treated  of  the  God  of  Wit  and  Harmony, 
with  his  Offspring  and  Train,  let  us  now  come  to 
his  Twin  Sifter  Diana^  the  Goddefs  of  Chaftity,  and  the 
Daughter  of  Jupiter  and  Latona.  Her  Father,  at  her  Requeft, 
granted  her  perpetual  Virginity,  beftow'd  on  her  a  Bow  and 
Arrows,  appointed  her  Queen  of  the  Woods  and  Forrefts 
( i),  and  allign'd  her  a  Guard  of  Nymphs  to  attend  her  {2). 
She  became  the  Patronnefs  of  Hunting  thus;  Britomartis  2. 
Huntrefs-Nymph,  being  one  Day  entangled  in  her  own 
Nets,  while  the  wild  Boar  was  approaching  her,  vowM  a 
Temple  to  Diana,  and  fo  was  preferv'd.  Hence  Diana  had 
the  Name  of  Diaynna.  Others  relate  the  Story  differently, 
and  fay  that  Britomartis,  whom  Diana  favour'd  on  account  of 
her  PafTion  for  the  Chafe,  flying  from  Minos  her  Lover,  fell 
into  the  Sea,  and  was  by  her  made  a  Goddefs. 

The  Adventures  of  Z)/««^  make  a  pretty  confiderable  Figure 
in  poetical  Hiftory,  and  ferve  to  fhew  that  the  Virtue  of  this 


(1)  Movtium   Cujios  neir.oruwque  Virgo.     Horat.  Lib.  III. 

(2)  Sixty  Nymphs,  call'd  Octanina,  and  twenty  of  the  Jfiee. 


Goddefs, 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  91 

Goddefs,  if  inviolable,  was  alfo  very  fevere.  AB^on  experi- 
enc'd  this  Truth  to  his  Coft.  He  vi'as  a  young  Prince,  the 
Son  oi  Arijiaus  and  Auiome^  the  Daughter  of  Ca^/«aj,  King  of 
Jhebes,  As  he  was  paffionately  fond  of  the  Sport,  he  had  the 
Misfortune  one  Day  to  dilcover  Diana  bathing  with  her 
Nymphs.  The  Goddefs,  incens'd  at  the  Intrufion,  chang'd 
him  into  a  Stag;  fo  that  his  own  Dogs,  miftaking  him  for 
their  Game,  purfued  and  tore  him  in  Pieces.  O^id  has 
wrought  up  this  Scene  with  great  Art  and  Imagination  f  3^. 

The  Truth  of  this  Fable  is  faid  to  be  as  follows :  Aa^on 
was  a  Man  of  Arcadia^  a  great  Lover  of  Dogs  and  Hunting, 
and  by  keeping  many  Dogs,  and  fpending  his  Time  in 
Hunting  on  the  Mountains,  he  entirely  neglected  his  dome- 
tic  Affairs,  and  being  brought  to  Ruin,  was  generally  call'd 
the  wretched  ASl^on,  who  was  devour'd  by  his  own  Dogs, 

Meleager  was  another  unhappy  Vidim  of  her  Refentment, 
and  the  more  fo  as  his  Punifhment  was  owing  to  no  Crime 
of  his  own.  Oeneus^  his  Father,  King  of  JEtolia^  in  offer- 
ing Sacrifices  to  the  rural  Deities,  had  forgot  Diana.  The 
Goddefs  was  not  of  a  Character  to  put  up  fuch  a  Negledl:, 
She  fent  a  huge  wild  Boar  into  the  Fields  of  CaUdon^  who 
laid  every  Thing  wafte  before  him.  Meleager^  with  Thefeus 
and  the  Virgin  Atalanta^  undertook  to  encounter  it.  The 
Virgin  gave  the  Monfter  the  firft  Wound,  and  Meleager  who 
kill'd  it,  prefented  her  the  Skin,  which  his  Uncles  took  from 
her,  for  which  he  flew  them.  Althaa  his  Mother,  hearing 
her  two  Brothers  had  perifh'd  in  this  Quarrel,  took  an  un- 
common Revenge.  She  remember'd  at  the  Birth  of  her  Son 
the  Fates  had  thrown  a  Billet  into  the  Chamber,  with  an 
Affurance  the  Boy  would  live,  as  thatremain'd  unconfumed. 
The  Mother  had  till  now  carefully  fav'd  a  Pledge  on  which 
fo  much  depended ;  but  infpir'd  by  her  prefent  Fury  fhe 
threw  it  in  the  Flame-,  and  Meleager  inflantly  feiz'd  with  a 
confuming  Difeafe  expir'd,  as  foon  as  it  was  burnt.    Hii 

(3)  O'vidy  Lib.  III.  131. 

N  3  Sifters, 


^^  Fabuhus   HISTORY 

Sifters,  who  exceflively  mourn'd  his  Death,  were  turn'd  into 
Hen-Turkies.  Ovid  has  not  forgot  to  embellifh  his  Collection 
with  this  Story  (4). 

Others  relate  the  Story  of  MeUager  thus :  T>iana  had,  to 
avenge  herfelf  of  Oeneusy  rais'd  a  War  between  the  Curetes 
and  JEtolians,  Mdeagtry  who  fought  at  the  Head  of  his 
Father's  Troops,  had  always  the  Advantage,  'till  killing 
two  of  his  Mother's  Brothers,  his  Mother  Althaa  loaded 
him  with  fuch  Imprecations,  that  he  retir'd  from  the  Field, 
The  Curetes  upon  this  advanc'd,  and  attack'd  the  Capital  of 
Mtolia.  In  vain  Oeneus  prefles  his  Son  to  arm  and  repel  the 
Foe;  in  vain  his  Mother  forgives  and  intreats  him.  He  is 
inflexible  till  Cleopatra  his  Wife  falls  at  his  Feet,  and  repre- 
fents  their  mutual  Danger.  Touch'd  at  this,  he  calls  for  his 
Armour,  iffues  to  the  Fight,  and  repels  the  Enemy. 

Nor  was  Diana  Icfs  rigorous  to  her  own  Sex.  Chione  the 
Daughter  of  Dadalion^  being  carefs'd  both  by  Apollo  and 
Mercury y  bore  two  Twins,  Philammon  the  Son  of  Apollo,  a 
famous  Mufician,  and  Autolycus  the  Son  of  Mercury^  a  fkill- 
fill  Juggler  or  Cheat.  The  Mother  was  fo  imprudent  to 
boaft  of  her  Shame,  and  prefer  the  Honour  of  being  Miftrefs 
to  two  Deities,  to  the  Modefty  of  Dianay  which  fhe  afcrib'd 
to  her  Want  of  Beauty :  For  this  the  Goddefs  pierc'd  her 
Tongue  with  an  Arrow,  and  depriv'd  her  of  the  Power  of 
future  Boafting  or  Calumny. 

The  River  Alpheus  fell  violently  enamour'd  of  Diana^  and 
having  no  Hopes  of  Succefs,  had  recourfe  to  Force.  The 
Goddefs  fled  to  the  Letriniy  where  fhe  amus'd  herfelf  with 
Dancing,  and  with  fome  Art  fo  difguis'd  herfelf  and  her 
Nymphs,  that  Alpheus  no  longer  knew  them.  For  this, 
thefe  People  erected  a  Temple  to  her. 

During  the  Chafe  one  Day,  Diana  accidentally  fhot 
Chenchrius,  Son  of  the  Nymph  Pryene,  who  bewaii'd  him  fo 
much  that  ihe  was  turn'd  into  a  Fountain. 

(4)  Ovid,  Lib.  VIII.  261. 

Diana 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  93 

"Diana  had  a  great  Variety  of  Names,  (he  was  callM  Cynthia 
and  Delia ^  from  the  Place  of  her  Birth  j  Jrtemis^  on  account 
of  her  Honour  and  Modefty.  By  the  Arcadians  {he  was 
nam'd  Orrhofia  ;  and  by  the  Spartans,  Orthia,  Her  Temples 
were  many,  both  in  Greece  and  Italy  \  but  the  moft  confide- 
rable  was  at  Ephefus^  where  fhe  was  held  in  the  higheft  Ve- 
neration. The  Plan  of  this  magnificent  Edifice  was  laid 
by  Ctejiphony  and  the  Structure  of  it  employ'd  for  220  Years, 
the  ableft  Architects  and  Statuaries  in  the  World.  It 
was  fet  on  Fire  by  Erojiratus  on  the  Day  that  Alexander  the 
Great  came  into  the  World ;  but  was  foon  rebuilt  with 
equal  Splendor  under  Dimcratcsy  who  alfo  built  the  City  of 
Alexandria. 

The  Sacrifices  ofFer'd  to  Diana  were  the  firft  Fruits  of  the 
Earth,  Oxen,  Rams,  and  white  Hinds ;  human  Victims 
were  fometimes  devoted  to  her  in  Greece,  as  we  find  in  the 
Cafe  of  Iphigenia,  Her  Feftival  was  on  the  Ides  of  Auguji^ 
after  which  Time  all  Hunting  was  prohibited. 

Diana  was  reprefented  of  a  Stature  beyond  the  common, 
her  Hair  diflievell'd,  a  Bow  in  her  Hand,  and  a  Quiver  at 
her  Back,  a  Deer-Skin  fafien'd  to  her  Breaft,  and  her  Purple 
Robe  tuck'd  up  at  the  Knees  with  Gold  Buckles  or  Clafps, 
and  attended  by  Nymphs  in  a  Hunting-Drefs  with  Nets 
and  Hounds. 

Diana  was  alfo  call'd  Dea  Triformisy  or  Tergeminay  on  ac- 
count of  her  Triple  Chara6ler  of  Luna  in  Heaven,  Diana 
on  Earth,  and  Hecate  in  the  infernal  Regions,  though  the 
A6lions  of  the  firft  and  laft,  are  afcrib'd  to  her  under  the 
fecond  Name  (5), 

Luna  was  thought  the  Daughter  of  Hyperion  and  Theia, 
The  Egyptians  worflilpp'd  this  Deity  both  as  Male  and  Fe- 
male, the  Men  facrificing  to  it  as  Luna,  the  Women  a^ 
Lunuf^  and  each  Sex  on  thefe  Occafions  afTuming  the  Drcis 
of  the  other.  Indeed  this  Goddefs  was  no  other  than  the 
Venus   Uraniay  or   deleftis  of  the  JJfyrians^  whofe   Worfhip. 

(5)  Hefiod  makes  Luna^  Diana ^  and  UecoiU  three  dUlinft  Gpddefles. 


94  Fabulous   HISTORY 

and  Rites  the  Phanicians  introduced  into  Greece.  Under  this 
Character  Diana  was  alfo  call'd  Luciua^  (a  Name  (he  held  in 
common  with  Juno)  and  had  the  Protection  of  Women  in 
Labour  (6),  though  fome  make  Lucina  a  diftin£l  Goddefs 
from  either  (7).  By  this  Name  Ihe  was  ador'd  by  the  JEgi- 
nenfes  and  Eleans. 

If  Diana  was  fo  rigid  in  Point  of  Chaflity  on  Earth,  her 
Virtue  grew  a  Httle  more  relax'd  when  fhe  got  to  the  Skies. 
She  bore  Jupiter  a  Daughter  here,  call'd  Er/a^  or  the  De-w, 
and  Pahy  who  was  not  the  moft  pleafing  of  the  Gods,  de- 
ceiv'd  her  in  the  Shape  of  a  white  Ram.  But  her  moft  ce- 
lebrated Amour  was  with  Endymion  ( 8 )  the  Son  of  Athliusy 
and  Grandfon  of  Jupiter^  who  took  him  up  into  Heaven, 
where  he  had  the  Infolence  to  follicit  Juno^  for  which  he 
was  call  into  a  profound  Sleep.  Luna  had  the  Kindnefs  to 
conceal  him  in  a  Cave  of  Mount  Latmos  in  Caria,  where  fhe 
had  Fifty  Daughters  by  him,  and  a  Son  call'd  jEfo/us,  after 
which  he  was  again  exalted  to  the  Skies. 

The  Fable  of  Endymion  had  its  Origin  in  Eg-^pt,  Thefe 
People  in  the  Neomenia  or  Feaft,  in  which  they  celebrated 
the  antient  State  of  Mankind,  chofe  a  Grove,  or  fome  re- 
tired fhady  Grotto,  where  they  plac'd  an  IJis  with  her  Cref- 
cent  or  Moon,  and  by  her  Side  an  Horus  afleep,  to  denote 
the  Security  and  Repofe  which  Mankind  then  enjoy 'd.  This 
Figure  they  call'd  Endymion  (9),  and  thefe  Symbolical  Fi- 
gures, like  the  reft,  degenerated  into  Idolatry,  and  became 
the  Materials  for  fabulous  Hiftory. 

As  the  Moon,  Diana,  was  reprefented  in  a  Silver  Chariot 
drawn  by  white  Hinds  with   Gold  Harnefs,  which  fome 

(6)  It  is  faid  Hie  aflifted  Latotia  her  Mother  at  the  Birth  of  ^pollo  j  but 
■was  lb  terrify'd  at  the  Pains,  that  ftie  vow'd  perpetual  Virginity. 

(7)  Sonie  make  Lucina  the  Daughter  0/  Jupiter  and  Juno^  and  born  in 
Crete. 

(8)  Others  affirm,  that  Endymion  was  a  King  of  EVn,  much  given  to 
Aftronomy  and  Lunar  Obfervaticns,  for  which  he  was  faid  to  be  in  Love 
with  the  iMoon,  and  carefs'd  by  her. 

(9)  From  £;;,  a  Grotto  or  Fountain  ;  and  Dimion,  Refemblance,  is 
made  Etidimion,  or  the  Grotto  of  tbe  Reprcjintation. 

change 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  95 

Chano-e  to  Mules,  becaufe  that  Animal  is  barren  (lo).  Some 
make  her  Condudors  a  white  and  black  Horfe  ( 1 1)  ^  others 
Oxen,  on  account  of  the  lunar  Horns. 

Hecate  was  the  Daughter  of  Jupiter  and  Ceres.  As  to  the 
Origin  of  the  Name  there  is  fome  Variation  (12).  She  was 
the  Goddefs  of  the  infernal  Regions,  and  on  that  Account 
is  often  confounded  WiXhProferpive.  She  prefided  over  Streets 
and  Highways;  for  which  caufe  flie  was  call'd  Tri'via^  as 
alfo  Propylaa^  becaufe  the  Doors  of  Houfes  were  under  her 
Proteftion  (13).  The  Apellation  of -ffrm^  was  given  her, 
on  account  of  her  dreadful  Shrieks,  when  Mars,  Apollo  and 
Mercury^  meeting  her  in  the  Woods  attempted  to  ravifh  her. 
She  was  alfo  famous  for  Botany,  efpecially  in  difcovering 
baneful  and  poifonous  Herbs  and  Roots  ;  as  alfo  for  her  Skill 
in  Enchantments  and  magical  Arts,  in  the  Prailice  of  which 
her  Name  was  conftantly  invok'd  (i^^)-  Hejiod  h2iS  given 
a  very  pompous  Defcription  of  the  Extent  of  her  Power 
(i^)*     She  was  flyrd  in  Egypt,  Bubaftis. 

As  Hecate,  Diana  was  reprefented  of  an  exceflive  Height, 
her  Head  coverM  with  frightful  Snakes,  and  her  Feet  of  a 
Serpentine  Form,  and  furrounded  with  Dogs,  an  Animal 
facred  to  her,  and  under  whofe  Form  fbe  was  fometimes 
reprefented.  She  was  alfo  efteem'd  the  Goddefs  of  inevi- 
table Fate. 

If  we  have  recourfe  to  the  Egyptian  Key,  we  {hall  find  this 
threefold  Goddefs  only  Ifs  under  different  Forms  and  Names, 
and  the  fame  Symbol  with  the  Juno  and  Cybele  we  have  al- 

(10)  To  exprefs  that  the  Moon  had  no  Light  of  her  own,  but  what  flie 
borrow'd  from  the  Sun. 

(11)  To  exprefs  the  Wane  and  Full  of  the  Moon. 

(iz)  Either  from  'i)ia.6iv  at  a  Diftance,  becaufe  the  Moon  darts  her 
Rays  afar  off  J  or  from  iKectov  a  Hundred,  becaufe  a  Hecatomb  was  the 
ufual  Vidim. 

(i-^)  At  every  New  Moon  the  Atkemam  made  a  Supper  for  her  in  the 
open  Street,  which  in  the  Night  was  eaten  by  the  poor  People. 
( i/^)  So  Dido  in  Virgil,  calls  on 

Tergeml nam  Hecnten,  :ria  Firginii  ora  Dian«,     ^neid  IV. 
(i^)  Thetogony,  1.  411. 

ready 


96  Fabulous    HISTORY 

ready  treated  of.  The  Greek  Sculptors  had  too  good  a  Tafte 
to  endure  the  Heads  of  the  Bull  or  Goat  on  their  Deitiesj 
which  they  borrow'd  from  that  Country.  They  therefore 
alter'd  thefe  hieroglyph ical  Figures  to  their  own  Mode; 
but  took  Care  to  preferve  the  Attributes,  by  difpofing  them 
in  a  more  elegant  Manner^  The  Lunar  Ifis  amongft  the 
Egyptians  was  call'd  Hecate^  oi  {l6)  Achete^  and  by  the  Syrians 
Jchot.  The  latter  alfo  flyl'd  her  Deio  or  Deione  (ij)y  and 
Demeter,  Ifis  at  the  firll  Inftitution  had  a  Relation  to  the 
Earth,  and  mark'd  out  its  Produ6tions.  The  Crefcent  and 
Full  Moon  over  her  Head  at  the  Neomoniie,  made  her  mif- 
taken  for  that  Planet,  and  the  Time  of  the  Interlunia,  dur- 
ing which  fhe  remain'd  invifible,  {he  was  fupposM  to  take  a 
Turn  to  the  invifible  World,  and  fo  got  the  Name  of  Hecate, 
Thus  the  tripartite  Goddefs  arofe.  The  Meaning  of  the 
antient  Symbols  was  confounded  and  forgot,  and  a  fcnfelels 
Jargon  of  Fable  and  Superftition  introduced  in  its  Place, 
a  Point  which  can  never  be  too  exad:ly  attended  to  on  this 
Occafion. 

(id)  Achate,  the  only  or  excellent,  ot  Ac  hot  ^in  the  .Syr/flCy?  the  Sifter. 
(lyj  Veto  or  Detoncy    from  Dei,  Sufficiency  j  or  Demeter,  froni  Dei 
and  Ma  tar,  Rain,  i.e.  Plenty  of  Rain. 


CHAP.    XXXIII. 
Of  MERCURY. 

PA  S  S  we  now  to  a  Deity  neither  famous  for  his  Truth 
or  Honefty,  though  he  makes  no  inconfiderable  Figure 
in  the  celeftial  Catalogue.  Mercury  was  the  Son  of  Jupiter 
and  Maia,  Daughter  of  At/as,  and  born  on  Mount  CylUne  in 
Arcadia,  He  was  fuckled  by  Juno^  fome  of  whofe  Milk 
falling  paft  his  Mouth  on  the  Heavens  produced  the  Galaxy^ 
He  began  to  difplay  early  his  Talent  for  Theft,  as  we  have 
obferv'd  under  the  Article  of  Apollo.  Being  carefs'd,  when 
an  Infant  in  Vulcan\  Arms,  he  ftole  away  his  Tools.    The 

fame 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  97 

feme  Day  he  defeated  Cupid  at  Wreftling,  and  while  Venut 
prais'd  him  after  his  Viftory,  he  found  Means  to  convey 
away  her  Cejius,  He  pilfer'd  Jupiter's  Sceptre,  and  had  done 
the  fame  Thing  by  his  Thunderbolts,  but  they  were  too  hot 
for  his  Fingers.  He  ferv'd  Battus  a  very  flippery  Trick. 
This  Man  faw  him  dealing  King  Admetus\  Cows  from 
j^pollo  his  Herdfman.  To  bribe  him  to  filence  he  gave  him 
a  fine  Gow,  and  the  Clown  promis'd  to  keep  it  Secret. 
Mercury  to  try  him,  afTum'd  another  Shape,  and  offering  a 
higher  Reward,  the  Fellow  told  all  he  knew,  on  which  (i) 
the  God  turn'd  him  into  a  Touch-Stone. 

Mercury  had  feveral  Appellations.  He  was  call'd  Hermes 
(t)  and  Cyllemus.  Nor  were  his  Employments  lefs  various. 
He  was  the  Cupbearer  of  Jupiter  'till  Ganymede  took  his 
Place.  He  was  the  Meflenger  of  the  Gods,  and  the  tute- 
lar God  of  Roads  and  Crofs-Ways  (^3^  the  Inventor  of 
Weights  and  Meafurcs,  and  the  Guardian  of  all  Merchan- 
dize and  Commerce*  though  this  Office  feems  but  ill  to  agree 
with  the  Adlions  afcrib'd  to  him.  He  was  in  a  peculiar 
Manner  the  Protedlor  of  Learning,  being  the  firft  Difco- 
verer  of  Letters,  and  the  God  of  Rhetorick  and  Oratory. 
He  was  alfo  famous  for  his  Skill  in  Mufick,  and  fo  eloquent, 
that  he  was  not  only  the  Arbitrator  in  all  Quarrels  amongft 
the  Gods,  and  in  all  Leagues  and  Negotiations  particular 
Regard  was  paid  (^)  to  him. 

Together  with  Tellus  and  PlatOt  Mercury  was  invok'd 
amongft  the  terreftrial  Gods.  In  Conjunction  with  Hercules 
he  prefided  over  Wreftling  and  the  Gymnaftick  Exercifes, 

(\)  O^id  has  given  a  fine  Defcription  of  this  Incident.  Met  am.  Lib. 
11.680.^ 

(%)  '  Ef/x>j?j  the  Interpreter,  becaufe  he  imparted  the  Mind  of  the 
Geds  to  Men. 

(l)  Where  the  Greeks  and  Romans  plac'd  certain  Figures,  call'd  Herrr.oe, 
from  him,  being  of  Marble  or  Brafs,  with  the  Head  of  a  Merfury,  but 
downwards  of  a  Square  Figure. 

(4.)  As  the  Fecialesy  or  Priefls  oi  Mars  proclaim'd  ^<2r  ;  fo  the  C<z- 
duceatores,  or  Priefls  of  Mercury,  were  employ'd  in  all  Embaflies  and 
Treaties  of  Peace. 

O  to 


98  Fabulous   HISTORY 

to  fhew  that  Addrefs  on  thefe  Occafions  fhould  always  be 
join'd  to  Force.  He  was  alfo  believed  to  prefide  over 
Dreams  though  Morpheus  claims  a  Share  with  him  in  this 
Department. 

Annually  in  the  Middle  of  May  a  Fcftival  was  celebrated 
to  his  Honour  at  Romcy  by  the  Merchants  and  Traders  who 
facrificed  a  Sow  to  him,  intreating  he  would  profper  their 
Bufmefs,  and  forgive  their  Frauds.  In  all  Sacrifices  offer'd 
to  him  the  Tongues  of  the  Vidims  were  burnt,  which  Cuf- 
tom  was  borrow'd  from  the  Megarenfes,  Perfons  who  ef- 
cap'd  imminent  Danger  facirificed  to  him  a  Calf  with  Milk 
and  Honey. 

The  moft  remarkable  Office  of  Mercury^  was  to  attend  dy- 
ing Men,  to  unloofe  their  Souls  from  their  Bodies,  and  con- 
duct them  to  the  infernal  Realms,  and  when  they  had  com- 
pleated  their  Time  in  the  Elyfian  Fields,  to  re-condudl  them 
to  Life,  and  reinftatethem  in  new  Bodies  (^), 

His  moft  magnificent  Temple  was  on  Mount  CylUne  in 
Arcadia y  the  Place  of  his  Birth.  A  Purfe  was  ufually  hung 
at  his  Statue,  to  fhow  he  was  the  God  of  Profit  or  Gain.  In 
antient  Medals  and  Gems  he  bears  the  fame  Emblem  in  his 
Hand.  The  Animals  facred  to  him  were  the  Dog,  the  Goat 
and  the  Cock. 

By  his  Sifter  Venus  he  had  a  Son  call'd  Hermaphroditusy  a 
great  Hunter ;  a  Wood  Nymph  call'd  Salmacis^  fell  in  Love 
with  him,  but  had  the  Mortification  to  be  repuls'd.  Upon 
this,  inflamed  by  her  Paffion,  fhe  watch'd  near  a  Fountain 
where  he  us'd  to  bathe,  and  when  (he  faw  him  naked  in  the 
Water,  rufh'd  to  embrace  him,  but  the  Youth  ftill  avoiding 
her,  (he  pray'd  the  Gods  their  Bodies  might  become  one, 
which  was  immediately  granted  j  and  what  was  yet  more 
wonderful,  the  Fountain  retain'd  the  Virtue  of  making  ail 
thofe  Hermaphrodites  who  us'd  its  Waters  (6). 

A  late  Author  gives  this  Story  another  Turn.    He  fays 

(5)  Virgil,  JEn.  IV.  238. 

(6)  See  Ovid"^  Defcription  of  this  Adventure.    Met  am*  Book  IV, 

the 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  99 

the  Fountain  Salmacis  (7)  being  inclosM  with  high  Walls, 
very  indecent  Scenes  pafs'd  there ;  but  that  a  certain  Greek  of 
that  Colony  building  an  Inn  there  for  the  Entertainment  of 
Strangers,  the  Barbarians,  who  reforted  to  it,  by  their  Inter- 
courfe  with  the  Greeks,  became  foften'd  and  civiliz'dj 
which  gave  Rife  to  the  Fable  of  their  changing  their  Sex. 

Mercury  had  Other  Children,  particularly  Fan^  Dolops^ 
Ecbiotty  Caicus,  Erix,  BunuSy  P/jares,  and  the  Lares,  with  fe- 
veral  others. 

If  we  have  Recourfe  to  the  Egyptian  Mythology,  we  (hall 
prefently  fee  that  the  Mercury  of  the  Greeks  and  Romans  had 
his  Original  in  this  Country.  The  Jnuiis  or  Tayaut^  the 
Symbol  of  the  Dog- Star,  which  ufher'd  in  their  annual  In- 
undation, was  depi6lur*d  with  a  full  Purfe  in  his  Hand. 
This  Horus  or  Symbol  they  termM  Marcokt  (8).  In  the  other 
Hand  they  plac'd  the  Pole  crofled,  which  denoted  the  rifmg 
of  the  Waters,  the  Serpent  entwin'd  round  it,  which  figni- 
fy'd  Security.  This  Staff  was  terminated  with  little  Wings, 
the  Token  or  Hieroglyphic  of  the  £//?/ftf«  Winds,  which 
regulated  the  Waters.  All  the  myftick  Truths  concealed 
under  this  Figure  were  foon  forgot,  Anubis^  like  the  other 
Horus,  became  realiz'd  into  a  God,  and  took  the  Name  of 
Hannobeach  {9),  or  the  Orator,  His  Wand  and  Gefture  help'd 
on  the  Metamorphojis,  and  he  was  at  once  the  Deity  of  Elo- 
quence and  Arts,  and  the  Meffenger  of  the  Gods.  His 
Caduceus  afTum'd  the  Name  (10)  from  the  Sanctity  and  Vir- 
tues afcrib'd  to  it.  The  Rifmg  of  the  Dog-Star,  or  Sirius 
before  Dawn,  being  an  Obfervation  of  the  laft  Importance 
in  Egypt,  to  denote  it  they  plac'd  a  Cock  by  the  Side  of 
Anubis,  and  the  Purfe  in  his  Hand,  and  the  Goat  at  his  Feet, 

(7)  InCan'a,  neat  the  City  o(  HalicartiaJJus. 

(Z)  Trom  Racai,  to  trade  or  defraud,  comes  Marcoletj  Merchandize. 
The  Re-union  of  thefe  Senfes,  gives  Mercury  the  Right  of  Cheating  as 
well  as  Dealing. 

Calhdum   quicquid  placuit  jocofa 
Condire  Furto.     Book  I.  Ode  lo. 
(^)  Hannobeach.     See  Ifatab  Ivi.  lo. 
( loj  From  Cadojb,  holy  or  feparated. 

O  2  which 


100  Fabulous   HISTORY 

which  {hew'd  the  Sale  of  their  Summer  and  Autumn  Produc- 
tions, 'till  the  Sun  enter'd  the  Sign  of  Capricorn, 

Mercury  is  defcrib'd  by  the  Greek  and  Latin  Poets,  as  a  fair 
beardlefs  Youth,  with  flaxen  Hair,  lively  blue  Eyes,  and  a 
fmlling  Countenance,  having  Wings  affix'd  to  his  Hat  and 
Shoes  (i  I  J,  and  his  Caducms  extended  in  his  Hand, 

The  Hermes  T^rifmegijim  of  the  Egyptians,  who  was  King 
of  T^hehes^  and  one  of  their  firft  Philofophers  and  Legiflators, 
fhould  be  by  no  Means  confounded  with  an  imaginary  Di- 
vinity, to  whom  he  bears  noi  the  leaft  Relation. 

(x\)  Thefe  had  peculiar  Names  amongft  the  Romant\  his  Shoes  were 
call'd  Talaria,  and  his  Cap,  Petajus. 


CHAP.    XXXIV. 
0/    V  E  N  U  S, 

TH  E  next  Deity  that  offers,  is  that  powerful  Goddeis 
whofe  Influence  is  acknowedg'd  by  Gods  and  Men. 
Cicero  mentions  four  of  this  Name  (i)  -,  but  the  Venus  gene- 
rally known  is  fhe  who  is  fabled  to  have  fprung  from  the 
Froth  or  Fermentation  rais'd  by  the  Genitals  of  Saturn,  when 
cut  off  by  his  Son  Jupiter^  and  thrown  into  the  Sea.  Hence 
fhe  gain'd  the  Name  of  Aphrodite  (2),  As  foon  as  born  fhe 
was  laid  in  a  beautiful  Coach  or  Shell,  embellifh'd  with 
Pearl,  and  by  gentle  Zephyrs  wafted  to  the  Ifle  of  Cythera  in 
the  JLgean  Sea,  from  whence  fhe  fail'd  to  Cyprus^  which  fhe 
reach'd  in  ApriL  Here,  as  foon  as  fhe  landed.  Flowers  rofe 
beneath  her  Feet,  the  Hours  receiv'd  h^r,  ^nd  braided  her 
Hair  with  golden  Fillets,  after  which  fhe  wa^  by  them 
wafted  to  Heaven.    Her  Charms  appear'd  fo  attra(3:ive  in 

(i)  The  \Q\.\.\\t  Daughter  of  Calum,  the  2d  the  Venus  Aphrodita,  t^ie 
third  born  of  Jupiter  and  Diojiey  and  the  Wife  of  Vulcan  j  and  the  4th 
jifiarte,  or  the  Syrian  Venus,  tlie  Miltrefs  of  Adonis. 

(2)  From  'A^po?,  Froth,  though  fome  derive  it  from  ccf^aixnv  to  run 
rr,a<;J,  becauf^  all  Love  is  Infatuation  or  Frenzy, 

the 


pa^. 


e^2D0. 


J^.  ^^^n  /4t.7 :  f/- af'// 1 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  joi 

the  Aflembly  of  the  Gods,  that  fcarce  one  of  them  but 
what  defir'd  her  in  Marriage.  Vulcan^  by  the  Advice  of 
Jupiter^  put  ?oppy  in  her  Ne^ar,  and,  by  intoxicating  her, 
gain'd  PoflelTion. 

Few  of  the  Deities  have  been  fo  extenfively  worfliipp'd, 
or  under  a  greater  Variety  of  Names.  She  was  callM  Cythe- 
rea^  Paphia^  Cyprta^  Erycina,  Idalia^  Acidalia^  from  the  Places 
where  ihe  was  in  a  particular  Manner  adored .  Other  Apel- 
lations  were  given  her  from  her  principal  Attributes.  She 
was  ftyl'd  ViBrix  f^),  to  denote  her  refiftlefs  Sway  over  the 
Mind  J  Jmica^  from  her  being  propitious  to  Lovers  ;  Apa- 
turia^  from  the  Deceit  and  Inconftancy  of  her  Votaries^ 
Ridens,  from  her  Love  of  Mirth  and  Laughter  (^)^  HortenJiSy 
from  her  influencing  the  Vegetation  of  Plants  and  Flowers : 
Marina^  from  her  being  born  of  the  Sea  ;  Melanis,  from  her 
delighting  in  nodurnal  (^)  Amours;  Meretrix^  from  the 
Proftitution  of  her  Votaries  ;  and  Genetrixy  from  her  prefid- 
ing  over  the  Propagation  of  Mankind.  The  Epithet  of 
Migonitis,  was  given  her  from  her  Power  in  the  Manage- 
ment of  Love  (6),  and  that  of  Murcia  and  Myrtaa^  on  ac- 
count of  the  Myrtle  confecrated  to  her.  She  was  nam'd 
Verticordia^  from  her  Power  of  changing  the  Heart;  for 
which  Reafon  the  Greeks ^^\^  her  Eri^r ^o(p'U,  The  Spartans 
caird  her  Venus  Armata^  becaufe  when  befieg'd  by  the  Mejfe^ 
titans,  their  Wives  unknown  to  their  Hufbands,  rais'd  the 
Siege.  The  Romans  alfo  term'd  her  Barhata^  becaufe  when 
a  Difeafe  had  feiz'd  the  Women,  in  which  they  loft  all  their 
Hair,  on  their  Prayers  to  Venus  it  grew  again.  A  Temple 
was  dedicated  to  her  by  the  Appellation  of  Caha\  becaufe, 

(3)  Under  this  Charaaer  (he  is  reprefented  leaning  on  a  Shield,  and 
carrying  Vi<fiory  in  her  Right  Hand,  and  a  Sceptre  in  her  Left.  At  other 
Times  with  a  Helmet,  and  the  Apple  of  Faris  in  her  Hand. 

(4)  Horace,  Lib.  I.  Ode  2.  Sive  tu  mavis  Erycina  ridens,  fo  llotrer  caKs 
her  ^iAo^5<«»j?,  or  the  Laughter- loving  ^een. 

(5)  From  f*t^«?,  black,  becaufe  Lovers  chufe  the  Night, 

(6)  From  f^'Vi-^'fA*,  to  mix  or  mingle  j  io  Virgtly 

Mixta  Deo  Mulien 

when 


102  Fabulous   HISTORY 

when  the  Gauls  invefted  the  Capitol  the  Women  ofFer'd  their 
Hair  to  make  Ropes  for  the  Engines.  She  had  alfo  the  Epi- 
thet of  Cluacina  (y)^  from  her  Image  being  erected  in  the 
Place  where  the  Peace  was  concluded  between  the  Romans 
2nd  Sabines. 

Let  us  now  enquire  a  little  into  the  Actions  afcrib'd  to 
this  Goddefs.  Her  conjugal  Behaviour  we  fliall  fee  under 
the  Article  of  Vulcan^  and  find  it  was  none  of  the  moft  edi- 
fying. Her  Amours  were  numerous.  Not  to  mention 
Jpolloy  Neptune f  Mars  and  Mercury,  who  all  boafted  of  her  Fa- 
vours (8).  She  had  Mneas  (())  by  Anchifes,  but  her  princi- 
pal Favourite  was  Adonis  the  Son  of  Cynaras^  King  of  Cyprus 
and  Myrrha,  and  a  Youth  of  incomparable  Beauty,  unfortu- 
nately in  hunting  he  was  kill'd  by  a  wild  Boar.  Venus^  who 
flew  to  his  Afliftance,  received  a  Prick  in  her  Foot  with  a 
Thorn,  and  the  Blood  which  dropp'd  from  it  produced  the 
Damafk  Rofe  (loj  'y  but  coming  too  late  to  fave  him,  fhe 
changed  him  into  the  Flower  Anemone^  which  ftill  retains  a 
Crimfon  Colour  (^i  ij.  After  this  fhe  obtain'd  of  Proferpine 
that  Adonis  {hould  continue  fix  Months  with  her  on  Earth, 
and  fix  Months  remain  in  the  lower  Regions. 

The  moft  remarkable  Adventure  of  Fenus  was  her  famous 
Conteft  with  Juno  and  Miner^va  for  Beauty.  At  the  Mar- 
riage of  ?eleus  and  Thetis^  the  Goddefs  Di/cord  refenting  her 
not  being  invited,  threw  a  Golden  Apple  amongft  the  Com- 
pany with  this  Infcription,  Let  it  be  ginjen  to  the  fair  eji  (12)^ 
The  Competitors  for  this  Prize,  were  the  three  Deities 

(7)  From  Cluo  to  fight. 

(8)  By  Apollo  (he  had  Elefiryonand  five  Sons;  by  Neptune ,  Eryx,  and 
Meligums  a  Daughter  j  by  Marsy  Timor  and  Pallor-,  and  by  Mercury, 
Hermafbroditui. 

(9)  Sheimmortaliz'd^we^i,  by  purifying  and  anointing  his  Body  with 
Ambrofial  Eflence,  and  the  Romans  deify'd  him  by  the  Name  of  Indtga. 
"We  have  feveral  antient  Infcriptions,  i)eo  hdigeti. 

(10)  O'vid,  Lib.  X.  505. 

(11)  Some  mythologize  this  Story,  to  fignify  by  Monis  the  Sun,  who, 
during  the  Summer  Signs,  refides  with  Verus  on  the  Earth,  and  during  the 
"Winter  with  Proferpine,    ThQ  wild  Boar  which  kill'd  him  is  the  Cold. 

(12)  Detut  PnUbriorit 

above- 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  103 

atove-mentioned.  Jupiter  referr'd  them  to  Paris,  youngeft 
Son  to  Priamus,  King  of  Troy^  who  then  kept  his  Father*s 
Flocks  on  Mount  Ida,  Before  him  the  GoddefTes  appear'd, 
as  moft  fayt  naked.  Juno  ofFer'd  him  Empire  or  Power  ; 
Minerva,  Wifdom  ;  and  Venus  endeavoured  to  bribe  him  with 
the  Promife  of  the  Faireft  Woman  in  the  World.  Fatally  for 
himfelf  and  Family,  the  Shepherd  was  more  fufceptible  of 
Love,  than  of  Ambition  or  Virtue,  and  decided  the  Point  in 
Favour  of  Venus,  The  Goddefs  rewarded  him  with  Helen 
(I'i),  whom  he  carry'd  off  from  her  Hufband  Menelaus^ 
King  of  Sparta,  and  the  Rape  gave  Rife  to  that  formidable 
Affociation  of  the  Greek  Princes,  which  ended  in  the  Deitruc- 
tion  of  his  Family,  and  the  Ruin  of  Troy, 

Venus,  however  propitious  (he  was  to  Lovers,  was  very 
fevere  to  fuch  as  offended  her.  She  changed  the  Women  of 
Amathus  in  Cyprus,  into  Oxen  for  their  Cruelty.  The  Pro- 
patides,  who  deny'd  her  Divinity,  grew  fo  fhamelefsly  im- 
pudent, that  they  were  faid  to  be  harden'd  into  Stones  (i^), 
Hippomenes  and  Atalanta,  were  another  Inftance  of  her  Re- 
fentment ;  for  after  fhe  had  alTifted  him  to  gain  the  Virgin, 
on  their  Neglect  to  pay  her  the  due  Offerings,  fne  infatuated 
them  fo,  that  they  lay  together  in  the  Temple  of  Cybele, 
who,  for  that  Profanation,  turn'd  them  into  Lions  (i^)* 

Nor  was  (he  lefs  favourable  to  her  Votaries.  Pygmalion, 
a  famous  Statuary,  from  a  Notion  of  the  Inconveniencies  of 
Marriage,  refolv'd  to  live  fmgle.  He  had  however  form'd  a 
beautiful  Image  of  a  Virgin  in  Ivory,  with  which  he  fell  fo 
deeply  enamour'd,  that  he  treated  it  as  a  real  Miftrefs,  and 
continually  follicited  Venus,  by  Prayers  and  Sacrifices,  to  ani- 
mate his  beloved  Statue.  His  Wifhes  were  granted,  and  by 
this  enliven'd  Beauty  he  had  a  Son  caird  Paphos,  who  gave 
his  Name  to  the  City  of  Paphos  in  Cyprus  (i6J, 

(13)  Sucb  Helen  ivas,  andnvha  can  blame  the  Boy, 

Who  in  fo  bright  a  Flame  confuni'd  his  Troy  ?     Waller. 
(14.)  See  O'vidy  Lib.  X.  1.  23?. 

(15)  See  the  Article  of  Cybele,  and  Ovid  Lib,  X.  560. 

(16)  Ovid,  Lib.  X.  245, 

A  Goddefs 


104  Fabulous    HISTORY 

A  Goddefs  fo  univerfally  own'd  and  ador'd  could  nof  fail 
of  Temples.  That  of  Paphos  in  Cyprus  was  the  Principal. 
In  that  of  Rome  dedicated  to  her  by  the  Title  of  Venus  Libitinay 
were  fold  all  Things  neceffary  for  Funerals.  She  had  alfo  a 
magnificent  Shrine  built  for  her  by  her  Son  jEneas^  on 
Mount  Eryx  in  Sicily,  The  Sacrifices  ufually  ofFer'd  to  her 
were  white  Goats  and  Swine,  with  Libations  of  Wine^  Milk 
and  Honey.  The  Victims  were  crownM  with  Flowers  or 
Wreaths  of  Myrtle.  The  Birds  facred  to  her  were  the 
Sivattf  the  Dove,  and  the  Sparrow. 

So  far  for  the  Fenus  Pandemos,  or  Popularis  the  Goddefs  of 
wanton  and  eflfeminate  Love  j  but  the  Antients  had  another 
Venus ^  whom  they  ftyPd  Urania  and  Celejiis^  (who  was  indeed 
no  other  than  the  Syrian  Aftarte)  and  to  whom  they  afcrib'd 
no  Attributes,  but  fuch  as  were  ftri6tly  chafte  and  virtuous* 
Of  this  Deity  they  admitted  no  corporeal  Refemblance,  but 
fhe  was  reprefented  by  the  Form  of  a  Globe  ending  coni- 
cally  ('i'])i  and  only  pureFire  was  burnt  on  her  Altars.  Her 
Sacrifices  were  call'd  Nephalia,  on  account  of  their  Sobriety, 
only  Honey  and  Wine  being  ofl^er'd ;  but  no  Animal  Vic- 
tims except  the  Heifer,  nor  was  the  Wood  of  Figs^  Vines  or 
Mulberries  {\xWqi'' 6.  to  be  us'd  in  them; 

This  Diftindion  of  two  Venufes^  the  Chafte  and  the  Im- 
pure one,  leads  us  to  the  true  Explication  of  the  Fable.  In 
the  different  Attributes  of  the  Egyptian  Jfis,  we  fee  thefe  con- 
tradidlory  Charadters  explain'd.  The  Jjts  crown'd  with  the 
Crefcent  Star  of  fome  of  the  Zodiacal  Signs,  is  the  celeftiai 
Venus,  The  IJis  with  the  Terreftrial  Symbols,  fuch  as  the 
Heads  of  Animals,  a  Multitude  ofBreafts,  or  a  Child  in  her 
Lap,  became  the  Goddefs  of  Fruitfulnefs  and  Generation, 
and  confequently  the  Venus  Pandemos.  As  the  latter  was  re- 
garded as  a  Divinity  propitious  to  Luxury  and  Pleafure,  it  i$ 
no  Wonder  if  ihe  foon  gained  the  Afcendant  over  her 

(17)  This  Manner  of  Reprefentation  was  borrow'd  from  tire  Arabians 
and  Syrians,  who  thought  the  Deity  was  not  to  be  exprefs'd  by  any  corpo- 
real Forlii» 

Rival. 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  105 

Rival,  in  Phoenicia  and  Egypt^  the  young  Girls  (i^)  confe- 
crated  to  the  Service  of  the  Terreftrial  IJis^  ufually  refided  in 
a  Tent  or  Grove  near  her  Temple,  and  w^ere  common  Prof- 
titutesj  whereas  thofe  devoted  to  the  Caeleftial  IJisy  or  Venn^ 
Urania^  were  ftridlily  chafte.  Thefe  Tabernacles  were  call'd 
the  Pa'villion  x>f  the  Girls  (ig)t  and  gave  Rife  to  the  Name 
of  Venus,  afcrib'd  to  the  Goddefs  of  Love.  The  Syrians  alfo 
call'd  the  terreftrial  IJis^  Melitta^  or  llythye  (zo)^  and  the 
Greeks  and  Romans  adopted  the  fame  Name.  Thus  the  Sym- 
bolical Ifis  of  Egypt^  after  producing  the  different  Deities  of 
Cybelc-^  Rhea^  Vefla^  Juno^  Diana,  Luna,  Hecate  and  Proferpinet 
form'd  alfo  the  different  Charadlers  of  the  common  and  ce- 
leftial  Venus ',  fo  eafily  does  Superftition  and  Invention  mul- 
tiply the  Obje£b  of  Idolatry. 

As  Venus  was  the  Goddefs  of  Love  and  Pleafure,  it  Is  no 
Wonder  if  the  Poets  have  been  lavifti  in  the  Defcription  of 
hep  Beauties.  Both  Homer  and  Virgil  have  (21 J  given  us 
fine  Pidures  of  this  Kind.  Nor  were  the  antient  Sculptors 
and  Painters  negligent  on  fo  interefting  a  Subject.  Phidias 
form'd  her  Statue  of  Ivory  and  Gold,  with  one  Foot  on  a 
Tortoife  f  22  j.  Scopas  reprefented  her  riding  on  a  He-Goat, 
and  Praxiteles  wrought  her  Statue  at  Cnidos  of  white  Marble, 
half  opening  her  Lips  and  fmiiing.    Jpelles  drew  her  as  juft 

(18)  They  were  call'd  Ki<iro<po^o]^  or  Bafket-Bearers,  becaufe  they 
carried  the  Offerings. 

(19)  Succotb  Fenotbf  the  Tabernacle  of  the  Girls.  The  Greeks  and 
Romans,  who  could  not  pronounce  the  Word  Fenotb,  call'd  it  Fenos,  or 
Fenus,  and  hearing  the  Tents  of  Fenus  fo  often  mentioned,  took  it  for  the 
Name  of  the  Goddefs  herftlf. 

(20)  From  jeled^  to  beget ;  comes  Jlittay  Generation  ;  which  the 
Latins  well  exprefs'd  by  Diva  Genitrix,  or  Genitalis,  See  Horace,  Car-. 
men  Seculare,  1.  14. 

(21)  She  f aid i  and  turning  round,  her  Neck  ^e  Jhoiv^d, 
That  nvith  celejiial  Charms  divinely  glow'' d\ 

Her  nuaving  Locks  immortal  Fragrance ped. 
And  breathed  ambroftal  Sweets  around  her  Head  : 

*  In  flowing  Pomp  her  radiant  Robe  was  feen,. 

*  And  all  the  Goddefs  fparkled  in  her  Mein.' 

P/>f's  Firgil,  i^neid  I.  402. 

(22)  This  Statue  was  at  ^ lis,  and  the  Tortoife  was  defign'd  to  (hew, 
that  Women  Ibould  not  go  much  abroad,  but  attend  their  j^omeflick 
Affairs, 

P  emerged 


io6  Fabulous   HISTORY 

emerged  from  the  Sea,  and  prelTing  the  Water  out  of  her 
Hair,  a  Piece  that  was  reckon'd  ineftimable.  It  were  endlefs 
to  mention  the  Variety  of  Attitudes  in  which  fhe  is  repre- 
fented  in  Antique  Gems  and  Medals  f  23J  j  fometimes  fhe  is 
cloath'd  in  Purple,  glittering  with  Gems,  her  Head  crown'd 
with  Rofes,  and  drawn  in  her  Ivory  Car,  by  Swans,  Doves, 
or  Sparrows.  At  others  fhe  is  reprefented  Handing  with  the 
Graces  attending  her;  but  in  all  Pofitions  Cupid htr  Son  is  her 
infeparable  Companion.  I  fhall  only  add,  that  the  Statue 
call'd  the  Medicean  Venus^  is  the  beft  Figure  of  her  which 
Time  has  preferv'd.  • 

(23)  See  a  great  Number  of  thefe  in  Mr.  OgW^  Antiquities,  illuftrated  by 
antient  Gems,  a  Work  which  it  is  a  great  Lofs  to  the  Publick,  that  inge- 
nious and  worthy  Gentleman  did  not  Jive  tofinifti. 


CHAP.     XXXV. 

Of  the  Attendants  c/  V  E  N  U  S,    viz,    Cupfd, 
Hymen,  and  the  Hor^,  or  Hours, 

BEFORE  we  clofe  the  Article  of  Venus^  it  is  necef- 
fary  to  give  fome  Account  of  the  Deities,  who  were 
ufually  reprefented  in  her  Train,  and  formed  a  Part  of  that 
State  with  which  fhe  ufually  appear'd. 

The  firft  of  thefe  is  Cupid.  Some  make  him  one  of  the 
moft  antient  of  the  Deities,  and  fay  he  had  no  Parents;  but 
fucceeded  immediately  after  Chaos.  Others  report,  that  Nox^ 
or  ^ight^  produced  an  Egg,  which  having  hatch'd  under 
her  fable  Wings,  brought  forth  Cupid^  or  io'z;^,  who  with 
golden  Pinions  immediately  flew  through  the  whole  World. 
(\).  But  the  common  Opinion  is,  that  Cupid  was  the  Son 
of  Mars  and  Venusy  and  the  Favourite  Child  of  his  Mother, 
who  without  his  Aid,  as  fhe  confelTes  in  Virgil,  could  do 

(i)  Others  make  him  the  Son  of  For  us,  the  God  of  Counfel,  who  be- 
ing drunk  begot  him  on  Peria  the  Goddefs  of  Poverty  j  others  the  Soaof 
Calus  nn^l'eira,  and  fome  of  Zephyui  and  Flora, 

little 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  107 

little  Execution  Indeed  the  Poets,  when  they  invoke  the 
Mother,  feldom  fail  to  make  their  joint  AddreiFes  to  the  Son 
(z).  Perhaps  this  Conrcioufnefs  ofliis  own  Importance, 
render'd  this  little  Divinity  fo  arrogant,  that  on  many  Occa- 
iions  he  forgets  his  filial  Duty.  This  Cupid  belong'd  to  the 
Venus  Pandemos^  or  Popularis^  and  was  call'd  Jnteros,  or  Luft. 
But  the  Antients  mention  another  Cupid  Son  of  Jupiter  and 
Venus  of  a  nobler  Character,  whofe  Delight  it  was  to  raife 
refin'd  Sentiments  of  Love  and  Virtue,  whereas  the  other 
infpir'd  bafe  and  impure  Defires.  His  Name  was  Eros^  or 
true  Love,  Eros  bore  a  Golden  Dart,  which  caufed  real  Joy 
and  AfFedl:ion,  Jnteros  a  Leaden  Arrow,  which  raisM  a  fleet- 
ing Paifion,  ending  in  Satiety  and  Difguft. 

Cupid  was  reprefented  ufually  naked,  to  {how  that  Love 
has  nothing  of  its  own.  He  is  arm'd  with  a  Bow  and  Qui- 
ver full  of  Darts,  to  fhew  his  Power  of  the  Mind;  and 
crown'd  with  Rofes,  to  (hew  the  delightful  but  tranfitory 
Pleafures  he  beflows.  Sometimes  he  is  depidur'd  blind^  to 
denote  that  Love  fees  no  Faults  in  the  Object  belov'd;  at 
others  he  appears  with  a  Rofe  in  one  Hand  and  a  Dolphin  in 
the  other;  fometimes  he  is  feen  {landing  between -f/ierca/f/ 
and  Mercury^  to  fignify  the  Prevalence  of  Eloquence  and 
Valour  in  Love  ;  at  others  he  is  plac'd  near  Fortune,  to  ex- 
prefs  how  much  the  Succefs  of  Lovers  depends  on  that  in- 
conflant  Goddefs.  He  is  always  drawn  with  Wings,  to  ty- 
pify, that  nothing  is  more  fleeting  than  the  Paflion  he 
excites. 

The  Egyptian  Horus,  which  attended  the  terreftrial  IJts,  or 
the  Venus  Popularisy  or  Pandemos,  was,  according  to  the  Cuf- 
tom  of  the  Neomeni^y  reprefented  with  different  Attributes, 
fometimes  with  the  Wings  of  the  Etefian  Wind,  at  others 
with  the  Club  of  Hercules  (t,)^  the  Arrows  of  Apollo ^  fitting 
on  a  Lyon,  driving  a  Bull,  tying  -a  Ram,  or  having  a  large 

(2)  See  Horace^  Lib.  I,  Ode  xxx.  et  PafTim. 

(3)  There  is  a  Gem  in  Mr.  Ogle  anfwering  this  Defcription, 

P  z  Fiih 


io8  Fabulous   HISTORY 

Fifh  in  his  Nets.  Thefe  Signs  of  the  different  Seafons  of 
the  Year,  gave  Rife  to  as  many  Fables.  The  Empire  of 
Eros^  or  Love,  was  made  to  extend  to  Heaven  and  Earth, 
and  even  to  the  Depths  of  the  Ocean  j  and  this  little,  but 
pov/erful  Child,  had  difarmed  Gods  and  Men. 

Hymen  the  fecond  Attendant  of  P'enus^  was  the  God  of 
Marriage,  and  the  Son  of  Bacchus  and  that  Goddefs  (^)* 
He  is  faid  to  be  born  in  Attica^  where  he  made  it  his  Bufmefs 
to  refcue  Virgins  carried  off  by  Robbers,  and  to  reftore  them 
to  their  Parents.  On  this  Account  all  Maids  newly  married 
offer'd  Sacrifices  to  him ;  as  alfo  to  the  Goddefs  of  Concord, 
He  was  invoked  in  the  nuptial  Ceremony  (r^)  in  a  particu- 
lar Manner. 

This  God  was  reprefented  of  a  fair  Complexion,  crown'd 
with  Amaricus^  or  the  Herb  Sweet  Marjoram,  and  rob'd  in  a 
Veil  of  Saffron  Colour  (reprefentative  of  the  Bridal  Blulhes) 
with  a  Torch  lighted  in  his  Hand,  becaufe  the  Bride  was 
carried  always  Home  by  Torch-Light. 

Every  one  knows  it  was  a  conffant  Cuftom  of  the  orien-» 
tal  Nations,  on  the  Wedding-Day,  to  attend  the  Bride-r 
groom  and  Bride  with  Torches  and  Lamps.  The  Chorus 
on  thefe  Occafions  was  Hu!  Humeneh^  Here  he  comes  /  T^his  is 
the  Feftival  (6) !  The  Horus  exhibited  on  this  Occafion  in 
Egyptf  was  a  young  Man  bearing  a  Lamp  or  Torch,  plac'd 
near  the  IJis^  which  denoted  the  Day  of  the  Month  fix'd  for 
the  Ceremony. 

The  Graces,  who  always  attended  Venus^  have  been  already 
defcribed  with  the  Mufes  under  the  Article  of  Apollo. 

The  Hor^e^  or  Hours,  were  the  Daughters  of  Sol  and 
Ghronis,  (or  Time)  and  the  Harbingers  of  their  Father.  They 
were  alfo  the  Nurfes  of  Fenus,  as  well  as  her  Dreflers,  and 
made  a  neceffary  Part  of  her  Train, 

(4.)  Hymen  is  thought  to  be  ^the  Son  of  the  Goddefs  ^^nus  Urania,  or 
the  celeltial  Venus. 

(5)  They  repeated  often  the  Words,  O  Hymen,  O  Hymemse  ! 

(6)  From  Hu,  lo  !  or  here  he  is,  and  Mcneb  the  Feaft  or  Sacrifice,  comes 
Bymenaui, 

CHAP, 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  109 

CHAR    XXXVI; 
Of    VULCAN, 

TH  O  U  G  H  the  Hulband  fhould  ufually  precede  the 
Wife,  yet  Vulcan  was  too  unhappy  in  Wedlock  to 
obtain  this  Diftindion.  There  were  feveral  of  the  Name 
(\)^  but  the  Principal,  who  arriv'd  at  the  Honour  of  being 
deify'd,  was  the  Son  of  Jupiter  and  Juno^  or  as  others  fay,  of 
Juno  alone ;  However  this  be,  he  was  fo  remarkably  de- 
form'd,  that  his  Father  threw  him  down  from  Heaven  to  the 
Ifle  of  Lemnos,  and  in  the  Fall  he  broke  his  Leg  (2).  Others 
report,  that  Juno  herfelf,  difgufted  at  his  Sight,  hurl'd  him 
into  the  Sea,  where  he  was  nurfed  by  Thetis  (^J, 

The  firft  Refidence  of  Fulcan  on  Earth,  was  the  Ifle  of 
Lemnos  ^4^,  where  he  fet  up  his  Forge,  and  taught  Men 
how  to  foften  and  polifti  Brafs  and  Iron.  From  thence  he 
removed  to  the  Liparean  Ifles  near  Sicily^  where,  with  the  Af- 
fiftance  of  the  Cyclops,  he  made  Jupiter  frefh  Thunderbolts^ 
as  the  Old  grew  decay'd,  He  alfo  wrought  an  Helmet  for 
Pluto,  which  render'd  him  invifible,  a  Trident  for  Neptune 
that  fhakes  both  Land  and  Sea,  and  a  Dog  of  Brafs  for 
Jupiter^  which  he  animated  fo,  as  to  perform  (^)  all  the 
natural  Fundions  of  the  Animal.  Nor  is  this  a  Wonder, 
when  we  confider,  that  at  the  Defire  of  the  fame  God,  he 
formed  Pandora,  who  was  fent  with  the  fatal  Box  to  Prome^ 
theus,  as  has  been  related  in  its  Place.    In  fhort,  Vulcan  was 

(i)  The  jft,  faid  to  be  the  Son  of  Calus-,  the  2d,  the  Son  of  Nilus, 
call'd  Opas ;  the  3d,  the  Vulcan  Son  of  Jupiter  and  Juno,  mentioned 
above  ;  and  the  4th,  the  Son  of  Manalius,  who  refided  in  the  Fulcanian. 
or  Liparean  Ifles. 

(2)  He  was  caught  by  the  Lemniam,  or  he  had  broke  his  Neck.  It  i% 
added,  he  was  a  whole  Day  in  falling. 

(3)  Others  report  he  fell  on  the  Land,  and  was  nurs'd  by  yipes ;  and 
that  Jupiter  expelPd  him  the  Skies  for  atten^pting  to  refcue  Juno,  when  ftia 
confpirM  againft  him. 

(4)  Becaufe  Lemnos  abounds  in  Minerals  and  hot  Springs* 

.  (5)  J"ptter  gave  this  Dpg  to  Europa,  flie  to  Procris,  and  by  her  it  was 
given  to  Cepbalus  her  Hufband,  and  by  Jupiter  after  turn'd  to  a  Stone. 


J 10  Fah/lous    HISTORY 

the  general  Armourer  of  the  Gods.  He  made  Bacchus  a 
golden  Crown  to'  prefent  Ariadne^  a  Chariot  for  the  Sun^  and 
another  for  Man.  At  the  Requeft  of  Thetis  he  fabricated 
the  divine  Armour  of  Achilles^  whofe  Shield  is  fo  beautifully 
defcrib'd  by  Ho7ner  (6)  ;  as  alfo  the  invincible  Armour  of 
jEneas  at  the  Intreaty  of  Venuu  To  conclude,  with  an 
Inftance  of  his  Skill  this  Way,  in  Revenge  for  his  Mother 
Juno's  Unkindnefs  he  prefented  her  a  golden  Chair,  managed 
by  fuch  unfeen  Springs,  that  when  fhe  fat  down  in  it,  (he 
was  not  able  to  move  'till  fhe  was  forc'd  to  beg  her  Delive- 
rance from  him. 

Vulcan^  like  the  reft  of  the  Gods,  had  feveral  Names  or 
Appellations.  He  was  call'd  Lemnius^  from  the  Ifle  of  Lem- 
nos  confecrated  to  him;  MuUiber,  or  Mulcifer,  from  his 
Art  of  foftening  Steel  and  Iron.  By  the  Greeks  Hephaijius^ 
from  his  delighting  in  Flames  or  Fire ;  and  jEtneus  and  Lipa- 
reus^  from  the  Places  fuppos'd  to  be  his  Forges  (j).  As  to 
his  Worfliip,  he  had  an  Altar  in  common  with  Prometheus 
(SJ,  and  was  one  of  the  Gods  who  prefided  over  Marriage, 
becaufe  he  iirft  introduced  the  Ufe  of  Torches  at  the  Nup- 
tial Rites.  It  was  cuftomary  with  many  Nations,  after  Vic- 
tory, to  gather  the  Enemy's  Arms  in  a  Heap,  and  offer  them 
to  Vulcan,  His  principal  Temple  was  in  a  confecrated  Grove 
at  the  Foot  of  Mount  JEtna^  guarded  by  Dogs,  who  had  the 
Difcernment  to  diftinguifh  his  Votaries,  to  tear  the  vicious 
and  fawn  upon  the  Virtuous. 

The  proper  Sacrifice  to  this  Deity  was  a  Lyon,  to  denote 
the  refiftlefs  Fury  of  Fire.  His  Feftivals  were  different :  At 
thofe  call'd  Proter^'ia^  (amongft  the  Romans)  they  ran  about 
with  lighted  Torches.  The  Vulcania  were  celebrated  by 
throwing  living  Animals  into  the  Fire.  The  Lampadophoriu 
were  Races  perform'd  to  his  Honour,  where  the  Contention 
was  to  carry  lighted  Torches  to  the  Gaol  \  but  whoever 

(6)  See  Iliad,  Lib.  i8. 

(7)  On  Account  of  the  Volcanoi  and  fiery  Eruptions  there. 

(8)  Protr.etbeui  firft  invenied  Fire,  Fukan  theHJfe  of  it  in  making  Arms 
and  Utenfiis. 

overtook 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  hi 

overtook  the  Perfon  before  him,  had  the  Privilege  of  deliver- 
ing him  his  Torch  to  carry,  and  to  retire  with  Honour. 

Vulcan^  however  difagreeable  his  Perfon  was,  was  fenfible 
of  Love  :  His  firft  Pallion  was  for  Miner^jay  and  he  had  Ju- 
piter s>  Confent  to  make  his  Addreffes  to  her ;  but  his  Court- 
fhip  was  too  ill  placM  to  be  fuccefsful.  He  was  more  fortu- 
nate in  his  Suit  to  Venus^  though  he  had  no  great  Reafon  to 
boaft  his  Lot.  The  Goddefs  was  too  great  a  Beauty  to  be 
conftant,  and  Vulcan  too  difagreeable  to  be  happy.  She  chofe 
Mars  for  her  Gallant,  and  the  Intrigue  for  fome  Time  went 
on  fwimmingly.  As  Apollo^  or  the  Sun^  had  a  Friendfhip  for 
the  Hufband,  Mars  was  particularly  fearful  of  his  difcover- 
ing  the  Affair,  and  therefore  fet  a  Boy  call'd  Aharyon^  or 
Gallus^  to  warn  him  and  his  fair  Miftrefs  of  the  Sun's  Ap- 
proach. The  Centinel  unluckily  fell  aHeep,  and  fo  the  Sun 
faw  them  together,  and  let  Vulcan  prefent'y  into  the  Secret. 
The  Blackfmith  God  to  revenge  the  Injury,  againft  their 
next  Meeting,  contriv'd  fo  fine  and  imperceptible  a  Net- 
work, that  they  were  taken  in  their  Guilt  and  expofed  to 
the  Ridicule  of  the  Gods,  'till  releas'd  at  the  InterceHion  of 
Neptune.  Mars,  to  punifh  Alcdryon  for  his  Neglect,  chang'd 
him  into  a  Cock,  who  to  attone  his  Fault,  by  his  crowing 
gives  conftant  Notice  of  the  Sun-Rife  (9). 

This  Deity,  as  the  God  of  Fire,  was  reprefented  vari- 
oufly  in  different  Nations.  The  Egyptians  depidled  him  pro- 
ceeding but  of  an  Egg  plac'd  in  the  Mouth  of  Jupiter^  to 
denote  the  radical  or  natural  Heat  diffus'd  through  all  created 
Beings.  Some  Hiftorians  make  him  one  of  the  firft  Egyp. 
tian  Kings,  who  for  his  Goodnefs  was  deify'd  ;  and  add,  that 
King  Menes  ere6led  a  noble  Temple  to  him  at  Thehesy  with  a 
•Coloffal  Statue  Seventy-five  Feet  high.  The  Phanicians 
ador'd  him  by  the  Name  of  Cry/or^  and  thought  him  the  Au- 
thor and  Gaufe  of  Lightning,  and  all  fiery  Exhalations.  Some 
Writers  confound  him  with  the  Tubal  Cain  of  Scripture.  la 

(9)  See  Owd,  Lib.  IV.  167. 

antlent 


112  Fabulous    HISTORY 

antient  Gems  and  Medals  of  the  Greeks  and  Romans^  he  is 
figur'd  as  a  lame,  deform'd,  and  fquallid  Man  working  at 
the  Anvil,  and  ufually  attended  by  his  Men  the  Cyclops^  or 
by  feme  God  or  Goddefs  who  come  to  afk  his  Alliftance. 

To  examine  into  the  Ground  of  this  Fable,  we  muft  have 
once  more  Recourfe  to  the  Egyptian  Antiquities.  The  Horut 
of  the  Egyptians  was  the  moft  mutable  Figure  on  Earth ;  for 
he  aflum'd  Shapes  fuitable  to  all  Seafons  of  Time,  and 
Ranks  of  People:  To  dire£l  the  Hufbandmen  he  wore  a 
rural  Drefs.  By  a  Change  of  Attributes  he  became  the  In- 
ftru(5tor  of  the  Smiths  and  other  Artificers,  whofe  Inftru- 
ments  he  appear'd  adorn'd  with.  This  Horus  of  the  Smiths 
had  a  ftiort  or  lame  Leg,  to  fignify  that  Agriculture  or  Huf-" 
bandry  halts  without  the  AlTiftance  of  the  Handicraft  or  me- 
chanic Arts.  In  this  Apparatus  he  was  caird  MuUiher  (z). 
Hephaijios  {3),  and  Vulcan  (4),  all  which  Names  the  Greeks 
and  Romans  adopted  with  the  Figure^  which  as  ufual  they  con* 
verted  from  a  Symbol  to  a  God.  Now  as  this  Horus  was  re* 
mov'd  from  the  Side  of  the  beautiful  IJis  (or  the  Venus  Pan^ 
demos)  to  make  Room  for  the  martial  Horusy  expofed  in 
Time  of  War,  it  occafion'd  the  Jeft  of  the  Ailiftants,  and 
gave  Rife  to  the  Fable  of  Vulcan  s  being  fupplanted  in  his 
Wife's  AfFedions  by  the  Godoi  War. 

(a)  From  Malac,  to  direft  and  manage ;  and  Ber  or  Beer  a  Cave  or 
Mine,  comes  Mukiber,  the  King  of  the  Mines  or  Forges. 

(3)  From  Apb,  Father  j  and  EJio  Fire,  is  form'd  Efbaijlo,  or  Hepbef^ 
tion  the  Father  of  Fire. 

(4.)  From  IVall,  to  work,  and  Canan,  to  haften,  comes  Wolcatiy  or 
"Workfiniflied. 


CHAR    XXXVIL 

Of  the  Offspring  ^/VULCAN. 

THOUGH  Vulcan  had  no  Iffue  by  Venus,  yet  he  had 
a  pretty  numerous  Offspring.  We  have  already  men- 
tion'd  his  Pallion  for  Minewa,    This  Goddefs  coming  one 

Day 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  113 

Day  to  befpeak  fome  Armour  of  him,  he  attempted  to  ravifh 
her,  and  in  the  Struggle,  his  Seed  fell  on  the  Ground  and 
produc'd  the  Monfter  Erichthonius  (5).  Minewa  nourifli'd 
him  in  her  Thigh,  and  afterwards  gave  him  to  be  nurfed  by 
Aglauros^  Pandro/us,  and  Herje^  but  with  a  ftri6t  Caution  not 
to  look  in  the  Cradle  or  Coffer  which  held  him.  The  firft 
and  lall  negledting  this  Advice  ran  mad.  Ericthonius  being 
born  with  deform'd,  or  as  fome  fay,  Serpentine  Leg-,  was 
the  firft  Inventor  of  Chariots  to  ride  in.  He  was  the  4th 
King  of  Athens,  and  a  Prince  of  great  Juftice  and  Equity. 

Cacus^  another  Son  of  Vulcan^  was  of  a  different  Character, 
He  was  a  notorious  Robber,  and  receiv'd  his  Name  from  his 
confummate  Villany  (6).  He  fix'd  himfelf  on  Mount  Anjen- 
t'tne^  and  from  thence  infefted  all  Italy  w'v^  his  Depredations; 
but  having  ftolen  fome  Oxen  from  Hercules^  he  dragg'd  him 
backwards  to  his  Cave  (7),  that  the  Robbery  might  not  be 
difcover'd  by  the  Track.  Hercules,  however,  palling  that 
Way,  heard  the  lowing  of  his  Cattle,  broke  open  the 
Doors,  and  feizing  the  Wretch  put  him  to  Death. 

A  Third  Son  of  Vulcan^  Caculus  (SJ,  (o  call'd  from  his 
little  Eyes,  refembled  his  Brother  Cacus^  and  liv'd  by  Prey.  It 
is  faid  his  Mother  fitting  by  the  Fire,  a  Spark  flew  into  her 
Lap,  upon  which  fhe  conceiv'd.  Others  fay  fome  Shep- 
herds found  him  in  the  Fire  as  foon  as  born.  He  founded  the 
City  Vnenejle. 

By  his  Wife  Jglaia^  one  of  the  Graces^  Vulcan  had  feveral 
Sons,  as  Ardalusy  the  Inventor  of  the  Pipe  call'd  T^ibia.  Bro- 
theusy  who  being  deform'd  like  his  Father,  deftroy'd  himfelf 
in  the  Fire,  to  avoid  the  Reproaches  he  met  with,  ^thiopsj 
who  gave  his  Name  to  the  ^thiopans,  before  call'd  ^the- 

(5)  Deriv'd  from  Ef*^-:^  and  %^o^■(^,  or  Earth  and  Contention. 

(6)  From  «a«©-,  bad  or  wicked. 

(7)  Virgil\\z%  given  a  fine  Defcription  of  this  Cave,  but  he  makes  him 
but  half  a  Man.     See^^neid  VIII.  194. 

(2)  It  is  thought  the  noble  iJ&wan  Family  of  C^pn/;/' derive  their  Name 
from  him.     See  Virgil,  i^neid  X.    544,  and  ^neid  VII.  6S0, 

Q  reans^ 


1 14  Fabulous   HISTORY 

reansy  Oknus  the  Founder  of  a  City  of  his  own  Name  iil 
Baotia,  jEgyptus  from  whom  Egypt  was  call'd,  Albion ^  Peri^ 
phenuSf  Morgion,  Jcus^  and  feveral  others. 


CHAP.    XXXVIII. 

Of  the  Cyclops  and  Polyphemus. 

TH  E  Cyclop  were  the  Sons  of  'Neptune  and  Jmphitrite. 
The  Principal  were  Brontes^  Steropes  and  Pyracmon^ 
though  their  whole  Number  was  above  a  Hundred.  They 
were  the  Journey-Men  of  Vulcan.  It  is  faid,  as  foon  as  they 
were  born  Jupiter  threw  them  into  Tartarus^  but  that  they 
were  deliver'd  at  the  InterceiHon  of  7ellus,  and  fb  became 
the  AiTiftants  of  our  God.  They  had  each  but  one  Eye  ( i) 
plac'd  in  the  Middle  of  their  Foreheads,  and  liv'd  on  fuch 
Fruits  and  Herbs  as  the  Earth  brought  forth  without  Cultiva- 
tion. They  are  reported  to  have  built  the  Walls  oi  Mycenae 
2ind  Tyrinthe  with  fuch  mafl'y  Stones,  that  the  fmalleft  requir'd 
two  Yoke  of  Oxen  to  draw  it.  The  Dealers  in  Mythology 
fay,  that  the  Cyclops  fignify  the  Vapours  rais'd  in  the  Air; 
which  occafion  Thunder  and  Lightning. 

With  thefe  we  may  clafs  Poljphemusy  though  he  was  the 
Son  of  Neptuney  having  like  the  Cyclops  but  one  Eye  ;  but  of 
f(r  gigantic  a  Stature,  that  his  very  AfpeCl  was  terrible.  His 
Abode  was  in  Sicily ,  where  he  furpriz'd  Ulyjfes  and  his  Com- 
panions, of  whom  he  devour'd  three ;  but  Ulyjfes  making 
him  drunk  blinded  him  with  a  Firebrand,  and  fo  efcap'd 
with  the  reft.  Vi>gil  has  given  us  a  't^no,  Defcription  of  this 
Scene  (2)^ 

(9)  From  yi'JK>^  Circulus,  and  w-l'  Oculus,  that  is  the  Otie-Ey''J  Men. 

(10)  See  Firgii  JEne\6,  Lib.  111.  620,  but  the  whole  Defcription, 
though  admirable,  is  too  Ions  to  be  copied. 


CHAP. 


^a^ii^. 


<f?.-Z   .'JfniMv>£i//^^ 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods,  T15 

CHAP.    XXXIX. 
Of  MINERVA  or  PALLAS. 

WE  come  next  to  VAnernja  or  Pallas^  one  of  the  moft 
diftinguifh'd  of  the  Dii  Majores,  as  being  the  God- 
defs  of  •Sr/Vwr^/ and  Wifdom.  Cicero  mentions  five  (i)  of 
tliis  Name ;  but  the  moft  confiderable  was  the  Daughter  of 
Jupitery  not  by  any  infamous  Amour,  nor  even  by  the  conju- 
gal Bed,  but  the  Child  of  his  Brain.  It  is  faid  her  Father 
feeing  Juno  barren,  through  Grief  ftruck  his  Forehead,  and 
three  Months  after  came  forth  Minerva  (i).  On  the  Day  of 
her  Nativity  it  rain'd  Gold  at  Rhodes  ('^).  Her  firft  Appear- 
ance on  Earth  was  in  Libya ^  where  beholding  her  own  Beau- 
ty in  the  Lake  Triton^  fhe  from  thence  gained  the  N^me  of 
Tritonis  f/\.J, 

She  had  befide  feveral  other  Apellations  amongft  the 
Greeks  and  Romans,  She  was  call'd  Pa//as  from  the  brandifti- 
ing  her  Spear  in  War.  Athena^  becaufe  fhe  was  born  full 
grown  and  never  fuckled;  whence  alfo  fhe  obtain'd  the 
Name  oiAmetroJs,  or  Motherlefs.  The  Epitliet  of  Partkenis', 
or  the  Virgin,  was  given  her  on  account  of  her  perpetual 

(i)  The  ift  the  Mother  of  Apdh  or  Latova  ;  the  iA  produced  from  the 
I<!ile  and  worftiipp'd  at  Saii  in  Egypt  j  the  3d  the  Child  of  Jupiter's  Brain  ; 
the  4th  the  Daughter  of  Jupiter  and  Corypba,  who  invented  Chariots 
with  four  Wheels  ;  and  the  5th  the  Child  of  Palias  v/hom  (he  kiU'd,  be- 
qaufe  be  atternpted  his.  Chaftity. 

(2)  It  is  faid,  Vulcan  was  the  Midwife,  by  cleaving  his  5kull  with  a 
Hatchet  ;  but  that  feeing  an  arm*d  Virago  come  out  inftead  of  a  Child  he 
run  away.  Others  report,  that  when  Jupiter  fwallow'd  Metis,  one  of  his 
Wives,  he  fell  with  Child  oi  Pallas. 

(3)  Hence  the  Rbodians  were  the  firft  who  worfliipp'd  her,  as  Claudian 
remarks. 

Aiiratos  Rhodiis  imhres  nafcente  Minerva 
Induxijfe  Jovem  ferunt. 
Some  fay  it  was  becaufe  (he  taught  them  the  Art  of  making  ColoJ/a I  Statues. 

(4)  An  annual  Ceremony  was  perform'd  at  this  Lake  by  the  F/V^/wi, 
who  in  diftind  Bodies  attacked  each  other  with  various  Weapons.  The 
firft  that  fell  was  efteem'd  not  a  Maid,  and  thrown  into  the  Lake  j  but  ftie 
who  receiv'd  moft  Wounds  was  cvried  off  in  Triumph. 

(^2  Chaftityj   . 


lie  Fabulous   H  I  STORY 

Chaftity ;  that  of  Ergatis,  or  the  Workwoman,  for  her  Ex- 
cellency in  Spinning  and  Weaving ;  Mufica^  from  her  in- 
venting the  Pipe  ;  Pylotis^  becaufe  her  Image  was  fet  up  in 
the  Gates  j  and  Glaucopis  or  Green-Ey'd,  becaufe  her  Eyes 
were  of  that  Caft  f  5  j,  like  thofe  of  the  Owl. 

Mimrnja  was  the  Goddefs  of  War,  Wifdom  and  Arts* 
fuch  as  Weaving,  the  making  Oil,  Mufick,  efpeciaDy  the 
Pipe  (6) ;  of  building  Caftles,  over  which  fhe  prefided ;  and, 
in  Ihort,  was  the  Patronefs  of  all  thofe  Sciences,  which  ren- 
der Men  ufeful  to  Society  and  themfelves,  and  intitle  them 
to  the  Efteem  of  Pofterity. 

We  have  already  had  occafion  to  obferve  how  this  God- 
defs vow'd  a  perpetual  Virginity,  and  in  what  Manner  fhe 
reje61:ed  the  Addrefles  of  Vulcan,  She  was  indeed  very  deli- 
cate on  this  Point,  for  fhe  depriv'd  T^irefias  of  his  Sight,  be- 
caufe he  accidentally  faw  her  bathing  in  the  Fountain  of 
helicon ;  but  at  the  Interceflion  of  his  Mother  C/jaricle,  fhe 
relented  fo  far,  that  to  compenfate  his  Lois,  fhe  endued  him 
with  the  Gift  of  Prophecy  fjj.  Nor  was  fhe  lefs  fevere  to 
Meduja^  who  being  ravifh'd  by  Neptune  in  her  Temple,  fhe 
reveng'd  the  Sacrilege,  by  turning  her  Locks  into  Snakes, 
and  caufing  all  who  beheld  her  after  to  be  chang'd  into  Stones. 
She  was  equally  jealous  of  her  Superiority  in  the  Arts  fhe 
invented.  Jrachne  a  L>'^/^«  Princefs,  the  Daughter  of  Idmony 
bad  the  Prefumption  to  challenge  her  at  Spinning.  The 
Folly  cofl  her  dear  ;  for  Miner^va  flruck  her  with  the  Spindle 
on  the  Forehead,  and  attempting  to  hang  herfelf  through 
Defpair,  the  Goddefs  turn'd  her  into  a  Spider^  in  which 
Shape  fhe  flill  exercifes  the  Profeffion  fhe  fo  much  boafted 


( s)  Yet  Hcmer  and  all  the  Poets  call  her  the  Blue-Ey^d  Maid.    See  Pcpe, 

(6)  It  is  faid,  feeing  hex  Cheeks  reflefled  in  the  Water  as  flie  play  "d, 
fhci  threw  away  the  Pipe  with  this  Exprelfion  }  That  Mufick  ixaz  tco  dear, 
if  furcha^''  d  at  the  Exbencc  of  Beauty. 

(7)  Ovid  relates  the  Story  of  Tirefas  very  differently  j  for  which  fee 
Me:amor^h,  Lib.  III.  316.  and  quote  the  Story. 


it'  The 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  117 

(7).    The  Reader  may  confult  O'vid^  if  he  would  fee  thig 
Story  fet  in  a  beautitul  Light. 

As  condu£t  is  oppofite,  in  military  Affairs,  to  brutal  Va- 
lour, (o  Minerva  is  always  by  the  Poets  plac'd  in  contraft  to 
Mars.  Thus  we  fee  Homer  makes  her  fide  with  the  Greeks  ii\ 
the  Trojan  War,  while  the  other  Deity  takes  the  Part  of  the 
Enemy.  The  Succefs  is  anfwerable  to  this  Difpofition  (S), 
and  we  fee  Prudence  and  Difcipline  viftorious  over  Valour 
without  Counfel,  and  Force  under  no  Direction. 

One  of  the  moft  remarkable  of  Mher^va^s  Adventures,  was 
her  Conteft  with  Neptune ,  of  which  Notice  has  been  taken 
under  the  Article  of  that  Deity.  When  Cecrops  founded 
Athens^  it  was  agreed,  that  whoever  of  thefe  two  Deities 
fhould  produce  the  moft  beneficial  Gift  to  Mankind,  fhould 
give  Name  to  the  New  City.  Neptune  with  a  Stroke  of  his 
Trident  form'd  a  Hor/e  j  Pallas  caus'd  an  Olioje  to  fpring  from 
the  Ground,  and  carried  the  Prize.  The  Meaning  of  this 
Fable  was  to  point  out,  that  Agriculture  was  to  a  rifing  Co- 
lony of  more  Importance  than  Navigation. 

Miner'va  was  highly  honour'd,  and  had  feveral  Temples 
both  in  Greece  and  Italy.  The  Jthenians^  who  always  had  a 
particular  Devotion  to  her,  as  the  Patronefs  of  their  City, 
in  the  flourifhing  State  of  their  Republick,  ere£led  a  mag- 
nificent Temple  to  her  by  the  Name  of  Parthenis^  or  the 
Virgin-Goddefs^  in  which  they  plac'd  her  Statue  of  Gold  and 
Ivory  Thirty-nine  Feet  high,  wrought  by  the  Hands  of 
Phidias,  She  had  a  Stately  Temple  at  Rome  on  Mount  ^ven' 
tine,  where  her  Feftival  cali'd  Miner^alia  or  ^inguatria^  was 
celebrated  for  five  Days  fucceffively  in  the  Month  of  March, 
She  had  fometimes  her  Altars  in  common  with  Vulcan^  fome- 
times  with  Mercury.  The  ufual  Vi6lim  ofFer'd  her  was  a 
White  Heifer  never  yoked.  The  Animals  facred  to  her  were 
the  Cofi,  the  Ow/,  and  the  Bafilijk, 

(7)  SeeO't/W,  Lib.  VI.  r. 

(8)  See  the  Preface  to  Mr.  Po/e's  ilomtrt 

We 


ii8  Fabulous   HISTORY 

We  muft  not  here  omit  the  Palladium  (g)^  or  thtxt  facred 
Statue  of  her  which  fell  down  from  Heaven,  and  was  pre- 
iervM  in  Troy,  as  a  Treafure  on  whofe  Safety  that  of  the 
Kingdom  depended.  Diomedes  and  Ulyjfes  found  Means  to 
fleal  it,  and  the  City  was  foon  after  taken  and  deftroy'd  (lo) 
However,  it  is  certain  that  JElneas  brought  either  this  or  ano- 
ther of  the  fame  Kind  with  him  into  Italy ^  and  depofited  it 
at  Lanjinium,  from  whence  it  was  remov'd  to  Rome^  and  plac'd 
in  the  Temple  of  Vejia,  When  this  Edifice  was  confum'd 
by  Fire,  Metellus^  z  noble  Roman,  rufh'd  in  and  brought  it 
ofF,  though  with  the  Lofs  of  his  Eyes,  in  Recompenfe  for 
which  heroic  A6lion,  he  had  the  Privilege  of  coming  to  the 
Senate  in  a  Chariot,  that  the  Honour  might  in  fome  Degree 
allay  the  Senfe  of  his  Misfortune.  The  Romans  indeed,  vain 
of  their  Trojan  Defcent,  regarded  the  Palladium  in  the  fame 
Light  with  their  Anceftors,  and  thought  the  Security  and 
Duration  of  their  Empire  annex'd  to  the  PofTellion  of  this 
Guardian  Image. 

Come  we  next  to  enquire  Into  the  mythological  Birth  and 
Origin  of  this  fabled  Goddefs,  who  is  no  other  than  the  Egyp- 
tian  IJts  under  a  new  Drefs  or  Form,  and  the  fame  with  the^ 
Pales,  or  rural  Goddefs  of  the  Sabine s  (ll).  The  Athenian s^ 
who  were  an  Egyptian  Colony  from  Sais^  follow'd  the  Cuf- 
toms  of  their  Anceftors,  by  particularly  applying  themfelves 
to  raifmg  Flax  for  Linnen  Cloth,  and  the  Cultivation  of  the 
Oli've  (12).  Now  the  7/?^  worfhipp'd  at  Sais,  as  prefiding 
over  thefe  Arts,  was  a  female  Figure  in  compleat  Armour. 
This,  as  Diodorus  tells  us,  was  becaufe  the  Inhabitants  of 
this  Dynafy,  were  both  the  beft  Hufbandmen  ajid  Soldiers  in 

<9)  Authors  differ  as  to  this  Palladium,  fome  making  it  of  Wood,  and 
addmg,  it  could  move  its  Eyes  and  fhake  its  Spear.  Others  fay,  it  was 
compos'd  of  the  Bones  of  Pelops,  and  fold  by  the  Scythians  to  the  Trojans. 

(10)  Some  aflert  it  was  a  Co\inttrit\t  Palladium  the  Greek  Generals  ftoJe 
away,  and  that  Mntas  fav'd  the  true  One.     Others  make  two  Palladiums, 

(11)  To  whofe  Honour  the  Feafts  c^WAPalilia  were  celebrated  Now 
this  Word  is  manifeftly  of  Egyptian  Derivation,  being  taken  from  Pelil^  to 
govern  the  City  j  whence  comes  Pelilahy  the  Publick  Order. 

(12)  The  City  of  Sais  deriv'd  its  Name  from  this  Tree,  Zaitb  or  Saii 
fignifying  the  Oiive, 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  119 

Egypt,    In  the  Hand  of  this  Image  they  placed  a  Shield  with 
a  Full  Moon  depicted  on  it,  furrounded  by  Serpents,  the 
Emblems  of  Life  and  Happinefs.     And  at  the  Feet  of  this 
JJts  they  plac'd  an  Ow/,  to  fhew  it  was  a  nodurnal  Sacrifice. 
To  this  Ifis  they  gave  the  Name  of  Medufa  (13),  expreffive 
of  what  (he  was  defign'd  to  reprefent.   The  Greeks  who  were 
ignorant  of  the  true  Meaning  of  all  this,  did  not  think  fit  ta 
put  fuch  a  favourable  Senfe  on  the  Head  of  Medufa,  which 
feem'd  to  them  an  Objeft  of  Horror,  and  open'd  a  fine  Field 
for  poetical  Imagination.     The  prelUng  of  the  Olives  did 
indeed  turn  Fruit  into  Stones,  in  a  litteral  Senfe  j  hence  they 
made  the  JEgis  or  Shield  of  Minern)a  petrify  all  who  beheld  it. 
To  remind  the  People  of  the  Importance  of  their  Linnen 
Manufactory,  the  Egyptians  expos'd  in  their  Feftivals  ano- 
ther Ifis,  bearing  in  her  right  Hand  the  Beam  or  Inflrumenc 
round  which  the  Weavers  roU'd  the  Warp  of  their  Cloth- 
This  Image  they  call'd  Miner'ua  (14).    Now  there  are  antient 
Figures  of  Pallas  extant,  which  correfpond  with  this  Idea 
(15).     What  ftill  heightens  the  Probability  of  this  is,  that 
the  Name  of  Atbanee  given  to  this  Goddefs,  is  the  very  Word 
in  Eg^pt  for  the  flaxen  Thread  (16)  ufed  in  their  Looms. 
Near  this  Ifis^  which  was  to  warn  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Ap- 
proach of  the  Weaving  or  V/inter-Seafon,  they  plac'd  the 
Figure  of  2n  Infed,  whofe  Induftry  feems  to  have  given  Rife 
to  this  Art,  and  to  which  they  gave  the  Name  oi  Arachne  (17), 
to  denote  its  Application.     All  thefe  Emblems  tranfplanted 
to  Greece,  by  the  Genius  of  that  People,  fond  of  the  mar- 
vellous, were  converted  into  real  Objedts,  and  indeed  afford- 
ed Room  enough  for  the  Imagination  of  their  Poets  to  in- 
vent the  Fable  of  the  Transformation  of  Aracbne  into  a 
Spider. 

(13)  From  Dupy  to  prefs,  comes  Medvjha  or  Medufa  the  Preffing.     See 
IJaiali)  XXV.  10. 

(14)  Tram  Mane-vrah,  a  Weaver's  Loom. 

(15)  In  the  Collection  of  Prints  made  byM.  De  Croxat. 

(16)  Atona,  Linnen  Thiead.     See  Pru-verbi  vii.  iG. 

(17)  ^lom  Ar^ih^  10  make  Linnen  Cloth, 

Minerrja, 


120  Fabulous    HISTORY 

Minerofa,  by  the  Poets  and  Sculptors,  is  ufually  reprefented 
in  a  ftanding  Attitude  compleacly  arm'd,  with  a  compofed 
but  fmiling  Countenance,  bearing  a  golden  Breaft-Plate,  a 
Spear  in  her  Right-Hand,  and  her  terrible  ^gis  in  her  Left, 
having  on  it  the  Head  o'iMeduJa  entwin'd  with  Snakes.  Hei: 
Helmet  was  ufually  entwin'd  with  Olinjes^  to  denote  Peace  is 
the  End  of  War,  or  rather  becaufe  that  Tree  was  facred  to 
her.  See  her  Picture  in  Camhray\  Telemaque,  At  her  Feet 
is  generally  plac'd  the  O^u/,  or  the  Cock  ;  the  former  being 
the  Emblem  of  Wifdomj  the  latter  of  War, 


CHAP.    XL. 
Of  MARS    and    BELL  ON  A. 

MARS  was  the  Son  of  Juno  alone,  who  being  cha** 
grin'd  that  Jupiter  fhould  bear  Minerva  without  her 
Help,  to  be  even  with  him  confulted  Flora^  who  fliew'd  her 
a  Flower  in  the  Olenian  Fields,  on  touching  which  (he  con- 
ceivM,  and  became  the  Mother  of  this  dreadful  Deity  ( i ). 
Thero^  or  Fiercenefs,  was  his  Nurfe,  and  he  received  his  Edu- 
cation amongft  the  Scythians^  the  moft  barbarous  Nation  in 
the  World,  amongft  whom  he  was  adorM  in  a  particular 
Manner,  though  they  acknowledg'd  no  other  God. 

This  Deity  had  different  Appellations.  The  Greeks  call'd 
\i\m  Jres  {2)^  either  from  the  Deftrudion  he  caufes,  or  the 
Silence  and  Vigilance  obferv'd  in  War.  He  had  the  Name 
oiGradi'vus  from  his  Majeftick  Part,  and  the  brandifhing  his 
Spear  :  This  Epithet  was  peculiar  to  him  in  Ailion,  or  on 
the  OfFenfive.  That  of  i^/r/;;aj  was  applied  to  him  when 
on  the  Defenfive,  or  at  Reft.  By  the  antient  Latins  he  was 
Ityl'd  Salifubfulust  or  the  Dancer,  from  the  Uncertainty  that 
attends  all  martial  Enterprizes. 

(i)  Others  make  him  the  Son  oi  Jupiter  and  Juno,  or  of  Jupiter  and 
Erys, 

(2)  Either  from  agsf,  to  kill  3  or  from  ccsiu  to  keep  Silence. 

Mars 


Of  the  Heathen  GcdsJ  12  r 

Mars  was  the  God  of  War^  and  in  high  Veneration  with 
the  Romans^  both  on  account  of  his  being  the  Father  of  Ro- 
mulus  their  Founder,  and  alfo  becaafe  of  their  own  Genius^ 
which  was  always  inclinM  to  Conqueft.  Numot  one  of 
their  earlieft  Kings,  though  otherwife  a  pacifick  Prince, 
having  implor'd  the  Gods,  during  a  great  Peftilence,  receiv'd 
a  fmali  Brafs  Buckler,  call'd  /Incilet  from  Heaven,  which  the 
Nymph  Egeria  advis'd  hi  m  to  keep  with  the  utmoft  Care, 
the  Fate  of  the  Roman  People  and  Empire  depending  on  its 
Confervation.  To  fecure  fo  valuable  a  Pledge,  Numa  caus'd 
eleven  more  Shields  of  the  fame  Form  to  be  made ;  and  in- 
trufted  the  Care  of  thefe  to  an  Order  of  Priefts  he  inftituted> 
call'd  Saliiy  or  the  Priefts  of  Mars,  in  whofe  Temple  the 
Twelve  Ancilia  were  repofited.  The  Number  of  thefe 
Priefts  were  alfo  twelve  chofen  out  of  the  nobleft  Families, 
who  on  the  ift  of  M^rr^  annually,  the  Feftival  of  A/iJzrj  car- 
ried the  Ancilia  with  great  Ceremony  round  the  City,  clafti- 
ing  their  Bucklers,  and  fmging  Hymns  to  the  Gods,  in 
which  they  were  join'd  by  a  Chorus  of  Virgins  chofen  to 
aflift  on  this  Occafion,  and  drefled  like  themfelves.  This 
Feftival  was  concluded  with  a  grand  Supper  ( 3 ). 

Auguftus  erefted  a  magnificent  Temple  to  Mars  at  Rome^ 
by  the  Title  of  C///or,  which  he  vow'd  to  him,  when  he 
implor'd  his  AfHftance  againft  the  Murderers  of  Julius  Cafar' 
The  Victims  facrificed  to  him  were  the  Wolf  for  its  Fierce- 
nefs,  the  Horfe  on  account  of  its  Ufefulnefs  in  War,  the 
Wood-pecker  and  Vulture  for  their  Ravenoufhefs,  the  Cock  for 
his  Vigilance.  He  was  crown'd  with  Grafs^  becaufe  it 
grows  in  Cities  depopulated  by  War,  and  thickeft  in  Places 
moiften'd  with  human  Blood. 

The  Hiftory  of  Mars  furnifties  few  Adventures.  We 
have  already  related  his  Amour  with  Venus^  by  whom  he  had 
Hermione^  contradted  to  Orejfesy  and  afterwards  married  to 
Pyrrhus  King  of  Epirus, 

(3)  Call'd  Cana  Saliaris, 

R  By 


122  Fabulous   HISTORY 

By  the  Nymph  Bijionis  Mars  had  Tereus^  who  re^gn'd  in 
Thrace,  and  married  Progne  the  Daughter  of  Pandion^  King  of 
Jthens.  This  Princefs  had  a  Sifter  call'd  Philomela,  a  great 
Beauty.  Being  defirous  to  fee  her,  (lie  rcquefted  her  Huf- 
band  to  go  to  Athens  and  bring  her  Sifter,  with  her  Father's 
Permiffion  to  her.  Tereus  by  the  Way  fell  in  Love  with  his- 
Charge,  and  on  her  rejefting  his  Sollicitations,  ravifh'd  her, 
cut  out  her  Tongue,  and  enclos'd  her  in  a  ftrong  Tower^ 
pretending  to  his  Wife  fhe  died  in  the  Journey.  In  this- 
Condition  the  unhappy  Princefs  found  Means  to  embroider 
her  Story  and  fend  it  to  her  Sifter,  who  tranfported  with 
Rage,  contriv'd  how  to  revenge  the  Injury.  Firft  fhe 
brought  her  Sifter  Home  privately  ;  next  fhe  kilPd  her  Son 
Itys^  and  ferv'd  up  his  Flefh  to  his  Father  for  Supper :  After 
he  had  eat  it,  fhe  expofed  the  Head,  and  told  him  what  fhe 
had  done ;  Tereus  mad  with  Fury  purfued  the  Sifters,  who  in 
their  Flight  became  transformed,  Progne  to  a  S'wallo^Wy  and 
Philomela  to  a  Nightingale.  Iiys  was  by  the  Gods  chang'd  to 
a  Pheafant,  and  Tereus  himfelf  into  a  Lapnjoing.  O'vid  has 
{a)  given  this  Story  with  his  ufual  Embellifhments. 

Mars  married  a  Wife  cali'd  Nerio^  or  Nerione,  f^J  which  in 
the  Sahifie  Tongue  fignifies  Valour  or  Strength.  He  had  fe- 
veral  Children,  the  Principal  of  whom  were  Bythis,  who  gave 
his  Name  to  Bythinia ;  Thrax  from  whom  Thrace  was  fo 
call'd  ;  jEnomauSf  J/calaphus^  Bijiotif  Chalybs,  Strymon,  Parthe- 
nopteusy  TmoluSy  ^^^«-S  Euenus,  Calydon^  ^c. 

This  Deity  having  killd  Halirothius  the  Son  of  Neptuney 
was  indided  before  the  Affembly  of  the  Gods  for  the  Mur- 
ther,  as  well  as  for  the  Crime  of  Debauching  Alcippe^  Sifter 
to  the  Deceas'd.  Twelve  Gods  were  prefent,  of  whom  fix 
were  for  acquitting  him ;  fo  that  by  the  Cuftom  of  the  Court, 
when  the  Voices  were  equal,  the  favourable  Side  carrying  it, 
he  came  ofF.  Some  fay  this  Trial  was  in  the  famous  Areopagus ^ 

(4)  See  O-vid,  Lib.  VI.  413. 

(5)  Hence  the  Claudian  Family  at  'Romty  are  faid  to  derive  the  Sir-Name 
©f  i^iro* 

or 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  123 

or  Hill  of  Mars  at  Athem^  a  Court  which  in  fucceeding  Time 
gaiiiM  the  higheft  Reputation,  for  the  Juftice  and  Impartia- 
lity (d)  of  its  Proceedings. 

NIars  was  neither  invulnerable  nor  invincible ;  for  we  find 
him  in  Homer  both  wounded  and  purfued  by  Diomedes^  but 
then  it  muft  be  confider'd  that  Homer  v^zs  fo  good  a  Patriot, 
that  he  always  afFeds  to  difgrace  the  Gods,  who  took  the 
I'rojan^S  Part. 

Marst  whatever  his  Appearance  be,  was  of  Egyptian  Ori- 
ginal. This  Nation  was  divided  into  three  ClafTes,  the 
Priefts,  the  Husbandmen,  and  the  Arti  ficers  ;  of  thefe,  the 
firfl  were  by  their  Profeflion  exempted  from  War,  and  the 
laft  reckoned  too  mean  to  be  employed  in  Defence  of  the 
State;  fo  that  their  Militia  was  wholly  taken  from  the  fecond 
Body.  We  have  already  obferv'd,  that  in  the  Sacrifices 
which  preceded  their  Military  Expeditions,  their  IJis  appeared 
in  a  warlike  Drefs,  and  gave  Rife  to  the  Greek  Pallas,  or 
Minerva.  The  Horus  which  accompany'd  this  Figure,  was 
alfo  equipped  with  his  Helmet  and  Buckler,  and  call'd  by 
the  Name  of  Harits  (j),  or  the  formidable.  The  Syrians 
foften'd  this  Word  to  Hazis  (Sj ;  the  Greeks  chang'd  it  to 
Ares ;  the  Gau/s  pronounc'd  it  He/us ;  and  the  Romans  and 
Sabines  Warets  or  Mars.  Thus  the  military  Horus  of  the 
Egyptians  became  perfonify'd  and  made  the  God  of  Combats 
or  War. 

Mars  is  ufually  defcrib'd  in  a  Chariot  drawn  by  furious 
Horfes,  compleatly  arm'd,  and  extending  his  Spear  with  the 
one  Hand,  while  with  the  other  Hand  he  grafps  a  Sword 
embrued  in  Blood.  His  Afpe£t  is  fierce  and  favage.  Some- 
times Difcord  is  reprefented  as  preceding  his  Car,  while  Cla- 

(6)  Thefe  Judges  were  chofen  out  of  Perfons  of  the  moft  blamelefs  Cha- 
racters. They  fufFer'd  no  verbal  Pleadings  before  them,  leaft  a  falfe  Elo- 
quence might  varnifh  a  bad  Caufe  ;  and  all  their  Sentences  were  given  in 
"Writing,  and  deliver'd  in  the  Dark. 

(7)  From  Hants,  violent   or  enraged.     See  Job  xv.  20. 

(8)  i/flz/i,  (Syr)  the  terrible  in  War,  PJalm  xxiv.  8.  The  Syriam  alfo 
calPd  him  M  Guerorh,  or  the  Father  of  Combats  j  whence  the  Romans 
borrow 'd  their  Gradivui  Pater. 

R  2  mour^ 


124  Fabulous   HISTORY 

mour^  Fear  and  T^error  appear  in  his  Train-     Virgil  has  given 

a  Defcription  of  this  God  pretty  much  agreeable  to  this 

Idea  ((^). 

Bellona  is  ufualiy  reckon'd  the  Sifter  of  Mars^  though  fome 

call  her  both  his  Sifter  and  Wife.  As  her  Inclinations  were 
equally  cruel  and  favage,  ftie  took  a  Pleafure  in  Iharing  his 
Dangers,  and  is  commonly  depi(Slur'd  as  driving  his  Chariot 
with  a  Bloody  Whip  in  her  Hand.  Jppius  Claudius  built  h^ 
a  Temple  at  Rome^  where  in  her  Sacrifices  call'd  Bellonaria^ 
her  Priefts  us'd  to  flafti  themfelves  with  Knives.  Juft  oppo- 
fite  ftood  the  Columna  Bellica^  a  Pillar  from  whence  the  He- 
rald threw  a  Spear,  when  War  was  proclaim' d  againft  any 
Nation.  She  is  faid  to  be  the  Inventrefs  of  the  Needle  f  loj, 
from  which  (he  took  her  Name. 

This  G.oddefs  is  reprefented  fometimes  holding  a  lighted 
Torch^Dr  Brand,  at  others  with  a  Trumpet,  her  Hair  com- 
posed of  Snakes  clotted  with  Gore,  and  her  Garments  ftain*d 
with  Blood,  in  a  furious  and  diftra(5ted  Attitude. 

(9)  Virgil,  iEneid  VIII.  700. 

(10)  From  Bi^^^jj,  a  Needle. 


CHAP,    XLI, 
Of   CERES, 

IT  may  not  be  improper  now  to  pafs  to  fofter  Pictures, 
whofe  agreeablenefs  may  ferve  as  a  Contraft  to  the  ftrong- 
er  Images  juft  difplay'd.  As  Plenty  and  Abundance  repair 
the  Wafte  and  Havock  of  War,  we  (hall  next  to  Mars  intro- 
duce Ceres^  a  Divinity  friendly  and  beneficent  to  Mankind. 

This  Goddefs  was  the  Daughter  of  Saturn  and  Kbea^  Sicily, 
Attica^  Crete^  and  Egypt  claim  the  Honour  of  her  Birth,  each 
Country  producing  its  Reafons,  though  the  firft  has  the  ge- 
neral Suffrage,  In  her  Youth  fhe  was  fo  beautiful,  that  her 
JBrother  Jupiter  idl  in  Love  with  her,  by  whom  fhe  had 

^rojerpine* 


Of  the  Heathen  Cods.  125 

Proferpine.  Neptune  next  enjoy'd  her,  but  the  Fruit  of  this 
Amour  is  controverted,  fome  making  it  a  Daughter,  caird 
Hiray  others  a  Horfe  callM  Arion.  Indeed  as  this  laft  Deity 
carefs'd  her  in  that  Form»  the  latter  Opinion  feems  heft 
founded.  However  this  be,  fhe  was  fo  afham'd  of  this  lalt 
Affair,  that  (he  put  on  mourning  Garmetits,  and  retir'd  to  a 
Cave,  where  ihe  continued  fo  long,  that  the  World  was  in 
Danger  of  periftiing  for  Want  (i).  At  laft  P^»  difcover'd 
her  Retreat,  and  inform'd  Jupiter^  who  by  the  Interceffiou 
of  the  ParctSy  or  Fates,  appeasM  her,  and  prevailed  on  her 
to  return  to  the  World. 

For  fome  Time  fhe  took  up  her  Abode  in  Corcyra,  from 
whence  fhe  removed  to  Sicily,  where  the  Misfortune  befell 
her  of  the  Rape  of  Proferpine  her  Daughter,  by  Pluto,  The 
difconfolate  Mother  immediately  carried  her  Complaints  to 
Jupiter^  upbraiding  him  with  his  permitting  fuch  an  Injuf- 
tice  to  be  committed,  efpecially  on  the  Perfon  of  his  own 
Daughter,  But  obtaining  little  Satisfa6lion,  fhe  lighted 
her  Torches  at  Mount  Mtna^  and  mounting  her  Car  drawn 
by  winged  Dragons,  fet  out  in  Search  of  her  beloved  Daugh- 
ter. As  her  Adventures  in  this  Journey  were  pretty  remar- 
kable, we  fhall  mention  them  in  their  Order, 

Her  firft  Stop  was  at  Athens^  where  being  hofpitably  re- 
ceiv'd  by  Celeus,  fhe  in  Return  taught  him  tofow  Corn,  and 
hourifh'd  his  Son  friptokmus  with  celeflial  Milk  by  Day,  at 
Night  covering  him  with  Fire  to  render  him  immortal.  Celeus 
out  of  Curiofity  difcovering  this  laft  Particular,  was  fo  af- 
frighted, that  he  cry'd  out  and  reveal'd  himfelf,  on  which 
the  Goddefs  kill'd  him.  As  to  his  Son,  Ceres  lent  him  her 
Chariot,  and  fent  him  through  the  World  to  inftru6t  Man- 
kind in  the  Benefits  of  Tillage. 

She  was  next  entertain'd  by  Hypothoon  and  Meganira  (2)  his 
Wife,  who  fet  Wine  before  her,  which  fhe  refus'd,  as  un- 
fuitable  to  her  mournful  Condition ;  but  fhe  prepared  herfelf 

(i)  Becaufe during  her  Abfencethe  Earth  produced  no  Corn  or  Fruits. 
(^)  HypotboQti  was  the  Son  of  Neptune  and  Ajo^c, 

a  Drink 


126  Fabulous    HISTORY 

a  Drink  from  an  Infufion  of  Meal  or  Corn,  which  fhe  after- 
wards ufed.  lambe  (3),  an  Attendant  of  Meganirasj  us'd  to 
divert  the  Goddefs  with  Stories  and  Jefts,  which  (he  repeated 
in  a  certain  Kind  of  Verfe.  It  happened,  during  a  Sacrifice 
made  her  here,  that  Ahas^  Son  to  Meganira,  derided  the  Ce- 
remony, and  ufed  the  Goddefs  with  opprobrious  Language, 
whereupon  fprinkling  him  with  a  certain  Mixture  fhe  held  in 
her  Cup,  he  became  a  Newt  or  Water- Lizard.  Erifuhton 
alfo  for/cutting  down  a  Grove  confecrated  to  her,  was  pu- 
nifh'd  with  fuch  an  infatiable  Hunger,  that  nothing  could 
fatisfy  him,  but  he  was  forced  to  gnaw  his  own  Flelh. 

From  thence  Ceres  pafs'd  into  L)cia,  where  being  thirfty, 
and  defiring  to  drink  at  a  Spring,  the  Clowns  not  only  hin- 
der'd  her,  but  fully'd  and  dillurb'd  the  Water,  reviling  her 
for  her  Misfortunes,  upon  which  {he  turn'd  them  into  Frogs. 
Thefe  Frogs,  though  already  puniih'd  for  affronting  his 
Sifler,  had  the  Folly  to  afk  Jupiter  to  grant  them  a  King. 
He  fent  them  a  Frog,  whom  they  rejected,  and  defired  ano- 
ther, upon  which  the  God  fent  them  a  Water-Serpent,  who 
devoured  them,  and  efFedually  convinced  them  of  their 
Weaknefs. 

It  is  difputed,  who  firfl  informed  Ceres  where  her  Daugh- 
ter was  \  fome  afcribe  the  Intelligence  to  Triptolemus^  and  his 
Brother  Euhuleus ;  but  the  mofl  Part  agree  in  giving  the  Ho- 
nour of  it  to  the  Nymph  Jrethu/a  (a  Fountain  in  Sicily)  f^J, 
who  flying  the  Purfuit  of  the  River  Alpheus^  faw  this  God- 
dels  in  the  infernal  Regions. 

We  have  but  one  Amour  of  Ceres  recorded.  Finding 
Jafan  the  Son  of  Jupiter  and  EleSira  afleep  in  a  Field  newly 
plough'd  up,  fhe  acquainted  him  with  her  Paffion,  and  bore 
him  Plutus  the  God  of  Riches ;  but  Jonje  incens'd  to  fee  his 
Son  become  his  Rival,  kill'd  him  with  a  Thunderbolt. 

Ceres  had  feveral  Names ;  fhe  was  call'd  Magna  Dea^  or  the 
Great  Goddefs,  from  her  Bounty  in  fupporting  Mankind  j 

(3)  The  Daughter  of  Par:  and  Frhr>,  and  the  Inventrefs  of  Jawt^/c  Verfe. 
(4.)  The  Daughter  of  Nereus  and  Doris,  and  a  Companion  of  Diana. 

Melainay 


Of  the  Heathem  Gods.  127 

Melaina,  from  her  black  Cloathing  ;  EucM^ea  from  her  Ver- 
dure •  J/ma  Jltrix.  and  Mammoja^  from  her  nourifhing  and 
impregnating  all  Seeds  and  Vegetables,  and  being  as  it  were 
the  common  Mother  of  the  World.  The  Arcadiavi^  by 
Way  of  Excellence,  llyl'd  her  Defpoina^  or  the  Lady.  She 
was  alfo  honour'd  with  the  peculiar  Epithet  of  The/mophorisy 
or  the  Legiflatrefs,  becaufe  Hufbandry  firft  taught  the  Ufe  of 
Land-Marks,  ancl  the  Value  of  Ground,  the  Source  of  all 
Property  and  Law. 

It  muft  be  owned  this  Goddefs  was  not  undeferving  the 
higheft  Titles  given  her,  confidered  as  the  Deity  who  firft 
taught  Men  to  plow  and  fow,  to  reap  and  houfe  their  Corn, 
to  yoke  Oxen,  to  make  Bread,  to  cultivate  all  Sorts  of  Pulfe 
and  Garden-StufF  (except  Beans)  {5),  though  fome  make 
Bacchus  the  firft  Inventor  of  Agriculture.  She  alfo  inftruded 
Mankind  to  fix  Limits  or  Boundaries,  to  afcertain  their  Pof- 
felTions. 

There  was  none  of  the  celeftial  Aflembly,  to  whom  more 
folemn  Sacrifices  were  inftituted  than  to  Ceres,  The  Place 
where  fhe  was  principally  worfhipp'd,  was  at  EJeuJis,  where 
her  Rites  were  perform'd  in  the  moft  folemn  and  myfterious 
Manner.  They  were  celebrated  only  once  in  five  Years; 
all  the  Matrons  initiated,  were  to  vow  a  perpetual  Chaftity. 
At  the  Commencement  of  the  Fefi:ival,  a  Feaft  was  kept  for 
feveral  Days,  during  which  Wine  was  banifti'd  the  Altars. 
After  this  the  Proceffi?)n  began,  which  confifted  in  the  Car- 
riage of  the  facred  Balkets  or  Canifters,  in  one  of  which  was 
inclosM  aChild  with  a  golden  Serpent,  a  Van,  Grains,  Cakes, 
i^c.  The  Reprefentation  of  the  Myfteries,  during  which  a 
profound  Silence  (6)  was  to  be  obferv'd,  concluded  thus; 
After  a  horrid  Darknefs,  Thunder,  Lightening,  and  what- 
ever is  moft  awful  in  Nature,  fucceeded  a  calm  and  bright 
Illumination,  which  difcover'd  four  Perfons  fplendidJy  ha- 

(5)  There  are  feveral  Reafons  aflign'd,  for  the  Pythagorean  Precept  of 
abftaining  from  Beam.    [Abjiine  a  ¥abii.'\ 

(6)  It  was  Death  to  fpeak,  or  to  reveal  what  pafs'd  in  thefe  religious 
Rites. 

bited. 


128  Fabulous    HISTORY 

bited.  The  ilrft  was  call'd  the  Hierophant,  or  the  Expounder 
cf /acred  Thhigs^  and  reprefented  the  Demiurgus ;  or  Supreme 
Being :  The  Second  bore  a  Torch,  and  fignify'd  OJtris^  or 
the  Sun  ;  the  Third  flood  near  the  Altar  and  fignify'd  IJisy 
or  the  Moon  3  and  the  Fourth,  whom  they  call'd  the  Holy 
Mejenger,  perfonated  Anuhis^  or  Mercury  (y).  To  thefe 
Rites  none  were  admitted  but  Perfons  of  the  firft  Chara6ter, 
for  Probity  or  Eminence.  Only  the  Priefts  were  fufFer'd  to 
fee  the  Statue  of  the  Goddefs.  All  the  Aflembly  ufed  lighted 
Torches,  and  the  Solemnity  concluded  with  Games,  in  which 
the  Victors  were  crown'd  with  Ears  of  Barley. 

According  to  Herodotus^  ^efe  Rites  were  brought  from 
Egyp  to  Greece^  by  the  Daughters  of  Danaus:  Others  fay 
that  Eumolpui  the  Son  of  Triptolemiis  and  Driope^  transferr*d 
them  from  Eleufis  to  Athens, 

The  Thefmophoria,  or  leffer  Feftivals  of  Ceres,  were  cele- 
brated annually  at  Argos^  and  in  many  Points  refembled  the 
Eleuftnian  Myfteries,  though  they  fell  ihort  of  them  very 
much  in  the  Dignity  and  Grandeur  of  the  Celebration. 

^  Memmius  the  i^dile  firft  introduced  thefe  Rites  into 
'Rome  by  the  Title  of  Cerealia  (8).  None  were  admitted  to 
the  Sacrifices,  guilty  of  any  Crime ;  fo  that  when  Nero  at- 
tempted  it  the  Roman  Matrons  exprefs'd  their  Refentment  by 
going  into  Mourning.  This  Feftival  was  clos'd  by  a  Ban- 
quet and  publick  Horfe-Races. 

The  Amharnjalia  were  Feafts  celebrated  by  the  Roman  Huf- 
bandmen  in  Spring,  to  render  Ceres  propitious,  by  luftrating 
their  Fields.  Each  Matter  of  a  Family  furnifh'd  a  Vidim 
with  an  Oaken  Wreath  round  its  Neck,  which  he  led  thrice 
round  his  Ground,  followed  by  his  Family  fmglng  Hymns, 
and  dancing  in  Honour  of  the  Goddefs.    The  Offerings 

(7)  The  whole  Purport  of  this  Reprefentation,  wasdefign'd  to  allego- 
rize the  defolate  State  of  Mankind  alter  the  Flood,  and  (hew  the  Benefits 
of  Agriculture  and  Induftry. 

(8)  This  appears  from  a  Medal  of  this  Magiftrate,  on  which  is  the  Effi- 
gies of  Cera  holding  in  one  Hand  three  Ears  of  Corn  j  in  the  other  a 
Torch,  and  with  her  Left-Foot  treading  on  a  Serpent. 

ufed 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  129 

ufed  In  the  Luftration  were  Milk  and  New  Wine.    At  the 
Clofe  of  the  Harveft  there  was  a  fecond  Feftival,  in  which 
the  Goddefs  was  prefented  with  the  firft  Fruits  of  the  Seafon, ' 
and  an  Entertainment  provided  for  the  Relations  and  Neigh- 
bours- 

The  Beginning  o^  April  the  Gardeners  facrificed  to  Cera, 
to  obtain  a  plentiful  Produce  of  their  Grounds,  which  were 
under  her  Protection.  Cicero  mentions  an  antient  Temple 
of  hers  at  Catanea  in  Sicily^  in  which  the  Offices  were  per- 
form'd  by  Matrons  and  Virgins  only,  no  Man  being  ad- 
mitted. The  ufual  Sacrifices  to  this  Goddefs  were  a  Sow 
with  Pig,  or  a  Ram.  The  Garlands  us'd  by  her  in  her  Sacrifices 
were  of  Myrtle  or  Rapeweed ;  but  Flowers  were  prohibited, 
h^Q2i\i(QProferpine  was  loft  as  fhe  gathered  them.  The  Poppy 
alone  was  facred  to  her,  not  only  becaufe  it  grows  amongft 
Corn,  but  becaufe  in  her  Diftrefs  Jupiter  gave  it  her  to  eat, 
that  fhe  might  fleep  and  forget  her  Troubles. 

Let  us  now  endeavour  to  find  fome  Explanation  of  this 
Hifi:ory  of  Ceres.  If  we  have  Recourfe  to  our  former  Key, 
we  fhall  find  the  Ceres  of  Sicily  and  Eleujis,  or  of  Rome  and 
Greece,  is  no  other  than  the  Egyptian  IJis^  brought  by  the 
Phcenicians  into  thofe  Countries.  The  very  Name  of  Myftery 
(9)  given  to  the  Eleufinian  Rites,  (hews  they  are  of  Egyptian 
Origin.  The  Ifis  which  appear'd  at  the  Feaft  appointed  for 
the  Commemoration  of  the  State  of  Mankind  after  the 
Flood,  reprefented  the  Earth,  and  bore  the  Name  of  Ceres 
(loj,  fuitable  to  her  Intention.  She  was  figur'd  in  Mourn- 
ing, and  with  a  Torch,  to  denote  the  Grief  fhe  felt  for  the 
Lofs  oiFerfephone  (\  \)  her  favourite  Daughter,  and  the  Pains 
fne  was  at  to  recover  her.  The  Torch  alfo  fhew'd  the  Pains 
Men  were  at  to  invent  in  that  Time  of  Diftrefs  Torches  and 
Fire  to  warm  and  light  them  during  the  cold  Winter  Nights, 
which  followed  that  great  Change  of  Nature,  and  were  be- 

(9)  From  Mljlory  a  Veil  or  Covering. 

(10)  From  CtrtYj,  Diflblution  or  Overthrow,  Jeremiah  xhn  10. 

(11)  From  Pt'r/,  Fruit  or  Corn,  and  ^^jf^^an  loft,  comes  PerJep/:one,  or 
the  Corn  loft. 

S  fore 


136  Fabulous   HISTORY 

fore  unknown.  The  Poppies  with  which  this  IJts  was 
Crown'd,  fignifyM  the  Joy  Men  receivM  at  the  firft  abun- 
dantCrop'fiz^.  Triptokmui^2i^  only  the  AttendantHor«j(^i3^, 
bearing  in  his  Hand  the  Handle  of  a  Plough,  and  Celem  his 
Father  was  no  more  than  (\\)  the  Name  of  the  Tools  ufed 
in  forming  this  ufeful  Inftrument  of  Agriculture.  Eumelpos 
exprefs'd  f  15^  the  Regulation  or  Formation  of  the  People 
to  Induftry  and  Tillage  ;  and  Proferfina  or  Perjephonah  found 
again,  was  a  lively  Symbol  of  the  Recovery  of  Corn  almoft 
loft  in  the  Deluge,  and  its  Cultivation  with  Succefs.  Thus 
the  Emblems  almoft  quite  fimple  of  the  moft  important 
Event  which  ever  happened  in  the  World,  became,  when 
tranfplanted  to  Greece  and  Rome^  the  Sources  of  the  moft  ri- 
diculous Fable  and  grofleft  Idolatry. 

Ceres  was  ufually  reprefented  of  a  tall  majeftick  Stature, 
fair  Complexion,  languiihing  Eyes,  and  yellow  or  flaxen 
Hair  5  her  Head  crown'd  with  Poppies,  or  Ears  of  Corn,  her 
Breafts  full  and  fwelling,  holding  in  her  Right-Hand  a  Bunch 
of  the  fame  Materials  with  her  Garland,  and  in  her  Left  a 
lighted  Torch.  When  in  a  Car  or  Chariot,  fhe  is  drawn  by 
winged  Dragons. 

(12)  Bobo  fignifies  a  double  Crop,  and  is  alfo  the  Name  for  the  Poppy. 

(13)  From  T^r^/>  to  break,  and  Tekm  a  Furrow,  comes  Triptokniy  or 
the  A<ft  of  Ploughing. 

(14)  Ohu% }  from  Cell,  a  Tool  or  Veflel. 

Virgea  pr^tcrea  Celei  •vilifqtie  fupellex       Virgil  Geo. 

(15)  From  Warn  People,  and  Alap  to  lesrn  ;  is  deri'V^d  En  mo  lep  or 
Eumo/pui,  i.  e.  the  People  regulated  or  inftrudted. 


CHAP.    XLII. 
Of    BACCHUS. 

AS  Corn  and  Wine  are  the  nobleft  Gifts  of  Nature,  fo  it 
is  no  Wonder  in  the  Progrefs  of  Idolatry,  if  they  be- 
came deify'd,  and  had  their  Altars.  It  is  therefore  no  unna- 
tural Tranfition,  if  from  Ceres  we  pafs  to  Bacchus, 

This 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  I31 

This  Deity  was  the  Son  of  Jupiter  and  ^emele  (as  has  been 
obferved  in  the  Article  of  Jupiter)  and  was  born  at  Thebes^ 
Cicero  mentions  five  ( i )  of  the  Name.  It  is  faid  the  Nymphs 
took  Care  of  his  Education,  though  fome  afcribe  this  Office 
to  the  Hora  or  Hours ;  others  to  the  Naiades.  Mercury  after 
this  carried  him  into  Euhaa^  to  Macris  the  Daughter  of  Ari/^ 
teuSf  (2)  who  anointed  his  Lips  with  Honey;  but  Juno  in- 
censed at  his  finding  Protection  in  a  Place  facred  to  her,  ba- 
nifh'd  him  thence  ;  fo  that  Macris  fled  with  him  into  the 
Country  of  the  Phanicians,  and  nourifli'd  him  in  a  Cave, 
Others  fay,  that  Cadmus  Father  to  Semele  difcovering  her 
Crime,  put  her  and  the  Child  into  a  wooden  Ark,  which  by 
the  Tides  was  carried  to  Oreata  a  Town  of  Laconia^  where 
Semele  being  found  dead,  was  bury'd  with  great  Pomp,  and 
the  Infant  nurs'd  by  ho  in  a  Cave.  During  this  Perfecution, 
being  tir'd  in  his  Flight,  he  fell  afleep,  and  an  Jmphifiena^  or 
two-headed  Serpent  of  the  moft  poifonous  Kind,  bit  his 
Leg  ;  but  awaking  he  ftruck  it  with  a  Vine  Twig,  and  that 
Jcill'd  it. 

In  his  Infancy  fome  Tyrhenian  Merchants  found  him  afleep 
on  the  Shore,  and  attempted  to  carry  him  away  ;  but  fud- 
denly  their  Mafts  were  encompafs'd  with  Vines^  and  their 
Oars  with  I'vy^  and  ftruck  with  Madnefs,  they  jump'd  into 
the  Sea,  where  the  God  changed  them  into  Dolphins, 

Bacchus^  during  the  Giants  War,  diftinguiih'd  himfelf 
greatly  by  his  Valour  in  the  Form  of  a  Lion,  while  Jupiter 
to  encourage  his  Son  ufed  the  Word  Euhoe,  which  became 
afterward,  frequently  us'd  in  his  Sacrifices.  Others  fay,  that 
in  this  Rebellion  the  Titans  cut  our  Deity  to  Pieces  ;  but  that 
Pallas  took  his  Heart,  while  yet  panting,  and  carried  it  to 

(i)  The  I  ft  the  Son  of  Jupiter  and  Projerpine  j  the  2d  the  Egyptian 
Bacchus,  the  Son  of  Nile,  who  kill'd  Nyfa  ;  the  3d  the  Son  of  Captius, 
who  reign'd  in  Af^a  ;  the  4th  the  Son  of  Jupiter  and  Luna  j  and  the  5th 
born  of  Nifus  and  Thione. 

(2)  Others  fay  Mercury  carried  him  to  Nyfa,  a  City  of  ^rj^/^  near 
£gypt» 

S  2  her 


132  Fabulous   HISTORY 

her  Father,  who  collected  the  Limbs  and  re- animated  the 
Body,  after  it  had  flept  three  Nights  with  Proferpine  f  3  j. 

The  moft  memorable  Exploit  of  Bacchus  was  his  Expedi- 
tion to  India^  which  employ'd  him  three  Years.     He  fet  out 
from  Egypt^  where  he  icft  Mercurius  Tri/megijius  to  aflift  his 
Wife  in  Quality  of  Co-Regent,  and  appointed  Hercules  his 
Viceroy.     Bujiris  he  conftituted  Prefident  of  Phtenida^  and 
Jntaus  of  Libya,  after  which  he  march'd  with  a  prodigious 
Army,  carrying  with  him  Triptolemus  and  Maro^  to  teach 
Mankind  the  Arts  of  Tillage  and  planting  the  Vine.    His 
firft  Progrefs  was  weft  ward  (^)  and  during  his  Courfe  he 
was  join'd  by  Pan  ^nd  Ltf/us,  who  gave  their  Names  to  diffe- 
rent Parts  of  Iberia.     Altering  his  Views  he  returned  through 
Ethiopia,  where  the  Satyrs  and  Mu/es  increas'd  his  Army,  and 
from  thence  croiung  the  Red  Sea,  he  penetrated  through 
JJia  to  the  remoteft  Parts  of  hJia,  in  the  Mountains  of  which 
Country,  near  the  Source  of  the  Ganges  he  eredted  two  Pil- 
lars, to  fhew  that  he  had  vifited  the  utmoft  Limits  of  the  ha- 
bitable World  f^)*  After  this  returning  Home  with  Glory> 
he  made  a  triumphant  Entry  into  Thebes,  ofFer'd  Part  of  his 
Spoils  to  Jupiter,  and  facrificed  to  him  the  richeft  Spices  of 
the  Eaft.    He  then  apply'd  himfelf  folely  to  Affairs  of  Go- 
vernment, to  reform  Abufes,  enail:  good  Laws,  and  confult 
the  Happinefs  of  his  People,  for  which  he  not  only  obtained 
the  Title   of  the  Laiv-gi^er,  by  Way  of  Excellence,  but 
was  deify 'd  after  Death. 

Juno  having  Itruck  him  with  Madnefs,  he  had  before  this 
wander'd  through  Part  of  the  World.  Proteus,  King  of 
Egypt,  was  the  firft  who  receiv'd  him  kindly.  He  next  went 
to  Cybella  in  Phrygia,  where  being  expeded  by  Rhea,  he  was 

(3)  The  Mythologifts  fay,  that  this  is  to  denote  the  Cuttings  of  Vines 
will  grow,  but  that  they  will  be  three  Years  before  they  come  to  bear. 

(4)  Pan  gave  his  Name  to  Spain  or  Hijpama,  or  Lus  to  Lufitania  or 
Portugal. 

(5)  In  his  Return  he  huWt  Nyja,  and  other  Cities,  and  pafllng  the  Hellef.- 
font  came  into  Thrace,  where  he  \&hMaro,  who  founded  the  City  Maronaa, 
To  Macedo  he  gave  the  Country  from  him  call'd  Macedonia^  and  left  Trip- 
tcletnui  in  Attica  to  inftf  uft  the  People. 

initiated 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  133 

initiated  in  the  Myfteries  of  Cybele,  Lycurgus,  King  of  the 
Edeni^  near  the  River  Stryman^  affronted  him  in  this  Journey* 
for  which  Bacchus  deprivM  him  of  his  Reafon ;  fo  that  when 
he  thought  to  prune  his  Vines,  he  cut  off  the  Legs  of  his 
Son  Dryas  and  his  own.  By  Command  of  the  Oracle,  his 
Subjects  imprifon'd  him,  and  he  was  torn  in  Pieces  by  wild 
Horfes.  It  is  eafy  to  fee  how  inconfilient  thefe  Accounts  of 
the  fame  Perfon  are,  and  that  the  Actions  of  different  Bac- 
chufes  are  afcrib'd  to  one. 

We  have  two  other  Inftances  recorded  of  the  Refentment 
of  this  Deity.  AUithoe  a  T^hehan  Lady  derided  his  Priefteffes 
and  was  transform'd  into  a  Bat ;  Pentheus  the  Son  of  Echion 
and  Jgave^  for  ridiculing  his  Solemnities,  (call'd  Orgia)  was 
torn  in  Pieces  by  his  own  Mother  and  Sifters  (6)  who  in 
their  Madnefs  took  him  for  a  wild  Boar. 

The  Favourii:e  Wife  of  Bacchus  was  Ariadne^  whom  h6 
found  in  the  Ifle  of  Naxos,  abandon'd  by  The/eus^  and  lov'd  f6 
palHonately,  that  he  plac'd  the  Crown  fhe  wore  as  a  Conflel- 
lation  in  the  Skies.  By  her  he  had  Staphilus^  ihyon^us^  Hj-. 
meneusy  l^c, 

Cijfus^  a  Youth  whom  he  greatly  efteem'd,  fporting  with 
the  Satyrs^  was  accidentally  kill'd.  Bacchus  chang'd  him  into 
the  Plant  /w,  which  became  in  a  peculiar  Manner  confe- 
crated  to  his  Worfhip.  Silenus^  another  of  his  Favourites, 
wandering  from  his  Mafter,  came  to  Mldas^  King  of  Phrygia^ 
at  whofe  Court  he  was  well  receiv'd.  To  requite  this  Favour 
Bacchus  promis'd  to  grant  whatever  he  requefted.  The  Mo- 
narch, whofe  ruling  Paflion  was  Avarice,  defir'd  all  he 
touch'd  might  be  turn'd  to  Gold ;  but  he  foon  felt  the  In- 
conveniency  of  having  his  Wilh  granted,  when  he  found 
his  Meat  and  Drink  converted  into  Metal.  He  therefore 
pray'd  the  God  to  recall  his  Bounty,  and  releafe  him  horn 
his  Mifery.  He  was  commanded  to  wafh  in  the  River  \  a^. 
to/us,  which  from  that  Time  had  golden  Sands  (7), 

(6)  Ovid,  Lib.  II.  630. 

(7)  Qwd,  Lib.  XI.  86, 

(SJ  Sac- 


134  Fabulous   HISTORY 

(%)  Bacchus  had  a  great  Variety  of  Names  j  he  was  call'd 
Dionyjius  fg)  from  his  Father's  Lamenefs,  while  he  carry'd 
him  in  his  Thigh  :  The  Apellation  of  Biformis  was  given 
him,  becaufe  he  fometimes  was  reprefented  as  old,  fomecimes 
as  young ;  that  oiBriJaus  from  his  inventing  the  Wine-Prefs 
(\o) ;  that  of  Bromius  from  the  crackling  of  Fire  heard 
when  Semele  perifliM  by  the  Lightening  of  Jupiter  ;  that  of 
Bimater,  from  his  having  two  Mothers,  or  being  twice  born. 
The  Greeks  ftyl'd  him  Bugenes,  or  born  of  an  Ox,  becaufe 
he  was  drawn  with  Horns ;  and  for  the  fame  Reafon  the 
Latins  call'd  him  Tauriformis.  He  was  named  Daemon  bonus ^ 
becaufe  in  all  Feafts  the  lafl  Glafs  was  drunk  to  his  Honour. 
E<vius^  E-vous  and  E'van,  were  Names  us'd  by  the  Bacchanals 
in  their  wild  Proceflions,  as  were  thofe  of  Eleus  and  Eleleus* 
He  was  flyl'd  lacchus  from  the  Noife  (\i)  made  by  his  Vo- 
taries in  their  drunken  Frolicks ;  Lenaus,  becaufe  Wine  af- 
fwages  the  Sorrows  and  Troubles  of  Life  ^12^5  Liber  and 
Liber  Pater^  becaufe  he  fets  Men  free  from  conftraint,  and 
puts  them  on  an  Equality  ;  and  on  the  fame  Account  he  was 
firnam'd  Lyaus  and  Lycaus  (i^)  ',  NyBilius  was  an  Apellation 
given  him,  becaufe  his  Sacrifices  were  often  celebrated  in  the 
Night ;  from  his  Education  on  Mount  Ny/a^  he  gain'd  the 
Epithet  of  Nijaus,  as  alfo  that  of  T^hyonaus  from  'Thyo  his 
Nurfe  'y  and  that  of  Triumfhus  from  his  being  the  firft  who 
jnftituted  Triumphs, 

The  principal  Feflivals  of  Bacchus  were  the  Ofcophoria^  in- 

(8)  From  B5«>t%£:?J',  to  run  mad,  becaufe  Wine  inflames,  and  deprives 
Men  of  their  Reafon. 

(9)  From  At^,  God,  and  vfco?  lame  or  crippled. 

(10)  Some  derive  it  from  Brifa  his  Nurfe  j  others  from  the  Promontory 
B-'fa  in  the  Ifle  of  Lejbos,  where  he  was  chiefly  worfhipp'd. 

:  -om  ''<«x;^6vfc.',  to  exclaim  or  roar.     See  Claudian's  Rape  of  Pro- 

'.  «;_;  .  jm  Lenio  to  foften  j  but  Scr-vius  gives  the  Epithet  a  Greek  Ety. 
>"  >-^~«gy  from  7,ivo-,  a  Wine-Prefs.  The  firfl:  Conjedure  is  beft  fup- 
^rted  by  the  Poets. 

Cura  fugit,  multo  dUuiturque  riero.  Ovid, 

(13)  From  7\Vijf  to  unloofe  or  fet  lice. 

llituted 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  135 

llituted  by  the  Phoenicians,  T\\q  Trieterica  (\/\.)  celebrated 
in  Remembrance  of  his  three  Years  Expedition  to  India* 
The  EpiUnea  were  Games  appointed  at  the  Time  of  Vin-;^ 
tao-e  in  which  they  contended  who  fliould  tread  out  moft 
I/luJi  or  Wine,  and  fung  Hymns  to  the  Deity.  The  Jthe- 
nians  obferv'd  a  certain  Feaft  call'd  Apaturia  5  as  alfo  others 
caird  Jfcolia  and  Jmbrofta,  Thefe  latter  were  celebrated  in 
January^  the  Month  facred  to  Bacchus:  the  Romans  call'd- 
them  Brumalia,  and  kept  them  in  February  and  Auguji  (l$)  \ 
but  the  moft  confiderable  of  the  Romans  with  Regard  to  this 
God,  were  the  Bacchanalia,  Dionyfia  or  Orgia  foJemniz'd  at 
Mid-Day  in  February  by  Women  only  at  firft;  but  after- 
wards by  both  Sexes.  Thefe  Rites  were  attended  v/ith  fuch 
abominable  Excelles  and  Wickednefs,  that  the  Senate  were 
oblig'd  to  abolilh  them  by  a  publick  Decree  (16), 

The  Victims  agreeable  to  Bacchus  were  the  Goat  and  S^ine^ 
becaufe  thefe  Animals  are  deftrudive  to  the  Vines ;  the  Dra- 
gon^ and  the  Pye  on  account  of  its  chattering.  The  Trees 
and  Plants  ufed  in  his  Garlands  were  the  I'vy^  the  i^r>,  the 
Oak,  and  the  Herb  Rapeweed  -,  as  alfo  the  Flower  Daffodil 
or  Narciffus. 

Bacchus  was  the  God  of  Mirth,  Wine,  and  good  Cheer, 
and  as  fuch  the  Poets  have  not  been  fparing  in  their  Praifes 
on  all  Occafions  of  Pleafure  and  focial  Joy  they  never 
fail'd  to  invoke  his  Prefence,  and  to  thank  him  for  the  Blef- 
fings  he  beftow'd.  To  him  they  afcrib'd  the  Forgetfulnefs  of 
their  Cares,  and  the  foft  Tranfports  of  mutual  Friendfhip 
and  chearful  Converfation.  It  would  be  endlefs  to  repeat 
the  Compliments  paid  him  by  the  Greek  and  Latin  Poets,  who 
for  the  moft  Part  were  hearty  Devotees  to  his  Worftiip. 

Some  by  a  forced  Parallel  compare  Bacchus  to  Nimmd^  and 
others  will  have  him  to  be  the  fame  with  Mojes  j  but  thefe 

(14)  Virgil,  y^neid  IV.  303. 

(15)  SeeC^/.  Rhcdog.  Lib.  XVII.  cap.   5; 

(16)  See //crjcf,  Book  II.  Od*  XIX,  wholly  confecrated  to  his  Praife. 

^  Conje6turcs, 


13$  Fahuhus    HISTORY 

Conje<£tures,  however  ingenious  or  plaufible,  are  deftitute 
of  any  folid  Foundation. 

Bacchus^  by  the  Poets  and  Painters,  is  reprefented  as  a  cor- 
pulent Youth  (17)  naked,  with  a  ruddy  Face,  wanton  look, 
and  efFeminate  Air.  He  is  crown'd  with  Ivy  and  Vine- 
Leaves,  and  bears  in  his  Hand  a  Thyrfus  (18)  encircled  with 
the  fame.  His  Car  is  drawn  fometimes  by  Lyons,  at  others 
by  Tygers,  Leopards,  or  Panthers,  and  furrounded  by 
a  Band  of  Satyrs  and  M^enades,  or  Wood-Nymphs  in  fran- 
tick  Poilures  ;  and,  to  clofe  the  mad  Proceflion,  appears  old 
Siknus  riding  on'  an  Afs,  which  was  fcarcely  able  to  carry  fo 
fat  and  jovial  a  Companion. 

To  arrive  at  the  true  Original  of  this  fabled  Deity  we 
muft  once  more  revifit  Egypt  the  Mother- Country  of  the 
Gods.  We  have  already  had  fufficient  occafion  to  remark 
how  their  Horus  changed  his  Name  and  Attributes  according 
to  the  Seafons,  and  the  Circumftances  or  Operations  he  was 
intended  to  direct.  To  commemorate  the  antient  State  of 
Mankind,  Horus  appeared  under  the  Symbol  of  a  Child  with 
a  Serpent  by  its  Side,  and  afTumed  the  Name  of  Ben-Semele 
(19).  This  was  an  Image  of  the  Weaknefs  and  Imperfec- 
tion of  Huibandry  after  the  Deluge.  The  Greeks  who  knew 
nothing  of  the  true  Meaning  of  the  Figure,  call'd  it  the  Son 
of  Semele,  and  to  heighten  its  Honour  made  Jupiter  his  Fa- 
ther, or  according  to  the  Eaftern  Style  (20),  produc'd  him 
out  of  his  Thigh.  They  even  embellifh'd  the  Story  with 
all  the  marvellous  Circumftances  of  his  Mother's  Death,  and 
fo  efFedually  compleated  the  Fable. 

Let  us  add  to  this,  that  in  all  the  antient  Forms  of  Invo- 
cation to  the  fupreme  Being,  they  ufed  the  ExprefTions  af- 

(17)  Bacchus  was  fometimes  depidlur'd  as  an  old  Man  with  a  Beard,  as 
at  Elis  in  Greece^  and  it  was  only  then  he  had  Horns  given  him  j  fome- 
times he  was  cloath'd  with  a  Tiger's  Skin. 

(18)  The  thyrfus  was  a  wooden  Javelin  with  an  Iron  Head. 

(19)  Ben-Semele,  or  the  Child  of  the  Reprefentation. 

(20)  See  Ger.efti  xlvi,  26,  fpeaking  of  Jaccb'i  Children,  or  who  came 
out  of  his  Thigh. 

terwards- 


pa^ei^-j 


T.  {fTt^^m  mt/.  g/-e/-eli^n . 


{^.JL .  %/w/vJ^  %Jui^ 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  1^,7 

tel'wards  appropriated  to  Bacchus^  fuch  as  io  Terombe  ^23^/ 
io  Bacche  (2^J  !  or  io  Bacoth  !  Jchova  !  Henjaji,  Be^voe^  and 
Eloah  (25)  f  and  Hu  EJh  !  Atta  EJh  (26),  Thefe  Exclama- 
tions were  repeated  in  After- Ages  by  the  People,  who  had 
no  longer  any  Senfe  of  their  true  Signification,  but  applied 
them  to  the  Obje6ts  of  their  Idolatry.  In  their  Huntings 
they  ufed  the  Outcries  of  io  Saboi  (t-j)^  io  NiJ/i,  which  with 
a  little  Alteration  became  the  Titles  of  the  Deity  we  are 
fpeaklng  of.  The  Romans  or  Latins  of  all  thefe  preferred  the 
Name  of  Baccoth^  out  of  which  they  compos'd  Bacchus,  The 
more  delicate  Ear  of  the  Greehs  chofe  the  Word  Io  NiJ/j,  out 
of  which  they  form'd  Dionyfius  Hence  it  is  plain  that  no 
real  Bacchus  ever  exifted,  but  that  he  was  only  a  Mafque  or 
Figure  of  fo  '-  conceal'd  Truth.  In  fhort,  whoever  atten- 
tively reads  Horaces  inimitable  Ode  to  Bacchus  fzSj,  will 
fee  that  Bacchus  meant  no  more  than  the  Improvement  of  the 
World,  by  the  Cultivation  of  Agriculture,  and  the  planting 
of  the  Vine. 

(23)  Io  Terotiilc  !  Let  us  cry  to  the  Lord  !  Hence  Dithyrambu:. 

(24)  Jo  Baccotb  !  God  fee  our  Tears  !  whence  Bacchus. 

(25)  Jeho'uah !  Thou  art  the  Life  ,  IJe^an  or  Hcvoef  the  Author  of  Ex- 
iftence  ;  Elocb,  the  mighty  God  !  Hence  E'voe,  E-vous,  Qfc. 

(26)  Hu  Ejh  I  Thou  art  the  Fire  !  Atta  EJJj!  Thou  art  the  Life  !  Hence 
Attes  and  Vcs. 

(27)  Io  Sahdi !  Lord  thou  art  an  Hoft  to  me !  2o  Nijfi !  Lord  be  my 
Guide!  Hence  Sabajius  and  DionyJIus,  the  Names  of  Bacchus. 

(28)  Horace,  Lib.  IL   Ode  XIX. 


CHAP.     XLIII. 

Of  the  Attendants  of  Bacchus ;  Silenus,  Sylvanus, 
and  the  M^enades  or  Bacchas,  the  Satyrs,  Fauni 
and  Sileni. 

AS  Bacchus  was  the  God  of  good  Humour  and  Fellow- 
fhip,  fo  none  of  the  Deities  appear  with  a  more  nu- 
merous or  fplendid  Retinue. 

T  SiUnus 


138  Fakihus   HISTORY 

Silef?us  the  principal  Perfon  in  his  Train,  had  been  hk 
Preceptor,  and  a  very  fuitable  one  for  fuch  a  Deity ;  for  the 
old  Man  had  a  very  hearty  AfFeclion  for  his  Bottle,  yet 
Silenus  diftinguifh'd  himfelf  in  the  Gmw/jWar,  by  appearing  on 
his  Afs,  whole  braying  put  thofe  daring  Rebels  into  Confulion 
( I ).  Some  fay  he  v^as  born  at  Malea  a  City  of  Sparta^  others 
at.Ny/a  in  Arabia  ;  but  the  moft  probable  Conjeclure  is,  that 
he  was  a  Prince  of  Caria,  noted  for  his  Equity  and  Wi{<lom 
fzj.  However  this  be,  he  was  a  conftant  Attendant  and 
Companion  of  his  Pupil  in  all  his  Expeditions.  Silenus  was 
a  notable  good  Moralifl  in  his  Cups,  as  we  find  in  Virgil, 
who  has  given  us  a  beautiful  Oration  of  his  on  the  nobleft 
Subjedts  (3),  in  the  fine  Eclogue  which  bears  his  Name. 

Silenus  is  depidur'd  as  a  fhort  corpulent  old  Man,  bald- 
headed,  with  a  flat  Nofe,  prominent  Forehead,  and  big 
Ears.  He  is  ufually  defcrib'd  as  over-loaden  with  Wine,  and 
feated  on  a  Saddle-back'd  Afs,  upon  which  he  fupports  him- 
felf with  a  long  Staff;  and  in  the  other  Hand  carries  a  Can- 
tharus  or  Jug,  with  the  Handle  worn  out  almoft  by  fre- 
quent Ufe, 

Syhanus  was  a  rural  Deity,  who  often  appears  in  the 
Train  of  Bacchus;  fome  fuppofe  him  the  Son  of  Saturn, 
others  of  Faunus.  He  was  unknown  to  the  Greeks^  but  the 
Latins  received  the  Worlhip  of  him  from  the  Pelafgi^  who 
upon  their  Migration  into  Italy,  confecrated  Groves  to  his 
Honour,  and  appointed  folemn  Feilivals  in  which  Milk  was 
offer'd  to  him. 

The  M^nad^s  were  the  PrirJieJJes  and  Nymphs  who  attend- 
ed Bacchus^  and  were  alfo  calTd  T^hyades  from  their  FuryS 
Baccha  from  their  Intemperance ;  and  Mimalloms  from  their 
Difpofition  to  ape  and  mimic  others,  which  is  one  of  ths 

(1)  For  which  it  was  rais\i  to  the  Skies  and  made  a  ConftelJation. 

(2)  On  this  Account  arofe  the  Fable  of  Midas  lending  him  his  Ears.  It 
rs  faid,  that  being  once  taken  Prlfoner,  he  p-.jrchafed  his  Liberty  with  this 
remarkable  Sentence,  <  That  it  was  beft  not  to  be  bofn,  and  next  to  that 
*  moft  eligible  to  die  quickly.' 

(3)  Virgily  Eclogue  VI.   14. 

Qualities 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  I'jg 

Qualities  of  drunken  People.  Thefe  bore  Thyrfujes  bound 
with  Ivy,  and  in  their  ProceiTions  (hoclc'd  the  Ear  and  Eye 
with  their  extravagant  Cries  and  ridiculous  and  indecent 
Contorfions. 

Ths  Life  Guards  or  TrainM-Bands  of  Bacchus^  were  the 
Satyrs.  It  is  uncertain  w/hence  thefe  half  Creatures  fprung; 
but  their  ufual  Refidence  was  in  the  Woods  and  Forefts,  and 
they  were  of  a  very  wanton  and  luftful  Difpofition  ;  fo  that 
it  was  very  dangerous  for  a  ftray  Nymph  to  fall  into  their 
Hands.  Indeed  it  was  natural  for  them  to  ufe  Compulfion, 
for  their  Form  was  none  of  the  molt  inviting,  having  de- 
form'd  Heads  arm'd  with  fhort  Horns,  crooked  Hands,  rough 
and  hairy  Bodies,  Goats  Feet  and  Legs,  and  Tails  as  long 
as  Horfes. 

We  are  now  to  feek  fome  Explanation  of  this  Groupe  of 
Figures,  and  to  do  this  we  mull  have  recourfe  to  the  Egyp- 
tian Key.  As. Idolatry  improved,  the  Fealts  or  Reprefenta- 
tions  of  thofe  People  grew  more  pompous  and  folemn,  Show 
degenerated  into  Mafquerade,  and  Religion  into  Farce  or 
Frenzy.  The  Ben  Semele  or  Child  oi  Repreftntation  mentioned 
in  the  Explanation  of  Bacchus  became  a  jolly  rofy  Youth, 
who  to  adorn  the  Pomp  was  plac'd  in  a  Chariot,  drawn  by 
A6lors  in  Tygers  or  Leopards  Skins,  while  others  drefs'd  ia 
thofe  of  Bucks  or  Goats  furrounded  him ;  and  to  fliew  the 
Dangers  they  had  gone  through  in  Hunting,  they  fmeer'd 
their  Faces  with  the  Dregs  of  Wine  or  Juice  of  Mulberries, 
to  imitate  the  Blood  of  the  Beafts  they  kill'd.  Thefe  AlHf- 
tants  were  call'd  Satyrs  (\)^  Fa-w7is  (^),  and  Thyades  (6)y  and 
Mcenades  (yj^  and  Bajjarides  (Sj.  To  clofe  the  Procellion, 
appear'd  an  old  Man  on  an  Afs,  offering  Wine  to  the  tir'd 
Youth,  who  had  return'd  from  a  profperous  Chafe,  and  in- 

(4)  ¥rom  Satur,  hidden  or  difguifcd. 

(5)  From  Phanitn,  a  Mafque  or  falfe  Face. 

(6)  From  Tbouab,  to  wander,  or  run  about wildly. 

(7)  From  Mx^vo^u  ,  to  intoxicate  or  drive  mad, 

(8)  From  Barjur,  to  gather  the  Grapes, 

T  i  viting 


I40  Fabulous   HISTORY 

vitlng  them  to  take  fome  Reft.  This  Perfon  they  call'd  SiUn 
(g),  or  Sjhat7,  and  his  Drefs  was  defign'd  to  fhew,  that  old 
Men  were  exempt  from  thofe  Toils  of  Youth,  which  by 
extirpating  Beafts  of  Prey,  fecur'd  the  approaching  Harvefl. 

All  thefe  Symbols  were  by  the  Greeks  and  Romans  adopted 
in  their  Way,  and  the  Aclors  or  Mafks  of  Egypt  became  the 
real  Divinities  of  Nations,  whofe  Inclination  to  the  marve- 
lous, made  them  greedily  embrace  whatever  flatter' d  that 
PrepofleiTion. 

(9)  From  Sela'Vy  Safety  or  Repofe, 


CHAP,     XLIV; 
Of   HERCULES,   and  his  Labours, 

HAVING  gone  through  the  DH  Major es,  or  celeftial 
Deities  of  the  firft  Rank;  we  fnall  proceed  to  the  Demi. 
Godsj  who  were  either  thofe  Heroes  whofe  eminent  Actions 
and  fuperior  Virtues  rais'd  them  to  the  Skies,  or  thofe  terre- 
ftrial  Di-jinities^  who  for  their  Bounty  and  Goodnefs  to  Man- 
kind, were  clafs'd  with  the  Gods. 

To  begin  with  the  former,  Hercules  undoubtedly  claims  the 
foremoft  Place.  There  were  feveral  of  this  Name  ( ij  ;  but 
he  to  whom  the  greateft  Glory  is  attributed,  was  the  Son  of 
Jupiter  and  Akmena^  Wife  of  Amphitryon  King  of  'Thebes. 
This  Monarch  being  gone  on  an  Expedition  againft  the 
JEtolians^  Jo^e  afTum'd  his  Form,  and  under  that  fafe  Dif- 
guife  eafily  enjoy'd  his  Defires.  It  is  faid  he  was  fo  ena- 
mour'd,  that  he  prolonged  the  Darknefs  for  three  Days  and 
three  Nights  fuc'ceiiively.  Hercules  was  the  Fruit  of  this  ex- 
traordinary Amour,  and  at  the  fame  Time  Alcjnena  bore 

(i)  The  Egyptian  Hercules  is  reckon'd  the  eldeft  of  tliefe,  who  fjgna- 
liz'd  himfelf  in  the  Grants  War,  and  was  one  of  the  principal  Divinities 
of  that  Country.  Tli'vie  was  alfo  a  Tyrian  llcicuUi  precedent  :n  Time  to 
him  of  Greece, 

Twins 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  141 

Twins  to  her  Hufband,  Laodamia^  and  Jphidus,  who  was  re- 
markable for  his  extraordinary  Swiftnefs  (2). 

This  Intrigue  of  Jupiter,  as  ufual,  foon  came  to  the  Ears 
of  his  jealous  Wife,  who  from  that  Moment  meditated  the 
Deftru6tion  of  Hercules.  A  favourable  Occafion  ofFer'(f 
to  her  Refentment.  Jrchippe  the  V/ife  of  Sthenelusy  King  of 
Mycene,  being  pregnant  at  the  fame  Time  with  Jlcmena, 
Jupiter  had  ordain'd  (3),  that  the  Child  firft  bornfhould  have 
the  Superiority  or  Command  over  the  other.  Juno  caus'd 
Archippe  to  be  deliver'd  at  the  End  of  itMtii  Months  of  a  Son, 
call'd  Euryjiheus,  and  to  retard  the  Labour  of  Jlcmena^  in  the 
Form  of  an  old  Woman  Ihe  fat  at  the  Gate  of  Jntphytryon'% 
Palace  with  her  Legs  acrofs,  and  her  Fingers  interwoven. 
By  this  fecret  Inchantment  that  Princefs  was  feven  Days  and 
Nights  in  the  extreameft  Pain?,  'till  Galanthis  one  of  her 
Attendants,  feeir.g  Juno  in  this  fuipicious  Pofture,  and  con- 
je61:uring  the  Caufe,  ran  haftily  out  with  the  News  that  her 
Miftrefs  was  deliver'd.  The  Goddefs  llarting  up  at  the 
News,  Jlcmena  was  that  Moment  freed  of  her  Burthen  ;  but 
Ju>2o  was  fo  incens'd  at  Galanthis,  that  ihe  chang'd  her  into  a 
Weefel. 

During  his  Infancy,  Juno  fent  tv70  Serpents  to  deftroy 
him  in  his  Cradle,  but  the  undaunted  Child  Itrangled  them 
both  with  his  Hands  (4).  After  this,  as  he  grew  up  he 
difcover'd  an  uncommon  Stature  and  Strength  of  Body  C5), 
as  well  as  heroic  Ardour  of  Mind.  Thefe  great  Qualities 
of  Nature  were  improved  by  fuitable  Care,  his  Education 

(a)   Nam  Juper  extremas  fegetum  currebat  arijiai 

Nee  ftcco%  frucius  ladebant  pondera  Plantte.  OrpheUS  Hymn, 

O'er  the  unbending  Corn  lb  light  he  flew, 
The  cheated  Sight  no  Sign  of  Faflfage  knew. 

(3)  Some  fay  at  Juno's  Perfuafion. 

(4)  Hcneferunt  gcn:inc%  prejfijfe  tenaciter  argues 

Cum  tener  in  cutfu'sjam  Jove  digntts  eras.         Ovid  Epifi, 

Worthy  of  Jo'ue,  thy  Infancy  began. 

And  cru/h'd  the  Snakes  which  round  thy  Cradle  ran. 

(5)  Some  fay  when  aniv'd  at  Manhood  he  was  four  Cubits  high,  and 
had  three  R,o\vs  of  Teefh. 

being 


143  Fabulous   HISTORY 

being  intrufled  to  the  greateft  Mafters  (6);  fo  that  it  is  no 
Wonder  if  with  fuch  corihderable  Advantages  he  made  fuch 
a  fliining  Figure  in  the  World. 

His  extraordinary  Virtues  were  early  put  to  the  Trial,  and 
the  Tallcs  impofed  on  him  by  Eury(lheus^  on  account  of  the 
Danger  and  DiiEculty  which  attended  their  Execution,  re- 
ceiv'd  the  Name  of  the  Labours  of  HtrcuUs^  and  are  com- 
monly reckon'd  to  be  tixjehe  in  Number. 

I.  The  firil  Labour,  or  Triumph  of  Hercules^  was  the 
Death  of  the  Nemaan  Lion.  It  is  faid  this  furious  Animal? 
by  Juno's  Direction  fell  from  the  Orb  of  the  Moon  and  was 
invulnerable.  It  infefted  the  Nemaan  Woods  between  ?hliui 
and  CUone^  and  did  infinite  Mifchief.  The  Hero  attack'd  it 
both  with  his  Arrows  and  Club,  but  in  vain,  'till  perceiving 
his  Error,  he  firft  flrangled  and  then  tore  it  in  Pieces  with 
his  Hands.  The  Skin  he  preferv'd,  and  conftantly  wore  as 
a  Token  of  his  Vidlory. 

II.  His  next  Enterprife  was  againft  a  formidable  Serpent 
or  Monfler,  which  harboured  in  the  Fens  of  tema^  and  in- 
feded  the  Region  of  Argos  with  his  poifonous  Exhalations. 
The  Number  of  Heads  allign'd  this  Creature  is  various  (7) ; 
but  all  Authors  agree,  that  when  one  was  cut  off  another  fuc- 
ceeded  in  its  Place,  unlefs  the  Wound  was  immediately  cau- 
teris'd.  Hercules  not  difcourag'd  attack'd  this  Dragon,  and 
having  caus'd  lolaus  to  cut  down  Wood  fuiEcient  for  flaming 
Brands,  as  he  cut  ofF  the  Heads,  applied  them  to  the 
Wounds,  and  by  that  Means  obtain'd  the  Conqueft,  and 
deftroy'd  the  Hydra,  Some  explain  this  Fable,  by  fuppofmg 
Lerna  a  Marfh  much  troubled  with  Snakes  and  other  poifon- 

(6)  Linus  the  Son  of  j^poUo  inflrudled  him  in  Philofophy  ;  Eurynts 
taught  him  Archery  ;  Eumolpui,Mu(\<.ky  particularly  the  Art  of  touching 
the  Lyre  5  from  Harpalycus  the  Son  of  Mercury  he  learnt  Wreftling  and 
the  Gymnaftick  Exercifes  i  Cufli>r  fhew'd  him  the  Art  of  managing  his 
Weapons  ;  and  to  compleat  all,  Cbiron  initiated  liim  in  the  Pnnciples  of 
Agronomy  and  Medicine. 

(7)  Some  make  the  Heads  oT  the  Lerr.jejin  Iljclra  to  be  fevcn,  others 
i«ine,  oti.cfi  fifty. 

0U8 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  143 

ous  Animals,  which  Hercules  and  his  Companions  deftroy'd, 
by  fetting  Fire  to  the  Reeds.  Others  imagine  he  only  drain'd 
this  Fen,  which  was  before  both  unpaflable,  and  incapable 
of  Improvement.  Others  make  Lerna  a  Fort  or  Caftle  of 
Robbers  under  a  Leader  calFd  Hydra^  whom  Hercules  extir- 
pated. However  this  be,  in  Confideration  of  the  Service  of 
lolaus  on  this  Occafion,  w^hen  he  grew decriped  with  old  Age, 
his  Mafter  by  his  Prayers  obtained  him  a  Renewal  of  his 

Youth. 

III.  The  next  Ta(k  impos'd  on  him  by  Euryjlheus^  was  to 

bring  him  alive  a  huge  Wild-Boar,  which  ravaged  the  Foreft 
of  Eurymajithusy  and  had  been  fent  to  PLocis  by  Diana  to  pu- 
nifli  Oeneus  for  negleding  her  Sacrifices  (%)n  In  his  Way 
he  defeated  the  Centaurs^  who  had  provoked  him  by  infulting 
Pholus  his  Hoft.  After  this  he  feiz'd  the  fierce  Animal  in  a 
Thicket  furrounded  with  Snow,  and  purfuant  to  his  Injunc- 
tion, carried  him  bound  to  Euryjiheus,  v/ho  had  like  to  have 
fainted  at  the  Sight. 

IV.  This  Monarch,  after  fuch  Experience  of  the  Force 
and  Valour  of  Hercules^  was  rcfolv'd  to  try  his  Agility.  For 
this  End  he  was  commanded  to  take  a  Hind  w^hich  fre- 
quented Mount  Mtenalust  and  had  brazen  Feet  and  golden 
Horns.  As  fhe  was  facred  to  Dianay  Hercules  durfl  not" 
wound  her,  and  it  was  not  very  cafy  to  run  her  down :  This " 
Chafe  coft  him  a  whole  Year's  Foot-Speed.  At  lad  beino' 
tir'd  out,  the  Hind  took  to  theRecelies  of  M.o\xnt  ArteTr^rJlus^ 
but  was  in  her  Way  overtaken  as  fhe  crofs'd  the  River  Ladan^ 
and  brought  to  Myce?ie. 

V.  Near  the  Lake  Stympbalus  in  Arcadia  [g]  harboured  cer- 
tain Birds  of  Prey  with  Wings,  Beaks  and  Talons  of  Iron, 
who  prey'd  on  human  Flefh,  and  devour'd  all  who  palled  that 
V/ay.  Thefe  Euryftheus  fent  Hercules  to  deftroy.  Some  fay 
he  kiirdthem  with  his  Arrows  (lo);  others,  that  Pallas  lent 

(8)  This  Story  has  a  near  Refemb!ance  witli  the  Boar  of  Calydon,  men- 
tion'd  in  the  Article  of  Diana. 

(9)  Where  Juno,  it  is  faid,  was  educated. 

(10)  There  is  an  anti«ntGemexprdrivt  of  this.   See  Ogle'i  Antiquities. 

him 


14+  Fabulous    HISTORY 

him  fome  brazen  Rattles  made  by  Vulcan,  the  found  of  wliich 
frighten'd  them  to  the  Ifland  of  Aretia.  Some  fuppofe  the 
Birds  call'd  Stymphalides,  a  Gang  of  defperate  Banditti  who 
had  their  Haunts  near  that  Lake. 

VI.  His  next  Expedition  was  againft  the  Cretan  Bull. 
Minos t  King  of  that  Ifland,  being  formidable  at  Sea,  had 
forgot  to  pay  Neptune  the  Worfhip  due  to  him,  the  Deity  to 
punifh  his  Negledt  fent  a  furious  Bull,  whofe  Noftrils  breath'd 
Fire,  to  deftroy  the  Country.  Hercules  brought  this  terrible 
Animal  bound  to  Euryjiheus,  who  on  account  of  his  being 
iacred  let  him  loofe  in  the  Territory  of  Marathon,  where  he 
was  afterwards  flain  by  Ihefeus,  Some  reduce  the  Story  to 
this,  that  Hercules  only  was  fent  to  Crete^  to  procure  Euryf- 
theus  a  Bull  for  breeding  out  of. 

VII.  Diomede  King  of  Thrace^  the  Son  of  Mars  and  Cyrene^ 
was  a  Tyrant  poflefs'd  of  a  Stud  of  Horfes,  fo  wild  and  fierce 
that  they  breath'd  Fire,  and  were  conflantly  fed  with  human 
Flefh,  their  Mafter  killing  all  Strangers  he  could  meet  with 
for  Provender  for  his  Cattle.  Hercules  having  vanquifli'd  him 
gave  him  as  a  Prey  to  them,  and  killing  fome,  brought  the 
rell  to  Euryjlheus. 

VIII.  The  next  Employment  of  Hercules  feems  a  little  too 
mean  for  a  Flero,  but  he  was  oblig'd  to  obey  a  fevere  TafiC- 
mafter,  who  was  fo  fenfible  of  his  own  Injuftice  in  thefe  In- 
jundions,  that  he  did  not  care  to  truft  himfelf  in  the  Power 
of  the  Perfon  he  commanded  ( 1 1 ) .  Augeas^  King  of  Elis, 
had  a  Stable  intolerable,  from  the  Stench  arifmg  from  the 
Dung  and  Filth  it  contained,  which  is  not  very  furprifing  if 
it  be  true,  that  it  (helter'd  three  Thoufand  Oxen,  and  had 
not  been  cleanM  for  thirty  Years.  This  Place  Euryjiheus  or- 
dered Hercules  to  clear  in  one  Day  j  and  Augeas  promis'd  if  he 
perform'd  it,  to  give  him  a  Tenth  Part  of  thefe  Cattle. 
Hercules  by  turning  the  Courfe  of  the  River  Alpheus  through 
it,  executed  his  Defign,  which  Augeas  feeing  refufed  to  fland 

(ii)  It  is  faid  Euryjlheui  never  would  fufFer  Hercules  to  enter  Mycene, 
but  notify 'd  his  Commands  to  him  over  the  Walls,  by  Capreas  a  Herald. 

by 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  14^ 

by  his  Engagements.  The  Hero  to  reward  his  Perfidy,  flew 
him  with  his  Arrows,  and  gave  his  Kingdom  to  Phykus  his 
Son,  who  had  fhew'd  his  Abhorrence  of  his  Father's  Trea- 
chery. Some  add  that  from  the  Spoils  taken  at  Elis^  Hercules 
inflituted  the  Olympic  Games  to  Jupiter  celebrated  every  fifth 
Year,  and  which  afterwards  gave  Rife  to  the  Grecian  JEra. 

IX.  Euryjlheus  defirous  to  prefent  his  Daughter  Admeta 
with  the  Belt  or  Girdle  worn  by  HippoUta  Queen  of  the 
Jmaxons^  Hercules  was  fent  on  this  Expedition  ;  he  was  but 
flenderly  provided  having  but  one  Ship ;  but  Valour  like  his 
was  never  deftitute  of  Refources  in  Diftrefs.  In  his  Way  he 
defeated  and  kill'd  Mygdon  and  Amycus^  two  Brothers  who 
oppos'd  his  Pafiage,  and  fubduing  Bebrycia  gave  it  to  Lycus 
one  of  his  Companions,  who  changM  its  Name  to  Heracka 
in  Memory  of  his  Benefadtor.  On  his  Approach  to  ThemiJ- 
cyra,  he  learnt  that  the  Amaz.ons  had  colleded  all  their  Forces 
to  meet  him.  The  firft  Engagement  was  warm  on  both 
Sides,  feveral  of  the  braved  of  thefe  Viragos  were  kill'd  (12), 
and  others  made  Prifoners  (13).  The  Victory  was  follow'd 
by  the  total  Extermination  of  that  female  Nation,  and 
Hippolite  their  Qiieen  was  by  the  Conqueror  given  to  Thefeus 
as  a  Reward  for  his  Valour.  Her  Belt  he  brought  to 
Euryjlheus, 

X.  His  fucceeding  Exploit  was  againft  Geryon  King  of 
^pain^  who  had  three  Bodies,  and  was  the  Son  of  Chryfaoris 
and  Calirrhoe,  This  Monarch  had  a  Breed  of  Oxen  of  a 
purple  Colour,  v/hq  devour'd  all  Strangers  caft  to  them,  and 
were  guarded  by  a  Dog  with  two  Heads,  a  Dragon  with 
feven,  befides  a  very  watchful  and  fevere  Keeper.  Hercules 
kill'd  both  the  Monarch  and  his  Guards,  and  carried  the 
Oxen  to  Gadira  (i^Jt  OT  Cadiz,  from  whence  he  brought 
them  to  Euryfiheus,     Others  relate  the  Story  with  fome  Ad- 

(la)  As  Procelljy  Philippisy  Prothoe,  Eur  ilea,  Cakno,  Pbceboy  all  Com- 
panions of  Diana. 

(13)  As  Deianira,  Afieria,  Marpe,  TecmefiOy  Alcippe,  and  Mai^alippe, 
(i^)  Then  a  celebrated  Mart  or  Fort  frequented  by  the  Pbaniciam, 

U  ditions 


146  Fabulous   HISTORY 

clitions  (i^)»  It  was  during  this  Expedition,  that  our  Hero, 
as  eternal  Monuments  of  his  Glory,  ere6led  two  Pillars  ( i6), 
or  Mountains,  the  one  call'd  Calpe  the  other  Abyle,  upor;  the 
utmoft  Limits  of  Africa  and  Europe.  Some  give  a  more  fim- 
ple  Turn  to  the  Whole,  by  faying  Geryon  was  a  King  of 
Spain,  who  govern'd  by  Means  of  three  Sons  famous  for 
Valour  and  Prudence,  and  that  Hercules  having  rais'd  an 
Army  of  mercenary  Troops  in  Crete,  firft  overcame  them, 
and  fubdued  that  Country. 

XL  The  next  Tafk  enjoined  him  by  Euryjlheus,  was  to 
fetch  him  the  golden  Apples  of  the  Hefperides  (ij)y  which 
were  guarded  by  a  Dragon  with  a  hundred  Heads.  The  Li- 
jun61:ion  was  not  eafy,  fmce  Hercules  was  even  ignorant  of 
the  Place  where  they  grew.  The  Nymphs  of  Eridanus  whom 
he  confulted,  advis'd  him  to  go  to  Prometheus  (iSJ,  who  gave 
him  the  Information  and  Diredion  he  wanted,  after  which 
he  vanquifh'd  the  Dragon,  and  brought  the  precious  Fruit 
to  his  Mafter. 

Xn.  The  laft  Command  of  Euryftheus  was  for  him  to  go 
down  to  Hell  and  bring  away  Cerberus,  Pluto's  MaftifF.  Her^ 
culcs  having  facrificed  to  the  Gods,  enter'd  the  Infernal  Re- 
gions by  a  Cavity  of  Mount  Tamrus,  and  on  the  Banks  of 
Acheron  found  a  white  Poplar-Tree,  of  which  he  made  him  a 
Wreath,  and  the  Tree  was  ever  after  confecrated  to  him ; 
palling  that  River  he  difcover'd  Thefeus  and  Pirithous  chain'd 
to  a  Stone.  The  former  he  released,  but  left  the  latter  con- 
fin'd.  Manetius,  Pluto's  Cowherd,  endeavouring  to  fave  his 
Matter's  Dog  was  crufh'd  to  Death.  Cerberus^  for  Refuge 
fled  beneath  Pluto\  Throne,  from  whence  the  Hero  dragg'd 

(15)  It  is  faid  that  Dercyhn  and  AMiort,  Sons  of  Neptune,  drove  thefe 
Oxen  into  Hetruria  j  but  Hercules  reooverM  them,  and  brought  theni 
acrofs  the  Ionian  Sea  to  Euryfiheui. 

(16)  Now  the  Cape  of  Gibraltar,  and  Mount  oi  Andalujia  near  Tetuan. 

(17)  J"""^)  on  her  Marriage  with  Jupiter,  gave  him  thefe  Trees  which 
bore  golden  Fruit,  and  were  kept  by  the  Nymphs  Mgle,  Arethuja,  and 
Hcfperethiifa,  Daughters  of  Hefpcrus,  who  were  call'd  the  Hefperides. 

(18)  Or  as  others  fay,  to  Nereus,  who  eluded  his  Enquiry  by  afluming 
various  Shapes, 

him 


<     Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  147 

him  out,  and  brought  him  unto  Earth  by  Way  o^Trazene.  At 
fight  of  the  Day,  the  Monfter  vomited  a  poifonous  Matter, 
from  whence  fprung  the  Herb  Aconite^  or  Wolf's  Bane ;  but 
being  prefented  to  Euryjlheus^  he  order'd  him  to  be  difmifs'd, 
and  lufFer'd  to. return  to  Hell. 

It  would  be  almoft  endlefs  to  enumerate  all  the  A<Slions  of 
this  celebrated  Hero  of  Antiquity,  and  therefore  we  (hall  only 
touch  on  the  Principal.     He  deliver'd  Creon^  King  of  Thebes, 
from  an  unjuft  Tribute  imposM  on  him  by  Erginus  and  the 
Mynits^  for  which  Service,  that  Prince  gave  him  his  Daughter 
Megara^  by  whom  he  had  feveral  Sons ;  but  Juno  ftriking 
him  with  Frenzy,   he  flew  thefe  Children,  and  on  recover- 
ing his  Senfes  became  fo  fhock'd  at  his  Cruelty,  that  he  ab- 
ftain'd  from  all  human  Society  for  fome  Time.    In  his  Re- 
turn from    the  Expedition  againft  the  Amazons^  Laomedoht 
King  of  Troy^  by  the  Promife  of  fome  fine  Horjes^  engaged 
him  to  deliver  his  Daughter  Hejione  expofed  to  a  vail  Sea 
Monfter  fent  by  Nepcune-,  but  when  he  had  freed  the  Prin- 
cefs,  the  deceitful  Monarch  retraced  his  Word.    Upon  this 
Hercules  took  the  City,  kill'd  Laomedon^  and  gave  Hejione  to 
Telamon  who  fii-ft  fcal'd  the  Walls  (ig)>    After  this  he  flew 
Tmolus  and  Teleganos  the  Sons  of  Proccus^    two   celebrated 
Wreftlers,  who  put  to  Death  all  whom  they  overcame.    He 
alio  kill'd  Sarpedon  Son  of  Neptune^  a  notorious  Pyrate. 

During  his  African  Expedition,  he  vanquifh'd  Cycnus, 
King  of  The/Jal)-^  the  Son  of  Mars  and  Cleobulina^  a  favage 
Prince,  who  had  vow'd  to  ere6l  his  Father  a  Temple  of  the 
Heads  or  Skulls  of  the  Strangers  he  deftroy'd.  In  Libya  he 
encounter'd  the  famous  Antceus^  the  Son  of  Earthy  a  Giant 
of  immenfe  Stature  (20),  who  forc'd  all  whom  he  met  to 
wreftle  with  him,  and  fo  ftrangled  them.  He  challenged . 
Hercules,  who  f^ung  him  thrice,  and  thought  each  Time  he 
had  kill'd  him  j  but  on  his  touching  the  Ground  he  renew'd 

(19)  This  Princefs  from  the  Captives  redeemed  her  Brother  Pr;>w»i, 
who  was  afterward'  King  of  Troy, 

(20)  Sixty-tour  Cubits  high. 

U  z  his 


148 


Fabulous   HISTORY 

his  Strength.  His  Antagonift  appriz'd  of  this,  held  him  up 
in  the  Air,  and  fqueezM  him  in  fuch  a  Manner  that  he  foon 
expir'd.  In  his  Progrefs  from  Libya  to  Egypt ^  Bufir'n  (2\)  z. 
cruel  Prince  laid  an  Ambufcade  to  furprize  him,  but  was 
himfelf,  and  his  %oxvAmphiadamas^  facrificedbythe  Vi6loron 
the  Altars  he  had  prophan'd.  In  Arabia  he  beheaded  Ema- 
ihion  the  Son  of  T^ithonm  for  his  Want  of  Hofpitality,  after 
which,  crofling  mount  Caucafus^  he  deliver'd  Prometheus,  In 
Calydon  he  wreftled  with  Achehus^  for  no  lefs  a  Prize  than 
Deianira^  Daughter  to  King  Oeneus.  The  Conteft  was 
long  dubious,  for  his  Antagonift  had  the  Faculty  of  alTuming 
all  Shapes ;  but  as  he  took  that  of  a  Bull,  Hercules  tore  ofF 
one  of  his  Horns,  fo  that  he  was  forc'd  to  fubmit,  and  to  re- 
(deem  it  by  giving  the  Conqueror  the  Horn  oi  Amalthaa  (22) 
the  Daughter  of  Harmodius ;  which  Hercules  fiU'd  with  a  Va- 
riety of  Fruits,  and  confecrated  to  Jupiter,  Some  explain 
the  Fable  thus  :  Achelous  is  a  winding  River  of  Greece^  whofe 
Stream  was  fo  rapid,  that  it  overllcw'd  the  Banks,  roaring 
like  a  Bull.  Hercules  forc'd  it  into  two  Channels,  that  is,  he 
broke  off  one  of  the  Horns,  and  fo  reftor'd  Plenty  to  the 
Country. 

This  Hero  reduced  the  Ifle  of  Coosy  and  put  to  Death  £«- 
rylus  the  Tyrant  (23),  or  King  of  it,  with  his  Sons,  on  ac- 
count of  their  Injuftice  and  Cruelty ;  but  the  Princefs  Chalchi- 
ope  his  Daughter,  he  married,  by  whom  he  had  a  Son  nam'd 
T^hejfalus^  who  gave  his  Name  to  fhejaly.  He  fubdued 
Pyracmost  King  of  Eub^ea^  who  had  caufelefsly  made  War  on 
the  Boeotians.  In  his  Way  to  the  He/peridesj  he  was  opposed 
by  Albion  and  Borgio,  two  Giants,  who  put  him  in  great 
Hazard,  his  Arrows  being  fperrt.  Jupiter^  on  his  Prayer, 
ovefwhelm'd  them  with  a  Shower  of  Stones,  whence  the 
Place  was  call'd  the  Stony  Field.    It  lies  in  the  Gallia  Nar- 

(ii)  The  Son  of  Neptune  and  Lyhis,  who  had  ereded  Altars  to  his  Fa- 
ther, on  which  lie  facrificed  ail  Strangers. 

(22)  This  is  the  fame  with  the  Comucofia^  or  Horn  of  Plenty. 

(23)  Tyrant  was  in  thofe  Days  a  fynonymoua  Term  with  King. 

lomnjis 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  149 

lonenjli  {2j\.).  Hercules  did  great  Service  in  Gaul^  by  de- 
ftroying  Robbers,  fuppreffing  Tyrants  and  Oppreflbrs,  and 
other  Actions  truly  worthy  the  true  Charader  of  a  Hero ; 
after  which  it  is  faid  he  built  the  City  Alejia  (z^),  and  made 
it  the  Capital  of  the  Celta:^  or  Gouls,  He  alfo  open'd  his 
Way  through  the  Mps  into  Jtaly,  and  by  the  Coafts  of 
Liguria  and  Tufcany,  arriv'd  on  the  Banks  of  the  Tyber  (^26^* 
and  he  flew  the  furious  Robber  Cacus^  who  from  his  Den  on 
Mount  A'uentine  infefted  that  Country.  Being  denied  the 
Rites  of  Hofpitality,  he  kill'd  Theodamas  the  Father  of  Hy/as^ 
but  took  the  latter  with  hini  and  treated  him  kindly. 

Hercules,  however  intent  on  P  ame  or  Glory,  was  like  other 
Heroes,  but  too  fufceptible  of  Love.  We  find  an  Inftance  of 
this  in  OmphaUy  Queen  of  Lydia,  who  gain'd  fuch  an  Afcen- 
dant  oyer  him,  that  he  was  not  afham'd  to  afllime  a  female 
Drefs,  to  fpin  amongft  her  Women,  and  fubmit  to  be  cor- 
recSled  by  her  according  to  her  Caprice. 

His  favourite  Wife  was  Deianira,  before-mention'd,  and 
whofe  Jealoufy  v/as  the  fatal  Occafion  of  his  Death.  Tra- 
velling with  this  Prineefs  through  uEtoiia,  they  had  Occa- 
fion to  pafs  a  River,  fwell'd  by  the  ludden  Plains,  Ncjfus  the 
Centaur  oiFer'd  Hercules  his  Service  to  carrry  over  his  Con- 
fort,  who  accepting  it  crofTed  over  before  them.  The  Mon- 
fler  feeing  the.  Opportunity  favourable,  ofFer'd  Violence  to 
Deianira^  upon  which  her  Hufband  from  the  oppofite  Bank, 
pierc'd  him  with  one  of  thofe  dreadful  Arrows,  which  being 
dipp'd  in  the  Blood  of  the  Lem^an  Hydra,  gave  a  Wound 
incurable  by  Art.  NeJJus  expiring,  gave  the  Prineefs  his 
Garment  all  bloody,  as  a  fure  Remedy  to  recover  her  Huf- 
band, if  ever  he  fbould  pro  ve  unfaithful.  Some  Years  after 
Hercules  having  fubdued  Occhalia,  fell  in  Love  with  lok,  a  fair 

(24)  This  Place  lies  at  the  Mouth  of  the  Rkojne,  and  ftill  preferves  the 
Name  of  Gallia  Naiocrninjis. 

(25)  Aix  in  Frcvence,  or  Alex  in  Languedoc. 

{26)  Pallatium,  where,  as  it  is  faid,  being  kindly  entertain 'd  by  Por/- 
tius  and  P-narius,  two  of  the  Citizens,  he  picdidted  to  them  the  future 
Grandeur  of  Rome, 

Captive, 


T^o  Fabulous   HISTORY 

Captive,  whom  he  brought  to  Euhcea^  where  having  erected 
an  Altar  to  facrifice  to  Jo^je  for  his  Victory,  he  difpatch'd 
hycas  to  Deianirat  to  carry  her  the  News,  and  inform  her  of 
his  Approach.  This  Princefs,  from  the  Report  of  the  Mef- 
fenger,  fufpecting  her  Hufband's  Fidelity,  fent  him  as  a  Pre- 
fent  the  Coat  of  Nefus,  which  he  no  fooner  put  on,  but  he 
fell  into  a  delirious  Fever,  attended  with  the  moft  excruciat- 
ing Torments.  Unable  to  fupport  his  Pains,  he  retir'd  to 
Mount  Oeta,  and  erecting  a  Pile  of  Wood,  to  which  he  fet 
Fire,  threw  himfelf  into  the  Flames,  and  was  confumed. 
Lycas  his  unhappy  Friend  and  Companion,  in  his  Tranfport, 
he  hurl'd  into  the  River  Hhermo-poUs^  where  he  became  a 
Rock,  his  Arrows  he  bequeath'd  to  Philodetes^  who  buried 
his  Remains  in  the  River  Dyra  (27). 

So  perifh'd  this  great  Bero  of  Antiquity,  the  Terror  of  Op- 
prcfTors,  and  the  Friend  of  Liberty  and  Mankind,  for  whofe 
Happinefs  fas  T^ully  obferves)  hebrav'd  the  greateft  Dangers, 
and  furmounted  the  molt  arduous  Toils,  going  through  the 
whole  Earth,  with  no  other  View  than  the  eftablifhing  ?eace^ 
Jupce^  Concord  Tin^  Freedom.  Nothing  can  be  added  to  heigh- 
ten a  Chara6ter  fo  glorious  as  this. 

Hercules  left  feveral  Children ;  by  Deianira  he  had  an  only 
Daughter  cal  d  Macaria ;  by  Melita^  who  gave  her  Name  to  the 
IHe  of  Malta^  he  had  Hylus :  Jfar,  Lydus  and  Scythes  were  his 
Sons,  who  are  faid  to  have  left  their  Apellation  to  Jfrlca, 
lydia  and  Scythia.  In  fhort,  his  Offspring  were  fo  nume- 
rous, that  above  thirty  of  his  Defcendants  bore  his  Name, 
whofe  A6tions  being  all  attributed  to  him,  produce  the  Con- 
fufion  v/e  find  in  his  Hiftory. 

Euryjiheus,  after  his  Death,  was  fo  afraid  of  thefe  HeracUd^^ 
that  by  his  ill  Ufage  he  forc'd  them  to  fly  to  Athens,  and  then 
fent  an  Embafly  to  that  City  to  deliver  them  up,  with  Me- 
naces of  a  War  in  Cafe  of  Rcfufal.  lolaus  the  Friend  of  H(r~ 
fulest  who  was  then  in  the  Shades,  was  fo  concern'd  for  his 
Mafter's  Pofterity,  that  he  got  Leave  from  Pluto  to  return 

(27)  fbikSIetes  carried  thefe  Arrows  to  the  Siege  of  Troy. 

to 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  151 

to  Earth,  and  kill  the  Tyrant,  after  which  he  willingly  re- 
turn'd  to  Hell. 

Hercules  (zSj,  who  was  alfo  callM  JlcUes  (zg)  was,  after 
his  Death,  by  his  Father  Jupiter  deify'd  and  with  great  So- 
lemnity married  to  He6e  his  half  Sifter,  the  Goddefs  of  Youth. 
At  firft  Sacrifices  were  only  offer'd  to  him  as  a  Hero ;  but 
Phaftiui  coming  into  Sycionia  alter'd  that  Method.  Both  the 
Greeks  and  Romans  honouf  d  him  as  a  God,  and  creeled  Tem- 
ples to  him  in  that  Quality.  His  Vidt'ms  were  Bulls  or 
Lambs,  on  account  of  his  preferving  the  Flock  from  Wohes9 
i.  e.  delivering  Men  from  Tyrants  and  Robbers.  He  was 
C2ird  alfo  Melius^  from  his  taking  the  Hefperian  Fruit,  for 
which  Reafon  Apples  were  ufed  f  30J  in  his  Sacrifices.  Meher- 
cule^  or  by  Hercules^  was  amongft  the  Romans^  an  Oath  us'd 
only  by  the  Men. 

The  Tyrian  Hercules  feems  to  have  been  a  Perfon  diftiri^b 
from,  and  more  antient  than  the  Grecian.  Hiram,  King  of 
Tyre^  it  is  faid,  built  him  a  Temple,  and  he  was  worfhipp'd 
with  the  ?ha:ni:io.n  Rites  at  ^artejfos,  a  flourifhing  City  in 
^pain.  He  had  a  Dog,  who  running  along  the  Sea  Shore 
and  biting  a  Fifii,  firft  difcover'd  the  Purple  Dye  fo  highly 
valued  in  the  Eaft,  and  afterwards  in  fuch  Efteem  aniongit 
the  Greeks  and  Romans. 

Hercules  is  ufuall^  depifted  in  a  ftanding  Attitude,  having 
the  Skin  of  the  Nemtean  Lion  thrown  over  his  Shoulders,  and 
leaning  on  his  Cluh^  which  Is  his  infeparable  Attribute.  The 
Judgment  of  this  Hero,  or  his  Preference  oi  Firtue  to  Vicfy 
who  both  foliicit  him  to  embrace  their  Party,  makes  one  of 
the  fineft  Pictures  of  Antiquity  f  3 1^,  The  Choice  he  made 
does  no  Difhonour  to  his  Memory. 

(28)  From  HmK.X^flt  Glory. 

(29)  From  «>«>:,  Strength. 

(30)  From  fAsX'j;  an  Apple.  In  Eaofiay  when  no  living  Viftim  couM 
be  procured,  they  fet  an  Apple  on  four  fmall  Sticks  or  Straws,  with  two 
more  by  Way  of  Horns,  and  one  for  a  Tail,  and  this  they  ofifer'd  to 
Hercules. 

("Si)  See  5o<2//ni«rj's  Tablatureof  IiVrfa/«.  CbaraaenllckSf  Vol.  III. 
at  the  End. 

Let 


152  Fabulous    HISTORY 

Let  us  now  fee  what  Lights  Antiquity  affords  us  to  judge 
of  the  Hiftory  of  Hercules.  With  regard  to  the  Egyptian 
Hero,  who  bore  this  Name,  he  is  entirely  a  fabulous  Perfon : 
We  find  that  when  mifchievous  Animals  multiply 'd  toofaft, 
or  fome  notorious  Robber  difturb'd  the  Country,  the  Cuftom 
was  to  Arm  the  moft  valiant  of  their  Youth,  v/ho  offer'd 
themfelves  as  Volunteers  for  the  Expedition.  The  Horus 
exposM  on  this  Occafion  was  arm'd  with  a  Club,  and  eall'd 
Heracli  or  Hercule  (^32^,  which  fignifies  the  eminent  in  War^ 
or  the  Men  of  Arms,  The  Tyrians  call'd  their  Hercules^  Ben- 
Alcum^  ovitiQ  invincible  Son,  from  whence  probably  the  Greeh 
borrow'd  the  Story  of  his  being  the  Son  of  Jupiter  and  Jlc- 
menu  (33).  The  Grecian  Hercules^  who  was  a  real  Perfon, 
liv'd  juft  before  the  Siege  of  Troy. 

To  this  it  may  not  be  amifs  to  add  the  Explanation  of  the 
Fable  of  the  Hefperides^  as  given  by  a  late  ingenious  Author 
/'34^,  and  which  fuiHciently  fhews  how  the  moft  important 
and  ufeful  Truths,  reprefented  under  the  plaineft  Symbols* 
became  difguis'd  or  disfigur'd  by  Error  and  Fi(!:l:ion.  The 
Fhanicians  were  the  firft  Navigators  in  the  World,  and  their 
Trade  to  Hefperia  and  Spain^  was  one  of  the  nobleft  Branches 
of  their  Commerce.  From  hence  they  brought  back  exqui- 
fite  Wines,  rich  Ore  of  Gold  and  Silver,  and  that  fine 
Wool  to  which  they  gave  fo  precious  a  purple  Dye.  From 
the  Coaft  of  Mauritania  they  drew  the  beft  Corn,  and  by  the 
Way  of  the  red  Sea,  they  exchang'd  Iron  Ware  and  Tools  of 
fmall  Value  for  Ivory,  Ebony,  and  Gold  Duft.  This  was 
their  moft  profitable  Trade,  and  happy  were  they  who  could 
ihare  in  it.  But  as  the  Voyage  was  long,  the  Adventurers 
were  obliged  to  aftbciate  and  get  their  Cargoes  ready  in 
Winter,  fo  as  to  fet  out  early  in  Spring.  The  publick  Sign, 
or  Horus  expos'd  on  thefe  Occafions,  was  a  Tree  with  golden 

(3z)  From  Horim,  the  illuftrious  Children,  (whence  our  Word  Heroa). 
See  Ecclef.  x.  17,  and  Nehemtah  vi.  17,  and  Kelt,  Armour,  comes  Heracli 
or  Herecli,  the  Men  of  Prowefs  or  War. 

(33)  Melec-AUum  fjgnifies  the  invincible  King.     See  Proverbs  xxx.  31. 

(3^)  La  Plucbe'%  Hiftory  of  the  Heavens,  Vol.  II.   150. 

Fruit, 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  153 

Fruit,  to  denote  the  Riches  arifing  from  this  Commerce. 
The  Dragon  which  guarded  the  Tree,  fignify'd  the  Danger 
and  Difficulty  of  the  Voyage.  The  Capricorn,  or  fome- 
times  one  Horn  plac'd  at  the  Root,  exprefs'd  the  Month  or 
Seafon  j  and  the  three  Months  of  Winter,  during  which 
they  prepar'd  for  the  Expedition,  were  reprefented  by  three 
Nymphs,  who  were  fuppofed  to  be  Proprietors  of  the  Tree, 
and  had  the  Name  of  Hefperides  (7,^)  j  which  fully  fhew'd  the 
Meaning  of  this  emblematical  Groupe,  from  whence  the 
Greeks  miftaking  its  Defign  and  Ufe,  composed  the  Romance 
of  the  Hefperian  Gardens. 

J.} 
-5(35)  YtomEfpery  the  good  Share  or  beft  Lot.     See  z  Samuel^  vi.  ig. 


CHAP.    XLV. 
Of  HEBE   and    GANYMEDE. 

HE  B  E,  the  Goddefs  of  Touth^  was,  according  tp 
Homer,  the  Daughter  of  Jupiter  and  Juno.  But  the 
Generality  of  Writers  relate  her  Birth  thus  :  Juno  being  in- 
vited to  an  Entertainment  by  Apollo^  eat  very  eagerly  fome 
wild  Lettuces,  upon  which  fhe  conceiv'd,  and  inftantly 
brought  forth  this  Goddefs.  Jo've  was  fo  pleas'd  with  her 
Beauty,  that  he  made  her  his  Cup-bearer,  in  theDifcharg^ 
of  which  Office,  fhe  always  appear'd  crown'd  with  Flowers. 
Unluckily  at  a  Feftival  of  the  Gods  in  Ethiopia^  Hebe  being 
in  waiting,  flipp'd  her  Foot,  and  got  fo  indecent  a  Fall,  that 
Jupiter  was  oblig'd  to  remove  her  from  her  ufual  Attendance. 
To  repair  this  Difgrace,  as  weil  as  the  Lofs  of  her  Poft,  Ja- 
piter^  upon  Hercules  being  adx  anced  to  the  Skies,  married 
him  to  Hebe^  and  their  Nuptials  were  celebrated  with  all  the 
Pomp  becoming  a  celeftial  Wedding.  By  this  Union  fhe 
had  a  Son  nam'd  Anicetus^  and  a  Daughter  call'd  Alexiare, 
Hebe  was  held  in  high  Veneration  amongft  the  Sicyoniansy 
X  who 


1^4  Fabulous  HISTORY 

who  ere£ted  her  a  Temple  by  the  Name  of  Dia,  She  had 
another  at  Corinth^  which  was  a  Sanctuary  for  Fugitives ;  and 
the  Athenians  confecrated  an  Altar  in  commmon  to  her  and 
Hercules, 

Ganymede^  who  fucceeded  her  in  her  Office,  was  the  Son  of 
'Tros^  King  of  Phrygia  or  Troy^  and  a  Prince  of  fuch  mental 
Wifdom  and  perfonal  Beauty,  that  Jupiter^  by  the  Advice  of 
the  Gods,  refolv'd  to  remove  him  from  Earth  to  the  Skies. 
The  Eagle  difpatch'd  on  this  Commiffion,  found  him  juft 
leaving  his  Flock  of  Sheep,  to  hunt  on  M.o\xnt  Ida^  and  feiz- 
ing  him  in  his  Talons,  brought  him  unhurt  to  the  Heavens, 
where  he  enterM  on  his  new  Office  of  filling  Nectar  to 
Jupiter^  though  others  fay  he  was  turn'd  into  that  Conftella- 
tion,  or  Sign  of  the  Zodiacy  which  goes  by  the  Name  of 

j^quarius  (\). 

The  Mythologifts,  by  an  Allegory,  which  feems  a  little 
conftrained,  make  Hebe  fignify  that  mild  Temperature  of 
the  Air,  which  awakens  to  Life  the  Trees,  Plants  and 
Flowers,  and  cloaths  the  Earth  in  vegetable  Beauty;  for 
which  Caufe  fhe  is  call'd  the  Goddefs  of  perpetual  Youth.  But 
when  fhe  flips  or  Falls,  that  is,  when  the  Flowers  fade,  and 
the  autumnal  Leaves  drop,  Ganymede ^  or  the  Winter,  takes 
"her  Place.  If  we  believe  the  more  rational  Conje(5tures  of  a 
late  Author,  (to  whofe  Obfervations  the  learned  World  is 
greatly  indebted),  Ganytnede  (2)  was  the  Name  of  the  Horus 
or  Image  expos'd  by  the  antient  Egyptians^  to  warn  the  People 
before  their  annual  Inundations,  to  raife  their  Terraces  to  a 
juft  or  proper  Height. 

(1)  The  Winter  being  attended  with  frequent  Rains,  it  is  not  improper 
that  Ganymede  (hould  be  the  Sign  Aquarius. 

(2)  From  Gantm,  the  Inclofures  cr  Gardens,  and  mad  a  Meafure,  comes 
Ganimad,  or  Ganitr.ede,  the  Terraces  or  Banks  fufRciently  high.  As  the 
Plain  of  Egypt  is  naturally  fmooth  and  level,  the  Retreats  of  the  Inhabi- 
Mnts  are  fecur'd  by  Cau^iways  or  Banks^  during  the  Flood. 


CHAP. 


/'^^-d^- 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods,  155 

CHAP.    XLVI. 
Of  CASTOR    and   POLLUX. 

WE  have  already,  under  the  Article  of  Jupiter^  men- 
tioned his  Amours  with  Leda  the  Wife  of  Tyndarus^ 
King  of  Sparta^  in  the  Form  of  a  Swan,  on  which  account  he 
plac'd  that  Figure  amongft  the  Conftellaoons.  Leda  brought 
forth  two  Eggs,  each  containing  Twins.  From  that  im- 
,pregnated  by  Jupiter  proceeded  Pollux  and  Helena^  both  im- 
mortal ;  from  the  other  Cajior  and  Clytemnefira^  who  being  be- 
got by  TyndaruSf  were  both  mortal.  They  went  however  all 
by  the  common  Name  of  Tyyidaridce^  and  were  born  and  edu- 
cated in  Paphnus^  an  Ifland  belonging  to  Lac^demon^  though 
the  Mejpniam  difputed  this  Honour  with  the  Spartans,  The 
two  Brothers,  however,  differing  in  their  Nature  and  Tem- 
per (\)y  had  enter'd  into  an  inviolab(e  Friendftiip,  which 
lafted  for  Life.  Jonje  foon  after  fent  Mercury  to  remove  them 
to  Pellene^  for  their  further  Improvement.  As  Jajon  was 
then  preparing  for  his  Expedition  to  Colchis  in  fearch  of  the 
-golden  Fleece,  and  the  nobleft  Youth  of  Greece  cvowAtd  to 
become  Adventurers  with  him,  our  two  Brothers  offer'd 
their  Services,  and  behav'd,  during  the  Voyage,  with  a  Cou- 
rage worthy  of  their  Birth.  Being  obliged  to  water  on  the 
-Coaft  of  Babrycia^  Jmycus  Son  to  Neptune^  King  of  that 
Country,  challeng'd  all  the  Jrgonauts  to  box  with  him; 
Pollux  accepted  the  Bravado,  and  kill'd  him.  After  their 
Return  from  Colchis^  the  two  Brothers  were  very  active  in 
clearing  the  Seas  of  Greece  from  Pirates.  The/eus  in  the  mean 
Time  had  ftolen  their  Sifter  Helena,  to  recover  whom,  they 
took  Athens  by  Storm,  but  fpar'd  all  the  Inhabitants,  except 
Jlthra  Mother  to  Thefeus^  whom  they  carried  away  Captive* 

(1)  This  Particular  we  learn  from  Horace  j 

Carter  gaudet  Eqiiii  :  Ovo  prognjtus  eodem 
Fugnis  :  £^ot  capitum  <vjvu/Jt  totidem  Studiorum 
mllia.  Horat, 

X  2  For 


1 5<$  Fabulous  HISTORY. 

For  this  Clemency  they  obtaln'd  the  Title  of  Diofiuri  (2)  • 
yet  Love  foon  plunged  them  in  the  fame  Error  they  had 
fought  to  punifti  in  the  Perfon.  of  Thefeus.  Leucip^os  and  Jr- 
finoe  ha3  two  beautiful  Daughters  call'd  Fhabe  and  Talayra, 
Thefe  Virgins  were  contraded  to  Lynceus  and  Ida  the  Sons  of 
jiphareus.  The  two  Brothers,  without  Regard  to  thefe  En- 
gagements carried  them  oiF  by  Force,  Their  Lovers  flew 
to  their  JRelief,  and  met  the  Ravifhers  with  their  Prize  near 
Mount  Taygeus,  A  fmart  Conflict  enfued,  in  which  Cafior 
was  kill'd  by  Lynceus^  who  in  return  fell  by  the  Hands  of 
Pollux^  This  immortal  Brother  had  been  wounded  by  Ida% 
if  Jupiter  had  not  ftruck  him  with  his  Thunder.  PoIIuxt 
however,  was  fo  touch'd  with  his  Lofs,  that  he  earneftly 
begM  of  this  Deity  to  make  Capr  immortal ;  but  that  Re- 
queft  being  impoflJlble  to  grant,  he  obtain'd  Leave  to  (hare 
his  own  Immortality  with  his  Brother,  fo  that  they  are  faid 
to  live  and  die  alternately  every  Day  ^3^.  They  were  bu- 
ried in  the  Country  of  Laced^mon^  and  forty  Years  after  their 
Deceafe  tranflated  to  the  Skies,  where  they  form  a  Conftel- 
lation  call'd  Gemini  (one  of  the  Signs  of  the  Zodiac)  one  of 
which  Stars  rifes  as  the  other  fets.  A  Dance  of  the  martial 
Kind  was  invented  to  their  Honour,  call'd  the  Pyrbic  or  Ca- 
ftorean  Dance. 

Cajior  and  Pollux  were  efl:eem'd  as  Deities  propitious  to 
Navigation ;  the  Reafon  was  this :  When  the  Argonauts 
weigh'd  from  Siga^um  (^)y  they  were  overtaken  with  a  Tem- 
peft,  during  which,  Orpheus  ofFer'd  Vows  for  the  Safety  of  the 
Ship;  immediately  two  lambent  Flames  were  difcover'd  over 
the  Heads  of  Cajior  and  Pollux ^  which  Appearance  was  fuc- 
ceeded  with  fo  great  a  Calm,  as  gave  the  Crew  a  Notion  of 
their  Divinity.  In  fucceeding  Times  thefe  Fires  often  {ten 
by  the  Mariners,  were  always  taken  as  a  good  or  favourable 

(2)  The  Sons  of  Jupiter. 

(3)  ^/''^?'/ alludes  to  this  ; 

Si  fratrem  Pollux  alterna  Morte  redemit 
Itque  reditque  'uiam  ^irg .  /Eneid  VI, 

(4/  This  Cape  lies  near  Troy. 

Omen. 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods*  i^j 

Omen.  When  one  was  feen  alone  it  was  reckon'd  to  fore-^ 
bode  feme  Evil,  and  was  call'd  Helena  f^J. 

The  Cephelenfes  (or  Inhabitants  of  Cephelonia)  placM  thefc 
two  Deities  amongft  the  Dii  Magni,  The  Vi6tims  ofFer'd 
them  were  'white  Lambs,  The  Romans  paid  them  particular 
Honours  for  their  Afliftance  in  an  Engagement  with  the 
Latins^  in  which  they  appeared  on  their  Side,  mounted  oh 
white  Horfes,  and  turn'd  the  Scale  of  Viiaory  in  their  Fa- 
vour. For  this  a  Temple  was  eredled  to  them  in  the  Forum. 
Amongft  the  Romans,  jEcafor  was  an  Oath  peculiar  to  the 
Women,  but  jE depot  was  us'd  indifcriminately  by  both  Sexes. 

Cafior  and  Pollux  were  reprefented  as  two  beautiful  Youths, 
compleatly  arm'd  and  riding  on  white  Horfes,  with  Star^  over 
their  Helmets.  Thefe  Deities  were  unknown  to  the  i"^};^ 
tians  or  Ph^nicians. 

(5)  The  fir  ft  Helena  carried  off  by  Tbefeusi 


CHAP.    XLVII. 
0/  PERSEUS  and  BELLEROPHON, 

THIS  Hero  was  the  Son  of  Jupiter  and  Danae,  whofe 
Amour  has  been  already  mention'd,  and  is  inimitably 
defcrib'd  by  Horace  (i).  Acrifius  her  Father,  on  hearing 
of  his  Daughter's  Difgrace,  caus'd  her  and  the  Infant  to  be 
Ihut  up  in  a  Cheft,  and  call  into  the  Sea,  which  threw  them 
on  the  Ifle  of  Seriphus^  governed  by  King  PolydeSIes^  whofe 
Brother  Di^ys  being  a  Fifliing  took  them  up,  and  us'd  them 
kindly.  When  Perfeus^  for  fo  he  was  call'd,  was  grown  up, 
Foljdedesy  who  was  enamour'd  of  his  Mother,  finding  he 
would  be  an  Obftacle  to  their  Courtfliip,  contriv'd  to  fend 
him  on  an  Exploit,  he  judged  would  be  fatal  to  him  j  this  was 
to  bring  him  the  Head  of  Medufa,  one  of  the  Gorgons,  This 
Inchantrefs  liv'd  near  the  Tritonian  Lake,  and  turned  all  who 
beheld  her  into  Stone.  Perfeus  in  this  Expedition  was  fa- 
(i)  Horat,  Lib.  III.  Ode'XV(. 

vour'd 


158 


Fabulous  HISTORY 


vour'd  by  the  Gods ;  Mercury  equipM  him  with  a  Scymctcr 
and  the  Wings  from  his  Heels;  Pallas  lent  him  a  Shield, 
v/hich  reflected  Obje£b  like  a  Mirror ;  and  Pluto  granted  him 
his  Helmet,  which  gave  him  the  Privilege  of  being  invifible. 
In  this  Manner  he  flew  to  ^artejjus  in  Spain^  where  direded  by 
his  Mirror,  he  cut  off  Medufa's  Head,  and  putting  it  in  a  Bag 
lent  him  by  the  Nymphs,  brought  it  to  Pallas.  From  the 
Blood  arofe  the  winged  Horfe  Pegajus,  and  all  Sorts  of  Ser- 
pents. After  this  the  Hero  pafs'd  into  Mauritania,  where  his 
Interview  with  Atlas  has  been  already  fpoken  of  under  its 
proper  Article  (2). 

,  In  his  Return  to  Greece  (others  fay,  at  his  firft  fetting  out) 
he  vifited  Ethiopia,  and  mounted  on  Pegafus^  deliver'd  Andro- 
meda Daughter  o^  Cepheus^  King  of  that  Country,  who  was 
expofed  to  a  Sea  Monfter  (^),  After  his  Death,  this  Prin- 
cefs,  and  her  Mother  CaJJiope  or  Caffiopeia,  were  plac'd 
amongft  the  celepal  Conjiellations  f^J. 

Per/eus  was  not  only  famous  for  Arms,  but  Litterature,  if 
it  be  true  that  he  founded  an  Academy  on  Mount  Helicon, 
Yet  he  had  the  Misfortune  inadvertently  to  commit  the 
Crime  of  Parricide,  for  being  reconcil'd  to  his  Grandfather 
Jcrijius,  and  playing  with  him  at  the  Di/cus  or  ^oitsy  a  Game 
he  had  invented,  his  Quoit  bruis'd  the  old  King  in  the  Foot, 
which  turn'd  to  a  Mortification  and  carried  him  off.  Per/eus 
interred  him  with  great  Solerrnity  at  the  Gates  of  ^r^oj.  Per- 
feus  himfelf  was  buried  in  the  Way  between  Argos  and  My. 
cen^e,  had  divine    Honours   decreed   him,    and  was  plac'd 

amongft  the  Stars  f  5  j. 

Bellerophon  (6)  the  Son   of  Glaucusy  King  of  Ephyra^  and 

(a)  See  the  Article  of  Atlas. 

J3)  Pliny  relates,  that  during  the  ^dilefhlp  of  Emilius  Scaurus,  the 
Bones  of  this  Sea  Monfter  were  brought  from  Joppa  to  Rome,  and  exposM 
to  the  View  of  the  People.  The  Skeleton  was  forty  Feet  long,  and  its 
Ribs  larger  than  thofeof  the  Elephant. 

(4.)  Ovid  Lib.  IV.  662. 

^5)  Perfeui  and  Andromeda,  in  our  celeftial  Globe,  iorm  but  one  Con- 
ftellation. 

C6)  His  firft  Name  was  Hipponous,  becaufe  he  firfl  invented  the  Bridle 
for  Horfes,  but  killing  Bellerus,  King  of  Corinth ,  he  alTumM  the  Name  of 

Grandfon 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  \\i^ 

Grandfon  of  Syjiphus,  was  bom  at   Corinth,     Happening  ac- 
cidentally to  kill  his  Brother,  he  fled  to  Pratus^  King  of 
Jrgos^  who  gave  him  a  hofpitable  Reception  ;  but  Sthenobtea 
his  Queen,  falling  enamour' d  with  the  beautiful   Stranger 
whom  no  Intreaties  could  prevail  on'to  injure  his  Benefador, 
accus'd  him  to  her  Hufband,  who  unwilling  to  take  violent 
Meafures,  fent  him  into  Lycia^  with  Letters  to  J  abates^  his 
Father-in-Law  (7),    defiring  him   to  punifh  the  Crime. 
This  Prince,  at  the  Receipt  of  the  Order,  was  celebrating  a 
Feftival  of  nine  Days,  which  prevented  Bellerophon's  Fate. 
In  the  mean  Time  he  fent  him  to  fubdue  the  Solymi  and  Ama- 
zons^  which  he  perform'd  with  Succtfs.     Johatei  next  em- 
ploy'd  him  to  deftroy  the  C/^/w^r«  (8),  a  very  uncommon 
Monfter.     Miner'va^  or  as  others  fay,  Neptune,  compaffionat- 
ing  his  Innocence  exposM  to  fuch  repeated  Dangers,   fur- 
nifh'd  him  with  the  Horfe  Pegafus,  by  whofe  Help  he  came 
ofF  victorious.      Jobates  on  his  Return,  convinced  of  his 
Truth  and  Integrity,  and  charm'd  with  his  Virtues,  gave 
him  his  Daughter  Philonoe^  and  aflbciated  him  in  his  Throne. 
Sthenobaa  hearing  how  her  Malice  was  difappointed,  put  an 
End  to  her  Life.     But  like  other  Princes,  Belkrophon  grew 
foolifh  with  too  much  Profperity,  and  by  the  Alliftance  of 
Pegafus  refolved   to  afcend  the  Skies,  Jupiter  to  check  his 
Prefumption  ftruck  him  blind  in  the  Flight,  and  he  fell  back 
to  the  Earth,  where  he  wander'd  'till  his  Death,  in  Mifery 
and  Contempt.     Pegafus,  however,  made  a  Shift  to  get  into 
Heaven,  where  Jupiter  plac'd  him  amongft  the  Conftel- 
lations. 

Let  us  once  more  try  to  give  fome  Explanation  of  thefe 

(7)  King  in  his  Hiftory  makes  Jobatei  his  Son  in-Law. 

(8)  The  CA/w^r<z  was  a  Moniter  with  the  fore  Part  like  a  Lyon,  th« 
Middle  like  a  Goat,  and  the  Tail  like  a  Serpent.  Some  fay  it  was  a  Moun- 
tain in  C/nV/d;,  whofe  lower  Parts  were  infefted  with  Lyons,  the  Middle 
over  run  with  Goats,  and  the  Summit  pefter'd  with  Serpents  ;  and  that 
Bellcrophon  render'd  it  habitable.  Others  make  the  Chimara  a  Pyrate 
Ship,  whofe  Stern  bore  the  Figure  of  a  Lyon,  her  Prow  that  of  a  Serpent, 
and  her  Middle  that  of  a  Goat,  and  add,  that  Billenpbon  Cook  her  in  a 
long  Boat  call'd  Pr^iifui, 

two 


l6o  Fahuhin  tt  T  S  T  O  Rt 

3WO  Fabks.  As  for  the  Story  of  Perfeus  and  Anckomsdk,  li 
probably  took  its  Rife  thus :  It  was  common  in  the  Hebreko 
and  Phoenician  Languages,  to  denominate  a  Country  froin 
its  Temperature  (9;  or  Situation.  Now  Palejline  was  only  a 
long  maritime  Coaft,  bounded  with  Rocks  and  a  flat  Sandy 
Shore.  This  in  the  Phoenician  Tongue  they  exprefs'd  by  the 
Word  Adrormad^  or  Jndrofneda  (lo),  and  call'd  it,  in  the  ori- 
ental Style,  the  Daughter  oi  Cepheus  {11)  ^nd  CaJ/iol/e  (^12), 
As  this  Country  was  naturally  barren,  and  could  procure 
little  or  no  Subfiftence  from  Arabia  or  Idumaa^  both  defert 
Regions,  it  depended  chiefly  on  Egypt  for  Subfiftence,  We 
have  taken  Notice  under  the  Article  of  Pegafus  (i$Jt  that  in 
the  Phoenician  Tongue  a  Bark  was  call'd  a  Horfe,  and  on  the 
lame  Account  a  Pilot  was  call'd  Pereth^  or  a  Horfeman  (i\)- 
Now  this  Emblem  of  a  Horfeman  was,  as  ^traho  informs 
us  (\^)t  painted  on  all  the  Barks,  which  carried  Provifions 
from  Sais  to  Paleftiney  with  the  additional  Emblem  of  that 
City,  which  was  a  Medufa's  Head,  to  fignify  the  Plenty  of 
Olives,  that  Territory  yielded.  From  this  lUuftration  the 
Story  becomes  quite  natural  and  agreeable  to  Truth. 

As  to  the  Fable  of  the  Chim<era  deftroy'd  by  Bellerophonj 
the  Original  is  much  the  fame.  The  Lycians  were  an  Egyp- 
tian Colony,  whom  the  Unfruitfulnefs  of  their  own  Soil  ob- 
liged to  have  recourfe  to  their  Mother  Country,  for  the  Pro- 
vifions necelTary  to  their  Support.  The  Months  favourable 
for  this  Tranfportation,  were  from  the  Sun's  Entrance  into 
teo  to  his  leaving  Capricorn,    Seller ophon  (16)  and  his  winged 

(9)  So  Jerusalem  is  call'd  the  Daughter  of  Zion,  or  Drouth  or  Banennefs. 

(10)  From  Adatf  great'  and  madt  Meafure,  comes  Adromad,  or  the 
long  Coaft. 

(11)  From  Cepbay  a  Stone. 

(12)  TromCaJfi,  a  Boundary  or  Limit,  and  0^  the  Innundation,  comes 
CaJJiobe ,  or  Cajfiope,  the  Boundary  of  the  Flood,  becaufe  the  Fgyptian  In- 
nundation  was  loft  in  the  ::,anc!s  of  Paleftine. 

(13)  See  the  Article  of  Apollo  and  the  Mufes. 

(14)  From  Parajh,  a  Cavalier  or  'frooper. 

(15)  iiQC  Strai>o.   [^(os  naves  E<^uos  apellant  a  prora  iftjignibus.'} 

(16)  From  Belli,  Food ;  and  repoab,  Reftoration  or  Renewal,  comes 
Belleropbon.  the  Food  ot  Recovery, 

Horfe 


Of  the  Heathen  Gcds.  i6r. 

Horfe  are  therefore  no  more  than  the  Bark  annually  employ'd 
for  this  Purpofe,  and  the  Story  being  thus  ftripM  of  the  mar- 
vellous, becomes  a  fimple  and  plain  Hiftorical  Truth. 


CHAP.     XLVIII; 
Of   JASON    and   the  Golden  Fleece. 

THIS  antient  Greek  Hero  was  the  Son  of  ^>»,  King 
of  j^fon^  King  of  Thejfaly^  and  Jlcimede,  and  by  the 
Father's  Side  allied  to  JEolus.  Pelias  his  Uncle,  who  was 
left  his  Guardian,  fought  to  deftroy  him  -,  but  he  was  con- 
vey'd  by  his  Father's  Friends  to  a  Cave,  where  Chiron  in- 
truded him  in  Phyfick  j  whence  he  took  the  Name  of  Jafon 
(\).  Arriving  at  Years  of  Maturity,  he  return'd  to  his 
Uncle,  who  probably  with  no  favourable  Intention  to  him, 
firft  infpir'd  him  with  the  Notion  of  the  Colchian  Expedition, 
and  agreeably  flatter'd  his  Ambition  with  the  View  of  fo 
tempting  a  Prize  as  the  Golden  Fleece, 

Athamas^  King  of  Thebes^  by  his  firll  Wife  had  Helle  and 
Phrixus,  ho  his  Second,  fell  in  Love  with  Phrixus  her  Son-in- 
Law,  but  being  rejected  in  her  Advances,  flie  took  the  Op- 
portunity of  a  great  Famine  to  indulge  her  Revenge,  by 
perfuading  her  Hufband,  that  the  Gods  could  not  be  ap- 
peafed  till  he  facrificed  his  Son  aad  Daughter.  But  as  they 
Hood  at  the  Altar,  Ncphele  their  Mother  (2)  invifibly  carried 
them  ofF,  giving  them  a  Golden  Ram  {he  had  got  from  Mer- 
cury^ to  bear  them  through  the  Air.  However,  in  paffing 
the  Streights,  between  Jfia  and  Europe^  Helle  fell  into  the 
Sea,  and  gave  her  Name  to  the  Hellejpont.  Phryxus  continued 
his  Courfe  to  Colchis,  where  ^ta.  King  of  the  Country,  en- 
tertain'd  him  hofpitably  j  after  which  he  offer'd  up  his  Ram 

(i)  Or  Healer,  his  former  Name  being i):cwft/?, 
(2)  Ncphele,  in  Greek  fij^nihe?  a  Cloud. 

Y  to 


i62  Fabulous   HISTORY 

to  Jupiter  (i)^  and  confecrated  the  Skin  or  Hide  in  the 
Grove  of  Mars,  It  was  call'd  the  Golden  Fleece  from  its  Co- 
lour (4),  and  guarded  by  Bulls  breathing  Fire,  and  a  watch- 
ful Dragon  that  never  flept,  as  a  Pledge  of  the  utmoft  Im- 
portance. 

Ja/on  being  determined  on  the  Voyage,  built  a  Veffel  at 
lolchos  in  T^heJJcily^  for  the  Expedition  (^).  The  Fame  of 
his  Defign  foon  drew  the  braveft  and  moft  diftinguifh'd 
Youth  of  Greece  to  become  Adventurers  with  him,  though 
Authors  are  not  agreed  as  to  the  Names  or  Number  of  the 
Argonauts^  for  fo  they  were  called  (6).  The  firft  Place 
which  Jafon  touch'd  at  was  the  We  of  Lemnos,  where  he  con* 
tinued  fome  Time  with  Eipfipile  the  Queen,  who  bore  him 
Twins*  He  next  vifited  Phhieus^  King  of  Pamphlagonia,  from 
whom,  as  he  had  the  Gift  of  Prophecy*  he  receiv'd  fome  In- 
formations of  Service  to  him  in  his  Enterprize.  After  this, 
fafely  paffing  the  Cyaneati  Rocks  (7),  he  enter'd  the  Euxine,  and 
landing  on  the  Banks  of  the  Thajis^  repaired  to  the  Court  of 
King  Mta^  and  demanded  the  Golden  Fleece.  The  Monarch 
granted  his  Requeft  provided  he  could  overcome  the  Diffi- 
culties, which  lay  in  his  Way  (8),  and  which  appear'd  not 
eafily  furmountable.  Jafon  was  more  obliged  to  Love  than 
Valour,  for  his  Conquefl.  Medea  Daughter  to  ALta^  by  her 
Inchantments  laid  the  Dragon  alleep,  taught  him  to  fubduc 

(3)  Who  plac'd  it  amongft  the  Conflellations. 

(4.)  Some  make  the  Fleece  of  a  purpJe  Colour,  others  white. 

(5)  ^'g'^^  ^  famous  Shipwright  was  the  Builder,  whence  flie  was  call'd 
ArgOf  and  being  made  of  the  Oaks  of  yupiter''s  oracular  Grove  at  Dodona, 
tiie  Planks  were  vocal,  and  had  the  Gift  of  Prophecy. 

(6)  Some  make  the  Number  Fortynine,  otliers  more.  The  Principal 
were  Ar.caui,  Jdmoriy  OrpheiiSy  Augias,  Calais,  Zetbus,  Cafior,  Pollux  5  7i- 
fhys  was  their  Pilot,  and  Lyvccus  remarkable  for  his  quick  Sight,  their 
Look-out  in  Cafe  of  Danger.  It  is  faid  Hercules  was  v/ith  them,  but  if  ha 
went  (a<i  is  dubious)  it  is  certain  he  left  them  before  they  reach'd  Cholchis. 

(7)  Cyanean  Recks,  calTd  t\\Q  Symplegadei,  were  fo  call'd,  becaufe  they 
floated  and  often  crufh'd  Ships  together.  The  Argonauts  efcap'd  this 
Danger  by  fending  out  a  Pidgeon,  and  lying  by  'till  they  faw  her  fly  thro'. 

(8)  Such  as  killing  the  brazen-footed  Bulls  and  the  Dragon,  and  then 
fovs^ing  the  Teeth  cf  the  latter,  and  deitroying  the  arra'd  Men  they  pro- 
duced. 

the 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  163 

the  Bulls,  and  fo  by  Night  he  carried  off  the  Prize,  taking 
with  him  the  Princefs,  to  whofe  Aid  he  was  chiefly  indebted 
for  his  Succefs  (9). 

j^ta  enraged  at  the  Trick  put  upon  him>  purfued  the  Fu- 
gitives, and  it  is  faid,  that  to  elude  his  Fury,  h'hdea  x.ox^\v\. 
Pieces  her  young  Brother  Abfyrtes^  and  fcatter'd  the  Limbs 
in  his  Way,  to  ftop  his  Progrefs  (10).  After  this,  Jafon  re- 
turn'd  fafely  to  Greece ^  and  foon  heard  that  Velias  had  de- 
ftroy'd  all  his  Friends,  and  made  himfelf  Mafter  of  the  King- 
dom. To  revenge  this  Action,  Medea  fails  home  before 
him,  and  introducing  herfelf  to  the  Daughters  of  Fellas^  un- 
der the  Character  of  a  Prieftefs  of  Diana^  fhew'd  them  feve- 
ral  furprizing  Inftances  of  her  magical  Power.  She  proposed 
making  their  Father  young  again,  and  to  convince  them  of 
the  poffibility  of  it,  fhe  cut  an  old  Ram  in  Pieces,  and  feeth- 
ing  it  in  a  Cauldron,  produced  a  young  Lamb,  The  Daugh- 
ters ferving  Pelias  in  the  fame  Manner  kill'd  him  (^i  i  j,  and 
fled  the  Country,  Jafon  having  Notice  of  this,  arriv'd  in 
Thejfaly^  and  took  Poffeffion  of  the  Kingdom ;  but  after- 
wards he  generoufly  reftor'd  it  to  Acajlus  Son  of  Pelias^  who 
had  accompanied  him  in  the  Colchian  Expedition,  and  with 
Medea  went  and  fettled  at  Corinth* 

Here  Jafon  finding  himfelf  cenfured  for  cohabiting  with  a 
Sorcerefs,  and  a  Stranger,  quitted  her  and  married  Creufa 
Daughter  to  Creon^  King  of  the  Country.  Medea  feemingly 
approved  the  Match,  but  meditated  a  fevere  Revenge.  She 
firft  privately  kill'd  the  two  Children  fhe  had  by  him,  and 
then  fent  the  Bride  a  Prefent  of  a  Robe  and  gold  Crown 
ting'd  in  Naptha^  which  fet  Fire  to  her  and  the  whole  Palace. 
The  Enchantrefs  then  afcending  her  Car  f  12J  drawn  by 

(9)  Owi,  Lib.  VII.  159. 

(10)  Others  fay  that  jEta,  to  obftru<Sl:  their  Return,  flation'd  a  Fleet  at 
the  Mouth  of  the  Euxine  Seas,  and  fo  obliged  Jafon  t6  rennount  the  Da- 
nube, and  come  Home  by  the  Weft  of  Europe. 

(11)  Some  Authors  relate  the  Story  differently,  and  fay  that  this  Expe- 
riment was  try'd  by  Medta  on  JEf on j  Jafon's  Father,  See  Oi/;^  in  the 
Place  cited. 

(12)  Given  her  by  Bhabus,  or  the  Sun. 

Y  z  Dragons 


i64  Fabulous   HISTORY 

Dragons,  efcaped  through  the  Air  to  Athens^  where  fhe  mar- 
ried King  ^^gfus^  by  whom  fhe  had  a  Son  nam'd  Medm, 
But  attempting  to  poilbn  Tkefeus  his  eldeft  Son,  and  the  De- 
fign  being  revealed,  fhe  with  her  Son  Medus  fled  to  AJiay 
where  he  left  his  Name  to  Media  (i-t,). 

Jafon  had  feveral  Temples  eredted  to  him,  particularly  one 
at  JtherjSy  by  Parjnenioy  of  polifhed  Marble.  The  Place 
where  he  was  chiefly  worfhipp'd  was  at  Abdera  in  Thrace, 

If  wefcek  for  the  real  Truth  of  the  Argonautic  Expedition, 
we  Oiall  find  it  to  be  this:  Colchis  was  one  of  the  mofl  anti- 
ent  Colonies  of  Egypt,  whofe  Manners  and  Ceremonies  they 
long  retained  (i^),  like  their  Mother  Country,  the  Inha- 
bitants applied  themfelves  to  the  Linnen  Manufacture,  for 
which  they  became  very  famous.  On  the  other  Hand,  as 
the  River  Phofa  was  rich  in  Gold  Dufl,  the  People  to  colle6t 
this  valuable  Metal  ufed  the  Method,  flill  practis'd  in  fome 
Parts  of  America^  of  laying  Sheep-Skins  or  other  Hairy  Stufl^s 
in  the  Stream,  by  which  the  Particles  of  Gold  were  entang- 
led, and  fo  eafdy  got.  Now  as  the  Cokhians  retained  the 
Egyptian  Cuilom  of  expofmg  an  Horm  or  publick  Sign,  be- 
fore any  particular  Seafon  or  Work ;  fo  the  Time  for  feek- 
ing  Gold  Duft  after  the  Land  Floods,  was  notify'd  by  an 
Image  or  Standard  of  a  Golden  Fleece^  attended  with  a  Ser- 
pent, to  exprcfs  that  the  Wealth  arifing  from  hence,  was 
the  Life  of  the  Colony.  When  this  gathering  was  over, 
and  it  became  necefl^ary  for  the  Inhabitants  to  return  to  the 
Linnen  Manufacture,  a  new  Sign  was  expofed.  This  was 
the  Ijis^  .'mentioned  before  under  the  Article  of  P«///7/^  which 
bore  in  her  Hand  a  Weaver's  Beam,  or  Shuttle,  and  was 
call'd  Argonioth  (i^).  This  Image  the  Greeks  who  traded  to 
Colchis^  caird  in  their  Tongue  Argonaut ^  or  the  Ship  Argo  {i6}, 

(13)  A  Region  oi  Prrja. 

(14)  They  ufed  Circumcifion,  and  were  of  the  fame  Complexion  and 
fpoke  tli2  fame  Language. 

(15)  From  ^/-^T,  a  Work;  and  orti  a  Shuttle;  comt%  A r go niothj  or 
Argor.auty  the  Work  of  the  Shuttles,  or  making  of  Cloth. 

^iS;  from  A' go  and  N«:?,  Aa^;i  j  the  Ship  Argo, 

Hence 


OJ  the  Heathen  Gods.  1^5 

ttence  the  Notion  of  this  Ship  being  oracular,  and  that  of 
the  Golden  fleece  guarded  by  a  Serpent  or  Dragon.  I'hefe 
the  Poets  embellifh'd  with  Ornaments  'till  the  Truth  became 
quite  loft. 


0/THESEUS   and   ACHILLES. 

WITH  thefe  two  great  Men,  we  Ihall  clofe  the  Lift 
of  the  Demi-Gods,  or  Heroes,  though  neither  of 
them  were  properly  deify'd  after  Death,  nor  does  their 
Hiftory  come  properly  under  the  Head  of  the  fabulous 
Theology. 

Thefeus  was  Son  to  jEgeus,  King  of  Athens  and  ^thra.  In 
his  Youth  he  had  an  early  Pallion  for  Glory,  and  propos'd 
Hercules  for  his  Model.  Scirotiy  a  notorious  Robber,  who 
infefted  the  Roads  between  Megara  and  Corinth^  was  by  him 
thrown  down  a  Precipice,  as  he  was  accuftomed  to  treat 
fuch  as  fell  into  his  Hands.  Procrujfes  a  famous  Tyrant  of 
Attica,  he  faftened  to  a  bended  Pine,  which  being  loofed 
tore  him  afunder  (i). 

His  firft  diftingufhing  Adventure,  was  the  Deftru6lion  of 
the  Cretan  Minotaur,  Minos^  King  of  tliat  Ifland  had  made 
War  on  j^geus^  becaufe  the  Athenians  had  bafely  kill'd  his 
Son,  for  carrying  away  the  Prize  from  them.  Being  vido- 
rious,  he  impos'd  this  fevcre  Condition  on  the  vanquiih'd, 
that  they  fhould  annually  fend  feven  of  their  noblerl:  Youths. 
chofen  by  Lot  into  Crete ^  to  be  devour'd  by  the  Minotaur  (2), 
7'he  fourth  Year  of  this  Tribute,  the  Choice  fell  on  Thejcus 

(i)  He  was  a  Tyrant  of  Attica ^  who  feiz'd  all  Strangers,  and  meafur'd 
them  by  his  Bed  ;  if  they  were  too  long  for  it  he  cut  them  (horter  j  if  too 
fhort  he  ftretched  them  'till  thsy  died. 

(2)  Pafifhae,  Wife  to  M<;;^i  King  of  Crete,  and  Daughter  of  the  Sun, 
inftigated  by  Venus,  conceiv'd  a  brutal  l^ifTion  for  a  Bull.  To  gratify  her, 
Dadalui  contriv'd  an  artificial  Cow,  in  which  placing  her,  flie  had  her 
Defire.  The  Fruit  of  this  beaftial  Amour  was  the  Minotaur,  who  was  kept 
in  a  Labyrinth  made  by  the  fame  Duda!u:,  and  fed  with  human  FlvOi, 

Son 


i66  FaMous  HISTORY 

Son  to  j€geus,  or  as  others  fay,  he  intreated  to  be  fent  him- 
felf.  However  this  be,  on  the  Arrival  of  Thefeus  at  the 
Court  of  Mir.os^  Ariadne  his  Daughter  fell  deeply  in  Love 
with  him,  and  gave  him  a  Clue,  by  which  he  got  out  of  the 
Labyrinth.  7  hi^  done,  he  fail'd  with  his  fair  Deliverer  for 
the  Ifle  of  "Naxos^  where  he  ungratefully  left  her  (3),  and 
where  Bacchus  found  her  and  took  her  for  his  Miftrefs- 

The  P.eturn  of  Thefeus^  through  his  own  Negle6l,  became 
fatal  to  his  Father.  The  good  King  at  his  Departure  had 
charg'd  him,  as  he  fail'd  out  with  black  Sails,  to  return  with 
the  fame  in  cafe  he  mifcarried,  otherwife  to  change  them  to 
White.  Impatiently  he  every  Day  went  to  the  Top  of  a 
Rock,  that  overlook'd  the  Ocean,  to  fee  what  Ships  appear'd 
in  View.  At  laft  his  Son's  VefTel  is  difcover'd,  but  with  the 
fable  Omens  he  dreaded  ;  fo  that  through  Defpair  he  threw 
himfelf  into  the  Sea,  which  flill  retains  his  Name  (4)  The 
Athenians  decreed  ^geus  divine  Honours,  and  facrificed  to 
him  as  a  marine  Deity,  the  adopted  Son  of  Neptune. 

Thejeus  perform 'd  after  this  feveral  confiderable  Anions; 
he  killed  the  Minotaur  ;  he  overcame  the  Centaurs  ;  fubdued 
the  Thcbans^  and  defeated  the  Amazons.  He  aiTifted  his 
Friend  Piriihous  in  his  Expedition  to  the  infernal  World,  to 
carry  off  Projerpine  ;  but  in  this  Enterprize  he  fail'd,  being 
imprifon'd  or  fetter'd  by  Piuto^  'till  releas'd  by  Hercules.  No 
doubt  were  the  Story  of  The/eus  diverted  of  the  Marvellous, 
it  would  make  a  confiderable  Figure  (5). 

Thejcus  had  feveral  Wives;  his  firft  was  Helena  Daughter  of 
Tyndarus^  whom  he  carried  off;  the  fecond  Hippolita  Queen  of 
the  Amaxon'y  given  him  by  Hercules  j  the  lait  was  Ph^dra^ 
Sifter  to  Ariadne,  whofe  Lewdnefs  fufficiently  punifh'd  him 
for  his  Infidelity  to  her  Sifter.  This  Princefs  felt  an  inceftu- 
ous  Flame  for  her  Son-in-Law  HippoUtus  (6),  a  Youth  of 

(3)  For  this  Stor.y  fee  ths  Article  of  Bacchus. 
(4.)  The  JEgtan  Sea. 

(5)  He  firft  walJed  Atkensy  and  inftituted  Laws;  together  with  that 
rtmocratic  Form  of  Government  which  lafted  'tiJl  the  Time  oi  Pijijiratus, 
;6;  Son  of  Hipi^c^ita,  Queen  of  the  Afrazons. 

uncommon 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  167 

uncommon  Virtue  and  Chaftity.  On  his  repulfing  her  Sol- 
licitations,  her  Love  turn'd  to  Hatred,  and  fhe  accused  him 
to  his  Father  for  an  Attempt  to  ravifh  her.  Thefeus  now 
grown  old  and  uxorious,  too  eafily  gave  Ear  to  the  Accufa- 
tion.  The  Prince  inform'd  of  his  Danger  fled  in  his  Cha- 
riot; but  his  Horfes  being  frighted  by  the  ?hoca^  or  Sea- 
Calves,  threw  him  out  of  his  Seat,  and  his  Feet  being  in- 
tangledlhe  was  dragg'd  through  the  Woods  and  torn  in  Pieces 
(^).  Tbadra  tormented  with  Remorfe  laid  violent  Hands 
on  herfelf,  and  foon  after  Ihefeus  being  exil'd  from  Athens^ 
ended  an  illuftrious  Life  in  Obfcurity. 

Jchilles  was  the  Offspring  of  a  Goddefs.  Tihetis  bore  him 
to  Peleus  (Sj,  and  was  fo  fond  of  him,  that  fhe  took  her- 
felf the  Charge  of  his  Education.  By  Day  {he  fed  him  with 
Amhrofia,  and  by  Night  cover'd  him  with  celeftial  Fire  to 
render  him  immortal  (9).  She  alfo  dipp'd  him  in  the  Wa- 
ters of  -Sow,  by  which  liis  whole  Body  became  invulnerable,, 
except  that  Part  of  his  Heel  by  which  fhe  held  him.  She 
afterwards  intrufted  him  to  the  Care  of  the  Centaur  Onrony 
{^the  Mafter  of  {q  many  Heroes  j  who  fed  him  with  Honey, 
and  the  Marrow  of  Lions  and  wild  Boars,  to  give  him  thaO 
Strength  and  Force  neceffary  for  martial  Toil. 

When  the  Greeks  undertook  the  Siege  of  Troy,  Chalcas  the. 
Priefl  of  Apollo ^  foretold  the  City  could  never  be  taken,  unlefs 
Achilles  was  prefent.  Ihetis  his  Mother,  who  knew  his 
Death  threaten'd  if  he  went  there,  had  conceal'd  him  in  fe- 
male Difguife  in  the  Palace  of  Lycomedes^  King  of  the  lile  of 
^cyros,  Uly/fes  who  had  engaged  to  bring  him  to  the  Greek 
Camp,  having  difcover'd  the  Place  of  his  Retreat,  ufed  the 
following  Artifice :  Under  the  Appearance  of  a  Merchant, 
he  is  introduced  to  the  Daughters  of  Lycomedes,  and  while 
they  were  fludioufiy  intent   on  viewing  his  Toys,  A/^///>x 

(7)  Some  hy  j^fculapius  reftor'd  him  to  Life,  and  that  he  came  into 
Italy,  where  he  chang'd  his  Name  to  Virbius,  i.  e.  tivice  a  Man. 

(S)  King  of  T/A^d/y. 

(9)  See  the  Story  of  Triptohmus,  under  the  Article  of  Ceres.  Upon 
TiUus  diftovering  this,  Tbm:  parted  from  him. 

employ'd 


i68  Fabulous    HISTORY 

employ'd  himfelf  in  examining  a  Helmet  and  fome  other 
Armour,  which  the  cunning  Pohtician  had  purpofely  thrown 
in  his  Way.  Thus  was  Achilles  prevail'd  on  to  go  to  Troy^ 
after  T^hetis  had  furnifli'd  him  with  a  Suit  of  impenetrable 
Armour  made  by  VuUan  (lo).  His  Actions  before  T/tt)',  as 
well  as  his  Charader,  are  fo  finely  defcrib'd  by  Homer ^  that 
it  would  be  doing  them  Injuilice  to  repeat  them  here.  It  is 
fufficient  to  fay  he  could  not  efcape  his  P^ate,  being  treache- 
roufly  kill'd  by  Parii  ( 1 1 ),  who  with  an  Arrow  wounded  him 
in  the  only  fart  that  was  vulnerable.  The  Greeks  after  the 
Capture  of  ^m,  endeavour'd  to  appeafe  his  Manes,  by  facri- 
ficing  Polyxena,  The  Oracle  at  Dodona  decreed  him  divine 
Honours,  and  order'd  annual  Vi6l:ims  to  be  ofFer'd  at  his 
Tomb.  In  purfuance  of  this  the  TheJ/alians  brought  thither 
yearly  two  Bulls^  one  Black,  the  other  White,  crown'd 
with' Wreaths  of  Flowers,  and  Water  from  the  River 
Speccheus. 

( lo)  The  Defcription  of  his  Shield  in  //:;;;^>  is  one  of  that  Poet's  Mafter- 
Pieces. 

(ii)  The  Cafe  was  thus  ;  y?ci;7/^ienamour'd  with  Polyxena,  defir'd  her 
of  Friatn,  wfio  confented  to  the  Match.  The  Nuptials  were  to  be  folem- 
riz'd  in  the  Temple  oi  Jpollo,  where  Paris  had  privately  conceal'd  him- 
felf, and  took  the  Opportunity  to  kill  Acinila. 


CHAP.    XLIX. 

Of  Cadmus,  Europa,  Amphion,  and  Arion. 

AG  EN  O  R,  King  oiVh^nicia^  by  the  Nymph  ¥elia 
had  a  Daughter  call'd  Europa^  one  of  the  mofir  beauti- 
ful PrincefTes  of  her  Age.  She  could  hardly  then  be  fuppos'd 
toefc*"pe  the  Notice  of  Jupiter^  whofe  Gallantries  were  ex- 
tended to  all  Parts  of  the  World.  To  feduce  her  he  aillim'd 
the  Form  of  a  white  Bull,  and  appeared  in  the  Meadows, 
where  fhe  was  walking,  with  her  Attendants.  Pleas'd  with 
the  Beauty  and  Gentlenefs  of  the  Animal,  fhe  ventur'd  oni 

his 


^^^^& 


.  £eii,m  ttvi  .' c/'f:^e/cn 


(/  ^  ^^m*//i   tJc*t/^t 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods,  169 

his  Back,  and  immediately  the  God  triumphant  bore  her  ofF 
to  Crete  fij,  where  laying  afide  his  Difguife,  he  made  the 
Bull  a  Conftellation  in  the  Zodiac^  and  to  honour  his  new 
Miftrefs  gave  her  Name  to  the  fourth  Part  of  the  World. 

In  the  mean  Time  Jgenor,  difconfolate.for  his  Daughter's 
Lofs,  fent  his  Sons  Cadmus  and  Thdfus  with  different  Fleets  in 
Search  of  her  (2),  Thafus  fettled  in  an  Ifland  of  the  ^gr.an^ 
Sea  to  which  he  gave  his  Name  (i).  Cadmus  enquiring  of 
the  Delphic  Oracle  for  a  Settlement,  was  anfwer'd.  That  he 
(hould  follow  the  Diredion  of  a  Cow,  and  build  a  City 
where  (he  laid  down.  Arriving  amongft  the  Phocenfes,  here 
one  of  Pe /agon's  Cows  met  him,  and  conducted  him  through 
B^otia,  to  the  Place  where  Thdes  was  afterwards  built.  As 
he  was  about  to  facrifice  his  Guide  to  Pallas^  he  fent  two  of 
his  Company  to  the  Fountain  Dirce  for  Water,  who  were 
kill'd  by  a  Dragon  (^).  Their  Leader  reveng'd  their  Death 
by  flaying  the  Monfter;  but  fowing  his  Teeth,  according 
to  Pallas's  Advice,  there  fprung  up  a  Number  cf  Men  arm'd, 
who  affaulted  him  to  revenge  their  Father's  Death.  It  feems 
the  Goddefs  of  Wifdom  had  only  a  Mind  to  frighten  him  ; 
for  on  his  cafting  a  Stone  amongil  them,  thefe  upftart  War- 
riors turn'd  their  Weapons  on  each  other  with  fuch  Animo- 
fity,  that  only  five  furviv'd  the  Combat,  who  prov'd  very 
ufeful  to  Cadmus  in  founding  his  new  City.  After  this,  to 
recompenfe  his  Toils,  the  Gods  gave  Cadmus,  Harmonia^  or 
Hermione^  the  Daughter  of  Mars  and  Venus^  and  honour'd  his 
Nuptials  with  peculiar  Prefents  and  Marks  of  Favour  f5>>. 
But  their  Pofterity  proving  unfortunate  f  6^,  they  quitted 

(i)  O-vid,  Lib.    II.  835. 

(2)  With  an  Injundion  not  to  return  without  her  under  Pain  of  Ba- 
nifnmenc. 

(3)  It  was  before  call'd  Plaie. 

(4)  This  Monfter  was  the  Son  of  Mars  and  Fckus. 

(5)  Ceres  brought  Corn.  Pal/as,  Bracelets,  a  Robe  and  Pipe,  Mercury 
a  Lyre,  EUBra  jjerform'd  the  Office  ofCybek,  or  the  Magna  Meter  ^  ard 
gave  Drums  and  Trumpets.  Apdlo  fun?  to  his  Lute,  and  the  Mujcs  com  . 
pleated  the  Concert  with  their  Inftruments. 

(6)  The  Fate  of  Ino,  Semclr,  and  A^a-vc,  Children  of  this  Marriage, 
has  been  mention'd  already  in  the  preceding  Part  of  this  Work. 

Z  Thebes 


lyo  Fabulous  HISTORY 

Thebes  to  Pentheus^  and  went  to  govern  the  Eclellenfes,  where 
in  an  advanc'd  Age,  they  were  turn'd  to  Serpents  (7),  or  as 
others  fay,  fent  to  the  Elyjtan  Fields  in  a  Chariot  drawn  by 
Serpents.  The  Sidonians  decreed  divine  Honours  to  Europa^ 
and  coin'd  Money  in  Memory  of  her,  with  the  Figuie  of  a 
Woman  crolliiig  the  Sea  on  a  Bull. 

Cadmus^  it  is  certain,  brought  from  Ph^nicia  into  Greece 
feveral  Arts  before  unknown.  He  was  the  firil  who  confe- 
crated  Statues  to  the  Gods,  and  invented,  or  introduced  fix" 
teen  Letters  into  the  Greek  Alphabet  f  8jj  as  alfo  taught  the 
Manner  of  writing  Profe  (g). 

AmphioTiy  the  Son  of  Jupiter  and  Antiope  fio),  was  in- 
ftru6ted  in  the  Lyre  by  A'ercury^  and  became  fo  great  a  Pro- 
ficient, that  he  is  reported  to  have  rais'd  the  Walls  oi  Thebes 
by  the  Power  of  his  Harmony.  He  married  N^obe^  whofe 
Infult  to  Diana  occafion'd  the  Lofs  of  their  Children.  The 
unhappy  Father  in  Defpair  attempted  to  deftroy  the  Temple 
of  Apollo^  but  was  punifh'd  with  the  Lofs  of  his  Sight  and 
Skill,  and  thrown  into  the  infernal  Regions. 

Arion  was  a  Native  o'i  Mtthymna  (11),  and  both  a  fkilful 
Mufician  and  a  good  Dithryambic  Poet.  He  liv'd  in  the 
Time  of  Periandery  King  of  Corinth.  After  pafling  fome 
Time  in  Italy  and  Sicily^  and  acquiring  an  eafy  Fortune  by 
his  Profellion,  he  fail'd  from  Tarentum  in  a  Corinthian  Veflel 
homeward-bound.  When  they  were  got  to  Sea,  the  avari- 
tious  Crew  agreed  to  throw  Arion  over-board,  in  order  to 
fhare  his  Money.     Having  ia  vain  ufed  all  his  Eloquence  to 

(7)  OwV,  Lib.  IV.  562. 

(3)  Thefc  were  the  -.',  ^,  V.  ^^  S  %  ">,  X,  ft,  v,  a,  9r,  ^,  ?,  t,  t».  two 
Hundred  and  fitty  Years  after  (about  the  Time  of  the  Siege  of  Troy)  Pa- 
lamedet  added  four  more  I,  K  ^^  7^1  and  fix  Hundred  and  fifty  Years  later 
^;w7o«/Jr'j  invented  fcur  more  f/.«.  >J,  o:,  c,  *4'. 
(9)   Tiie  noble  Art  from  Cadir.us  took  its  Rife, 

Of  painting  Words,  and  fpeaking  to  the  Eyes  ! 
The  various  Fignrea  by  his  Pencil  wrought, 
Gave  Colour  and  a  Body  to  the  Tliought.         Lucan, 
(\o)  Daugliter  ol  Z>jv\-.v:,  King  of  T/6f^*i. 
fii)  A  Town  in  ihc  Ilk  ciLe/hos, 

foften 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  171 

foften  them,  he  play'd  a  farwel  Air  (callM  Lex  Orthlo)  and 
crown'd  with  a  Garland,  with  his  Harp  in  his  Hand,  plung'd 
into  the  Sea,  where  a  Dolphin  charm'd  with  his  Melody, 
receiv'd  him  and  bore  him  fafe  to  Tavarm,  near  Corinth' 
Having  inform'd  Periander  of  his  Story,  the  King  was  incre- 
dulous, 'till  the  Ship  arriv'd,  when  the  Mariners  being  feiz'd 
and  confronted  with  Arion^  own'd  the  Faft,  and  fuffer'd  the 
Punifhment  due  to  their  Perfidy.  For  this  A6tion  the  Dol- 
phin was  made  a  Conftellation. 


.    C  H  A  P.     L, 
Of   iEOLUS    and    BOREAS. 

IN  the  Multiplication  of  fabulous  Deities,  the  Antients 
not  only  afligned  each  Element,  and  Part  of  Nature  its 
tutelar  God,  But  even  idoliz'd  the  pafTions.  No  Vv^onder 
then  if  we  fee  a  Guardian  fet  over  the  Winds,  as  one  feem'd 
neceffary  to  moderate  their  Violence,  and  keep  under  due 
Command  thofe  furious  Blafts,  which  often  do  fo  much 
Mifchief  to  Mankind.  jEqIus  was  the  Son  of  Jupiter  ( i ),  by 
Acafia  or  Sigejia  the  Daughter  of  Hippotus.  Hereign'd  in  the 
Liparaan  Ifles  near  ^icily^  from  whence  perhaps  the  Fable 
took  its  Original  (2)  j  but  his  Refidence  was  at  Strongyk  now 
call'd  Strombolo  (3).  Here  beheld  thefe  unruly  Powers  en- 
chain'd  in  a  vaft  Cave,  to  prevent  their  committing  the 
Devaftation  they  had  been  guilty  of  before  they  were  put 
under  his  Direction  (4). 

(i)  Others   make  ^ohis  the   Son  of ////'/ori/i  by  A/e«ff/d  Daughter  of 
Hylltit,  King  of  Lipara. 

(2)  Thefe  Iflands  being  greatly  fuhjed  to  Winds  and  Storm?. 

(3)  Famous  for  its /^o/fa«o,  though  fome  p'ace  his  Refidence  at  i?(?^^/» 
in  Calabria. 

(4)  They  had  disjoined  Italy  from  Sicily,  and  by  difuniting  Europe  from 
Africa  J  open'd  aPaflage  for  the  Ocean  to  form  the  Mediterranean  Sea. 

Z  2  According 


172  Fabulous  HISTORY 

According  to  fome  Authors,  the  jEoJian  or  Liparean  Ifles 
were  uninhabited,  'till  Liparus  the  Son  of  Aufonis  fettled  a 
Colony  here,  and  gave  one  of  them  his  Name.  jEoIus  the 
Son  of  Hippotus,  who  married  his  Daughter,  peopled  the  refl, 
and  fucceeded  him  in  the  Throne.  He  rul'd  his  Subjects 
with  Equity  and  Mildnefs,  was  a  hofpitable  good  Prince, 
and  being  fkill'd  in  Aftronomy,  by  Means  of  the  Reflux  of  the 
Tides,  which  is  remarkable  near  thofe  Iflands,  as  well  as  by 
obferving  the  Nature  of  the  Volcanos  with  which  they  abound* 
he  was  able  to  foretell  the  Winds  that  fliould  blow  from 
fuch  a  Quarter  (5:. 

We  are  indebted  to  Virgil  (6)  for  a  fine  poetical  Defcrip- 
ticn  of  this  God,  when  Juno  vifits  his  Cave  to  defire  his  AU 
fiflance  to  deftroy  Mneai  in  his  Voyage  to  Italy, 

Boreas  was  of  uncertain  Parentage  ;  but  his  ufual  Refi- 
clence  was  in  Thrace  (j).  When  Xerxes ^  King  of  Pcrjioy 
crofs'd  the  Hellefpont  with  his  numerous  Armada^  to  invade 
Greece,  the  Athenians  invok'd  his  Alliftance,  and  he  fcatter'd 

(5)  It  is  faid  that  before  a  foutherly  Wind  blows,  Lipara  is  cover'd 
with  a  thick  Cloud,  but  when  it  changes  to  North,  the  Volcano  emits 
clear  Flames,  with  a  remarkable  Noife. 

(6)  So  rag*  d  the  Goddejs,  and  ivitb  Fury  fraught  y 
Toe  rejilcji  Regions  of  the  Storms  Jhe  fought  j 
JVhere,  in  a  fpacious  Ca've  cf  living  Stone, 
The  Tyrant  ^o!us,  from  his  airy  Throne 
Ji'itb  Ponv''r  imperial  curbs  the  ftrugling  PVinds, 
^nd  founding  Tempefis  in  dark  Prifons  binds  : 
This  JVay  and  that,  th'  impatient  Captives  tend, 
j^nd  prejfing  for  Relcafey  the  Mountains  rend  j 
High  in  his  Rally  the  dauntlefs  Monarch  fiandSf 
Andfhakes  his  Sceptre,  and  their  Rage  commands  j 
U^hicb  did  he  not,  their  unrejijllefs  Sivay 

Would  ficeep  the  World  before  them  in  their  Way: 
Earth,  Air ,  and  Seas^    thro''  empty  Space  ivould  rotv', 
yind  Heaven  ivould  fy  before  the  dri-^jing  Soul  I 
Thro''  Fear  of  this,  the  Father  of  the  Gods 
Confin"" d  their  Fury  to  thefe  dark  Abodes, 
Ar.d  lock''  d  them  fafe,  opprefs''d  ivith  Mountain -Loads : 
hnpGs^d  a  King,  ivith  arbitrary  Stvay, 
To  ioofe  their  Fetters,  or  their  Force  allay  ! 

Dryden,  ^n.  I.  Line  50. 
'     (7)  Probably  becaufe  this  Country  is  mucli  fubjscl  to  cold  Northerly 
Winds. 

and 


0/ /^^  Heathen  Gods.  173 

and  deftroyM  the  greateft  Part  of  their  Fleet.  This  Deity 
notwithftanding  his  Rage,  was  not  inflexible  to  Love.  He 
debauch'd  Chloris  the  Daughter  of  Araurus,  by  whom  he  had 
Hyrpace^  and  carried  her  to  yiowrizlSliphatesy  (call'd  the  Bed  of 
Boreas)  but  fince  known  by  the  Name  of  Caucajus :  But  his 
Favourite  Miftrefs  was  Orithyia  the  'Ddai^iQY  o(  Ericlheus, 
King  of  /Athens.  By  this  Princefs  he  had  two  Sons,  Zetes  and 
Calais^  who  attended  Jafon  in  the  Colchic  Expedition,  deli- 
vered Phineus  from  the  Harpies  (Sj,  and  were  afterwards  killM 
by  Hercules ;  as  alfo  four  Daughters,  Upis,  Laxo^  Hecaerge^  and 
Cleopatra.  Perhaps  the  'North  Wind^  or  Boreas  alone  was  de- 
ify'd,  becaufe  it  is  the  moll  tempeiluous  and  raging  Wind 
that  blows. 

(8)  Some  fay  out  of  £'«t7  for  their  Swiftnefs ;  others,  becaufe  their  Fa- 
ther had  by  a  Tempert  deftroy'd  the  Ifle  of  Co%, 


CHAP.    LI. 
Of   MOMUS    and   MORPHEUS. 

MO  M  U  S  was  the  God  of  Pleafantry  and  Wit,  or 
rather  the  Jefter  of  the  celeftial  Aflembly ;  for  like 
other  great  Monarchs,  it  was  but  reafonable  Jupter  fhould 
have  his  Fool.  We  have  an  Inftance  of  his  farcaflic  Hu- 
mour in  the  Conteft  between  Neptune,  Miner^a^  and  Vulcan 
for  Skill.  The  Firft  had  made  a  Bull\  the  Second  a  Houfe  . 
and  the  Third  a  Man  j  Momus  found  fault  with  them  all :  He 
diilik'd  the  Bull,  becaufe  his  Horns  were  not  plac'd  before  his 
Eyes,  that  he  might  give  a  furer  Blow  ;  he  condcmn'd  Mi- 
ner'vas  Houfe.,  becaufe  it  was  immoveable,  and  fo  could  not 
be  quitted  if  plac'd  in  a  bad  Neighbourhood.,  With  regard 
to  Vulcan\  Man,  he  faid  he  ought  to  have  made  a  Window 
in  his  Breaft,  ^^/o^  makes  Momus  (i)  the  Son  oi  Somnus 
and  Nox. 

(1)  From  M^fA^j  cavilling  or  finding  Fault. 

Morpheus 


174  Fabulous  HISTORY 

Morfheus  (z)  was  the  God  of  Sleep,  or  as  fome  fay  Ser- 
vant to  Somnus.  The  beft  Defcription  we  have  of  him  is 
from  OxvV,  who  calls  hhn  (7,)  the  kindelt  of  the  Deities. 
He  is  ufually  reprefented  in  a  recumbent  Pofture^  and 
crown'd  with  Poppies.  The  fame  Poet  has  given  an  elegant 
Fixture  of  his  Abode. 

(2)  From  Mcp<?>j,  a  Form  or  Vifion. 

(3)  Croid,  Lib.  XI.  634. 


CHAP.    LIT. 
Of   ORION. 

TH  E  Original,  or  Birth  of  Orion,  borders  a  little  on 
the  Marvellous.  Hyricus,  a  Citizen  of  T^anagra  in  B^e- 
otia^  was  fo  hofpitable  to  Strangers,  that  Jupiter,  Neptune,  and 
Mercury,  were  refolved,  under  theCharacSter  of  benighted  Tra- 
vellers, to  know  the  Truth.  Their  Entertainment  was  fo 
agreeable,  that  difcovering  their  Quality,  they  otFer'd  the 
old  Man  whatever  he  fhould  afk ;  his  Requefl:  was  a  Son  (\). 
The  Gods  to  .gratify  his  Wifli  cali'd  for  an  Ox  Hide,  in 
which  having  depofited  their  Urine,  they  bid  him  keep  it 
under  Ground  for  ten  Months,  at  the  Expiration  of  which 
Time,  he  found  it  produc'd  a  Boy,  who  was  at  firft  cali'd 
Urion  to  exprefs  his  Origine  ;  but  after  for  Decency's  fake, 
his  Name  was  changed  to  Orion, 

He  was  a  remarkable  Hunter,  and  kept  a  fleet  Pack  of 
Hounds-  Neptune  gave  him  the  Power  of  v/alking  on  the 
Surface  of  the  Waters,  with  the  fame  Speed  that  Iphiclus  did 
(2)  over  the  Ears  of  Ck)rn.  This  Faculty  feem'd  needlcfs, 
if  it  be  true  that  Orion  was  fo  tall,  that  the  deepeft  Seas 
could  not  cover  his  Shoulders.  As  a  Proof  of  this  he  crof>'d 
from  the  Continent  of  Greece  to  the  Ifie  of  Chios,  where  ai- 

(i)  His  Wife  having  left  him  childlefs,  whom  on  her  Death-Bed  he  pro- 
mis'd  never  to  marry  again. 

[z]  Erorher  to  Ecrcuia,    See  the  Article  cf  that  God. 

tempting 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  175 

tempting  to  vitiate  J^rope  the  Wife  of  King  Oemplon^  that 
Monarch  deprivM  him  of  his  Eye-Sight  {3).  From  C^/m 
he  proceeded  and  found  his  Way  to  Lejbos^  where  Vulcan  re- 
ceivM  him  kindly,  and  gave  him  a  Guide  to  the  Palace  of 
the  Sun,  who  reftorM  him  to  Sight.  He  then  made  War  on 
Oenopiony  who  conceal'd  himfelf  under  Ground  to  efcape  his 
Vengeance ;  fo  that  fruftrated  of  his  Defign  he  went  to 
Crete^  where  he  purfued  his  Favourite  Exercife  of  Hunting. 
But  having  by  fome  Means  ofFended  Diana  (4),  that  Goddefs 
put  him  to  Death  (5)5  hut  afterwards  relenting  her  Severity, 
fhe  prevail'd  on  Jupiter  to  raife  him  to  the  Skies,  where  he 
forms  a  Conftellation  (6)  remarkable  for  its  predi6ting  Rain 
and  tempeftuous  Weather. 

(3)  His  Purfuit  of  the  Pleiades  has  been  mentlon'd  under  the  Article 
of  Atlai. 

(4)  Either  for  attempting  her  Chaflity,  or  for  boafting  his  fuperior  Skill 
in  the  Chace  j  others  fay,  for  endeavouring  to  debauch  Ofis,  one  of  her 
Nymphs. 

(5)  Either  by  her  Arrows,  or  as  others  fay,  raifing  a  fcorpion,  which 
gave  him  a  mortal  Wound. 

(6)  Virgil  calls  it  Ni-inbofus  Orion,  on  account  of  the  fhowers  which  at- 
tend his  Rifmg.     Mneid  I.   535.  Lib.  IV.  52. 


CHAP.     LIII. 

Of  the  Marine  Deities^  Oceanus,  Nereus,  Triton, 
Ino,  Palasmon,  and  Glaucus. 

AS  the  antient  Theogony  took  Care  to  people  the  Heavens 
and  Air  with  Deities,  fo  the  Sea  naturally  came  in  for 
its  Share,  nor  was  it  juft  to  leave  the  extended  Realms  of 
Water  without  Protection  and  Guardianjhip.  Neptune^  though 
Monarch  of  the  Deeps,  could  not  be  prefent  every  where, 
and  it  was  proper  to  alfign  him  Deputies,  who  might  re- 
lieve him  of  fome  Part  of  the  Weight  of  Government. 

Nereus  Son  to  Oceanusy  fettled  himfelf  in  the  jEgean  Sea, 
and  was  regarded  as  a  Prophet.  He  had  the  Faculty  of  aiTum- 
ing  what  Form  he  pleafed.     By  his  Wife  Dorii  he  had  fifty 

Nymphs 


176  Fabulous   HISTORY 

Nymphs  call'd  Nereids  (i),  who  conftantly  attended  on  Nep-^ 
tune,  and  when  he  went  abroad  furrounded  his  Chariot, 

Triton  was  the  Son  of  Neptune  and  Amphitrite  (2),  and  was 
his  Father's  Herald.  He  fometimes  delighted  in  Mifchief, 
for  he  carried  off  the  Cattle  from  the  Tanagrian  Fields,  and 
deftroy'd  the  fmall  coafting  Veflels ;  fo  that  to  appeafe  his 
Refentment  thofe  People  offer'd  him  Libations  of  new  Wine. 
Of  this  he  drank  fo  freely  that  he  fell  afleep,  and  tumbling 
from  an  Eminence,  one  of  the  Natives  cut  off  his  Head. 
He  left  a  Daughter  call'd  Trijlia^  by  whom  Mars  had  a  Son 
nam'd  Menalippus, 

This  God  is  reprefented  of  a  human  Form  from  the  Waift 
upwards,  with  blue  Eyes,  a  large  Mouth,  and  Hair  matted 
like  w^ild  Parfley.  His  Shoulders  were  covered  with  a  Purple 
Skin,  variegated  with  fmall  Scales,  his  Feet  refembling  the 
fore  Feet  of  a  Horfe,  and  his  lower  Parts  turn'd  like  a  Dol- 
phin with  a  forked  Tail.  Sometimes  he  is  drawn  in  a  Car 
with  Horfes  of  a  Sky  Colour.  His  Trumpet  is  a  large  Conch 
or  Sea  Shell.  0^jid('^)y  has  given  two  very  beautiful  De- 
fcriptions  of  him.  There  were  indeed  many  Tritons,  who 
compofed  the  numerous  Equipage  of  Neptune,  and  were 
reckoned  as  Deities  propitious  to  Navigation. 

Ino  was  the  Daughter  of  Cadmus  and  Harmonia,  and  married 
to  Athamas^  King  of  Thebes.  This  Prince  having  the  Mis- 
fortune to  loofe  his  Senfes,  kill'd  his  Son  Learchus  in  one  of  his 
mad  Fits,  upon  which  his  Queen  to  fave  Melicerte,  her  re- 
maining Boy,  leap'd  with  him  from  the  Rock  Molyris  into 
the  Sea.  Neptune  receiv'd  them  with  open  Arms,  and  gave 
them  a  Place  amongft  the  marine  Gods,  only  changing  their 
Names,  Ino  being  call'd  Leucothea^  and  Melicerte  Palamon  (4) ; 

(1)  By  which  are  meant  the  Rivers  whicli  empty  themfelves  in  the  Occar. 

(2)  Some  fay  of  Neptune  and  Caknoy  others  of  Nereus  or  Oceanm. 

(3)  O-vid  Met.  Lib.  I. 

(4.)  The  Romans  called  him  Portunus ;  and  painted  him  with  a  Key  in 
his  Hand,  to  denote  him  the  Guardian  of  Harbours.  To  Ino  they  gave 
the  Name  of  Matuta,  being  reputed  the  Goddefs  that  ujken  in  the  Morning. 

(s)  Si/>- 


^a^e  ^77. 


7  (to.  t*n.  i*t.f.  ''f/-^t-/u 


I 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  177 

Sffipbus,  King  of  Corinth,  Brother  to  Athamas,  in  Memo- 
ry of  his  Nephew  increas'd  the  Solemnities  of  the  Jfihmian 
Gam^  celebrated  to  Neptune.  He  was  particularly  honoured 
at  7enedosy  where  the  VicS^im  ofFer'd  him  was  a  young  Infanr, 
Glaucus  was  a  Fifherman,  whofe  Deification  happened  in 
a  comical  Manner.  His  Parentage  and  Country  ( 5 )  are  very 
varioufly  reporte'd^  but  he  was  an  excellent  Swimmer  and  a 
fkilful  Fifherman.  Having  one  Day  taken  a  large  Draught 
in  his  Nets,  he  obferved  with  Surprize,  that  the  Fifties  on 
tafting  a  certain  Herbjump'd  into  the  Sea  again.  Upon 
trying  the  Experiment,  he  follow'd  his  Guides  and  became  a 
Sea  God.  Some  afcribe  to  Glaucus  the  Gift  of  Prophecy, 
O^oid  has  not  forgot  his  Transformation  amongft  his  Meta» 
mofphofes  (6).  Firgilhzs  given  an  elegant  Lilt  ot  the  Sea 
Deities  in  his  fifth  jEneid  [j], 

(5)  Some  make  him  the  {on  oi  Mercury,  others  of  Neptune,  others  of 
Anthadon  j  on  account  of  his  Ikill  in  fwiniming  he  was  caji'd  Fontius, 
■  (6)  O'vid,  Lib.  XIII.   899. 

(yj  jEncid,  Lib.  v.  822. 


CHAP.     LIV. 

Of  Proteus  and  Phorcys,  witb  the  Gr^ese  and  Gor- 
gons,  Scylla  a7id  Charybdis. 

PROTEUS  was  the  Son  of  Rptunr,  by  the  Nymph 
Phtvnice,  and  w-s  by  iiis  Father  appointed  Keeper  of 
the  Phoebe,  or  Sea  Calves.  His  Refidence  was  at  Alexandria. 
in  Egypt,  from  whence  in  a  Journey  he  made  to  Pllegra  (i) 
he  married  the  Nymph  Torone^  who  bore  him  Tmolus  and  Te^ 
legonusy  both  klU'd  oy  Hercules  for  their  Cruelty  to  Strangers. 
Their  Fa'her  Proteus,  who  left  them  on  account  of  their  in- 
hofpitablc  Temper,  it  is  faid,  was  not  much  concern'd  at 

(»)  A  Town  in  Cafnpan la i 

A  a  their 


17S 


Fabulous   HISTORY 

their  Death.  By  Torone  he  had  alfo  three  Daughters,  Cahera^ 
Retia^  and  Idothea.  Proteus  had  the  Art  of  afluming  all 
Forms  (zj-i  as  alfo  ths  Gift  of  Prophecy  or  Divination* 
Orpheus  calls  him  the  uninjerfal  Principle  of  Nature. 

Hiftorians  make  Proteus  King  of  Carpathus  (^3  j,  who  on 
account  of  his  great  Chara6ler  for  Wifdom  and  Equity  was 
chofen  King  of  Egypt^  and  deify'd  after  his  Death.  Ac- 
cording to  Herodotus f  Paris  and  Helena  in  their  Flight  from 
Sparta^  were  receiv'd  at  his  Court,  where  Helen  continued 
all  the  Time  of  the  Trojan  Siege,  after  which  he  rellorM  her 
honourably  to  Menelaus. 

Proteus  is  ufually  reprefented  in  a  Chariot  drawn  by  Horfes, 
in  the  Form  of  Tritons. 

His  half  Brother  Phorcys  or  Phorcus^  was  the  Son  of  Nep- 
tune, by  the  Nymph  Thejea  f^J.  He  marry'd  his  Sifter  Cetoy 
by  whom  he  had  the  Phorcydes  and  Gorgons,  Thoofa  ( 5),  Scylla^ 
and  the  Serpent  which  guarded  the  Hefperian  Fruit.  He  was 
vanquifh'd  by  Atlas^  who  threw  him  into  the  Sea,  where  his 
Father  rais'd  him  to  the  Rank  of  a  Sea  God. 

The  Go'gons  were  in  all  four  Sifters,  of  whom  Medufa  was 
the  Chief.  They  had  Hair  like  Snakes,  Tu(ks  like  wild 
Boars,  brazen  Hands  and  golden  Wings,  On  the  Death  of 
their  Sifter  they  purfued  Perfeus,  who  fav'd  himfelf  by  put- 
ting on  the  Helmet  lent  him  by  Plutot  and  which  rendered 
him  invifible. 

The  Graa  were  their  Sifters,  and  are  reprefented  as  three 
old  Women  who  liv'd  in  Scythia,  and  had  but  one  Eye 
and  Tooth  in  common  amongft  them,  which  they  ufed  as 
they  had  Occafton,  and  afterwards  laid  it  up  in  a  Coffer. 
For  the  Prefervation  of  this  valuable  Legend  we  are  indebted 
to  Pal^phatus. 

(i)  See  O-v'id,  Lib.  VIII.  730. 

(3)  An  Ifland  in  the  JEgcan^  between  Rhodet  and  Crttti  now  call'd  Scar- 
panto. 

^4;  Others  call  him  the  Son  of  Portus  and  Terra. 
(SJ  By  who.n  Neptune  had  the  Cyclops  Polyphemus, 

Scylla 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  179 

Scylla  (6)^  another  Daughter  of  Phorcys,  by  her  Familiarity 
with  Glaucus,  excited  the  Jealoufy  of  Circe  Daughter  of  the 
Sun,  who  by  magick  Spells  or  Poifon,  fo  infeded  the  Foun- 
tain in  which  fhe  bathed,  that  (lie  became  a  Monlter  (j)t 
upon  which,  through  Defpair  at  the  Lofs  of  her  Beauty,  fhe 
threw  herfelf  into  the  Sea,  and  was  changed  into  a  Rock 
{8j  which  became  infamous  for  the  Multitude  of  Shipwrecks 
it  occafion'd.  Thofe  who  would  fee  a  beautiful  Defcrip- 
tion  of  Scylla  will  find  it  in  Firgil  fgj. 

Care  muft  be  taken  not  to  confound  this  Scyl/a  with  ano- 
ther of  the  fame  Name,  and  Daughter  of  Ny/us,  King  of 
Megara.  Minos  had  befieg'd  this  Monarch  in  his  Capital, 
but  the  Oracle  had  pronounced  Nyjui  invincible,  while  he 
preferv'd  a  purple  Lock  of  Hair  which  grew  on  his  Head, 
Scylla,  who  was  fecretly  in  Love  with  Minos,  betray'd  both  her 
Father  and  Country  into  his  Hands  by  cutting  off  the  Lock; 
but  the  Conqueror  deteiling  her  Treachery,  banifli'd  her  his 
Sight.  Unable  to  bear  the  Treatment  fne  fo  juftly  merited* 
ihe  caft  herfelf  into  the  Sea,  and  was  chang'd  into  a  Lark  ( lo). 
Her  Father  transforn^'d  into  an  Hawk  ftill  purfues  her  for 
her  Ingratitude  and  Perfidy. 

Charyhdis  was  a  female  Robber,  who  it  is  faid  ftole  Hercules^ 
Oxen,  and  was  by  Jupiter  on  that  account  changed  into  a 
Whirlpool  (ii)i  Vk^hich  is  very  dangerous  to  Sailors,  and  Jy- 

((i)  Some  make  her  the  Daughter  of  Phoronii  and  Hecate,  and  fay  that 
her  Misfortune  was  owing  to  the  Jealoufy  of  Ampbitnte,  for  her  cohabit- 
ing with  Ntptune. 

(I)  Authors  difagree  as  to  her  Form,  feme  fay  (he  retain'd  her  Beauty 
from  the  Neck  downwards,  but  had  fix  Dogs  Heads  ;  others  maintain, 
that  her  upper  Parts  continued  entire,  but  that  llie  had  below,  the  Body  of 
a  Wolf,  and  the  Tail  of  a  Serpent. 

(8)  It  lies  between  Sicily  and  Jt.ily,  and  the  Noife  of  the  Waves  beating 
on  it,  gave  rife  to  the  Fable  of  the  Barking  of  Dogs  and  howling  of  Wolves, 
atcrib'd  to  the  MonlUr. 

(9)  J^irgii  makes  her  chang'd  to  a  Rock,  which  confounds  her  with  fhe 
other  Scylla.     i^neid  Lib.  Ill,  424. 

(10)  0-vid,  Lib.  VIII.  142. 

(II)  An  Eddy,  or  Whirlpool,  on  the  Coaft  of  -S/V//)?  as  you  enter  the 
Fare  of  Me£ina.    See  Virgil,  i^neid  III.  420. 

A  a  2  ing 


1 8o  Fabulous  HISTORY 

ing  oppofite  to  the  Rock  ScyUa^  occafion'd  the  Proverb  of 
running  into  one  Danger  to  avoid  another  (iz)- 

(12)  Ircidit  in  Scyllam  qui  ■vult  'vitare  Charybdim, 


CHAP.     LV. 

Of  Pan  and  Faunus.      Of  the   Nymphs  and  the 
Goddeffes  Feronia  and  Pales. 

IT  is  novi'  Time  to  rev  i  fit  the  Earth  again,  and  fee  the  nu- 
merous Train  of  the  inferior  Peities,  appropriated  to  the 
Forefts,  Woods,  and  thofe  Recefles  of  Nature  whofe  Prof- 
.pe<St  fills  the  Imagination  with  a  Kind  of  a  religious  Av^^e  or 
Dread. 

Pan  the  principal  of  thefe,  is  faid  to  be  the  Son  of  Mercury 
and  Penelope  (i)  the  Wife  of  Ulyfes^  whom,  while  fhe  kept 
her  Fathers  Flocks  on  Mount  Taygetus,  he  deflower'd  in  the 
Form  of  a  White  Goat.  As  foon  as  born,  his  Father  car- 
ried him  in  a  Goat  Skin  to  Heaven,  where  he  charm'd  all 
the  Gods  with  his  Pipe;  fo  that  they  aflbciated  him  with 
Mercury  in  the  Poft  of  their  MefTenger.  After  this  he  was 
educated  on  Mount  Manalm  in  Arcadia  by  Sinoe  and  the 
other  Nymphs,  who  attra6l:ed  by  his  Mufic,  followed  him 
as  their  Condudor. 

Part,  though  devoted  to  the  Pleafures  of  a  rural  Life,  dif- 
tinguiflied  himfelf  by  his  Valour.  In  the  Giants  War  he 
entangled  Typhon  in  his  Nets,  as  we  have  already  obferved  ; 
he  attended  Bacchus  in  his  Indian  Expedition  with  a  Body  of 
Satyrs,  who  did  good  Service.  When  the  Gauls  invaded 
Greece,  and  were  about  to  pillage  the  Temple  of  Delphosy  he 
ftruck  them  with  fuch  a  fudden  Confternation  by  Night, 
that  they  fled  without  any  Body  to  purfue  them  (2).    He  alfo 

(i)  Some  fay  of  Perelope  and  a]I  her  Lovers,  whence  he  Vv^as  call'd  -«•'. 
(^)  Hence  the  Expreflion  of  a  Pannick^  for  a  fucldtn  fear  and  Terror. 

gided 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  j8i 

aided  the  Athenians  in  a  Sea  Fight  gain'd  by  Mihiades  over 
the  Perjtan  Fleet,  for  which  they  dedicated  a  Grotto  to  his 
Honour  under  the  Ci:adel. 

This  Deity  was  of  a  very  amorous  Conftitution.  In  a 
Conteft  with  CupU^  being  overcome,  that  little  God  puniih- 
ed  him  with  a  Paffion  for  the  Nymph  Syrinx^  who  treated 
him  with  Difdain.  But  being  clofely  purfued  by  him,  and 
{topped  in  her  Flight  by  the  River  Ladon,  Ihe  invoked  the 
Naiades,  who  chang'd  her  into  a  tuft  of  Reeds,  which  the 
difappointed  Lover  grafp'd  in  his  Arms.  Contemplating  a 
Transformation  fo  unfavourable  to  his  Defircs,  he  obferv'd 
the  Reeds  tremble  with  the  Wind,  and  emit  a  murmuring 
Sound.  Improving  this  Hint,  he  afTembled  then?,  and 
formed  the  Pipe  for  which  he  became  fo  famous.  His  other 
Amours  were  more  fuccefbful.  He  charm'd  Luna^  or  the 
Moon,  in  the  Shape  of  a  beautiful  Ram.  In  the  Difguife  of 
a  Shepherd,  he  becameServant  to  the  Father  of  Dryo/)^  (3)  in 
order  to  gain  accefs  to  his  Miflrefs.  By  the  Nymph  Echo 
(4)  he  had  a  Daughter  call'd  Irynge^  3.  famous  Sorcerefsr 
who  fupply'd  Medea  with  her  Philtres  5  but  Pan  afterwards 
{lighting  her  {he  retir'd  to  the  RecefTes  of  the  Hills,  where 
file  pin'd  with  Grief,  'till  fhe  dwindled  to  a  Shadow,  and 
had  nothing  left  but  a  Voice  (5) ;  others  afcribe  the  Change 
of  Echo  to  another  Caufe. 

According  to  Orpheus,  Pan  fignifies  univerfal  Nature,  of 
which  the  Elements  make  a  Part.  Pan  was  properly  the 
God  of  Shepherds  and  Hunters,  and  as  he  was  a  Mountain 
Deity,  the  Flocks  and  Herds  were  under  his  immediate 
Protection  and  Care.  He  was  likewifehonour'd  by  the  Fifh- 
ermen,  efpecially  thofe  who  inhabited  the  Promontaries 
wa{h'd  by  the  Sea. 

(3)  Dryope  rejefted  his  Suit;  but  was  afterwards  chang'd  into  the  Lotus 
Tree.     See  O'vid  Met.  Lib.  IX.  325. 

(4)  Some  fay  that  Echo  fell  in  Love  with  Narcijfus,  and  was  flighted  by 
him. 

(5)  It  is  reported,  that  Juno  punifli'd  Echo  in  this  Manner  for  her  Lo- 
quacity, bccaufe  when  Jupiter  was  engag'd  in  any  new  Amour^  he  fent 
this  Nymph  toamufe  his  jealous  Spoufe  with  her  Chat. 

He 


i82  Fabulous    HISTORY 

He  was  chiefly  efteem'd  in  Arcadia  his  native  Countiy, 
where  the  Shepherds  ofFer'd  him  Mijk  and  Honey  in  wooden 
Bowls,  If  fuccefsful  in  Hunting,  they  allotted  him  Part  of 
the  Spoil;  but  if  otherwife,  they  whipp'd  his  Image  hear- 
tily. At  Molpeus^  a  Town  near  the  City  Lyco/ura  he  had 
a  Temple  by  the  Title  of  Nomius^  becaufe  he  perfected 
the  Harmony  of  his  Pipe  on  the  Nomian  Mountains. 

The  Romans  adopted  him  amongft:  their  Deities  by  the 
Names  of  Lupercus  and  Lycaus,  His  Feftivals  call'd  Luper- 
calia^  and  celebrated  in  February^  were  inftituted  by 
E'vander^  who  being  exird  Arcadia  fled  for  Refuge  to  f annus 
King  of  the  Latins^  and  was  by  him  allow'd  to  fettle  near 
Mount  Palatine  (6).  Romulus  made  fome  Addition  to  thefe 
Ceremonies,  in  which  the  Luperci  or  Priefts  of  Pan,  ran  naked 
through  the  City,  ftriking  thofe  they  met  with  Things  made 
of  Goat  Skins,  particularly  the  Women,  who  fancy'd  that 
it  helped  their  eafy  Conception,  or  fpeedy  Delivery. 

Pan  is  reprefented  with  a  fmiling  ruddy  Face,  and  thick 
Beard  covering  his  Breafts,  two  Horns  on  his  Head 
with  the  Nofe,  Feet,  and  Tail  of  a  Goat.  He  is  cloath'd  in 
a  fpotted  Skin,  having  a  Shepherd's  Crook  in  one  Hand,  and 
his  Pipe  of  unequal  Reeds  in  the  other,  and  is  crown'd  with 
Pine,  that  Tree  being  confecrated  to  his  Service.  The  My.- 
thologifts  have  taken  Care  to  explain  all  thefe  Attributes  ac- 
cording to  their  own  Fancy  fyj. 

Faunus  (Sj  was  the  Son  of  Picus,  I^i"g  of  the  Latins,  who 
was  cotemporary  with  Orpheus.  He  reigned  in  Jtafy  at  the 
Time  that  Pandion  rul'd  Athens,  and  introduced  both 
Religion  and  Hufbandry  into  Latiufn.    He  deify'd  his  Fa- 

(d)  Where  he  had  a  Temple  built  afterwards. 

(-j)  His  upper  Part  was  human,  to  fhow  the  Splendor  and  Majefty  of 
the  Heavens  :  His  fpotted  Skin  denot^-d  the  ftarry  Firmament ;  the  ihaggi- 
nefs  ot  his  Thighs  and  Legs,  fignify'd  the  Trees  and  Shrubs  that  diverfify 
the  Earth  j  and  his  Goats  Feet  its  fol;dity  ;  his  Pipe  of  feven  Reeds,  fig- 
nify'd  the  feven  Pianets  ;  and  his  crooked  Sheep-Hook  the  Revolution  of 
the  Year.     A  wonderful  Explanation  ! 

(%)  The  Name  is  took  from  Fando,  fpeaking  or  foretelling. 

ther, 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  i%x 

ther,  and  his  Wife  Fauna  or  Fatua  fg).  He  had  the  Gift  of 
Prophecy.  His  Son  Stercutius  was  alfo  honoured  on  account 
of  his  fhewing  how  to  improve  Land  by  dunging  or  ma- 
nuring it.  The  Faunalia  were  kept  in  December  with  feafting 
and  much  Mirth,  and  the  Victims  offered  were  Goats. 

The  Fauni^  or  Children  of  Faunm^  were  vifionary  Beings 
much  Hke  the  Satyrs,  and  were'  ufually  crown'd  with  Pine. 
Both  Faunus  and  they  were  Deities  only  regarded  in  Italy^ 
and  wholly  unknown  to  the  Greeks. 

According  to  fome  the  Fauni  were  the  Hufbandmen, 
the  Satyrs  the  Vine  dreflers  and  the  Syhani  thofe  who 
cut  Wood  in  the  Forells,  who,  as  was  ufual  in  thofe  early 
7'imes,  being  drefs'd  in  the  Skins  of  Beafts,  gave  Rife  to 
thofe  fabulous  Deities. 

The  Terreftrial  Nymphs  were  divided  into  fcveral 
ClafTes.  The  Heathen  Theology  took  Care  that  no  Part  of 
Nature  fhould  remain  uninformed  or  unprote6led.  The 
Oreades  or  Orejieades  prefided  over  the  Mountains  (\o)»  Of 
thefe,  Diana  had  a  Thoufand  ready  to  attend  her  at  her  Plea- 
fure.  It  is  faid  they  firft  reclaim'd  Men  from  eating  or  de- 
vouring each  other,  and  taught  the  Ufe  of  vegetable  Food. 
MeliJJa^  onQ  of  thefe,  was  the  Inventrefs  of  Honey  fii^. 
The  Nape^eyNQie.  the  tutelar  Guardians  of  Vallies  and  flowry 
Meads.  The  Dryades  inhabited  the  Forefts  and  Woods, 
refiding  in  their  particular  Trees,  with  which  they  were 
thought  to  be  coeval,  as  feveral  Inftances  prove  (12).  The 
Oak  was  generally  their  Choice,  either  from  its  Strength  or 
Duration.     Some  were  call'd  Hamadryades,  whofe  Exillence 

(())  Some  add  (he  was  his  fjfter  and  a  Prieftefs.  Ke  whipped  her  to 
Death  with  Myrtle  Rods  for  being  drunk,  and  then  made  her  a  Goddtfs  j 
for  which  Reafon  no  Myrtle  was  us'd  in  her  Teniples  j  the  VelTcls  were 
cover'd,  and  the  Wine  ofFcr'd  was  call'd  Milk. 

(10)  Some  make  them  five  only,  and  eall  them  the  Daughters  of  Heca- 
taus  ;  but  Homer  ftyles  them  the  Offspring  of  Jupiter. 

(11)  Whence  the  Bees  are  call'd  MeliJJ'a. 

(12)  ^rf^5  preferving  a  decay'd  Oak,  by  watering  the  Roots,  v/ai  re- 
wardtd  by  marrying  the  Nymph  who  refided  m  it, 

was 


184  Fabulous    HISTORY 

was  infeparably  united  to  that  of  the  Tree  they  animated. 
The  Naiades  were  the  Nymphs  of  the  Brooks  and  Rivers ; 
the  Limniades  frequented  the  Lakes,  and  the  Ephydriades  de- 
lighted in  Springs  and  Fountains.  Thus  all  the  Face  of  Na- 
ture became  enliven'd  by  the  Force  of  Imagination,  and  the 
Poets  did  not  fail  to  improve  fo  ample  a  Field  for  Defcrip- 
tion.  The  Mythologifts  deftroy  all  this  fine  Landfcape,  by 
making  the  Nymphs  only  fignify  the  univerfal  Moifture 
which  is  diffas'd  through  all  Sorts  of  Nature. 

There  were  alfo  celeflial  Nymphs  of  a  higher  Rank,  who 
attended  the  Dii  Majorcs.  Jupiter  boafts  of  his  in  O'vid  f  1 3  j  • 
The  Mufes  were  the  Nymphs  or  Attendants  oi  Apollo,  as  the 
BaJJarides  or  Mcenades  belong'd  to  Bacchus.  Juno  had  four- 
teen who  waited  on  her  ^14^  Perfon;  and  Neptune  had  no 
lefs  than  fifty  Nereides  at  his  Beck,  on  which  account  he  was 
Caird  Ny?nphagater^  or  the  Captain  of  the  Nymphs  (l^)- 

The  ufual  Sacrifices  to  thefe  Deities  were  Goats ;  but 
more  commonly  Milk^  Oil,  Honey  and  Wine,  The  Nymphs 
were  always  reprefented  as  young  and  beautiful  Virgins,  and 
drefsM  in  fuch  Manner  as  was  fuitable  to  the  Character  af- 
crib'd  to  them. 

To  the  Train  of  Pan  we  may  join  two  rural  GoddefTes, 
of  v/hom  the  firft  is  Feronia,  or  the  Goddefs  of  Woods  and 
Orchards  ( 1 6).  It  is  id^xA  ^q  Lacedemonians  firft  introduced 
her  Worlhip  into  Italy  under  Blander ^  and  built  her  a  Tern- 
*  pie  in  a  Grove  near  Mount  SoraSle.  This  Edifice  being  fet 
on  Fire,  and  extinguifhed,  the  Neighbours  refolv'd  to  re- 
move her  Statue,  when  the  Grove  became  green  again  of  a 
fudi'en  ( 1 7).  Strabo  tells  us  that  her  Pried  or  Votaries  could 
walk  barefoot  over  burning  Coals  unhurt.  Slaves  receiv'd 
the  Cap  of  Liberty  in  her  Temple,  on  which  account  they 
regarded  her  as  their  Patronefs. 

(13)  O'vid  Metam,  Lib.  I. 

(  14.J  yirgily  ^neid  I.  75. 

(t^)  See  Heft sd  and  Pindar, 

(16)  From  Fero,  to  bear  or  produce. 

(ijj  This  Miracle  is  afcrib'd  to  oiher  Deities, 

Pales 


Of  the  Heathen  God-*  iSj; 

Vales  was  the  proteding  Deity  of  Shepherds  and  Pafturage. 
Her  Feftival  was  obferved  by  the  Country  People  in  71/^^,  in 
the  open  Fields,  and  the  Offerings  were  yUk^  and  Cakes  of 
Millet,  in  order  to  engage  her  to  defend  their  Floclcs  from 
wild  Beads,  and  infectious  Difeafes.  Thefe  Feafts  were 
call'd  Palilia.  Some  make  Pales  the  fame  with  Vejla  or 
Cybele.     This.Goddefs  is  reprefented   as  an  old  Woman. 

Both  thefe  Deities  were  peculiar  to  the  Romans,  and  wholly 
unknown  in  Greece, 


CHAP.     LVI. 
Of  PRIAPUS  and  TERMINUS. 

PRIA  PUS  was,  as  the  Generality  of  Authors  agree, 
the  Son  of  Bacchus  and  Fenus  ii).  This Goddefs  meet- 
ing him  in  his  Return  from  his  hdian  Expedition,  their  amo- 
rous Congrefs  produced  this  Child,  who  was  born  at  Lamp/a- 
CMS  (t),  but  fo  deformed,  that  his  Mother,  afham'd  of  him, 
abandon'd  him  ('},),  Being  grown  up,  the  Inhabitants  cf 
that  Place  baniHi'd  him  their  Territory,  on  account  of  his 
Vices ;  but  being  vifited  with  an  epidemical  Difeafe,  upon 
confulting  the  Oracle  of  Dodona,  he  was  recall'd  (^).  And 
l^mples  were  ere6led  to  him  as  the  tutelarDeity  of  Vineyards 
and  Gardens,  to  defend  them  from  Thieves  and  Birds,  de- 
ilruflive  to  the  Fruit. 

Priapus  had  feveral  Names.  He  was  call'd  A^iftupor  for 
the  Reafon  juft  mentioned.  7'he  Title  of  Hellcfpontiacus  was 
given  him,  becaufe  Lampfacus  was  feated  on  that  Streight  or 
Arm  of  the  Sea.  It  is  uncertain  how  he  came  by  the  Epi- 
thet of  bonus  Deus  afcrib'd  to  him  by  Phurmttius.     Thofe  of 

(i)  Some  make  him  the  Son  of  Bacchus  and  Nais ;  others  fay  Chior.c 
was  his  Mother. 

(2)  A  City  of  Myf.a  at  the  Mouth  of  the  Helhfpor.t. 

(3)  Some  fay  that  Juro  being  callrl  to  affift  at  the  Labour,  out  of  Ha- 
tred to  Bacchus  the  Son  of  her  Rival  Semde,  fpoilt  the  Infant  in  the  Birth. 

(a)  Others  fiy.  that  the  Women  of  Lampfacus  prevail  d  on  their  Huf- 
bands  to  recall  him. 

B  b  Phallus 


i86  Fabulous  HISTORY 

Phallus  and  Vafcinum  were  aiTign'd  him  on  a  very  obfcene 
Account,  and  indeed  his  whole  Figure  convey'd  fuch  an 
Idea  of  Uglinefs  and  Lewdnefs,  that  the  Poets  generally  treat 
him  with  great  Contempt  (^).  The  Sacrifice  ofFer'd  him 
was  the  Afsy  either  becaufe  of  the  natural  uncomlinefs  of 
that  Animal  and  its  flrong  Propcnfity  to  Venery,  or  becaufe 
as  fome  fay,  Pnapus  attempting  the  Chaftity  of  Vefta  when 
afleep,  fhe  was  awakened  by  the  Braying  of  old  Silenus  his 
J/s^  and  fo  efcaped  the  Injury  defign'd  her. 

This  Deity  is  ufually  rcprefented  naked,  with  a  flern 
Countenance,  matted  Hair,  and  carrying  a  wooden  Sword 
(6),  or  Sickle  in  his  Hand,  and  with  a  monftrous  Privity,  from 
whence  downward  his  Body  ended  in  a  fhapelefs  Trunk  or 
Block  of  Timber. 

Some  of  the  Mphologijii  make  his  Birth  allude  to  that  radi- 
cal Moifture,  which  fupports  all  vegetable  Productions,  and 
which  is  produced  by  Bacchus  and  Venus^  that  is  the  Solar 
Heat,  and  the  Water,  or  liquid  Matter  whence  Fcjws  is  faid 
to  fpring.  But  the  Truth  is,  that  Priapus  is  no  more  than 
the  Baaloi  the  Phcsnidans  mentioned  in  Scripture,  who  was 
depiCtur'd  in  the  fame  rude  and  obfcene  Manner. 

With  Priapus  we  may  aflbciate  Terminus y  a  very  antient 
Deity  amongft  the  Romans^  whofe  Worfhip  was  tirft  infti- 
tuted  by  ISluina  Pompilius,  who  ereded  him  a  Temple  on  the 
Tarpeian  Hill  (7).  This  Deity  was  thought  to  prefide  over 
the  Stones  or  Landmarks,  cali'd  Termini^  which  were  heldfo 
facred,  that  it  was  Sacrilege  to  move  them,  and  the  Crimi- 
nal becoming  devoted  to  the  Gods,  it  was  lawful  for  any 
Man  to  kill  him. 

The  Feaiis  cali'd  -TcrmincJia^  were  celebrated  annually 
about  the  End  of  February^  when  the  antient  Termini,  or 
Landmarks,  were  carefully  vifited  and  crown'd  with  Gar- 
lands.   At  hriT:  the  Sacrifices  to  thefe  rural  Deities  were  very 


(5)  /7-rc7/.  Safyr  Vlir. 

(6)  /^//-^//Gcors'.  IV. 

(7)  Which  wao  oj-cn  at  Top. 


fimplc 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  187 

fimple,  fuch  as  Wheat  Cakes  and  the  firft  Fruits  of  the  Field, 
with  Milk  (8);  but  in  later  Times  the  Victims  were  Lambs* 
and  Sows  that  gave  fuck,  whofe  Blood  was  fprinkled  upon 
the  Stones. 

The  Roman  Termini  were  fquare  Stones,  or  Pofts,  much 
refembling  our  Mile-Stones  (9). 

(8)  To  fhew  that  no  Force  or  Violence  fhould  be  ufed  in  fettling  mutual 
Boundaries. 
f  9;  O'vid  Fajii,  Lib.  II. 


CHAP.     LVII; 
Of    FLORA. 

TH  E  Poets  make  this  Goddefs  the  fame  with  Chkris 
the  Wife  of  Zephyrm  (i\  mention'd  by  Ory/Vj  but  the 
Hiftorians  agree  that  ihe  was  a  celebrated  Roman  Courtefan> 
who  having  amafs'd  a  confiderable  Fortune  by  her  Profeflion, 
made  the  Roman  People  her  Heirs,  on  Condition  that  certain 
Games  call'd  Fhralia  might  be  annually  celebrated  on  her 
Birth  Day.  The  Senate  to  give  a  Glofs  to  fo  infamous  a 
Proftitution  of  Religion,  pretended  this  Feftival  was  defign'd 
in  Honour  of  Flora,  a  certain  Sabifie  Goddefs  who  prefided 
over  Flowers.  Thefe  Sports  were  held  in  the  Campus  Mar- 
tius,  and  proclaim'd  by  Sound  of  Trumpet.  But  no  Women 
appeared  at  them,  but  the  moft  immodeft  Part  of  the  Sex 
(2)^  fo  that  when  Cato,  during  his  Cenfor/J-Ap^  came  to  be- 
hold them,  they  fufpended  the  Ceremonies  through  Shame, 
till  he  thought  fit  to  withdraw  ;  fuch  an  Influence  had  the 
Virtue  of  one  Man  over  a  corrupt  and  diilolute  Multitude. 

According  to  Flutarch\  Defcription,  Florae  Image  In  the 
Temple  of  Cajior  and  Pollux^  was  drefs'd  in  a  clofe  Habit> 
holding  in  her  Hands  the  Flowers  of  Peas  and  Beans  ;  for  at 
the  Celebration  of  her  Rites  the  i^diles  fcatter'd  thefe  and 

(i)  O'vid  Fajli. 

(2)  Ju-venal,  Sat.  VI. 

B  b  2  other 


i88  Fah'ous  U  I  S  T  O  RY 

Other  Pulfe  amongfl:  the  People  f^).  The  modern  Pceti' 
and  Painters  have  fet  ofF  her  Charms  in  a  more  lavifh  Man- 
ner, and  not  without  Reafon,  fmce  no  Part  of  Nature 
affords  fuch  innocent  and  exquifite  Entertainment  to  the 
Sight  and  Smell,  as  the  Variety  which  adorns,  and  the 
Odours  which  embalm  the  foral  World. 

(3)  See  Vakriui  Maximtn,  Lib.  II. 


C  H  A  P.     LVIir. 
Of  PO M  O  N  A  and  V  E  R T U  M N  U  S. 

TH  E  Goddefs  Fomona  was  a  Lattan  Nymph,  whom 
that  Nation  honour'd  as  the  tutelar  Deity  of  Or- 
chards and  Fruit  Trees  (i),  Fertufnnus  (the  Proteus  of 
the  Romati  Pvitual)  (2)  was  the  God  of  Tradejmen^  and  from 
the  Power  he  had  of  afTuming  any  Shape,  was  believed  to 
prefide  over  the  Thoughts  of  Mankind.  His  Feflivals  cail'd 
Vcrtumnalia^  were  celebrated  in  Odober, 

Vertumnus  his  Courtfnip  makes  one  of  the  moft  elegant 
and  entertaining  Stories  in  O'vid  f  3 j.  Under  the  Difguife  of 
an  old  Woman  he  vifited  the  Gardens  of  Pomona^  whom  he 
found  employ'd  in  looking  after  her  Plantations.  He  artfully 
praifes  the  Beauty  of  her  Fruit,  and  commends  the  Care 
which  produced  it.  Thence  from  the  View  of  the  Vine 
fupported  by  the  Elm,  he  infmuates  to  her  the  Necellity  and 
Pleafure  of  a  married  Life.  The  Goddefs  heard  all  his  Elo- 
quence with  an  indifferent  Ear.  Her  Heart  remained  un- 
touch'd,  till  throwing  off  his  Difguife,  the  God  affum'd  his 
youthful  Beauty,  and  by  his  Form  foon  gain'd  the  Goddefs's 
Confent  to  make  him  happy. 

( 1 )  So  call'd  from  Tomm  an  Apple,  which  was  the  Fruit  firft  cultivated 
in  Italy. 

(2)  Becaufe  of  the  Turns  or  Fluftuations  to  which  Trade  is  fubjed:. 

(3)  Owd,  Lib,  XIV.  622. 

Some 


^a^e^  i8d- 


I  ^u--i/m.  i^TViy.  %tr{£e/4^ 


^Z^  tjbruM.  t''r<^ 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  189 

Some  imagine  Vcrtuvinus  an  Emblem  of  the  Year,  which 
though  it  afiumes  different  Drefles,  according  to  the  different 
Seuibns,  is  at  no  Time  fo  agreeable  as  in  Autumn,  when  the 
Harvefl  is  crown'd,  and  the  richeft  Fruits  appear  in  their 
full  Perfcdlion  and  Luftre.  The  Hiftorians  fay,  that  this 
God  was  an  antient  Tufcan  Prince,  who  firft  taught  his  Sub- 
jedls  to  plant  Orchards,  and  to  graft  and  prune  Fruit  Trees  ; 
from  whence  he  is  faid  to  have  married  Pomona, 

Both  thefe  Deities  were  unknown  to  the  Greeksy  and  only 
honoui'd  by  the  Romans, 


CHAP.    LIX. 

Of  the  Lares  aid  Penates,  and  Genii; 

THE  Lares  were  the  Offspring  of  Mercury.  The 
Nymph  Lara  having  offended  Jupiter^  by  difdofing 
fome  of  his  Intrigues  to  Juno,  that  Deity  ordered  her  Tongue 
to  be  cut  out,  and  banifhed  her  to  the  infernal  Manfions. 
Nercury  who  was  appointed  to  condutft  her  into  Exile,  ra- 
vilh'd  her  by  the  Way,  and  fhe  brought  forth  the  Lares  (i). 

Thefe  Deities  not  only  prefided  over  the  Highways,  and 
the  Confervation  of  the  publiclc  Safety,  but  ahb  over  private 
Houfes,  in  moft  of  which  the  Remans  had  a  particular  Place 
call'd  Lararium,  where  were  depofited  the  Images  of  their 
domeftic  Gods,  the  Statutes  of  their  Ancefbrs,  and  the 
Lares. 

Their  Feftival  call'd  Co-%///^?//«  was  celebrated  in  January, 
in  the  open  Streets  and  Roads.  At  firft  Boys  were  facrificed 
to  them,  but  that  Sa\-age  Cuftom  was  foon  difufed,  and 
Images  of  Wool  and  Straw  (2),  with  the  firft  Fruits  of  the 
Earth,  Wine,  Incenfe,  and  Garlands  of  Flowers  were  the 

(i)  O'vidYad.  Lib.  II. 

(2)  They  bung  up  as  many  Images  as  there  were  Perfons  of  all  Sexes 
3nd  Ages  in  the  Family,  gnd  a  woollen  Ball  for  every  Servant. 

Offerings. 


190  Fabulous  HISTORY 

Offerings.  When  the  Roman  Youth  laid  afide  the  Bulla,  (an 
Ornament  they  conftantly  wore  (3)  till  fourteen  Years  of 
Age)  they  confecrated  or  hung  it  up  to  \\\t-LareSf  who 
were  regarded  as  infernal  as  well  as  domeftic  Deities. 

The  Antients  fuppofed,  f  according  to  fome  Authors)  that 
the  Souls  of  Men  after  Death  became  a  Kind  of  Demons, 
call'd  Lemur es  (^).  Thefe  they  fubdivided  into  two  Clafies, 
the  one  benevolent  and  friendly  to  Mankind,  which  they 
term'd  Lares,  the  other  who  being  wicked  during  Life,  re- 
tain'd  a  malicious  Difpofition  in  their  difembodied  State. 
Thefe  they  flyl'd  Larija. 

The  Lares  were  reprefented  as  young  Boys  with  Dogs 
Skins  about  their  Bodies  (^),  and  with  their  Heads  cover'd, 
which  was  a  Sign  of  that  Freedom  and  Liberty,  which  Men 
ought  to  enjoy  in  their  own  Houfes.  They  had  always  the 
Image  of  a  Dog  near  them,  to  denote  their  Fidelity  in  pre- 
ferving  the  Places  allotted  to  their  Charge,  on  which  Ac- 
count this  Animal  was  peculiarly  confecrated  to  them.  Some 
confound  thefe  with  the  Penates  and  Genii, 

(3)  The  Bulla  was  a  golden  Ornament  fliap'd  like  a  Heart,  but  hollow. 

(4)  So  call'd  from  Rtmui  Brother  of  Romulus,  whofe  Ghoft  haunted  his 
Brother.  The  Lemuralia  were  celebrated  the  Middle  of  May,  during 
which  it  was  unlawful  to  marry, 

(5)  Some  fay  the  Images  were  like  Dogs. 


CHAP.    LX. 
Of  the   PENATES. 

THE  Penates  fi)  v/ere  the  Deities  who  prcfided  over 
new  born  Infants,  and  were  domeftic  Deities.  7'he 
antient  Hetrufci  call'd  them  Confentes  or  Complices,  though 
others  reduce  them  to  four  of  the  DH  Majores  (2).     There 

(i)  So  call'd  from  P^-waj,  within,  cither  becaufe  they  prefide  over  our 
J,:ves,  or  were  placed  in  the  inncrmort  Parts  of  the  Houfe. 
(a)  Viz.  jiifiury  Juno,  ]\Luirn:a  and  Vtfia. 

were 


Of  the  Heathen  GoDf?»  191 

were  three  Clafles  or  Ranks  of  them.  FirJ}^  Thofe  who  pre- 
fided  over  Empires  and  States  (3).  5'^f««</,  Thofe  who  had 
the  Protedlon  of  Cities.  T>6/W,  Thofe  who  took  the  Care  or 
Guardianfhip  of  private  Families,  and  were  call'd  the  leiTer 
Penates  (4), 

Thefe  Domeftick  Gods  were  plac'd  in  the  iitmoft  Recefs 
of  the  Houfe,  thence  call'd  Penetrah  (5).  We  find  Bar- 
danus  brought  them  from  Samothra(;ia  to  Troy,  from  whence 
on  the  Deftrudtion  of  that  City,  jEneas  tranfported  them  to 
Italy.  They  were  reckoned  fo  facred,  that  the  Expreilioa 
of  driving  a  Man  from  his  Penates  (6)  was  us'd  to  fignify 
his  being  profcrib'd,  or  expell'd  his  Country. 

Some  fay  that  the  Penates  v/ere  Iron  or  brazen  Rods,  of  a 
conic  Form  towards  the  End.  Others,  that  they  were  the 
minute  Figures  of  young  Men  carrying  Spears  in  their 
Hands. 

(3)  'Virgil,  iEneid  III.  14.8. 

(4)  i^neid  VIII.  543. 

(5)  See  Horace,  Lib.  IV.  Ode  4.  26. 

(6)  Virgil,  i^neid  IV.  21. 


CHAP.    LXI. 
Of  the    G  E  N  I  I. 

SO  M  E  do  not  diftinguifh  between  thefe,  and  the  Penates 
or  Lares ;  but  they  were  very  different.  The  Antients 
who  multiply'd  their  Divinities,  in  Proportion  to  the  Pro- 
grefs  of  Superftition,  aflign'd  to  every  Thing  its  Guardian 
or  peculiar  Genius,  Cities,  Groves,  Fountains,  Hills,  were 
all  provided  with  Keepers  of  this  Kind,  and  to  each  Man 
(i)  they  allotted  no  lefs  than  two,  one  Good,  the  other  5^^ 
(z)^  who  attended  them  from  the  Cradle  to  the  Grave.    The 

(i)  One  of  whom  prompted  them  to  ill,  the  other  excited  them  to 
good  Anions. 

(2}  Horace,  Lib.  II.   Epifl.  2* 

Greeh 


1^2  Fabtilciis  HISTORY. 

Gr<?^^/ caird  them  Dawons  f^).  They  were  named  Pr^Jfitet^ 
from  their  Superintendance  over  human  Affairs  (/^). 

The  Sacrifices  ofrcr'd  thefe  Divinities  vv^ere  Wine  ($) 
and  Flovi^ers  (6)^  to  which  they  join'd  Incenfe,  parch'd 
Wheat  and  Salt.  Sometimes  the  Vidim  was  a  Swine  ('])i 
though  Animal  Offerings  were  not  ufual  to  them.  The 
Genii  were  reprefented  under  various  Figuresj  fuch  as  thofe  of 
Boys^  Gir/sy  old  Men,  and  even  Serpents.  Thefe  Images 
were  crowii'd  with  Plane  Tree  Leaves,  which  was  a  Tree 
confecrated  to  the  Genii. 

By  GeniUs  is  meant  the  adive  Power  or  Force  of  Nature^ 
from  whence  the  Nuptial  Bed  is  ftiled  Genial,  and  the  fame 
Epithet  given  to  all  Occafions  wherein  focial  Joys  and  Plea* 
fures  are  felt.  Hence  alfo  the  ExprefTions  of  indulging  our 
Gcniusy  that  is)  living  happily,  or  according  to  our  Inclina-' 
tions,  confulting  our  Genius,  for  examining  how  far  our  Ca" 
pacity  extends,  and  the  Term  of  a  great  Genius  for  an  exalted 
or  comprehenfive  Mind.  The  later  Ramans  in  the  degene- 
rate Days  of  the  State,  introduced  the  fervile  Flattery  of 
fwearing  by  the  Genii  of  their  Emperors,  and  the  Tyrant 
Caligula  putfeveral  to  Death  for  refufmg  to  take  the  Oath. 

(3)  From  hui/-ccivoj  to  frighten  or  terrify.  Of  this  kind  was  that  Ap- 
parition, which  it  is  faid  appeared  to  the  great  Brutus  the  Night  before  the 
Battle  of  Phil/if^pi,  and  being  afked  who  he  was,  reply'd  flernly,  lam  rhy 
E-jil  Genius,  Brutus,  thou   fhalt  fee  me  at  Fhillippi,  to  which  the  Philo- 

fophic  Roman  anfwer'd  with  a  composed  Dignity  worthy  of  himfelf, / 

will  meet  thee  there. 

(4)  Or  becaufe  they  carried  the  Prayers  of  Men  to  Heaven,  and  inter- 
ceded for  them  there. 

(5)  Perfius,  Sat.  VI. 

(6)  Horat.  Epift.  II.  Lib.  I. 

(7)  Some  afr^i  t  no  Blood  was  fufFer'd  to  be  fpilt  in  their  Sacrifices. 


CHAP. 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  193 

CHAP.    LXII. 

Of  Ifis,  Ofiris,    or  Serapis:  Of  the    Cabirij    ani 
Apis  or  Mnevis. 

TO  Clofe  the  Catalogue  there  remain  three  Egyptian 
Deities,  whofe  Worihip  was  very  late  introduced  into 
Rome^  I  mean  JJisy  Ofiris  or  Serapis,  We  have  already  fhewii 
the  Antiquity  of  thefe  fabulous  Gods,  and  how  they  gave 
Original  to  almoft  all  the  different  Divinities  adored  in 
Greece  and  Rome  j  JunOy  Minernja,  Cybele^  Vejia^  Rhea^  Diana, 
Luna^  Hecate^  Projerpine^  Ceres  and  VenuSy  were  all  no  other 
than  Ifis  reprefented  under  various  Figures,  and  attended 
with  different  Attributes.  On  the  other  Hand,  Ofiris  of 
Serapisj  gave  Rife  to  Saturn^  Jupiter^  Neptune^  Pluto^  Jpollo, 
Bacchus  and  jEfculapius,  from  the  Diverfity  of  Characters  he 
affumed. 

Ifis  an(l  Serapis  had  a  joint  Temple  at  Rofne.  Their  Prieds 
were  called  Ifiaci.  They  abftain'd  from  Mutton  and  Por^^ 
wore  a  Linnen  Veil  ( i ),  and  Paper  Shoes,  and  ufed  no  Salt 
to  their  Viduals,  leaft  they  fhould  violate  their  Chaftity.  Some 
make  Ifis  the  Goddefs  of  Wifdom,  from  an  Infcription  in 
her  Temple  (2).*  She  was  worfhipped  in  Crete^  where  OnjiJ 
gives  a  remarkable  Story  of  her  Power,  which  however  po- 
etical, is  too  long  to  be  inferted  in  a  Work  of  this  nature  (3). 

Before  we  conclude  this  Article,  it  may  not  be  improper 
to  mention  the  Cabin',  and  the  Jpis,  or  Ox,  adored  in  Egypt. 

The  Cahiri  (4),  were  three  great  Deities  introduced  from 
Egypt  into  Samothracia,  and  the  j^geanldes,  by  Way  of  P>^^- 
nicia.     Thefe  were  Ofiris,   Ifis  and  Horus,  who  affumed  the 

(1)  Becaufe  Ifts  was  faid  firft  to  have  taught  the  Ufe  of  FJax.  See  the 
Article  of  Pa/las. 

(2)  Recorded  hy  Plutarch  in  his  //?;  ;  I  am  every  Tbirgthat  has  been, 
that  iiy  and p3 all  be,  nor  has  arty  Mortal  opened  my  ydl, 

{^)  Ofid,  Lib.  IX.  667. 

(^)  From  Cabbirim,  the  Powerful  or  Mighty. 

C  c  Name? 


194  Fabulous   HISTORY 

Names  of  ^Ar/Vr<7j,  Axiocherfuy  and  Jxiocherfos  (^).  To  thefe 
fome  add  a  Fourth,  call'd  Cafmillus  or  Camillus  (6),  who  was 
the  Egyptian  Anubti.  This  Groupe  we  have  fhewn  in  the  Ex- 
planations of  the  preceding  Articles,  to  be  the  Source  and 
Foundation  of  all  the  Heathen  Theology. 

The  Apis  was  the  miraculous  Ox  worfhipp'd  in  Egypt,  par- 
ticularly at  Memphis  (7).  He  had  certain  Marks  (8),  which 
betokened  his  Divinity,  and  when  duly  recognized,  was 
lodged  in  a  fplendid  Temple,  and  treated  with  divine  Ho- 
nours. The  Inhabitants  of  Heliopolisy  who  made  a  fepa- 
rate  Dynafty  or  Province,  had  their  particular  Apis^  which 
they  call'd  Afenes^  or  Mnenjis  (9).  When  the  facred  Ox  died, 
or  (as  fometimes  happened)  {10)  was  deftroy'd,  he  was  in 
terr'd  with  great  Ceremony  and  Lamentation,  and  was  call'd 
Serapis  (11),  a  Name  which  became  appropriated  afterwards 
to  Pluto^  or  the  infernal  OJiris,  A  new  SucceiTor  was  foon 
founcTto  fill  his  Place,  and  the  Priefts  took  care  to  keep  up 
a  Superftition,  which  they  found  the  Sweets  of.  When 
Cambyfes  conquer'd  Egypt  he  treated  /^pis  a  little  rudely,  and 
fufficiently  fhew'd  the  God  was  mortal  (12).  A  Proteftant 
Divine  very  gravely  obferves,  that  his  Sacrilege  did 
not  pafs  unpunifhed,  as  if  the  Ox  had  been  really  endued 
with  the  Chara6ler  of  Divinity  afcrib'd  to  him. 

(i)  Bochart  mikes  y^xieroif  Cerei',  Axiocherfos,  Pluto  t  zn6.  Prefer  pine 
Axiocberfa.  Others  Tuppofe  they  mean  y«/)z><:r,  Ceres  and  Bacchus  i  out 
all  agree  in  fuppofing  Camilla,  Mercury  and  Anuhis  to  he  the  fame. 

(6)  The  antient  Etrurians  zn^  Sabtatis,  by  the  Word  Camillus^  fignify'd 
a  Meflenger,  which  is  the  very  Charaderirtick  of  Mercury. 

(7)  The  reprefenting  Ofins  with  a  Bull's  Head,  gave  Rife  to  the  Deifi- 
cation of  the  Ox. 

(8)  Herodotus  has  given  us  a  Defcription  of  thefe  Marks  }  his  Body  was 
black,  his  Forehead  had  a  white  fquare  Ihining  Mark,  his  Back  the  Figure 
or  Impreffion  of  an  Eagle  5  he  had  under  his  Tongue  a  Node  call'd  a  Can' 
tharus,  and  Hair  of  two  Sorts  on  his  Tail. 

(9)  Mer.es  or  Mncjis,  the  Legiflator  iromManab,  to  govern  or  rule, 
At^is  fignifies  the  mofi  Migbty. 

(10)  When  they  found  a  Calf  vv'ith  the  proper  Marks,  they  often  drown'd 
privately  the  old  Apis. 

(11)  From  5ar,  to  difappear  or  retire,  comes  Surapis  or  Serapis.  See 
Judges  xvi,  20. 

(12)  He  Itabb'd  the  Apis  in  the  Thigh  with  his  Dagger. 

The 


I 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  195 

The  Wolf,  Dog  (13),  and  Ram  had  alfo  divine  Honours 
paid  them  in  Egyp,  the  People  of  which  Country  at  laft  de- 
generated into  fuch  grofs  Superftition,  that  they  allow'd 
even  their  Garden-ftufF  a  Share  in  their  Devotion  (14). 

(13)  As  the  Wolves  in  their  Marches,  or  crofling  a  River,  follow  one 
another  in  a  Line,  fo  the  ££y/'/.'a«i  corredled"  this  Symbol  to  denote  the 
Twelve  Months  of  the  Year,  fucceeding  each  other  without  Interruption. 
Hence  the  Greeks  borrow'd  their  Lyceum^  and  call'd  the  Year  Lycabaif  i,  e, 
the  March  of  the  Wol'ves. 

(14)  JwvenalS^t.  XV. 


CHAP.     LXIII. 

Of  the  inferior  Deities  attending  Mankind  from  their 
Birth  to  their  Beceafe, 

IT  would  be  a  Tafk  almofi:  endlefs  to  enter  into  a  minute 
Detail  of  the  inferior  Deities  acknowledg'd  by  the  Greeks 
and  Romans^  and  indeed  as  the  Pagan  Religion  is  now  en- 
tirely abolifh'd,  the  Names  of  thefe  vifionary  Beings,  only 
regarded  by  the  Vulgar,  occur  fo  feldom  in  the  Clailic  Au- 
thors, that  it  is  fufficient  barely  to  mark  their  Denomina- 
tions, fmce  we  know  little  more  relating  to  them. 

During  Pregnancy^  the  tutelar  Powers  were  the  God  P/- 
lumnui  ( I ),  and  the  GoddelTes  Intercidona  (2)  and  Deverra 
(l).  The  Signification  of  thefe  Names  feems  to  point  out 
the  NecefTity  of  Warmth  and  Cleanlinefs  to  Perfons  in  this 
Condition. 

Befides  the  fuperior  Goddefles  Jum-Luchia^  Diana-Ilythia^ 
and  Latona,  who  all  prefidcd  at  the  Birth,  there  were  the 
Goddefles  Egeria  f^J,  Pro/a  f^J,  and  Manageneta   (6),  who 

(i)  Either  from  Pilum  a  Peftle  j  or  from  PeHo,  to  drive  away,  becaufe 
he  procur'd  a  fafe  Delivery. 

(z)  She  taught  the  Art  of  cutting  Wood  with  a  Hatchet  to  make  Fires. 
(%)  The  Inventrefs  of  Brooms. 
(^)  From  carting  out  the  Birth. 
(^)  Aulas  GelliuSf  cap,  xix. 
(6)  Mlian» 

C  c  2  with 


jg6  Fabulous    HISTORY 

with  the  Dii  Nixii  (y),  had  all  the  Care  of  Women  in 
Labour. 

To  Children,  Janus  performed  the  Office  of  Door-keeper 
or  Midwife,  and  in  this  Qiiality  was  affifted  by  the 
Goddefs  Opis  or  Ops  (S)  ;  Cuma  rock'd  the  Cradle  while 
Carmenta  fung  their  Deftiny ;  Le'vana  lifted  them  from  the 
Ground  (g)^  and  Vegitanm  took  care  of  them  when  they 
cried;  Rumina  fio)  watch'd  them  while  they  fuckled  i 
Pptina  furnifh'd  them  with  Drink ;  and  Educa  with  Food  or 
|>fourifhment;  O[ftlago  knit  their  Bones;  and  Cama  { 1 1 )  ftreng- 
thened  their  Conftitution  ;  Nundina  (\z)  was  the  Goddefs  of 
Children's  Purification  ;  Statilinus  or  Statanus  infl:ru£ted  them 
to  walk,  and  kept  them  from  falling ;  FabuUnus  learnt  them 
to  prattle ;  the  Goddefs  Pa^ventia  prefervM  them  from 
Frights  (^l)  i  and  Camana  learnt  them  to  fmg. 

Nor  was  the  Infant,  when  grown  to  riper  Years,  left  with^ 
out  his  Prote6tors  ;  Juventas  was  the  God  of  Youth  ;  Jge- 
noria  excited  Men  to  Action;  and  the  Goddefles  Stimula 
and  Strema  infpir'd  Courage  and  Vivacity  ;  Horta  (i^)  in- 
fpir'd  the  love  of  Fame  or  Glory  ;  and  Sentia  gave  them 
Sentiments  of  Probity  and  Juftice  ;  ^ies  was  the  Goddefs  of 
RepofeorEafe  (i^)',  and  Indohna  ox  Lazinefs,  was  dei  y'd 
by  the  Name  of  Murcia  (\6)',  Vacuna  prote6ted  the  Idle; 
Adeona  and  Aheona  fecured  People  in  going  abroad  and  re- 
turning (^i7y);  and  Vibilia,  if  they  wander*d,  was  fo  kind  to 

ff)  From  Eritor  to  ftruggle,     See  Ayfonius,  Idyll.  12. 

(8)  Some  make  her  the  fame  with  Rfej  or  FeJIa. 

(gj  Amongft  tlic  Romans  the  Midwife  always  laid  the  Child  on  the 
Oround,  and  the  Father,  or  fome  Body  he  ap, "tinted,  lifted  it  up  j  hence 
the  Exprefiion  of  toilere  Liber os,  to  educate  Children. 

(10)  This  Goddefs  had  a  Temple  at  Rome^  and  her  Offerings  were  Milk. 

(11)  On  the  Kalends  of  June  Sacrifices  were  offer'd  to  Carna  of  Bacon 
end  lean-Flour  Cakes  j  whence  they  were  call'd  Fahana. 

(12)  Boys  were  named  always  on  the  9th  Day  after  the  Birth,  Girls  oi> 
the  8th. 

(i'^)  froxn  Pavorem  avertendq. 

(14)  She  had  a  Temple  at  Rome,  which  always  ftood  open. 

(15)  She  had  a  Temple  without  the  Walls. 

(16)  Murcia  had  her  Ten>ple  on  Mount  Avenlinel 

(17)  From  Abio  to  go  away,  and  Aaco  to  conic, 

put 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  197 

put  them  in  the  right  Way  again ;  FeJJhnia  refrefh'd  the 
Weary  and  fatigued  j  and  Meditrina  heal'd  the  Sickly  (i8)j 
Vitula  was  the  Patronefs  of  Mirth  and  Frolick  f  19J  ;  and 
Volupia  the  Goddefs  who  bellow'd  Pleafure  (20) ;  Orbona 
was  addrefs'd,  that  Parents  might  not  lofe  their  Offspring  j 
Pellonia  averted  Mifchiefs  and  Dangers;  and  Numeria  taught 
People  to  caft  and  keep  Accounts;  Angerona  (21)  cur'd  the 
Anguilh  or  Sorrows  of  the  Mind ;  Hares-Martia  fecur'd 
Heirs  the  Eftates  they  expeded  ;  and  Stata^  or  Statua-Mater, 
fecur'd  the  Forum,  or  Market-Place,  from  Fire;  even  the 
Thieves  had  a  Prote6lrefs  in  La^vema  (22)  j  A'verruncus 
prevented  fudden  Misfortunes ;  and  Confm  was  always  dif- 
pofe J  to  give  good  Advice  to  fuch  as  wanted  it ;  Volumnut 
infpir'd  Men  with  a  Difpofition  to  do  well;  ^nd  Honorius 
rais'd  them  to  Preferment  and  Honours. 

Nor  was  the  Marriage  State  without  its  peculiar  Defen- 
ders. Five  Deities  were  efteemed  fo  neceflary,  that  no 
Marriages  were  folemniz'd  without  afking  their  Favours ; 
thefe  were  Jupiter  ferfeftus^  or  the  Adult^Junot  VenufySuadelap 
(23),  and  Diana. 

Jugatinus  ty'd  the  Nuptial  Knot,  Domiducui  ufher'd  the 
Bride  Home,  Domitius  took  care  to  keep  her  there,  and  pre- 
vent her  gadding  abroad  ;  Mantuma  preferved  the  conjugal 
Union  entire ;  Virginenjls  fz^J  loofed  the  Bridal  Zone  or 
Girdle  ;  Viriplaca  was  a  propitious  Goddefs  ready  to  recon* 
cilethe  married  Couple  in  cafe  of  any  accidental  Difference; 
Matuta  was  the  Patronefs  of  Matrons,  no  Maid  Servant  be- 

(18)  The  Feftival  of  this  Goddefs  was  in  5tf/>/^w^fr,  when  th«  2lff«rfit| 
drank  new  Wine  mix'd  with  old  by  Way  of  Phyfick. 

( 19)  From  Vitulo,  to  leap  or  dance. 

(20)  Fronn  Voluptas. 

(21)  In  a  great  Murrian  which  deftroyed  their  Cattle,  the  Uootjhj  in- 
voked this  Goddefs,  and  flie  removed  the  Plague. 

(22)  The  Image  was  a  Head  without  a  Body.  Horace  mentions  her. 
Lib.  I.  Epift  XVI.  60.  nie  had  a  Temple  without  the  Walls,  which  gave 
Name  to  the  Porta  Lavernalis. 

(23)  The  Goddefs  of  Eloquence,  or  Perfuafion,  who  had  always  a  great 
Hand  in  the  Succefs  of  Courtlhip. 

(24.}  She  was  alfo  wU'd  Cinxia  Juno. 


IgS 


Fabulous  HISTORY 

ing  fufFered  to  enter  her  Temple;  Mena  ^nd  Felfrua/ 2$ J 
were  the  GoddefTes  who  regulated  the  female  Katawenia  j 
the  Goddefs  Vacuna  (2(i)  is  mentioned  hy  H'^race  (27)  as  hav- 
ing her  Temple  ztRome^  the  Rufticks  celebrated  herFeftival 
in  December f  after  the  Harveft  was  got  in  (2^^). 

The  Antients  aflign'd  the  particular  Parts  of  the  Body  to 
peculiar  Deities  ;  the  Head  was  facred  to  Jupiter,  the  Bread 
to  t^eptune,  the  Waift  to  Mars^  the  Forehead  to  Genius^  the 
Eyebrows  to  Juno,  the  Eyes  to  C«/?W,  the  Ears  to  Memory 'i 
the  Right  Hand  to  Fides  cr  Veritas,  the  Back  to  Pluto^  the 
Reins  to  Venus,  the  Knees  to  Mifericordia,  or  Mercy,  the 
Legs  to  Mercury f  the  Feet  to  T^hetis,  and  the  Fingers  to 
Minernja  (2(^). 

The  Goddefs  who  prefided  over  Funerals  was  Lihitina 
(30)  in  v/hofe  Temple  at  Rome,  the  Undertakers  furnifh'd  all 
the  NecefTaries  for  the  Interment  of  the  Poor  or  Rich  ;  all 
dead  Bodies  were  carried  through  iht  Porta  Lihitina,  and  the 
Rationes  Libit in^e,  meniion'd  by  Suetonius,  very  nearly  anfwer 
GUr  Bills  of  Mortality, 

(25)  From  Februoy  to  purge. 

(26)  She  was  an  o\A  Sabine  Deity.  Some  make  her  the  fame  with  Cerei  j 
feut  Farro  imagines  her  to  be  the  Goddefs  of  ViBory^  the  Fruits  of  which 
are  Eafe  and  Repofe, 

(27)  Horace,  Lib.  I.  Epift.  X.49. 

(28)  O-vid  Faft.  Lib.  VI. 

(29)  From  this  Diftribution  arofe^  perhaps,  the  Scheme  of  our  modern  Af- 
trologers,  who  aflign  the  different  Farts  of  the  Body  to  the  celeftial  Conftella- 
tionSjOr  Signs  of  the  Zodiac  ;  as  the  Head  ioAries^  the  Neck  to  T«»rwi,  the 
Shoulders  to  Gemini^  the  Heart  to  Cancer j  the  Breaft  to  Leo,  the  Belly  tq 
Virgo,  the  Reins  10  Libra,  the  Secrets  to  Scorpio,  the  Thighs  to  Sagita- 
riui,  the  Knees  to  Capricorn,  the  Legs  to  Aquarim,  and  the  Feet  to  Pifcei, 

.  (3P)  Some  confound  this  Goddefs  with  Projerpint,  others  with  Venui, 


CHAP. 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  199 

CHAP.    LXIV. 

Of  the  inferior  rural  Deities, 

TH  E  Romans  were  not  content  with  the  great  Variety 
of  Gods,  which  fiU'd  their  Ritual,  hke  the  modern 
Papifts,  they  were  daily  inventing  new  Deities  of  an  infe- 
rior Order,  to  anfwer  the  Demands  of  Superflition,  and 
increafe  their  Kalendar.  Rufina  thus  became  the  Name  for 
a  Goddefs,  who  prefided  over  the  Country  in  general.  Col- 
Una  had  the  Charge  of  the  Hills,  and  Vallona  the  Infpec- 
tion  of  the  Vallies ;  Hippona  was  the  Guardian  of  Stables  and 
Horfes  ;  and  Bubona  took  Care  of  Oxen ;  ^eia^  or  Segetia^ 
watch'd  the  Seed  till  it  fprouted ;  and  Runcina  weeded  the 
young  Corn ;  Sarritor  was  the  God  of  Sowing,  and  Occator 
of  Harrowing ;  Robigus  kept  the  Blights  or  Mildew  away 
( I ) ;  Stercutius  manur'd  or  dunged  the  Ground ;  Nodotus^  or 
Nodofusy  took  Care  to  llrengthen  and  knit  the  Stalks  of  the 
Corn;  Volufia  watch'd  the  Blade;  Patelina  unfolded  the 
Ear;  Laducina  filled  it  ;  and  Matura  brought  it  to  due 
Ripenefs ;  Hojlilina  produced  a  plentiful  Crop ;  and  Tutelina 
took  care  to  reap  and  get  it  fafe  in  ;  Pilumnus  kneaded  the 
Bread  ;  and  Fornax  (2)  baked  it ;  Mellona  was  the  Goddefs 
of  Honey;  but  the  Truth  is,  thefe  fanciful  Deities  are  fo 
little  mentioned  in  Authors,  that  we  may  call  them  the 
Refufe  or  Scum  of  ths  Gods. 

(i)  His  Feflival,   call'd  Rcbignlij,  was  celebrated  in  the  Beginniirg 
©f  M/jy. 

(2)  Ovid¥&i\'i,  Lib.  VI. 


CHAP. 


20O  Fabulous    HISTORY 

CHAP.    LXV. 

0/ Themis,  Aftraea^^^^i  Nemefis. 

THEMIS  was  the  Daughter  of  C^lum  and  Terra^ 
and  the  Goddefs  of  Laws,  Ceremonies,  and  Oracles- 
Jupiter  confuhed  her  in  the  Giants  War,  and  afterwards 
cfpoufed  her;  fhe  inftru6led  Deucalion  how  to  re- people  the 
World  after  the  Deluge,  and  was  rather  indeed  a  moral 
than  an  hiftorical  Deity,  as  (he  fignifies  that  Power  which 
rewards  Virtue  and  punifties  Vice. 

To  Jupiter ,  Themis  bore  the  Seajons  (i)^  and  the  Goddefs 
JJiraa^  who  refided  on  Earth  during  the  golden  Age,  and 
infpir'd  Mankind  with  the  Principles  of  Juftice  and  Equity  ; 
but  as  the  World  became  corrupted  fhe  returned  to  Heaven 
(2^,  and  became  that  Conftellation  in  the  Zodiac ^  which  is 
call'd  Virgo,  This  Goddefs  is  reprefented  with  her  Eyes 
bound,  or  blinded,  having  a  Sword  in  one  Hand,  and  in 
the  other  a  Pair  of  Ballances  equally  poifed. 

Nemefis  was  the  Daughter  o^  Jupiter  and  NeceJJity  (i).  She 
had  the  Title  of  Jdraftea^  becaufe  Adroftus^  King  of  Argos^ 
firft  rais'd  an  Altar  to  her.  She  had  a  magnificent  Temple 
at  Rhamnus  in  Attica^  with  a  Statue.  She  is  reprefented 
with  a  ftern  Afpe£l,  having  in  one  Hand  a  Whip,  in  the 
©ther  a  Pair  of  Scales. 

(i)  Orpheui  and  Hejiod  reckon  but  three  Seafons,  viz.  Spring ,  Summer , 
»nd  Autumn,  reprefented  by  a  Rofe,  an  Ear  of  Corn,  and  a  Bunch  oiCrapLi, 

(2)  'Terras  Al\rea  reltqutt. 

(3)  Others  fay  of  Oceanus  and  Nox* 


CHAP, 


^a^i 


-Z"  {y  u-t/^n  //n^tj.  <'^,i.'/un 


JL  tf*niM  Jc**^' 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  201 


CHAP.    LXVI. 

0/"  the  Goddefs  Fortuna,  or  Fortune,  and  the  other 
Virtues  and  Vices  deify^d  by  the  Antients. 

FORTUNE  or  Chance  has  fo  great  a  Share  in  the 
Conduct  and  Succefs  of  human  Aftairs,  that  it  is  no 
Wonder  the  Romans  made  her  a  Goddefs.  Junjenal^  however, 
is  not  a  Uttle  fevere  upon  his  Countrymen  ( i )  for  this  Choice, 
and  Horace  on  many  Occafions  exprefl'es,  if  not  an  abfolute 
Contempt  for  (2)^  yet  at  beft  a  very  mean  Opinion  of  this 
Deity.  But  whatever  Sentiments  the  Philofophers  or  Poets 
might  entertain  of  her,  they  did  not  leiTen  her  in  the  Sight 
of  the  Vulgar,  who  paid  her  a  very  great  Devotion. 

This  Goddefs  had  a  Variety  of  Epithets;  fhe  was  term'd 
Regia  and  Aurea^  from  an  Image  of  her  ufually  kept  in  the 
Apartment  of  the  Cajars.  In  the  Capital  fhe  was  worfhipp'd 
by  the  Title  of  Bona^  but  her  Temple  at  the  Efquilia  was 
confecrated  by  the  Name  of  Mala.  She  was  called  Confer- 
'vatrixy  Manens,  and  Felix^  in  antient  Infcriptions,  to  denote 
the  Happinefs  fhe  beftows.  Domitian  confecrated  her  a  Cha- 
pel by  the  Style  of  Redux,  and  ni  fome  antient  Monuments 
fhe  is  caii'd  Siata.  The  Names  of  Barbata  and  Pan  were 
given  her  by  Ser-vius  Tulliusy  who  dedicated  a  Shrine  to  her 
('3J:  She  was  alfo  termed  Ceeca,  not  unjuftly,  on  account  of 
the  injudicious  Diftribution  of  her  Favours.  She  was  ho- 
nour'd  at  Rome  by  the  Title  ol  Fortuna  Equeflris  (\).  In  a 
Temple  fhe  had  near  that  of  Venus,  fhe  bore  the  Apellations 
of  Mafcula  and  Virilis,     At  other  Times  fne  was  named 

(i)  Satyr  X. 

(1.)  Lib.  I.  Ocie  XXXIV.   T4.. 

i'l)  He  alfo  caii'd  her  Cbj.queTHy  from  her  favouring  his  "Winies. 
horace  calls  her  Safa  on  a  quire  contrary  Account*. 

(4.J  This  Temple  was  ercfted  in  Pun'uance  of  a  Vow  of  the  Pr.vtcr 
<^.,  Fuh-ius  flacsus,  for  a  Victory  he  obtam'd  in  Spair->  by  Means  of 
his  Cavalry. 

D  d  Mammoja 


202  Fabulous  HISTORY 

Mammoja  (^)f  Primcgetiia  (6)^  and  Fri'vata^  or  Propria  (j) 
In  the  Quality  of  Fortuna-Virgo^  Coats  of  young  Children 
were  offered  to  her  before  they  put  them  on  ;  and  ihe  was 
ftylM  Vifcata^  or  Vifcofa  fSj^  on  account  of  her  alluring  or 
attracting  People  by  her  deceitful  Kindnefs. 

The  principal  Temple  of  this  Goddefs  was  at  Pranejle 
whence  (he  was  call'd  Pr^eneftina.  This  Goddefs  is  ufually 
reprefented  blind,  {landing  on  a  Wheel  in  a  moving  Atti- 
tude,  and  holding  a  Cornucopia,  from  whence  fhe  pours 
Wealth,  and  all  the  Emblems  of  Profperity.  Horace  has 
given  a  very  Mafterly  Pi6lure  of  her  in  an  Ode  to  Ma- 
cenas  (g). 

Fame  is  fo  much  fought  after  by  great  and  exalted  Minds, 
that  we  may  eafily  account  for  the  Temples  erected  to  her, 
and  the  divine  Honours  decreed  her.  We  may  call  her  the 
Mother  or  Nurfe  of  Heroes^  fince  all  the  glorious  A6i:ions 
they  atchiev'd,  were  done  in  order  to  purchafe  a  Share  in  her 
Favour. 

This  Goddefs  is  depiftur'd  in  a  flying  Attitude,  with 
broad  Wings,  founding  a  Trumpet,  and  her  flying  Robe 
wrought  all  over  with  Eyes,  Ears  and  7'ongues,  to  denote 
the  Surprize,  Attention  and  Difcourfe  fhe  excites.  Virgil 
(loj  has  given  an  inimitable  Defcription  of  her,  nor  does 
O^idhW  much  fhort  of  him  in  (\i)  his  very  mafterly  Pic- 
ture of  the  Palace  or  Dome  in  which  fhe  refides. 

Peace  is  a  Blefling  fo  univerfally  efteem'd,  that  it  is  no 
Wonder  if  fhe  was  deify'd.  The  Athenians  ('according  to 
Plutarch)  ereded  her  an  Altar  with  her  Statue,  attended  by 

( K,)  Either  from  her  having  large  Breafts,  or  the  Plenty  fhe  fupplies. 

(h)  From  her  giving  Birth  to  the  City  and  Empire. 

('])  From  her  favouring  particular  Perfons.  Thefe  two  laft  Apella- 
tions  were  given  her  by  Servius  Tulhis^  a  very  great  Admirer  of  her 
Divinity. 

(%)  From  Vifcui  Birdlime,  hence  Seneca  fays,  Bencfcia  Junt  vifcofa, 
Obligations  are  catching. 

(9;  Horace,  Uh.  111.  Ode  XXIX.  .39. 

(ig)  Virgil,  ^'neid  J. 

(11)  Ovid,  Metam.  XII.  42,  63. 

that 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods  203 

that  of  Tliitus  the  God  of  Riches,  to  {how  that  fhe  was  the 
Source  of  Plenty  and  Commerce.  At  Rome  fhe  had  a  mag- 
nificent Temple  in  the  Forutn  (iz)^  which  was  confum'd  by 
Fire  in  the  Reign  of  Commodus. 

On  Medals,  this  Goddefs  is  reprefented  before  an  Altar, 
fetting  Fire  with  a  Torch  in  her  left  Hand  to  a  Pile  of  Arms, 
and  with  the  other  holding  an  Olive  Branch.  Behind  her, 
on  a  Column,  appears  the  Image  of  a  naked  Boy  or  Man 
extending  his  Arms  in  a  rejoicing  Pofture  (^13).  The  Poets 
generally  introduce  her  in  Company  with  the  moft  fhining 
Virtues  (^^)-  And  Virgil  reprefents  her  as  the  common 
Wifh  of  Mankind  (^15^.  And  Claudian  has  composed  her 
Panegyrick  in  a  very  diflinguifh'd  Manner.  Some- 
times fhe  appears  like  a  Matron  holding  a  Bunch  of  Ears  of 
Corn,  and  crown'd  with  Olive,  or  Rofes.  Her  Symbol  was 
the  CaduceuSf  or  Mercurf%  Rod. 

The  Goddefs  Concordia,  or  Concord^  was  another  Divinity 
of  the  Romans.  At  the  Requefl  of  his  Mother  Linjioy  Wi- 
dow of  Augujlusy  a  Temple  was  dedicated  to  her  by  Tiberius 
at  Rojne,  She  had  feveral  other  magnificent  Temples,  in 
one  of  thefe  were  depofited  the  rich  Spoils  of  the  Temple  of 
'Jerufalem, 

Virtue  and  Honour  had  their  Temples  at  Rome,  That  to 
Virtue  was  eredted  by  M.  Marcellus  f  16),  and  was  the  only 
PafTage  to  the  Temple  oi  Honour.,  to  (how  that  worthy  Ac- 
tions were  the  true  Foundation  of  lafting  Fame.  The  Sa- 
crifices to  Honour  were  performed  by  the  Priefts  bare- 
headed. 

Virtue  was  reprefented  like  an  elderly  Matron  fitting  on  a 

(12)  Begun  by  Claudius.,  and  finifli'd  by  Vcjt.ifian. 

(13)  The  Legend  of  this  Medal,  which  was  ftruck  by  Vefpafian  on  the 
Conqueft  of  Judaa,  is  Pad  Orbis  Terrarum.  On  a  Medal  of  his  Son 
Tituiy  (he  is  feen  with  a  Palm  in  one  Hand  and  a  Sceptre  in  the  other,  the 
Infcription  Pax  JEterr.a. 

(14)  Horace  Carmen  Sec.  57. 

(15)  ^neidXI.  362. 

(16)  Son  to  Auguftus, 

D  d  2  fquare 


204  Fabulous  HISTORY 

fquare  Stone,  in  antient  Medals  they  appear  jointly. 
However,  upon  fome  Medals  of  Gordian  and  NumemaHf  (he  is 
found  in  the  Figure  of  an  old  Man  with  a  Beard.  Plautm 
(ly)  alfo  mentions  Virtue  among  the  Number  of  the  Gods. 

Fides^  or  Faith,  had  a  Temple  near  the  Capitol^  founded 
by  Numa  Ponipilius.  No  Animals  were  oft'er'd,  or  Blood 
fpilt  in  her  Sacrifices  ;  during  the  Performance  of  her  Rites 
her  Priefts  were  cloathed  in  white  Veftments,  and  their 
Heads  and  Hands  cover'd  with  Linnen  Cloth,  to  fhew  that 
Fidehty  ought  to  be  fecret.  The  Symbol  of  this  Goddefb 
was  a  white  Dog.  and  Firgil  glvts  her  the  Epithet  of  Canay 
or  Spotlefs  (iSj.  By  the  Poets  fhe  is  generally  an  Atten- 
dant of  the  Golden  Jge,  **  The  Antiquaries  are  of  Opi- 
*'  nion,  fays  the  Abbe  Banier,  that  a  Figure  where  two 
*'  Women  are  joining  Hands,  reprefents  this  Goddefs. 
*'  which  he  adds,  is  not  improbable,  fmce  in  this  Manner 
*'  mutual  Faith  is  ufually  plighted  (ig), 

Hope  is  another  of  the  Paffions  deify'd  by  the  Romans.  She 
had  a  Temple  in  the  Herb-Market,  which  w^as  confumM  by 
Lightning  On  Medals  fhe  appears  in  a  llanding  Attitude, 
"with  her  left  Hand  holding  up  lightly  her  loofe  Robes,  and 
leaning  on  her  Elbow;  in  her  right  fhe  has  a  Plate,  on  v/hich 
is  placed  a  Ciborium  (ox  CupJ  fafnion'd  like  a  Flower,  with 
this  Infcription,  Spes,  P.  R.  [The  Hope  of  the  Roman  People] 
^20^.  In  the  modern  Statues  and  Paintings,  her  Charadle- 
riftick  is  a  Golden  Anchor. 

Piety  [or  filial  Affection]  had  a  Chapel  at  Rome^  confe- 
crated  by  the  Duumnjir  Attilius  on  a  remarkable  Occafion  : 
*'  A  Man  being  fentenc'd  to  hard  Imprifonmeiit,  his  Daugh- 
**  ter,  who  was  then  a  Nurfe,  daily  vifited  him,  and  was 
*'  ftri6tly  fearch'd  by  the  Sailor  to  fee  {he  brought  no  Food 
*'  to  the  Prifoner,    At  laft  a  Difcovery  wa^  made,  that  fhe 


(17)  Prologue  to  y^/K/^Ur/ow. 

(18)  iEneid  I.  292. 

(19)  Barier''s  Mythology,  vol.  III.  p.  131, 

(20)  The  Revei  fe  is  a  Head  of  Adrian. 


fupported 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  205 

^*  fupported  him  with  her  Milk.  This  Inflance  of  Viety 
•?  gain'd  her  Father's  Freedom.  They  were  both  afterwards 
?*  fupported  at  the  publick  Expence,  and  the  Place  was 
*•  confecrated  to  this  Goddefs  (iz)"  This  Deity  is  repre- 
fented  on  Medals. 

Pudicitiuy  or  Chaftity,  was  honour'd  at  Rome  under  two 
Names.  In  the  Temple  of  Pudicitia  Patricia^  none  were 
admitted  but  Ladies  of-noble  Birth.  Virginia  the  Daughter 
of  Julus  having  married  a  Plebeian^  fo  offended  thefe,  that 
they  excluded  her  their  Aflemblies  :  Upon  which  Virginia 
calling  a  Meeting  of  the  Plebeian  Matrons,  dedicated  a  Cha- 
pel to  this  Goddefs  by  the  Name  of  Pudicitia  Pkbeia  (z'^)* 
Her  Speech  on  this  Occafion  was  truly  great.  "  I  dedicate 
*'  (hys  fhej  this  Altar  to  Pudicitia  Pkbeia y  and  defire  you  will 
**  adore  Chajlity,  as  much  as  the  Men  do  Honour -,  and  I  wifh 
'•  that  this  Temple  may  be  frequented  by  purer  Votaries  (if 
**  poffible)  than  that  of  Pudicitia  Patricia.  In  botli  thefe 
"  Temples  no  Matron  was  permitted  to  Sacrifice  unlefs 
"  fhe  had  an  unblemifh'd  Chara6kr,  and  was  but  once 
'*  married."  In  Medals  this  Deity  is  reprefented  under  the 
Figure  of  a  Woman  veil'd,  pointing  with  the  fore  Finger 
of  her  Right-Hand  to  her  Face,  to  fignify  that  fhe  had  no 
Reafon  to  blufli. 

Mercy  or  Clemency  had  an  Altar  at  Athens^  erecled  by  the 
Kindred  of  Hercules  (z^).  At  Rome  was  a  Temple  dedi- 
cated to  the  Clemency  of  Cafar  (2^ J.  Both  the  Romans  and 
Greeks  gave  the  Name  of  Afylum  to  the  Temples  each  had 
erected  to  this  Goddefs  (z6). 

'Truth  (^according  to  Plutarch)  was  the  Daughter  oi Saturn 
and  Time^  and  the  Mother  of  Virtue,  and  was  reprefented 

{^^)  Plirty'5  Nat.  Hift.  Lib.  VII,  cap.  36. 

(23)  All  Matrons  who  married  but  once,  were  honoured  with  the 
Corsna  Pudicitia,  or  Crown  of  Chaflify. 

(24)  Becaufe  they  dreaded  the  Refentment  of  Euryfikcus  whom  Her- 
cuhi  had  aflifted  in  his  Life. 

(25)  This  Temple  was  built  by  a  Decree  of  the  Senate  after  the  Death 
of  Juliui  Cafar. 

(26)  Serv.  itiZJEa, 

as 


2c6  Fabulous  HISTORY 

as  a  beautiful  young  Virgin  of  a  proper  Stature  modeftly 
clad  in  a  Robe,  whofe  whitenefs  refembled  that  of  the  Snow. 
Democritus,  to  give  an  Idea  of  the  Difficulty  of  her  being 
found,  fays  that  fhe  is  conceai'd  in  the  Bottom  of  a  Well. 

Liberty,  was  fo  much  the  Delight  of  the  Romans^  that  it 
was  but  natural  for  them  to  imagine  her  a  Goddefs,  and  to 
confecrate  to  her  Temples  and  Altars.  She  was  reprefented 
in  the  Form  of  a  Virgin  cloathed  in  White,  holding  a  Scep- 
tre in  her  Right-hand,  and  a  Cap  in  her  Left. 

Good  Senfe,  or  Underflanding  [  Vieni]  was  honour'd  with 
an  Altar  in  the  Capital^  by  M,  Jimiliusy  and  Atiliui  the  Praetor 
erected  her  Chapel. 

Faufitas^  or  the  publick  Felicity  and  Welfare,  had  many 
Altars,  and  was  ador'd  both  by  the  Greeks  and  Romam ;  the 
former  honour'd  this  Goddefs  under  the  Names  of  Endaimo- 
monia  and  Mackiria,  The  Atheniam  confulting  an  Oracle  on 
the  Succefs  of  a  Battle,  were  informed,  that  they  fhould  win 
the  Vidory,  if  one  of  the  Children  of  Hercules  would  fub- 
mit  to  a  voluntary  Death ;  on  this  Macaria^  one  of  his 
Daughters,  kill'd  herfelf,  and  the  Athenians  becoming  vidlo- 
rious,  paid  her  Adoration  under  the  Name  of  Felicity.  She 
was  reprefented  in  Painting,  as  a  Lady  cloath'd  in  a  Purple 
Veftment  trimm'd  with  Silver,  fitting  on  an  Imperial 
Throne,  and  holding  in  one  Hand  a  Caduceus,  and  in  the 
other  a  Cornucopia. 

Viaory^  was  honour'd  by  feveral  Nations  as  a  Goddefsj 
according  to  Heficd^  fhe  was  the  Daughter  of  Styx  and  Pal/as-, 
fhe  was  painted  by  the  Ancients  in  the  Form  of  a  Woman 
clad  in  Cloth  of  Gold,  and  is  reprefented  on  fome  Medals 
with  Wings,  flying  through  the  Air,  holding  a  Palm  in  one 
Kand,  and  a  Lawrel  Crown  in  the  other ;  in  others  fhe  is  to 
be  feen  ftanding  upon  a  Globe,  with  the  fame  Crown  and 
Branch  of  Palm. 

The  Goddefs  Sa/us,  or  Health,  had  a  Temple  at  Rome 
near  the  Gate,  from  thence  call'd  Porta  Salutaris,  and  as  the 
BlefTings  fhe  bellows  are  known  to  all,  fo  no  doubt  but  fhe 

had 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods.  207 

had  a  great  Number  of  Votaries.  She  was  reprefented  by 
a  Woman  fitting  on  a  Throne,  and  holding  a  Globe  in  her 
Hand.  Near  her  flood  an  Altar,  with  a  Snake  entwin'd 
round  it.  In  this  Temple  v/as  pcrform'd  the  Auxurium  Salutisy 
a  Ceremony  which  Augujiui  reviv'd  from  Defuetude.  It 
was  a  Day  fet  apart  annually,  for  enquiring  of  the  Gods  by 
Divination,  whether  they  would  allow  the  People  to  pray  for 
Peace?  On  this  Day  the  Roman  Armies  were  forbid  to 
march  or  engage.  It  is  worthy  of  Remark,  that  the  Prietls 
of  this  Temple  had  arrogated  to  themfelves  the  fole  Privi- 
lege of  offering  Supplications  for  the  Health  of  every  indi- 
vidual, as  well  as  for  the  State. 

The  Good  Genius  was  ador'd  by  the  Greeks^  and,  according 
to  Pau/anias^  had  a  Temple  in  the  Road  leading  to  Mount 
M^nalm.  At  the  Clofe  of  Supper  a  Cup  was  always  offer'd 
him  of  Wine  and  Water,  and  call'd  the  Gr ace-Cup. 

Wealth  has  fuch  an  Influence  on  the  Affairs  of  Life,  that 
it  has  in  all  Ages  been  the  Objedl:,  if  not  of  publick  Wor- 
fhlp,  yet  of  fecret  Idolatry.  Thus  the  Romans  erected  Pe*- 
cunia^  or  Money,  a  Goddefs.  Menander  wittily  obferves  on 
this  Subject ;  "  That  if  you  can  pofTefs  this  Deity,  you  may 
"  afK  and  have  what  you  pleafe  :  Even  the  Gods  themfelves 
*'  fhall  be  at  your  Devotion.'* 

Sile7ice,  was  amongff  the  Romans  both  a  Male  and  Female 
Deity,  by  the  Names  of  Harpocrates  and  Angerona.  The 
former  was  reprefented  by  the  Figure  of  a  Youth  crown'd 
v/ith  an  Egyptian  Mitre,  having  in  one  Hand  a  Cornucopia^ 
and  the  Finger  of  his  Right-hand  touching  his  Lip,  as  com- 
manding Silence.  The  R^omans  borrow'd  thefe  Images  from 
Egypt^  but  quite  miftook  their  real  Meaning.  The  firil:  was 
the  Horus^  or  emblematical  Statue,  which  denoted  the  Peace 
or  Repofe  of  Winter.  The  C;r«afff//a  fi^nify'd  Plenty,  and 
the  Pofture  of  the  Finger  denoted  the  Moderation  and  Tem- 
perance neceffary  to  enjoy  the  Blefiings  of  Providence  in  a 
right  Manner.     This  Figure  they  cali'd,  agreeably  to  its 

Defign, 


^o8  FdbulorM  HISTORY 

Defign,  Hat-pocrates  (27),  or  the  Elhblifhment  of  civil  I^o- 
lity,  The  Feftival  which  accompanied  its  Expofition,  was 
eali'd  Pammilla  ^28^,  which  leaves  no  Doubt  of  its  true 
Signification. 

The  Ifn  which  appear'd  at  the  "Neomenia  in  December,  the 
Egyptians  call'd  Angerona  figj^  expreflive  of  its  Intention. 
But  the  Greeks  and  Romans,  who  took  all  thefe  Emblems  in 
the  literal  Senfe,  adapted  them  to  their  own  Tafte,  and  fo 
made  thefe  two  Figures,  the  God  and  Goddefs  oi  Silence. 

Nor  were  thefe  the  only  vifionary  Deities  eredted  by  the 
Heathens.  Fear  bad  its  fhare  in  making  new  Divinities  (10) 
as  well  as  Hope^  and  Difeafes,  Calamities,  and  even  Vices 
were  honoured,  with  a  View  of  averting  their  Vifitation,  or 
allaying  their  noxious  Influences.  Thus  Febris^  or  the  Fe- 
ver, had  her  Altars  at  Rome  f^i)  Hoftilius  Tullus  vow'd  a 
Temple  to  the  Goddefles  Terror  and  Palenefs  (^2).  M- 
MarcelUnus  after  efcaping  a  Storm  near  Sicily  built  a  Chapel 
to  the  God  Tcmpejlas,  without  the  Gate  of  Capena,  And 
Pcverty  and  Art  were  both  deify'd  by  the  People  of  Godara, 
becaufe  Neceflity  is  the  Mother  of  Invention.  En^jy  was  a 
Goddefs  whofe  Perfon  and  Abode  are  inimitably  defcrib'd 
hyO'vid  (2,1). 

Calumny  had  an  Altar  erected  to  her  by  the  Athenians.  We 
have  a  very  remarkable  Picture  of  this  mifchievous  Goddefs, 
as  drawn  by  the  Hand  of  the  great  Apelles.  Credulity,  repre- 
fented  by  a  Man  with  large  open  Ears,  invites  this  Deity  to 
him  extending  his  Hand  to  receive  her.  Ignorance  and  Suf- 
picion  Hand  ju ft  behind  him.  Calumny  (the  principal  Figure 

(27)  From  Creto,  Care,  or  Carta^  a  City  5  and  Repa,  comes  Harpc 
crate:,  the  civil  Conftitution  or  Polity. 

(28)  from  Pa,  the  Mouih ;  2iX)d  Mul,  to  circumcife,  is  form'd  P^w- 
wUab,  or  the  due  Government  of  the  Tongue. 

(29)  From  Hargorer.y  the  Barn -floor,  is  detiv'd  Hanger ona,  or  the 
Harveft  got  in. 

(30)   Prima  in  or  be  Deos  fecit  Timor. 

(31)  Cicero  de  Nat.  Deor,  Lib.  III.  de  Legib,   Lib.  IL 

(32)  In  a  Battle  between  the  Romani  and  Feienta,  in  which  the  Vic- 
tory was  long  doubtful. 

(33)  Metam.  Lib.  II,  762; 

of 


Of  the  Heathen  Gods,  ^c.        209 

of  the  Piece)  appears  advancing,  her  Countenance  ruffled 
with  Paffion,  holding  in  her  Left  hand  a  Hghted  Torch,  and 
with  her  Right  dragging  along  a  Youth,  who  lifts  up  his 
Hands  as  fupplicating  the  Gods.  Juft  before  her  goes  En^-vy 
pale  and  fquinting.  On  her  Right  Side  are  Fraud  and  Con- 
/piracy.  Behind  her  follows  Repentance  with  her  Cloaths 
torn  and  looking  backwards  on  T^ruthy  who  flowly  clofes  up 
the  Rear  (34).  Contumely  and  Impudence  were  alfo  honour'd 
by  the  Athenians  under  the  Figure  of  Partridges^  which  is 
efteem'd  a  very  bold  Bird.  Difcord  is  reprefented  as  a  God- 
defs  by  Petronius  Arbiter,  whofe  Defcription  of  her  is 
worthy  fo  mafterly  a  Pencil.  Firgil  has  given  us  a  Picture 
of  Fury,  a  Deity  much  of  the  fame  Stamp. 

(1^)  Lucian, 


Ee  A  DIS- 


^I^^^x^Rm  ^^G^^i^fea^iii^^' 


DISSERTATION 

O  N     T  H  E 

Theology  of  the  Heathens. 

HERE  is  perhaps  no  one  Subjeft,  which  has 
cccafion'd  a  greater  Variety  of  Opinions  than 
the  Original  of  Idolatry  j  or  in  other  Words,  the 
Foundation  on  which  the  Pagans  ere6led  their 
Syftem  of  Theology,  and  rais'd  that  Multiplicity  of  fabu- 
lous Divinities  which  overfpread  the  Earth.  The  general 
Notion  which  has  prevail'd  on  this  Head  is,  that  Mankind 
by  Degrees  deviating  from  the  Worfhip  of  the  true  God,  di- 
rected their  Adoration  to  the  great  Luminaries  of  Heaven, 
and  becoming  in  Procefs  of  Time  more  grefsly  corrupted, 
degenerated  into  the  Veneration  of  Idols  and  Deities  of  their 
own  Creation.  But  the  true  Source  of  Idolatry  feems  rather 
to  be  the  Abufc  of  the  Language  of  Aftronomy,  and  of  thofe 
Memorials  left  to  preferve  the  antient  Purity  of  Religion, 
which  were  by  Avarice  and  Ambition  perverted  to  Ends 
quite  contrary  to  the  Defign  of  their  Inftitution. 

Nothing  has  more  puzzled  the  Learned  than  the  Confor- 
mity found  in  feveral  Particulars,  between  the  Rites  of  the 
BtbrenvSf  (the  chofen  People  of  God)  and  thofe  of  the 
Neighbouring  Nations  plunged  in  the  grofTeft  Idolatry. 
This  P-efemblance  manifeftly  appeared  in  their  aflembling 
in  fome  eminent  or  diiiinguifhetl  Place,  to  praife  God,  to 
offer  him  Bread,  Salt,  and  the  firft  Fruits  of  the  Earthi 
with  Thanks  for  his  Bounty ;  to  facrifice  Vidims,  and  eat 
in  common  of  the  Fiefhi  and  to  join  Songs  and  Inltruments 

of 


Theology  of  the  Heathens.        2ti 

of  Mufic  to  heighten  the  Solemnity.  It  was  alfo  cuftomary, 
both  with  the  Hebre^js  and  the  Fleathens,  to  bury  their  Dead 
with  Refpeil,  and  to  meet  on  certain  Days  near  their  Tombs 
to  praife  God  and  commemorate  their  Virtues. 

To  foh^e  this  Difficulty  the  generality  of  Writers  fuppofei 
that  in  thefe  Cafes  the  Pagan  Religion  only  copied  the  true. 
But  how  improbable  this  Conjedure  is,  will  appear,  from  a 
due  Confideration,  how  feparated  as  it  were  from,  and  how 
contemptible  the  Hebrews  were,  to  all  other  Nations ;  and 
confequently  how  unlikely  it  is,  they  would  borrow  any 
Part  of  their  ceremonial  from  them.     Add  to  this,  that  it 
appears  from  a  Multitude  of  Proofs,  that  thefe  Cuftoms  o^ 
Idolatry  were   prior  to  Mofcs^   and   the  Inititution  of  the 
Je-wijh  Theocracy.    This  laft  Point  has  led  fome  learned 
Men  (i)  into  the  other  Extreme  of  afferting,  that  the  He- 
hreivs  took  thofe  religious    Ceremonies  from  the  Egyptiansy 
only  changing  their  ObjedT:  by  adapting  them  to  the  Wor- 
fhip  of  the  true  God.     But  this  Opinion  is  equally  deflitute 
of  Foundation,  fmce  we  find  nothing  more  exprefsly  pro_ 
hibited  by  the  Mofaic  Law,  than  the  Jcnvs  having  any  Cor- 
refpondence  in  religious  Matters  with  the  Nations  round 
them.    Befides,  this  great  Legiflator  feems  to  grant  it  as  a 
Thing  generally  known,  that  the  Worfhip  of  one  God  fubr 
fifted  long  before  his  Time  amongftthe  antient  Patriarchs. 

This  Conformity  therefore,  if  duly  examined,  will  lead 
us  to  the  Truth.  When  the  antient  World  perifhed  by  the 
general  Deluge,  Noah  preferv'd  with  his  Family,  re-eflab- 
lifh'd  the  Worihip  of  the  true  God.  On  his  coming  out  of 
the  Ark  we  find  him  offering  a  Sacrifice  of  Thankfgiving,  a 
Ceremony  he  had  undoubtedly  receiv'd  from  his  pious  An- 
ceilors,  and  which  appears  fo  early  as  in  the  Sacrifice  of 
JbeL  The  Patriarchs  long  before  Mo/es  bury'd  their  Dead 
with  peculiar  Honour;  and  we  find  Jacobs  in  Gratitude  for 
a  divine  Revelation,  ereding  a  Stone  and  pouring  Oil  on  it, 

(i)  Sir  "John  Marjham  in  his  Canon.  Chronic,  or  Rule  of  Time. 

E  e  2  a  Pra^Slice 


212     DISSERTATION  o«  ^^^ 

a  Practice  he  took  from  the  Heathen  Nations.  This  ftiows 
evidently,  that  thefe  Cuftoms  proceeded  from  the  common 
Fathers  of  Mankind. 

Amongft  the  Inflitutions  which  Noah  left  his  Pofterityf 
was  the  Neomenia,  Or  Aflembhes  appointed  to  praife  God  at 
the  Return  of  the  New  Moon  (2).  Now  this  Rite  he  had 
receivM  from  his  Anceftors.  In  the  Conflitution  of  the 
antediluvian  World,  the  Earth -prefentcd  its  Equator  con- 
flantly  to  the  Sun,  whence  the  Days  and  Nights  were  always 
equal,  the  Air  free  from  any  violent  Agitation,  was  always 
unclouded  and  ferene,  and  the  Earth  by  Means  of  conftant 
Dews  enjoy'd  a  perpetual  Spring.  Now  as  the  Sun  never 
varied  in  his  Place  of  Rifing  or  Setting,  Men  were  obliged 
to  regulate  their  religious  Meetings,  as  well  as  civil  Affairs, 
by  the  Phafes  or  Changes  of  the  Moon.  This  Cuftom 
I^oah  conveyed  to  his  Defcendants ;  fo  that  it  is  no  Wonder 
if  it  became  common  to  the  Hebreixs,  and  the  other  Heathen 
Nations  round  them. 

To  the  fame  Origin  we  may  afcribe  the  Invention  of  the 
Zodiac^  which  became  in  procefs  of  Time  an  additional 
Caufs  of  Idolatry.  The  vertical  Signs  of  Cancer  and  Capri- 
corn^ according  to  MacrMus  (3),  were  denominated  from 
hence.  The  Crah  being  an  Animal  who  walks  backwards 
or  obliquely,  feem'd  a  proper  Emblem  of  the  Sun,  who  ar- 
riving at  this  Sign  begins  his  Retrogradation :  The  Wild- 
Goat  on  the  contrary,  whofe  Cuftom  is  to  feed  as  he  climbs? 
or  afcends  the  Hills,  wa's.cViofen  to  denote  the  Sun,  who  on 
coming  to  this  Point  of  the  Heaf  ens,  quits  the  loweft  Part 
of  his  Courfe  to  regain  the  higUeft.  '  The  Ram,  the  Bulh 
and  the  Tnuo  Kids  (4),  gave  theVr  Names  to  the  three  celeftial 
Houfes,  through  which  the  Sun  paffes  in  Spring.     This  dif- 

(2)  After  the  lafl  Crefcenr,  and  when  the  Moon  In  Conjunction  ceas'd 
to  appear,  the  People  went^  up  to  fome  high  Place,  the  better  to  perceive 
her  new  Phafes,  after  ^A'^.ich'f hey  facrificed. 

(3)  Saturnalia,  Lib.  I.  cap.  xy. 

(4)  The  Orictit^h  call'd  the  Sign  Gemini,  by  the  Name  of  the  Tiuo  Kids  j 
but  the  Greeks  ^ave  it  the  Name  of  Diojcutij  from  Cpflor  and  PqHux. 

tinguifh'd 


neology  of  the  Heathens.  213 

tingul/h'd  the  different  Kinds  of  young  Cattle  which  increab'd 
their  Flocks  during  that  Seafon,  as  they  fucceeded  each  other* 
the  Lambs  appearing  firft,  the  Calves  next,  and  the  Kids 
laft.  They  chofe  two  of  thefe  latter  on  account  of  the  pe- 
culiar Fruitfulnefs  of  the  Goat,  which  generally  bears 
Twins.  With  regard  to  the  Summer,  the  Fury  of  the  Lion 
juftly  exprefs'd  the  Heat  of  the  Sun  on  his  leaving  Cancer, 
The  Virgin  crown'd  with  Ears  of  Corn  was  an  Emblem  of 
the  Harveft  (5),  ufualiy  ended  about  that  Time.  Nothing 
could  better  denote  the  Equality  of  Days  or  Nights  under 
the  autumnal  Equinox,  than  the  Ballance  [^Libra].  The 
Difeafes  confequent  upon  the  Fall  of  the  Leaf,  were  chara6te- 
ris'd  by  the  Scorpion.  The  Chafe  of  wild  Beafts,  which  was 
annually  obferv'd  about  that  Time,  was  not  improperly  dif- 
tinguiihed  by  [Sagitarius]^  or  a  Man  on  Horfeback,  arm'd 
with  a  Bow  and  Arrow.  Aquarius  typify 'd  the  Rains  of 
Winter;  and  the  two  Fifhes  \?ifces\  bound  together,  or 
inclosM  in  a  Net,  indicated  the  Seafon  for  Fifliing,  which  is 
always  beft  at  the  Approach  of  Spring. 

Nothing  could  be  at  once  more  fimple  and  ufeful  than  this 
Divifion  of  the  Sun's  annual  Circuit  into  twelve  equal  Por- 
tions, exprefs'd  by  fo  many  vifible  Signs  or  Symbols,  which 
ferv'd  to  regulate  the  Seed-time,  Mowing,  Harveft,  Hunt- 
ing, Fifhing,  and  other  important  Employments  of  the 
Year,  Thefe  rude  Delineations  of  the  celeftial  Houfes  pro- 
bably gave  Birth  to  Painting.  But  then  thefe  Images  pre- 
fented  to  the  Mind  a  Meaning  very  different  from  the  Idea 
they  convey'd  to  the  Eye. 

it  is  probable  that  Chatn^  and  fuch  of  his  Children  who 
firil:  fettled  in  'Egypt,  brought  with  them  the  aftronomical 
Invention  or  Divifion  of  the  Zodiac,  and  attempted  to  carry 
on  their  Tillage  and  rural  Huihandry  according  to  the  Sea. 
fons  and  Methods  ufed  in  the  Countries  from  whence  they 

(5)  They  nam'd  this  Figure  Ergone,  or  Erigone,  which  fignifies  the  red 
Colour.     See  Daniel,  ch.  v.  ver.  7. 

Ru^icunda  Ceres  medio  fuccid.tur  afiu, 

had 


214     DISSERTATION  o«  //j? 

had  removed.  The  Land  being  Tandy  and  dry,  they  fow'd 
in  Spring,  and  foon  faw,  with  Pleafure,  a  verdant  Crop  rife 
and  give  Hopes  of  a  plentiful  Harveft-  But  in  April  or  May 
a  peftilential  South  Wind  blafted  their  Expeftations.  Not 
difcouraged  they  tried  to  repair  their  Lofles  by  a  fecond 
Ploughing  and  Sovi^ing,  and  as  the  fucceeding  northerly 
Winds  temper'd  the  Air,  every  Thing  feem'd  again  promif- 
ing.  But  as  the  Harveft  was  juft  ready  to  be  got  in,  the 
Weather  dry,  and  no  Appearance  of  Rain,  they  beheld  with 
Aftonifhment  the  Nile  overflow  its  Banks,  and  lay  all  their 
Fields  under  Water.  The  Obfervation  of  this  annual  Flood 
foon  taught  the  new  Comers  Experience.  They  carefully 
marked  the  celeftial  Signs,  which  were  the  Fore-runners  of 
the  Rivers  Increafe,  in  order  to  take  the  proper  Meafures 
for  their  own  perfonal  Security,  and  for  fowing  as  foon  as 
the  Waters  fhould  abate, 

They  remarked,  in  Confequenee  of  this,  that  the  Etefian 
Winds  always  blew  regularly  from  the  North,  juft  about 
the  Sun's  Entry  into  the  Sign  of  Cancer  (6),  and  that  the 
Flood  foon  fucceeded.  This  Wind  therefore  became  an  in- 
fallible Sign  with  them,  and  they  exprefs'd  it  by  the  Image 
of  the  Hawk  with  her  Wings  expanded,  not  only  becaufe 
of  the  Refemblance  in  general  between  the  Swiftnefs  of 
Birds,  and  the  Rapidity  of  the  Winds  (7) ;  but  alfo  becaufe 
this  Bird  in  particular  was  feen  to  accompany  thefe  Nor- 
therly Etefian  Breezes  (8). 

But  as  the  annual  Inundation  varied- each  Year  a  few 
Days,  either  fooner  or  later,  and  as  it  was  neceflary  to  ob- 
ferve  as  exadlly  as  poflible  the  Moment  of  its  Approach,  in 

(6)  Thefe  annual  Winds  driving  the  Vapours  and  Clouris  fouthward  fo 
Ethicpta,  where  they  are  condonfed  by  the  high  Mountains,  and  defcend 
in  Rams,  arc  the  rea!  Caufe  of  the  Nile's  overflowing,  though  probably 
the  antient  Fg;-pt:ars  were  ignorant  of  this. 

(7)  The  Scripture  in  more  Places  than  one  reprefents  the  Almighty  as 
riding  on  the  Wings  of  the  Wind.     See  Pfahm  xviii.  jo,  (^e.  &r. 

(S)  Does  the  Hawk  (fays  Joh)  by  thy  Wifdom  Hiake  off  her  old  Fea- 
thers, to  gtt  rid  of  thtm  and  ftrctch  her  Wings  tow.uds  the  South  ? 
xxxix.  i6, 

ordei; 


Theology  of  the  Heathens.         j^i^ 

Order  to  makie  the  neceflary  Preparations  for  fecuring  them- 
felves  with  their  Cattle  and  Effe6ts  on  the  higher  Grounds^ 
they  took  Notice  of  a  particular  luminous  Star  (9),  which  at 
this  critical  Juncture  appeared  on  the  Horizon  a  little  before 
Sun-rife,  and  was  not  only  thefure  Mark  of  that  great  Lumi- 
nary's pafling  under  the  ConfteKation  of  Leo^  but  alfo  the 
precife  Token  of  the  Commencement  of  the  Inundation* 
This  Star  from  its  great  Ufefulnefs  they  call'd  Thaaut  or  Thot^ 
(the  Dog)  and  Anubis  or  Hannobeach,  (the  Barker  or  Moni- 
tor) as  alfo  fimply  S'ihcr  ( 10)  which  is  the  Name  of  the  River 
Nile.  The  Southerly  Winds  which  preceded  the  Decreafe 
of  the  Waters,  were  reprefented  by  the  Whoop,  which  at 
that  Seafon  reforts  from  Nubia  and  Numidla  into  Egypt^  to 
feed  on  the  Worms  and  Infedls  left  in  the  Mud  or  Slime 
which  covers  the  Plains,  and  impregnates  them  with  that 
Fertility,  which  renders  their  Country  the  Garden  of  the 
World.  This  figurative  Symbol  expofed  to  the  Eyes  of  the 
People,  was  the  Indication  for  getting  ready  their  Corn, 
furveying  their  Grounds,  and  beginning  the  Seed-time  or 
Sowing. 

The  Conveniency  of  thefe  Emblems  occafionM  their  be- 
ing multiplied  ;  and  as  this  Hieroglyphick  Kind  of  Writing 
by  Birds  and  Animals  ftruck  the  Eye,  and  was  in  its  firft 
Inftitution  readily  underitood,  fo  in  orJer  to  preferve  and 
improve  it  for  the  publick  Ufe,  a  certain  Society,  or  Com- 
pany of  Men,  were  appointed  to  ftudy  the  Heavens,  and 
obferve  the  Motions  of  the  celeftial  Bodies.  Thefe  were 
lodged  in  a  Tower,  call'd  the  Labyrinth  (11),  and  had  com- 
mitted to  their  Care  the  Confe^vation  of  the  Chara£i:ers  and 
Symbols  ufed  to  point  out  to  the  People  the  general  Regu» 
lations,  or  particular  Duties  proper  to  each  Seafon. 

(9)  It  was  feen  juft  before  the  Dawn  of  Day,  which  foon  obfcur'd  its 
Lulire. 

(10)  From  hence  the  Grff,Ji  took  their  Name  'ZiUt<^  and  the  Latins 
S:r!U5,  by  which  ApeUation  we  now  call  the  Doj-Star. 

(11)  From  jK.'r/7»;c?,  with  the  Article  aomci  Lahyranta,  the  Tower  or 
Palace.     Ste  Cbnnnlts  xvii  la. 

Thus 


Si6      DISSE  RTATION  o«  /;.^ 

7^hus  we  fee  that  In  its  primitive  Formation,  nothing 
could  be  more  fimple  than  the  Egyptian  ReHgion.  It  was  in 
effect  the  fame  with  that  of  Job  and  Jethro  in  Arabia^  that  of 
Melchifedeck  and  Let  in  Canaan  j  and  that  of  Abimelech  in  P«- 
leftine.  It  was  the  Faith  of  l^oab  and  his  Sons,  who  firft  re- 
peopled  the  Earth-  It  confifted  in  adoring  the  Supreme 
Creator  of  all  Things,  in  Works  of  Juftice  and  Mercy,  in 
Induftry  and  Temperance,  in  treating  the  Dead  honourably, 
and  the  Hopes  of  a  future  Reward.  The  Figures  expofed 
to  the  Sight  of  the  People,  were  fo  far  from  being  myfterious, 
that  they  were  meant  only  to  remind  them  of  thefe  impor- 
tant Duties,  and  by  that  Means  inculcate  their  Pradlice,  and 
fecure  the  Peace  and  Happinefs  of  Society, 

But  as  foon  as  the  Vulgar  began  to  miftake  thefe  expref- 
five  Emblems  for  real  Objeds  and  Perfons,  they  began  to 
change  both  their  Language  and  Practice.  No  longer  un- 
derftanding  their  true  Meaning,  they  exchanged  their  Moral 
for  an  Hiftorical  Senfe.  The  Ofiris^  the  Emblem  of  the  firft 
Enlightner  and  Mover ;  the  IJls^  the  Mark  of  that  bountiful 
Nature  which  is  the  Mother  or  common  Parent  of  all  Crea- 
tures j  the  Horus  (12)5  or  beloved  Child  expreffive  of  Agri- 
culture and  Hufbandry ;  and  the  Anubis^  or  celeftlal  Mellen- 
ger,  from  Signs^  became  fo  many  real  Divinities,  who  de- 
lighted to  prote6t  Egypt ^  and  honour  it  with  their  Refidence. 
Thus  the  facred  Writings  or  Hieroglyphics,  though  ftill 
preferv'd  by  the  Priefts,  were  explain'd  in  a  new  and  mo- 
dern Senfe,  fuitable  to  the  prevailing  Tafte  of  the  People* 
for  Fable. 

A  late  ingenious  x^uthor,  to  whom  we  are  Indebted  for 
thefe  juft  RelkiSlions  (13),  thinks  it  probable,  that  the  Egyp- 
tian Priefts,  who  kept  the  Key  of  thefe  facred  Writings,  or 
Hieroglyphlcks,  at  ftrft  endeavoured  to  ftem  the  Torrent  of 

(i2  From  Eorei,  Kufbandry,  comes  Uoroiy  the  Hufbandman.     Hence 

alfo  the    «/"«    of  the  Greeh,  and  the  Aratio,  Aratrum,  and  Ars  of  the 
Latins. 

(13)  La  FJuche  Hlftoiredc  Cieux,  vol.  I. 

Superftition 


theology  of  the  Heathens.  217 

{Superftltlon,  by  reminding  the  People  of  their  Error,  and 
recalling  them  to  the  Worfhip  of  the  true  God  ;  but  find- 
ing all  Attempts  of  this  Kind  vain  and  inefTecKial,  they 
gave  Way  to  the  popular  Notions,  and,  in  procefs  of  Time, 
became  zealous  Defenders  of  what  they  fecretly  could  not 
but  condemn.  It  is  natural  to  think  this  great  Change  was 
fefFedled  by  Degrees,  and  that  the  Eftabliihment  of  Idolatry 
was  the  Work  of  fome  Time.  In  this  Manner,  while  they 
complied  with  the  popular  Language,  they  privately  ftudied 
all  they  could  colledl:  of  the  antient  and  real  Signification  of 
the  Symbolical  Figures,  taking  Care  to  require  a  profound 
Secrecy  of  all  whom  they  initiated  or  inftrudled  in  this  Kind 
of  Knowledge,  By  fuch  a  Method  their  religious  Learning 
bore  a  folemn  and  myfterious  Afpec^,  without  altering  any 
Thing  of  the  common  Worfhip  or  Belief.  Idolatry  reign'd 
abroad,  while  Truth  was  kept  confin'd  in  the  RecefTes  of 
their  Temples.  Thus  Things  daily  degenerated  and  grew 
worfe.  In  all  Syftems  of  Religion,  the  ceremonial  Part  is 
what  is  the  moft  eafily  fupported,  as  it  is  of  no  Confequence 
to  the  PalTions,  which  it  feldom  afFe6ls,  and  too  often  in- 
dulges. It  was  quite  otherwife  with  Truth,  which  grew 
ftill  more  and  more  disfigured,  in  Proportion  as  Superflition 
gain'd  Ground,  In  Procefs  of  Time,  Ambition  and  Jnjarice 
led  the  Priefts  themfelves  to  approve  an  Error,  which  turn'd 
greatly  to  their  Advantage,  and  equally  tended  to  flatter  the 
great  Views  of  Intereft  and  Power.  ^ 

Thus  have  we  feen  that  the  antient  Religion  of  Egypt  ia 
its  firft  Inftitution,  was  only  copied  from  that  of  Noahy  and 
the  firft  poO:- Dilu^jian  Patriarchs.  That  the  plain  and'fimple 
Do£l:rines  it  inculcated  were  the  Worfhip  of  one  fupreme 
Being  infinitely  wife,  and  powerful,  and  good ;  the  Obfer- 
vation  of  ftricl  Juftice  between  Man  and  Man,  the  great 
Foundation  of  the  Peace  of  Society  ;  the  Exercife  of  mutual 
Charity  and  Kindnefs ;  the  Cultivation  oif  the  Earth,  by  a 
juft  Regulation  of  Tillage  and  Induftry ;  the  interring  the 
Dead  with  Decency  and  Refpe^l ;  and  the  Belief  of  a  future 

F  f  State  : 


2i8     DISSERTATION  on  the 

State :  All  thefe  Principles  were  fiiadowed  out  to  the  Eye 
by  fuitable  Figures  or  Reprefentations,  and  to  thefe  were 
added  Emblems  exprellive  of  the  great  Change  introduced  in 
the  Earth  by  the  Deluge,  which  render'd  the  Exercife  of 
Agriculture  both  more  painful  and  neceflary  to  Mankind 
than  it  was  before,  when  the  Ground,  by  the  mild  Tempe- 
rature of  the  Air,  and  conftant  Prefence  of  the  Sun,  was  as  it 
were  fpontaneoufly  fertile,  and  the  Mother  of  a  genial 
Abundance. 

Nor  was  it  in  ^gypt  alone,  that  thefe  Veftigies  of  the  pri. 
maeval  Faith,  and  the  Worfliip  of  the  true  God  were  pre- 
fcrv'd.  "  The  Magi^  or  aiitient  Perfian  Philofophers,  ac- 
''  cording  to  the  Teftimony  of  the  beft  Hiftorians  (14),  had 
*•  neither  Statues  nor  Altars.  They  facrificed  on  the  higheft 
*'  Mountains  (15),  and  ufed  neither  Libations  nor  Mufic> 
''  nor  hallow'd  Bread.  They  offef  d  the  Vidims  crown'd  ; 
"  after  which  the  Prieft  dividing  it  in  fmall  Portions,  they 
'*  ihared  it  in  common,  leaving  no  Part,  for  (as  they  faid) 
*'  God  defired  only  the  Soul  of  the  VicSlim  (16)."  Indeed 
they  worfhipped  the  Fire,  which  they  regarded  as  the  moft 
perfect  Emblem  of  the  Divinity  ;  and  we  find  this  magni- 
ficent Symbol  was  in  great  Veneration  through  all  the  Eaft, 
On  the  fame  Account  they  honour'd  the  Sun,  Moon,  and 
Stars ;  but  this  was  only,  as  they  confiderM  them  the  Images 
or  Symbols  of  the  fupreme  Being  or  original  Caufe  of  all 
Things,  whom  they  call'd  Oromazes^  and  of  whom  Zcroajler 
(as  quoted  by  Eujebius  (17),  has  given  a  fublime  Defcription : 
♦'  God,  fays  he,  the  firll  of  all  incorruptible  Beings,  eternal 
*'  and  unbegotten  i  he  is  not  compounded  of  Parts;  there 
"  is  nothing  equal  to  him  or  lik.e  him  :  He  is  the  Author  of 

(14)  Herodotus.      Clio,  Uh.  I.   St€t.  131,  Strabo,  Lib.  XV. 

(15)  It  was  probably  to  prevent  the  Abufe  of  this  Cuftom,  in  itfelf  in- 
rocent,  that  Mofes  fo  feverely  interdidls  even  the  worfhipping  the  true 
God  upon  high  Places. 

(16)  The  Orienfals,  fond  of  the  Doftrine  of  Tranfmigration,  believed 
the  Vidini  animated  by  a  criminal  Soul,  whofe  expiatory  Pains  were  com- 
pleted by  the  Sacrifice. 

(17J  Prc^arat.  E-vangelica,  Lib.  I, 

«*  all 


theology  of  the  Heathens.  219 

•^^  all  Good,  and  entirely  uninfluenc'd  by  PaiTions;  themoft 
**  excellent  of  Beings  3  the  wifefl:  of  all  intelligent  Natures  > 
•'  the  Father  of  Equity,  the  Parent  of  good  Laws;  felf-in- 
•'  ftru(5led,  felf-fufficient  j  and  the  firft  Forrper  of  Nature.'* 
If  we  believe  the  ^r^^'fi«  Writers  (18),  the  Perfian  Magi 
were  very  far  from  being  Manicheans^  or  believing  two  dif- 
tincl  and  coeternal  Principles  of  G^?^^  and  EnjH,  as  has  been 
afTerted  by  an  eminent  modern  Philofopher  (19),     The  an- 
tient  Perjians^  indeed,  admitted  two  inferior  Divinities,  'viz 
the  Goddefs  Mythra,  and  the  God  Mythrasy  who,  according 
to  them,  were  the  firft  Emanations  of  the  divine  Being,  or 
the  firft  Produ6fions  of  his  Power  (20).     They  alfo  afl'erted 
a  wicked  Spirit,  call'd  Arimanius  (21 ),  whom  they  regarded  as 
the  Author  or  Principle  of  all  Moral  Evil,  and  who  for  his 
Pride  and  Ambition  was  hud'd  from  the  celeftial  Manfions 
(22).     This  Idea  was  agreeable  to  the  Python  01  Typhon  oi 
the  Egyptians^  and  the  War  of  the   Giants  againft  Jupiter 
celebrated  by  the  Greek  and  Latin  Poets.    In  fliort,  the  three 
principal  Attributes,  or  Views  under  which  the  eternal  or 
jTupreme  EfTence  prefents  itfelf  tpthe  Mind,  are  Pcwer^  Wif^ 
dom  and  Goodnefs^  without  the  two  A?/?,  the  firft  would  be  in- 
finite Tyranny  ;  without  the  firji  and  laji  ih^fecond  would  be 
limited  and  fail   of  its  End,  and  without  the  /<?/,  the  two 
former  would,  inftead  of  being  beneficial,  become  deftruc- 
tive.     Thus  we  find  the  Egyptian,  and  Chaldeans  agreeing 
exactly  in  their  Reprefentations  of  the  fupreme  Being,  fha- 
aowed  under  the  Characters  of  Ofiris  or  Oro7Kaz.es^  the  firft 
Principle  or  Source  of  all  Exiltence  5  the  Goddefs  Ifis  or 
Mythra  the  Emblem  of  the  fupreme  V/iJdom  or  Vnderjlanding^ 

(iS)  See  PococX^  Greg.  Jbiilpb.  and  Hyde'%  Shahriftuii. 

(ig)  BayW^  Didionary.     See  the  Article  Zoroaflcr. 

(ao)  They  fay  Ororr.cizes  produced  the  Godded  Mythra y  the  original 
Mother,  the  living  Image  of  his  Beauty,  who  prefented  him  with  the  Ideas 
pi  all  Things,  which  he  gave  to  the  God  Mythras,  to  form  the  World  by. 

(21)  The  chief  of  the  Syngas,  or  rebellious  Spirits,  whom  he  feduc'd  to 
diflurb  the  univprfal  Harmony,  and  invoIvM  in  the  juft  PuniHsmentof  his 
Crime. 

(22)  See  Ramfafs  Cyrus,  Book  II. 

F  f  2  and 


220     DISSERTATION  o»  ?^^ 

and  the  God  Orm  or  Wl^thras^  their  beloved  Son,  the  Symbd 
oi\\\2XGoodncfs^  which  vifibly  appears  imprefs'd  on  Nature, 
and  dlfFufes  itfelf  through  all  the  Creation.  The  Jupitert 
Miner<va^  and  Apollo  of  the  Greehi  znd^Romans^  were  only  copied 
from  thefe  Originals  (23), 

This  is  evidejit  from  the  Teftimony  of  their  Poets  and  Phi- 
lofophers.     We  find  Orpheus  the  Founder  of  the  Greek  The- 
<>gony^  fo  exactly  agreeing  with  Zoroojler  in  his  Definition  of 
the   fupreme   Being,   that  it    is   evident  they   drew  their 
Notions  from  the  fame  Source,  and  that  under  the  firft  Ob- 
je6ls  of  Idolatry,  the  true  Religion,  or  the  Worfhip  of  one 
fovereign    Exiftence,  was  plainly  fhadowed  out.     Oo'/V,  to 
put  his  Chaos  in  Motion,  is  forced  to  ufe  the  Interpofition  of 
a  God  (24).     But  here  it  is  proper  to  obferve,  that  the 
Greek  and  Roman  Theology,  though  borrow'd  from  the  Ori- 
ent aU  was  much  more  imperfv.d,  and  feem'd  to  lean  more  to 
the  Mankhaan  Scheme.     This  was  owing  to  the  Licenfe  of 
their  Poets,  who,  in  order  to  give  Scope  to  their  Imagination, 
dlfguis'd  the  Eajiem  Traditions  with  new  Embellifhments, 
till  they  peopled  the  Realms  of  Fidion  with  innumerable 
Deities  of  all  Ranks,  iVges,  Sexes,  and  Orders. 

However,  if  we  read  Homer  and  Virgil^  (the  two  Princes  of 
the  ClaJJlc  Writers)  we  fhall  find  them  confonant  in  thefc 
three  great  Principles,  i.  "  That  there  is  a  fupreme  Being, 
*'  the  Father  of  Gods  and  Men,  and  the  Architedl:  of  the 
**  Univerfe.  2.  That  all  Nature  is  full  of  fubordinate  Spi- 
*'  rits,  who  are  his  Servants  or  Minifters.    And,  3.  That 

(23)  Out  of  this  tripartite  Symbol,  or  Groupe,  the  Heathens  compos' d 
that  multiplicity  of  Gcds  and  Goddefles  which  crowded  their  Mythology. 
Thus  Ofiris,  Scrapis,  Oro*^azes,  "Jy.pter  Olynipitn,  Saturn,  Calm,  Neptune, 
Pluto,  are  only  different  Names  for  the  fupreme,  or  felf-exiflent  Being. 
The  GoddelTes  Ifis,  Mythra,  Juno,  Cybele,  Vefta,  Rhea,  Venus  Urania, 
Minet-va,  Diana,  Luna,  and  Prefer  pine  all  fienify,  that  divine  "N^iJdom, 
which  IS  as  it  were  the  Emanation  of  infinite  Power,  and  which  plann'd 
the  univerfal  Syflem.  Laftiy,  Anubis,  Orus,  Mercury,  Apollo,  Mfculapius, 
Pan,  Hercules;  and  "Jupiter  the  Condudlor,  are  but  different  Names  expref- 
Tive  of  that  Goodnejs,  which  carried  this  wonderful  Scheme  into  Execution, 
and  ftamp'd  the  vifible  Marks  of  Grace  and  Kappinefs  on  the  Whole. 
(24.)  (?wi  Metam.  Lib,  I.  in  Jh<:///o, 

•'  the 


Tloeohgy  of  the  Heathens,          221 

'^  the  Good  and  Evil  Genii^  who  dwell  in  the  Elements,  are 
**  the  Caufes  of  the  Good  or  111,  Virtue  or  Vice,  Knowledge 
*'  or  Ignorance,  which  prevail  in  the  World.''  JEfchylus 
(2^)  and  Sophccles  (26)  confirm  the  frji  Point  by  two  very 
remarkable  Parages,  and  are  corroborated  by  the  Tefti- 
monies  of  Plauius  (2'j)  and  Horace  (2S).  Cato,  in  Lucan^ 
fpeaks  (2())  the  fame  Language ;  and  thefe  Inftances  leave 
no  Room  to  doubt,  that  the  Voice  of  Nature  agreed  with 
antient  Tradition  in  pointing  out  Truth  to  the  Heathens? 
though  furrounded  with  the  Mifts  of  Error. 

If  we  proceed  next  to  an  Examination  of  the  Greek  and 
Roman  Philofophers,  Thales  the  Founder  of  the  Ionic  School 
(lo)t  according  to  the  Fragments  of  him  tranfmitted  to  us 
by  the  moft  authentic  Writers,  entertain'd  not  only  very 

(25)  "  There  is  one  unknown  Being,  exalted  beyond,  and  prior  to  all 
**  others.  He  is  the  Author  of  all  Things  above  and  below.  He  is  the 
"  Life,  the  Light  and  the  W^jdom,  \jvhich  three  Names  exprefs  only  one 
"  and  the  fame  Power,  who  drew  all  Beings  vifible  and  invifible  out  of 
*'  nothing." 

(26)  *<  O  Father  and  King  of  Gods  and  Men,  why  do  we  miferabJe 
**  Mortals  fancy  we  either  know  or  can  do  any  Thing  ?  Our  Fate  depends 
*^  on  thy  &c.     Euripides  fupp.  Aft.  III. 

"  It  is  not  to  any  mortal  Nature,  that  Laws  owe  their  Origin  ; 
**  they  derive  their  Birth  from  Heaven,  and  receive  their  Sandion  from 
**  thence  j   Jupiter  Olympius  is  their  Father.     Sophocles  ^dipus. 

(27)  P/a«r«j  introduces  an  inferior  God  talking  thus :  *'  I  am  a  Denizen 
*'  of  the  celeftial  City,  governed  by  Jupiter  the  Father  of  Gods  and 
**  Men.  He  commands  the  Univerfe,  and  fends  us  over  the  World  to 
**  examine  the  Conduft  and  Adions  of  the  Piety  and  Virtues  of  Mankind* 
**  In  vain  do  Mortals  endeavour  to  bribe  him  with  Oblations  and  Sacrifices, 
<«  They  lofe  their  Pains,  for  he  abhors  the  Worlhip  of  the  Impious, 

(28)  ^id  prius  dicam  folitis  Parentis 
Laudibus }   ^«/  res  bomitjum  ac  Deorum 
^i  ware  &  Terras,  t-artifque  Mundum 

Temperat  Horis  f  , 

TJnde  nil  ma'jus  generatur  ipfof 
Nee  njiget  quicquam  Jimileaut  fecundum,    Horat.  Lib.  I.  OdeXIL  13. 

(29)  See  Lucan,  Lib.  VI. 

(30)  "  God  is  the  moft  antient  of  all  Beings,  the  Author  of  the  Uni- 
*'  verfe,  without  Beginning  or  End;  from  whofe  fight  nothing  can  be 
*'  conceal'd.  Fate  is  nothing  but  the  immutable  Reafon  and  eternal 
f'  Power  of  his  Providence,"  The  fame  Phiiofopher  calls  the  foul  "  A 
"  felf-mo-ving  Principle^  a  Definition  that  jmplys  both  its  being  Immortal 
♦'  and  Immaterial," 

fublimc 


22a     DISSERTATION  o«  ?/j^ 

fublime  Notions  of  the  fupreme  Being  ;  but  had  a  right  Idea 
of  the  Nature  of  the  human  Soul.  Pythagoras  talks  on  this 
important  Subject  in  the  rnoft  noble  and  philofophical 
Manner:  "  God  (fays  he)  is  neither  the  Object  of  Senfe 
*'  nor  fubje6l  to  Paflion ;  but  invifible,  purely  intelligible, 
**  and  fupremely  intelligent.  His  Body  is  like  the  Light^ 
**  and  his  Soul  refembles  Truth,  There  is  but  one  God 
•'  only,  who  is  not,  as  fome  conceive,  feated  beyond  the 
'^  Orb  of  the  Univerfe,  but  being  every  where  prefent,  he 
"  fees  all  the  Beings  that  inhabit  his  Immenfity.  He  is  the 
*'  fole  Principle,  the  Light  of  Heaven,  and  the  Father  of 
*'  all :  He  produces,  orders,  and  difpofes  every  Thing. 
"  He  is  the  Reafon,  the  Life,  and  the  Motion  of  all 
••  [created]  Beings."  Secrates  f^ij  and  P/ato  (^i)  feem  to 
have  conceived  the  firm  and  well  grounded  Belief  of  one 
Almighty,  Omnifcient,  and  infinitely  good  Being,  who 
rules,  dire£i:s,  and  difpofes  all  Things  for  the  beft  zn^  wifeft 
Ends  ;  and  in  this  they  were  followed  by  AriJiotUy  Difciple 
to  the  latter  f  33^/.     Amongft  the  Romans  we  find  Cicero,  (the 

(3O  "  If  (fays  this  divine  Philofopher)  the  Spirit  which  refides  ip  the. 
'*  Body  moves  and  difpofes  it  at  pleafure,  why  fhould  not  that  fovereigo 
**  Wifdom  which  prefides  in  the  Univerfe,  be  able  to  regulate  and  order 
*'  every  Thing  as  it  pleafes  ?  If  your  Eye  can  fee  Objedls  at  the  Diftance 
*'  of  feveral  Furlongs,  why  (hould  not  the  Sight  of  God  pervade  aU 
**  Things  at  once  ?  If  your  foul  can  at  the  fame  Time  refled  upon  what 
**  paffes  zXAthemy  in  Egypt  and  Sicily,  why  (hould  not  the  Omnifcient 
**  MirJ  be  able  to  take  Care  of  every  Thing,  and  fuperintend  his  own 
**  "Works  ?'*     Xenopbon  Mem.orab,  Socratis. 

(32)  *'  That  which  prefents  "Truth  to  the  Mind,  and  which  indues  us 
*'  with  Reafon,  is  the  fupreme  Good :  He  is  the  Caule  and  fource  oi Truth, 
*'  and  has  begotten  it  like  himself.  As  the  Light  is  not  the  fun,  but  flows 
**  from  it,  fo  Truth  is  not  the  firft  Principle,  but  his  Em.anation,  Flato 
de  Republica,  Lib.  VI. 

(33)  jirijiotle^  the  Prince  of  the  Ferifatetic  School,  defines  God  thus: 
"  The  eternal  and  living  Being,  the  moft  noble  of  all  Exiftences,  a  Sub- 
*'  ftance  entirely  diftindl  from  Matter,  without  Extenfion,  Divifion,  Suc- 
"  cefTion,  or  Parts,  who  underftands  every  Thing  by  one  fingle  Aft,  an^ 
*'  continuing  himfelf  immoveable,  gives  Motion  to  all  Things,  and  enjoys 
'•'  himfelf  in  a  perfe<S  Blifs,  as  knowing  and  contemplating  himfelf  with 
"  infinite  Pltalure.  As  the  fupreme  Intelligence,  he  a<5ts  always  with 
"  Order,  Proportion,  arvd  Defign  ;  and  is  the  Source  of  all  that  is  goo(^J 
*'  excellent,  and  juft.    jinflot,  Metaphyf.  Lib,  XIV.  cap.  7,  and  10,  ' 

greatefi 


Theology  of  the  Heathens.         223 

j^rcatell  of  their  Philofophers,  who  livM  in  an  Age,  in  which 
Sceptifin  was  prevalent)  though  he  leans  to  the  Academic  Side, 
yet  drops  feveral  plain  Confeffions  of  the  Exiftence  of  one 
fuprenie  Being  (z^)y  a  Truth  which  feems  engrav'd  by  the 
divine  Creator  on  the  Hearts  of  all  Men.  Nor  does  Seneca 
f$sJ  negle£t  to  guard  us  againft  miftaken  Notions  of  the 
divine  Being,  by  informing  us  what  he  truly  is.  And  that 
the  wifefl  of  the  Pagan  Philofophers  were  unanimous  in  this 
Belief  of  One  fupreme  and  neceflarily  exiftcnt  Being,  is  cor- 
roborated by  the  Teftimony  of  St.  ^«//»  (36),  one  of  the 
moft  learned  and  venerable  Fathers  of  the  Chrijlian  Church. 

We  have  already  obferv'd,  that  the  Greeh  and  Romans 
receivM  from  Egypt ^  and  the  oriental  Nations,  the  Know- 
ledge of  one  fupreme  and  true  God,  though  fhadowed  un- 

(34)  Tullj  defcrlbes  the  Unlverfe  as  a  Republick,  of  which  'Jupiter  \t 
the  Prince  and  common  Father.  **  The  great  Law  (fays  he)  imprinted  in 
'•  the  Hearts  of  all  Men,  is  to  love  the  pubiickGood,  and  regard  the 
**  Members  of  Society  as  themfe!ves.  This  Love  of  Order  is  fupreme 
**  Juftice,  and  this  Juftice  is  amiable  for  its  own  fake.  To  love  it  only 
* '  for  the  Advantages  we  may  reap  from  it,  may  be  politic,  but  never 
*'  honcft.  It  is  the  highefl  Injuftice  to  love  Juftice  only  for  the  fake  of  a 
**  Reward.  In  fhbrt,  the  univerfal,  immutable,  and  eternal  Law  of  all 
<'  intelligent  Beings  is  to  promote  the  Happinefs  of  one  another,  like  Chil- 
<*  dren  of  the  fame  Father.  This  immortal  Law  is  a  Rule  to  all  Nations, 
**  becaufe  it  has  no  Author,  but  the  one  only  God,  by  whom  it  was 
**  form'd  and  promulgated." 

(35)  "  The  Antients  (fays  Seneca)  did  not  t\\\r\kJoi^e(uQh  a  Being  as  we 
'*  reprefent  him  in  the  Capitol,  and  our  other  Buildings  j  but  by  Jove 
"  they  meant  the  Guardian  and  Governor  of  the  Univerfe,  the  Mafter  and 
"  Architeft  of  this  great  Machine.  All  Names  belong  to  him.  You  are 
*'  not  in  the  Wrong  if  you  call  him  Fate,  for  he  is  the  Caufe  ot  all  Caufes, 
**  and  every  Thin^  depends  on  him.  If  you  term  him  Frci/idence^  you 
**  fall  into  no  Miftake,  for  his  Wifdom  governs  the  World.  If  you  ftile  him 
**  Nature,  you  err  not,  for  from  him  all  Beings  derive  their  Origin,  and 
*'  in  him  they  live  and  breathe."     Seneca,  Qu:eft.  Nat.  Lib.  II. 

(36)  This  Fatherreduces  the  polytheifm  ot  the  Heathens  to  one  fole prin- 
ciple. "  Jupiter  (fays  he)  according  to  the  philofophers,  is  the  Soul  of 
•'  the  World,  who  takes  different  Names,  according  to  the  EfFedls  he  pro. 
''  duces.  In  the  a^thereal  Spaces  he  is  called  Jove,  in  the  Air  Juno^  in  the 
•'  Sea  Neptune,  in  the  Earth  Pltuc,  in  Hell  Projerpine,  in  the  Element  of 
"  Fire  Fukan,  in  the  Sun  Fhahus,  in  Divination  Apollo,  in  War  Mars,  in 
*  *  the  Vintage  Bacchus,  in  the  Harveft  Ceres,  in  the  Forefts  Diana,  and  in 
*'  the  Sciences  M/«.^rz'rt ;  AH  the  Crowd  of  Gods  and  Coddeffei  are  only 
**  the  fame  Jw/fZ/^r,  whofe  difftrent  powejs  and  Attributes  are  exprefs'd 
**  by  different  Names." 

der 


2H     DISSERTATION  on  the 

der  figurative  Names  and  Images.  But  about  the  50th 
Olympiad,  the  Philofophers  of  Greece  having  loft  much  of  this 
traditional  Learning,  began  to  lay  afide  the  antient  Doc- 
trine for  fpeculative  Refinements.  The  various  Sentiments 
they  entertained  produced  four  different  Sects  or  Schools. 
1.  Jnaximandcr  (zj),  who  liv'd  about  600  Years  before  the 
Chriftian  jEra^  W2s  the  firft  who  attempted  to  oppofe  the 
Belief  of  a  fupreme  Intelligence,  and  to  account  for  the 
Structure  of  the  Univerfe  by  a  fortuitous  Concourfe  of  Matter. 
In  this  Syftem  he  was  followed  and  fupported  by  Leucippus^ 
Democritus^  Epicurus,  Lucretius,  and  the  other  Mafters  of  the 
Atomic  School.  2.  Pythagoras  {^Sj,  Anaxagoras,  Socrates, 
Tlato,  AriJlotUy  the  greateft  Geniufes  that  Greece  ever  pro- 
duced, all  joined  to  oppofe  this  impious  Doftrine,  and  to  re- 
eflablifh  the  antient  Theology.  By  obferving  the  Motion, 
Thoughtj  and  DeGgn  which  appeared  in  Nature,  they  con- 
cluded, that  there  was  a  Subftance  diilinct  from  Matter, 
fince  it  was  endued  with  none  of  thefe  Properties.  Thefe 
two  SeSs  divided  Grf^r^  a  long  Time,  till  about  the  izoth 
Olympiad,  Pyrrho  formed  a  third  Party,  whofe  Principles 
was  to  doubt  every  Thing,  without  ever  determining.  This 
new  Se6l  was  foon  reinforced  by  the  Atomijls,  who  faw  hov^ 
convenient  it  was  for  their  Purpofe,  nor  indeed  could  Errors 
like  theirs  even  find  a  better  Screen  than  univerfal  Scepticifm, 
In  ftiort,  they  carried  this  fo  far,  as  to  difpute  the  clearefl  and 

(37)  He  was  born  at  Miletus^  and  ftudied  under  Thales,  about  550 
Years  before  the  Chripian  JErs..  He  firft  invented  the  Globe.  He  taught 
that  the  Gods  were  mortal,  but  liv'd  long  ;  and  that  Men  were  made  of 
Earth  and  Water.  See  Cicero  Quaeft.  Academ.  IV.  37.  and  Ramjay's 
Cyrus,  p.  170,  and  following.  Bruno,  Vanini  and  Spinoja  only  reviv'd  the 
Doftrine  of  this  School  with  the  Addition  of  fome  new  Improvements, 
and  Diftindions  form'd  to  amufe  weak  Minds. 

.  (38)  This  great  Philofopher  was  by  Birth  a  Samian,  but  leaving  that 
Idand,  he  travelled  to  Egypt,  from  whence  he  removed  to  that  Fart  of 
Italy,  caU'd  Magna  Gracia^  and  became  the  Founder  of  the  School  which 
bore  his  Name.  He  taught  the  Metempfychofn  or  Tranfmigration  of  Souls, 
and  was  a  rtrenuous  Oppofer  of  the  Materialifts  or  Atomic  Philofophers. 
Defcartes,  Malbranche,  Poiret,  Neivto/i,  Bently,  Clarke,  and  Cheyne  have  in 
our  Days  renew 'd  the  Platonic  School/  by  refuting  with  great  Force  the 
Abfurdities  of  dtheijm, 

moil 


"Theology  of  the  Heathens.         225 

hioft  felf-evident  Truths,  and  to  treat  all  the  Objecls  we  fee». 
and  even  Life  itfelf,  as  one  Series  of  Illufioii.  In  fine, 
about  the  130th  Olympiad^  Zeno  ere£led  the  Stoic  (^39  J  School, 
and  endeavour'd  to  reconcile  the  Atheifts  or  Difciples  of 
Democritui^  with  the  T^heip  or  Followers  of  ?lato :  This  he 
did  by  afferting,  that  the  firft  Principle  was  indeed  an  ia/i/jiie 
Wifdom,  but  that  his  EfTence  was  only  a  pure  JEther^  or 
fubtil  Light,  diiFus'd  through  all  Space,  and  enlivening  all 
Beings. 

It  may  not  be  improper  to  conclude  this  Part  with  taking 
ia  fhort  View  of  the  Rife  and  Progrefs  of  Idolatry,  We  have 
had  Occafion  in  the  Beginning  of  this  EiTay  to  obferve,  that 
the  true  Source  of  this  Evil  lay  in  the  Abufe  of  the  antient 
Symbolical  Writing.  The  Splendor  of  the^««  ^as  an  inge- 
nious Writer  juftly  remarks^)  never  drew  the  Attention  of 
Man  from  his  Creator.  The  Wonders  or  Beauties  of  Na- 
ture never  corrupted  the  Heart.  Nor  did  Aftronomy  intro- 
duce the  Worfhip  of  the  Heavenly  Hoft ;  but  the  Cafe  really 
was,  that  NeceiTity  having  obliged  Men  to  form  Symbols  or 
figurative  Reprefentations,  to  remind  them  of  certain  Events, 
or  to  dire6lthem  in  their  annual  Policy  and  Labours,  theVul- 
gar  by  admitting  thefe  Hieroglyphic  Charadiers,  without  re- 
ceiving their  Scnfe,  fwallowed  the  Poifon  of  Error,  and 
forged  the  Chains  of  Superftition,  which  were  to  fetter  both 
themfelves  and  their  Pofterity. 

But  though  the  Ufe  ol  this  Emblematical  Writing,  firuck 
the  Eye,  and  from  the  Practice  of  it  in  their  publick  Cere- 
monies, becanie  daily  more  extenfive,  it  was  neverthelefs 

(39)  Zeno  was  born  at  Cittm  in  Cyprus,  and  the  Father  of  the  Stoic 
Seft.  He  taught  at  Athcm  with  fuch  Reputation,  that  the  Citizens  prc- 
fented  him  a  golden  Crown,  and  ereded  his  Statue  in  Brafs.  He  died  at 
90  Years  old. 

Of  late  Years  llohhes,  Bchmen,  and  fome  others,  have  endeavoured  to 
revive  the  Stoic  Syftem,  by  prctendins;  that  Extenllon  is  the  Bafis  of  all 
Subftance,  that  the  Soul  differs  from  ths  Body  only  as  it  is  more  refin'di 
that  the  Spirit  is  but  a  rarify'd  Bony,  and  a  Body  a  condens'd  Spirit,  and 
that  the  fupreme  infinite  Being,  though  invifible,  is  extended  by  local 
Diffufion, 

G  S  fubjecl 


226     DISSERTATION  e«  //j^ 

fubjedt  to  a  manifefl  Inconvenieiicy,  namely,  that  in  Spltel 
of  all  their  Precaution  (40J  the  Figures  or  Charaders  mul- 
tiply'd  fo  faft,  in  Proportion  to  the  Objeds  they  were  in- 
vented to  reprefent,  that  it  was  eafy  to  forefee  this  Method 
of  exprefling  the  Senfe  would  foon  become  impracticable. 
This  gave  Room  to  a  mafterly  Genius,  (whofe  Name  has 
unhappily  been  loft  by  Time)  (41)  to  corre6l  this  Evil,  by 
reprefenting  with  twenty  or  twenty-four  Letters,  the  prin- 
cipal Articulations  of  the  Voice  neceflary  to  form  Words, 
or  the  Signs  of  Obje£ls,  fo  as  to  enable  Men  by  a  few  Cha- 
racters to  raife  to  the  Thought  a  Variety  of  Obje6ls  ex- 
prefs'd  by  fuitable  Sounds. 

It  is  no  Wonder  if  an  In^vention  at  once,  fo  fimple  and  ufe- 
ful,  made  a  quick  Progrefs,  and  became  fubftituted  in  the 
Place  of  the  former  Method  ;  which  it  render'd  in  fome 
Meafure  ufelefs.  It  foon  fpread  itfelf  to  the  Arabians ^  He- 
Irews,  and  Pb^nicians  (42),  which  laft  People,  by  Means  of 
their  extenfive  Commerce,  communicated  it  to  the  Greek 
and  other  Weftern  Nations,  who  readily  adopted  it,  as  eafy 
to  learn  and  expeditious  to  pradice.  Thus  the  Symbolical 
Writing  being  excluded  from  common  Ufe,  became  appro- 
priated to  the  Priefts  and  the  Learned.  It  flill,  however, 
maintain'd  its  Authority,  being  ufed  at  all  religious  Fefti- 
vals,  and  on  publick  Monuments  and  Tombs,  on  which 
Account  it  afTum'd  the  Name  of  Hiercglyphic  (^43^,  or  facred, 
to  diftinguifli  it  from  the  common  Writing. 

This  Change,  by  Degrees,  render'd  the  Difficulties  of 
underftanding  the  Emblematick  Charadcrs  or  Writing,  at 

(40)  This  Inconvenience  is  vifibly  feen  in  the  Chincfe  Language,  which 
refembles  the  antient  Egyptian  with  only  this  Difference,  that  jts  Charac- 
ters are  of  arbitrary  Infticution,  whereas  the  latter  were  conneded  to  the 
Objedts  reprefented  by  fome  Analogy  of  Name  or  Likenels  •.  For  Inftance, 
the  Serpent  lignify'd  Life  by  an  Analogy  of  Name  j  the  Word  Hiva  figni- 
fying  both  an  Eel  and  L^fe. 

(4.1)  Whoever  this  Eenefa£tor  to  Mankind  was,  it  is  certain  he  liv'd 
long  before  Cadnm:^  fince  this  Way  of  Writing  was  in  Ufe  before  the  Time 
of  Jcb  and  Mofcs. 

(42)  Caihnis,  v/holer.rn'd  it  in  Phanicia,  firfl  brought  it  into  Greece. 

(43)  Hiercglypbica  fi^nifii:s  tba  facrai  Letters,  or  facred  Sculptures. 

beft 


Theology  of  the  Heathens.        227 

beft  obfcure  in  themfelves,  much  greater;  and  made  the 

Study    of  it  ftill    more  uncommon.     Thus  the  Egyptians 

loft  Sight  of  the  real    Intention  of  the    Symbols  repre- 

fented  in  their  publick  Afiemblies,     The  Ceremonial  of 

Religion  ftill   fubfifted,   but  the  Spirit  of  Devotion  itfelf 

was  fled.    The  true  Worfhip  of  God,  which  confifts  in 

Gratitude  and  Purity  of  Heart,  degenerated  into  Form  an4 

Show,  and  as  they  grew  attached  to  thefe  external  Repre- 

fentations,  they  forgot  their  Defign,  and  infenfibly  loft  Sight 

of  their  Creator.    As  they  grew  corrupted  in  their  Morals, 

this  Indifference  increafed  j  till  at  laft  Senfe  prevail'd,  and 

they  ftupidly  miftook  the  Figures  they  faw  for  the  true  Ob- 

je6ls  of  Adoration.     It  is  not  difficult  to  fee  the  fatal  Confe- 

quences  of  an  Error  of  this  Kind,  and  how  fertile  a  Source 

of  Idolatry  and  Polytheifm,  it  was  likely  to  become,  as  all 

Kinds  of  Animals  and  Plants  had  their  Place  in  this  Hierogly- 

fhic  Writing,  fo  when  its  Intention  was  thus  perverted,  the 

fame  Animals  and  Plants  afTum'd  a  Charader  of  Divinity, 

and  put  in  for  their  Share  of  the  publick  Worfhip. 

It  may  be  obje6ted,  that  allowing  this,  it  will  yet  be  diffi- 
cult to  account  how  the  Idolatry  of  the  Egyptians  could  ex- 
tend itfelf  to  the  Syrians,  much  lefs  to  the  Greeks  and  the 
other  remoter  Nations  of  Europe^  fince  it  is  known  that  the 
l^gyptians  travell'd  little,  and  confequently  had  few  Oppor- 
tunities of  communicating  their  Opinions  to  Strangers. 
^ut  in  Anfwer  to  this,  it  is  only  neceflary  to  confider,  that 
Egypt  was  in  the  earlieft  Times  regarded  as  the  Granary  of 
the  World.  In  barren  Years  this  Country  was  the  Refource 
of  the  Neighbouring  Nations,  particularly  the  Phoenicians^ 
whofe  narrow  Territory  was  not  fufficient  to  produce  the 
necefTary  Support  for  its  Inhabitants.  The  People  ofGreece 
alfo  in  Seafons  of  Scarcity  fought  their  Supplies  from  Egypt, 
All  Foreigners  who  reforted  hither,  were  equally  ftruck  with 
Surprize  at  the  Polity  of  its  Government,  the  focial  and 
mild  Temper  of  the  People,  the  Pomp  of  their  religious 
F^ftivals,  and  the  Plenty  of  a  Country  in  which  it  never 
Gg  2  rained* 


228     DISSERTATION  OT  f;6? 

rained.     The  annual  Overflowing  of  the  I<lile^  (the  Source 
of  this  Fertility,  and  the  Caufe  of  which  was  then  unknown) 
was  fo  contrary  to  the  common  Courfe  of  Nature,  that  they 
thought  it  miraculous  (^\)'    The  Natives  took  Care  to  im^ 
prove  Sentiments  fo  favourable  to  their  Intereft,  by  afcribing 
thefe  fmgular  Advantages  which  diftinguilh'd  them,  to  the 
Proteftion  of  their  Guardian  Deities,  and  their  Approba- 
tion of  the  Worfhip  paid  them.     All  this  gave  Strangers  an 
high  Idea  of  the  Egyptian  Religion,  and  led  them  to  trans- 
port into  their  own  Countries,  the   Symbols  or  Images  of 
fuch  benevolent  and  powerful  Gods.     Thus  we  fee  it  was 
here  the  Cup  of  Idolatry  was  mingled,  which  the  Phanician 
Navigation  prefented  to  the  remoteft  Nations  ^45^.     The 
Names  of  the  Deities,  which  are  all  borrowed  from  their 
Language,  leave  no   Doubt  of  this  -,  but  then  the  Senfe  of 
thefe  Words  (/^^)t  which  has  not  the  leaft  Relation  to  real 
Perfons   or  Divinities  j  but  is  ever  expreffive  of  fome  ufeful 
Regulation   or  important  Truth,  fhews  plainly,  that  thefe 
Figures  were  only  Shadows  defign'd  to  exprefs,  and  conti- 
nue the  trueWorfhip  o^ one  God,  dcliver'd  down  by  Noah  and 
his  Defendants  to  their  Pofterity.     Thus  it  was  that  the 
fupreme  Being,  on  Account  of  the  Depravity  of  their  Man^ 
ners,  gave  Mankind  over  to  their  own  Inventions.    Men 
forgot  the  Heavenly  Light  to  wander  in  the  Mifts  of  Dark- 
nefs,  and   blind  Superftition ;  or,  in  other  Words,  (as  the 
Prophet  Ifaiah  finely  exprefles  it)  T^hey  forjook  the  Fountain  of 
li<ving  Waters,  to  henx)  out  to  themfel'ves  broken  Cijierns  that  could 
hold  no  Water. 

(44.)  The  Egyptians  reprefenfed  the  Nile  by  a  Figure  of  OJIris,  or  th^ 
Sun,  with  a  River  flowing  from  his  Mouth.  Hence  Homer  calls  i( 
A«/7r£ri{5  noTtffx,(^,  or  the  Rit-er  fent  frotn  God.     See  Odyfl".  IV.  v.  581; 

(45)  The  Egyptian  Tongue,  no  Doubt,  differed  from  the  Phancian, 
or  tliat  fpoken  in  the  Land  of  Canaan,  though  the  Grounds  of  both  Lan- 
guages was  the  fame  }  fo  that  they  probably  differ'd  no  more  than  the 
Spanijhy  Trench,  and  Italian,  which  are  all  deriv'd  from  the  Latin.  See  a 
Proof  of  this  in  the  Article  of  Mercury,  under  the  Note  Anubii. 

(46)  See  frequent  Inftances  of  this  in  the  Hiftory,  particularly  at  the  Ar- 
ffci'es  of  Pallai,  Baccktn,  Ores,  and  Venni, 

The 


Hheology  of  the  Heathens.  229 

The  greateft  Part  of  Mankind  were  now  involved  in  the 
groiTeft  Superftition,  which  was  even  carried  by  fome  Na- 
tions to  fuch  a  Length,  as  to  lead  them  to  think  of  pleafing 
their  Gods  by  Sacrificing  their  beft  and  moft  laudable  Affec- 
tions :  For  when  it  was  once  believed,  that  Grace  and  Na- 
ture wereoppofite,  or  in  other  Words,  that  their  Deity  took 
Delight  in  the  Torture  of  his  Creatures,  they  endeavour'd 
to  Tooth  this  malevolent  Difpofition  by  human  Vidims. 
Thus  the  Carthagevians^  the  Gauls^  the  Allemans,^  &C.  werc 
contented  with  the  Cruelty  of  facrificing  Prifoners,  or  Stran- 
gers,  while  others,  as  the  Amorites  and  Moahifes,  by  a  double 
Effort,  thought  to  recommend  themfelves  by  conquering  not 
only  Humanity,  but  natural  Affection ;  and  therefore  to 
pleafe  their  God,  moft  barbaroufly  murdered  their  Children. 


OF 


O  F  T  H  E 

Mythology  of  the  Heathens, 

A  V I  N  G  explain M  the  Theology  of  the  Hea- 
thens, from  the  Opinions  of  their  moft  ancient 
Philolbphers  and  Poets,  and  accompanied  that 
Explanation  with  an  Account  of  the  Rife  and 
Progrefs  of  Idolatry,  we  fhall  next  give  fome  Account  of 
their  Mythology,  by  an  Explanation  of  the  fabulous  Hiftory 
of  their  Deities :  A  Subject  that  we  have  already  touched 
upon  in  the  Hiftory  of  the  Deities  themfelves.  We  fhall 
now  enter  into  the  Nature  of  the  Pagan  Fables,  their  religi* 
ous  Sentiments,  and  the  Manner  of  their  Worfhip.  Here 
we  fhall  find  Truth  blended  with  Error,  and  obfcur'd  by 
Fidion,  which  has  wrapt  in  Cteuds  the  moft  important 
Doftrines,  fuch  as  the  Creation  of  the  World,  the  Fall  of 
Man,  the  Deftrudlion  of  the  human  Race  by  a  univerfaj 
Deluge,  the  Change  produced  in  Nature  by  that  great 
Event,  the  origin  of  natural  and. moral  Evil,  and  the  final 
Reflitution  of  all  Things  to 'their  primitive  Glory  and  Splen- 
dor. We  fhall  afterwards  enter  into  their  moral  as  well  as 
their  religious  Sentiments,  the  Nature  of  their  Worfhip, 
and  the  Manner  in  which  it  was  perform'd. 

Notwithftanding  the  great  Corruption  which  had  crept 
into  the  Worfhip  of  all  Nations,  the  Men  of  Learning  and 
Reflection  generally  maintained  honourable  Notions  of  the 
Deity,  and  the  mofl  juft  and  rational  Ideas  of  the  Obliga- 
tions of  moral  Virtue.  Philofophers  frequently  arofe,  and 
by  their  Inftruclions  difperfed  the  Clouds  of  Darknefs,  if  not 
from  the  Minds  of  the  Poor  and  Vulgar,  at  leafl  from  thofe 
who  had  Leifu;*;  and  Opportunity  to  attend  their  Le6tures  or 
to  read  their  Works.  By  thefe  Morality  was  made  a  Sci- 
ence, 


Of  the    H  E  A  1'  H  E  N  s*  231 

ence,  and  Ethics  became  the  moft  valuable  Branch  of  Phi- 
Jofophy.  As  the  Greeks  and  Romans  had  received  their  Di- 
vinities from  Egypt^  and  by  miftaking  the  Manners,  the 
Cuftoms  and  Language  of  that  Nation,  had  made  Gods  of 
the  common  Symbols  which  they  employ'd  to  teach  the 
People  to  honour  one  God,  the  Author  of  all  good,  to  live 
in  Peace,  to  exprefs  the  Times  and  Seafbns  for  the  Perfor- 
mance of  the  common  Occurrences  of  Life,  and  to  expert 
a  better  State  to  come  ;  fo  their  Religion  became  obfcured 
by  Fables,  and  a  Variety  of  Fictions,  which,  while  the  Vul- 
gar underftood  in  a  literal  Senfe,  their  Sages  endeavour'd  to 
explain  and  reduce  to  ingenious  Allegories,  and  thereby  to 
render  the  Heathen  Worftiip  confiftent  with  all  the  natural 
Notions  of  a  fupreme  Deity,  the  wife  Governor  of  the 
World,  and  by  accounting  for  the  Introduction  of  moral 
Evil,  to  vindicate  the  Rules  of  his  Providence,  and  tojuftify 
the  Ways  of  God  to  Man. 

Fables  are  indeed  a  very  ancient  Method  of  conveying 
Truth,  and  are  therefore  to  be  confidered  as  Veils  of  fo  fine 
a  Texture,  as  not  wholly  to  conceal  the  Beauties  that  lie 
beneath  them.  Thus,  hys  OH  gen  (i),  "The  Egyptian 
*'  Philofophers  have  fublime  Notions  v/ith  regard  to  the  di- 
*'  vine  Nature,  which  they  keep  fccret,  and  never  difcover 
•'  to  the  People,  but  under  the  Veil  of  Fables  and  Allego- 
*'  ries.  All  the  Eajlem  Nations,  the  Perfianst  the  Indians^ 
•*  the  Syrians,  conceal  fecret  Myfteries  under  their  religious 
'*  Fables.  The  wife  Men  of  all  Nations  (2)  fee  into  the 
*•  true  Senfe  and  Meaning  of  them,  whilft  the  Vulgar  go 
«*  no  farther  than  the  exterior  Symbol,  and  fee  only  the  Bark 
*'  that  covers  them." 

(1)  Or/^,?«  contra  Celfum,  Lib.  1,  p.  11. 

(2)  **  Thofewho  are  acquainted  with  thefe  Myfleries,  fays  Ifocrates, 
"  infure  to  themfelves  very  pleafing  Hopes  again fl  the  Hour  of  Death,  and 
**  which  extend  to  a  whole  Eternity.  Thefe  Mylleries,  fays  EpiBetus^ 
*'  were  eftabliflied  by  the  Ancients,  to  regulate  the  Lives  of  Men,  and  to 
**  banifli  Diforders  from  the  World." 

This 


432         MYTHOLOGY 

This  was  frequently  the  Cafe  when  foreign  and  diftant 
Nations  adopted  what  they  but  imperfedly  underitood* 
Cufton^s  became  the  Subject  of  Opinions,  and  mere  Alle- 
gories Objects  of  f^aith.  Thus  could  any  Thing  give  a 
more  lively  Idea  of  the  State  of  Retribution,  and  the  Re* 
wards  or  Punifhments  which  follow  upon  a  Life  of  Virtue 
or  Vice,  than  the  Ceremonies  with  which  the  Egyptians 
buried  their  Dead.  The  Greeks  and  Romans  ftruck  with  the 
Ideas  that  were  fo  ftrongly  conveyM,  took  the  Type  for  the 
Reality  :  The  Boat  which  was  to  convey  the  Body  to  the 
Place  of  Burial,  which  was  with  the  Egyptians  an  Emblem  of 
Death,  and  was  call'd  Tranquility,  becaufe  it  carried  over 
none  but  the  Juft,  was  reprefented  by  the  Greeks  and  Rotnans 
as  a  Boat  to  carry  Souls.  Cerberus^  an  Hieroglyphic,  carved 
out  of  Wood  or  Stone,  to  exprefs  the  Lamentations  beftow'd 
on  the  Virtuous,  became  an  animated  Monfter.  The  Lake 
of  Acherufia  became  a  vifionary  River  of  Tartarus,  and  was 
called  Acheron,  The  Judges  that  decided  the  Merit  of  the 
Deceafed,  were  reprefented  as  configning  the  Spirit  to  final 
Happinefs  or  Mifery,  and  the  flowery  Field  where  the  Righ- 
teous alone  were  buried,  into  that  Place  of  Joy  of  which  the 
Elt%out  of  the  Egyptians  was  only  defign'd  as  a  faint  Repre- 
fentation  (3).  Yet  notwithftanding  the  Fables  into  which 
thefe  Myfteries  were  turn'd,  this  very  important  Truth  was 
ftill  convey'd,  that  there  would  be  a  State  of  Judgment  in 
which  the  Virtuous  would  be  rewarded,  and  the  vicious  pu- 
nifh'd,  according  to  their  Deferts.  The  very  Prayer,  or 
Form  of  Abfolutlon,  which  was  given  by  the  Egyptian 
Priefts  to  the  Relations  of  the  Deceafed,  contained  a  ufeful 
LefTon  to  the  Living,  as  it  exhibited  a  concife  Syftem  of 
thofe  Morals  which  were  to  entitle  them  to  the  divine  Fa- 
vour, and  to  a  decent  Burial  in  the  Plains,  on  the  Confines 
of  the  Lake  Acherufia,  This  Prayer  was  preferv'd  by  For- 
fhyry^  who  copied  it  from  Euphantes^  whofe  Works  are 
now  loft,  and  is  as  follows  :  **  O  Sun,  thou  firft  Divinity ! 

(3)  Sec  Ai/hPIuchc,  Vol  I.  p.  71. 

«  And 


Of  the    Heathens.  233 

^^  And  ye  celeftial  Gods,  who  gave  Life  to  Man !  Vouch- 
"  fafe  to  receive  rrie  this  Day  into  your  holy  Tabernacles* 
**  I  have  endeavour'd,  to  the  beft  of  my  Pouter,  to  render 
'*  my  Life  agreeable  to  youj  I  have  behaved  with  the 
*'  higheft  Veneration  towards  the  Gods,  with  whom  I  was 
**  acquainted  in  my  Infancy ;  I  have  never  failed  in  my 
*'  Duty  to  thofewho  brought  me  into  Being,  nor  in  natural 
**  AfFection  to  the  Womb  that  bore  me-  My  Hands  are 
**  pure  from  my  Neighbour's  Blood  ;  I  have  maintain'd  an 
•'  inviolable  Regard  to  Truth  and  Fidelity ;  and  may  I  not 
**  appeal  to  the  Silence  of  Mankind,  who  have  nothing  to 
"  lay  to  my  Charge,  as  a  fure  and  certain  Teftimony  of  my 
"  Integrity  ?  If,  however,  any  peffonal  and  fecret  Fault 
**  has  efcaped  me,  and  I  have  offended  in  Eating  or  in 
*'  Drinking,  let  thefe  Entrails  bear  all  the  Blame."  Here 
the  Entrails  of  the  Deceafed  were  produced  by  the  Rela- 
tions, and  immediately  thrown  into  the  Lake. 

But  however  ufeful  thefe  Ceremonies  might  be,  as  prac- 
tifed  amongll  the  Egyptiatts^  yet  being  confidered  as  Realities 
by  the  Greeks^  and  render'd  more  ridiculous  by  the  Abfur- 
dity  of  their  Fables,  it  is  no  Wonder  that  they  loft  their 
Efficacy,  and  became,  as  Jwvenal  informs  us,  difbelieved 
even  by  their  Children. 

But  it  is  not  at  all  ftrange,  that  this  fhould  be  the  Cafe 
with  the  Greeks^  when  the  Egyptia?is  themfelves  were  fallen 
into  Idolatry,  and  thofe  fimple  Emblems,  once  fo  well  known 
to  this  People,  were  become  the  Medium  of  their  Prayers 
and  Adorations.  Every  Thing  had  an  Air  of  Myftery,  and 
thefe  Myfteries  were  underftood  by  none  but  the  Priefts,  or 
thofe  to  whom  they  were  pleafed  to  explain  them,  which 
was  always  done  under  the  Seal  of  Secrecy.  The  Vulgar 
were  fuffered  to  continue  in  their  Errors,  fmce  it  might  have 
been  dangerous  even  for  their  Priefts  to  attempt  to  open  their 
Eyes,  and  to  reduce  their  Worftiip  to  the  Simplicity  of  the 
ancient  Practice. 

But  here  I  cannot  help  obferving,  that  notwithftanding 
Hh  all 


234         MYTHOLOGY 

all  that  has  been  faid  to  the  contrary,  there  is  far  from  being 
fufficient  Reafon  for  our  believing,  that  they  were  fo  loft  to 
Reafon  and  common  Senfe,  as  to  pay  Adoration  to  the  Ox, 
the  Goat,  the  Crocodile,  or  the  Produce  of  their  Gardens, 
the  PafTages  brought  from  Scripture  to  prove  it,  are  far  from 
being  fatisfac^tory,  fince  they  are  capable  of  a  very  different 
Interpretation.     Would  the  Children  of  IJrael^  while  in  the 
Wildernefs,   have  hanker'd  after  the   Onions  of  Egypt,  if 
they  had  been  there  an  Object  of  Worfhip.     It  is  as  abfurd 
to  fuppofe  it,  as  to  imagine  that  the  Egyptians  could  be  guilty 
of  fo  fenfelefs  a  Kind  of  Adoration.     The  Charader  that  is 
given  of  this  People  in  Holy  Writ,  feems  ftrongly  to  contra- 
dict it,  when  it  is  mention'd  to  the  Praife  of  Mofcs,  that  he 
was  learned  in  all  the  Wifdom  of  the  Egyptians,   They  were 
indeed  univerfally  allow'd  to  be  the  wifeft  Nation  on  Earth, 
which  they  could  not  have  been,  were  they  fo  ftupid  as  to 
worfhip  Beafts,  Birds,  Fifhes,  Reptiles,  Infeds,  and  Plants. 
However,  their  having  thefe  on  their  Symbols,  added  to 
their  drelTing  up  a  Ram  with  Flowers,  and  having  a  Feftival 
on  the  Sun's  Entrance  into  Aries^  and  the  fame  Ceremony  of 
drefTing  up  a  Bull  at  his  entering  Taurus,  and  fo  of  the  other 
Signs,  might  give  Room  to  Strangers  to  entertain  this  Opi- 
nion ;  efpecially  as  thefe  might  be  pracStis'd  after  the  original 
Meaning  was  forgot :  But  Vv^ho,  that  has  ever  (&Qn.  a  Com- 
pany of  young  Men  and  Women  in  the  Country  of  England, 
dancing  round  a  Maypole, 'adorn'd  with  green  Boughs  and 
Garlands,  could  be  fo  abfurd  as  to  imagine  that  this  Diver- 
fion  was  perform'd  in  Honour  of  the  Goddefs  Flora.     The 
Ablurdity  of  the  Suppofition  is  not  iefs  in  the  former  Cafe 
than  in  the  latter,  fmce  the  Beaft  drefs'd  up  in  Honour  of  the 
Sign  into  which  the  Sun  was  fuppofed  to  enter,  was  not  re- 
garded as  an  Object  of  Worfhip,  though  the  Sun  or  the 
Stars  might  be  ador'd  as  the  Emblems,  or  as  the  Refidence 
of  the  Deity. 

Nothing  has  ever  contributed  more  to  difguife  the  Truth, 
and  to  corrupt  the  Worfhip  of  the  Greeks  and  Romanst  than 

the 


of  the    Heathens.  235* 

the  Multitude  of  Fidlons  introduced  by  their  Poets.  It  is 
this  that  has  principally  occafion'd  that  jumble  of  Images* 
that  Indecorum  in  Charaders,  and  that  Abfurdity  in  their 
pillions,  which  are  fojuflly  condemn'd  by  their  wifefl  Phi- 
lofophers. 

It  is  the  Province  of  Poetry  to  change  the  Face  of  Nature, 
to  give  Life  and  Activity  to  inanimate  Beings,  Subftance 
and  Form  to  Thought ;  to  deify  the  PafTions,  and  to  create 
a  World  of  its  own.  The  Poet  is  not  bound  by  the  fame 
Laws  as  other  Men  ;  he  has  a  Power  that  enables  him  to 
create  and  deftroy  at  Pleafure,  and  with  the  fame  Eafe  he 
forms  Gods  (^)y  Heroes,  Men,  and  Monllers.  He  makes 
quick  Tranfitions  from  Reality  to  Fidlion  ;  from  Fi6tion  to 
Reality,  and  from  thofe  Gods  which  he  believes  to  thofe  of 
his  own  creating;  and  from  hence  arifes  a  principal  Source 
of  that  Confufion  which  has  given  fuch  different  Interpreta- 
tions to,  and  which  renders  it  fo  difficult  to  explain,  the  an* 
cient  Mythology.  The  Greek  and  Roman  Poets  have  carried 
this  Licenfe  to  the  moll  extravagant  Length,  as  they  have 
almoft  always  preferr'd  the  Marvelous,  the  Gaudy,  and 
the  Sparkling,  to  the  Simplicity  of  naked  Truth.  If  a 
Princefs  died  of  Grief  for  the  Lofs  of  her  Hufband,  or  her 
Child,  fhe  was  changed  into  a  Rock  or  Fountain  j  inftead 
of  faying  that  Cephalus  rofe  with  the  Sun,  Aurora  muft  be  in 
Love  with  the  Youth,  and  force  him  abroad.  To  reprefent 
the  long  Life  of  lolauf  (the  Companion  of  Hercules)  the 
Goddefs  of  Health  muft  renew  his  Age.  Inftead  of  faying 
that  their  imaginary  £«rt^'w/o»  ftudied  on  the  Mountains  of 
Caria  the  Courfe  of  the  Moon,  they  tell  us,  that  he  had 
there  an  Interview  with  Diana ;  and  that  her  ftaying  with  her 
Gallant  was  the  Caufe  of  Eclipfes  :  But  as  thefe  Amours 
could  not  laft  for  ever,  they  were  obliged  to  invent  a  new 
Fable,  to  account  for  them  another  Way,  and  therefore 

(4)  The  ancient  Heroes  were  fuppofed  to  be  a  middle  Kind  of  Beings, 
that  partook  both  of  the  Nature  of  Gods  and  Men. 

Hh  2  they 


236        MYTHOLOGY 

they  feignM  that  fome  (5)  Sorcerefs  oiT^heJfaly,  by  her  En- 
chantments, drew  down  the  Moon  to  the  Earth.  To  ac- 
count for  the  perpetual  Verdure  of  the  Laurel,  they  talk'd  of 
the  Amours  of  J^oJlo  and  (6)  Daphne.  To  exprefs  the  Agi- 
lity and  Swiftnefs  of  Periclymenus^  they  affirm'd  that  he  was 
able  to  afTume  all  Shapes,  and  at  laft  turn'd  himfelf  into  an 
Eagle.  Jmphion^  by  his  Oratory,  prevailed  on  a  barbarous 
People  to  build  a  City,  and  to  dwell  in  Society  j  he  is  there- 
fore faid  to  raife  up  the  Walls  of  Thehei  by  th?  Sound  of  his 
Lyre,  and  Orpheus  to  charm  the  Lions  and  Tigers,  and  to 
move  the  Rocks  and  Trees  by  his  Harmony  \  becaufe  no- 
thing could  withftand  his  Perfuafion,  or  refift  the  Force  of 
his  Eloquence. 

Who  would  imagine  that  by  the  Wings  of  Dedalus  and 
Icarusy  were  fignify'd  a  Ship  under  Sail?  That  all  the  Changes 
of  Achelous  were  only  frequent  Inundations  ?  That  by  the 
Combat  of  Hercules  with  the  God  of  that  River,  was  only 
meant  a  Bank  that  was  raifed  to  prevent  its  Overflowing  ? 
That  Hercules  encountering  the  Hydra  of  Lema^  fignified  no 
more  than  a  Man's  draining  a  marfhy  Country ;  or,  that  Her- 
cules feparating  with  bis  Hands  the  two  Mountains  Calpe  and 
Abyla^  when  the  Ocean  rufh'd  in  with  Violence,  and  found 
a  Paflage  into  the  Mediterranean,  meant  no  more,  perhaps? 
than  that  in  the  Time  of  one  Hercules.^  the  Ocean,  by  the 
Afliflance  of  an  Earthquake,  broke  a  Neck  of  Land,  and 
form'd  the  Straits  oi  Gibraltar  ?  Or  that  the  Fable  of  Pajtphae 

(5)  This  Fable  is  faid  to  take  its  Rife  from  the  following  Circumftance  : 
Aglaonke^  a  TheJj'aUari,  being  acquainted  with  the  Caufe  and  Time  of  Ec- 
lipfes,  gave  out,  upon  their  Approach,  that  (he  was  going  by  her  Enchant- 
ments to  draw  down  the  Moon  to  the  Earth  ;  at  the  fame  Time  dire£^ing 
the  TkeJJalian  Women  to  join  with  her  in  making  a  hideous  Noife,  to  caufe 
her  to  re-afcend.  Taking  the  Hint  from  this,  they  no  fcorer  perceived 
the  Beginning  of  an  Eclipfe,  than  they  made  a  clattering  Noife  with  Pans 
and  Kettles,  and  fuch  like  InAruments,  to  prevant  her  hearing  the  Incan- 
tations of  the  ThfJJ'aHan  Sorcerefs.  It  is  flill  believed,  by  many  of  the 
Chinefe  and  Indians,  thatEclipfes  are  occafion'd  by  a  Dragon  who  attempts 
to  fwallow  up  the  Moon  j  and  on  this  Account  fome  make  the  moft 
hideous  Noife  to  make  him  let  go  his  Hold,  while  others  plunge  into  the 
Water  up  to  the  Chin,  to  befeech  him  not  to  devour  him  intirely. 
(6)  The  Laurel  was  call'd  by  the  Creeki  Daphne. 

contains 


Of  the    Heathens.  237 

contains  nothing  but  an  Intrigue  of  the  Queen  of  Crete  with 
a  Captain  nam'd  Taurus  ? 

Who  could  believe  that  Scylla  and  Charyhdis^  thofe  dreadful 
Monfters  that  devour'd  all  PafTengers,  were  only  two  dange- 
rous Rocks  near  the  111  and  of  Sicily  ^  render'd  famous  by 
their  being  frequently  fatal  to  Mariners  ?  That  the  frightful 
Monfter  which  ravaged  the  Plains  of  Troy^  was  the  Inunda- 
tions of  the  Sea ;  or  that  Heftone\  being  expos'd  to  this  Mon- 
fter,  meant  no  more  than  that  fhe  was  to  be  given  to  him, 
who  put  a  Stop  to  thefe  Inundations  ? 

Thus,  fays  the  ^^^^  5fl«zVr,  ifwe  would  diftinguifli  Truth 
from  Fi6^ion,  whenever  a  Poet  brings  a  God  upon  the 
Stage,  he  ought  to  be  fet  afide  :  What  Homer  and  Virgil  af- 
cribe  to  Miner^va^  is  to  be  attributed  to  Prudence  and  good 
Condu61:.  It  is  no  longer  the  Exhalations  that  produce 
Thunder,  but  Jupiter  armed  to  affright  Mortals.  U  a  Ma- 
riner perceives  a  rifing  Storm,  it  is  angry  Neptune  fwelling 
the  Waves.  Echo  ceafes  to  be  a  mere  Sound^and  becomes  a 
Nymph  bewailing  the  Lofs  of  her  Narciffus. 

Thus  by  the  Cloud  with  which  Minernja  conceal'd  UlyJJes^ 
is  meant  the  Darknefs  of  the  Night,  which  fufFef  d  him  to  en- 
ter the  Town  of  the  Phaaceam  without  being  difcover'd ;  and 
when  Priam  is  condudled  by  Mercury  into  the  Tent  of  Achilles^ 
we  are  only  to  underftand,  that  he  fet  out  to  obtain  HeBor^ 
Body,  in  the  Dark,  with  a  Prefent  to  appeafe  his  Anger. 
If  the  Delights  of  the  Country  of  the  Lotcphagi  detain  the 
Companions  of  Ulyffesy  we  are  told  by  Homer,  that  the  Fruits 
of  that  Ifland  made  thofe  who  tailed  them  lofe  all  Remem- 
brance of  their  Families,  or  their  native  Conntry.  This  is 
an  ingenious  Fiction,  intended  to  convey  this  important 
Truth,  that  the  Love  of  Pleafure  debauches  the  Mind,  and 
banifhes  from  the  Heart  every  laudable  Affeilion.  If  they 
loiter  at  the  Court  of  Circe^  and  abandon  themfelves  to  Riot 
and  Debauchery,  this  pretended  Sorcerefs,  with  great  Ele- 
gance and  Strength  of  Expreffion  is  faid  to  turn  them  into 
Swine.    Thus  he  elegantly  conveys  this  moral  Sentiment, 

tha^ 


238         MYTHOLOGY 

that  as  the  principal  Diftindion  between  a  Brute  and  a  rea- 
fonable  Creature  confifts  in  a  Power  to  exercife  his  Reafon, 
when  this  is  lofl  he  is  rather  a  Brute  than  a  Man,  and  there- 
fore inftead  of  fimply  faying,  that  the  Defires  and  AfFedions 
are  become  brutal,  he  mentions  the  Body  as  afluming  that 
Form,  which  heft  fuits  with  the  Difpofition  of  the  Mind, 
The  Narration  would  be  thought  too  fimple  and  unadorned, 
was  he  to  fay,  that  Vlyjfes  was  expofed  to  feveral  Storms,  he 
muft  have  Neptune's  Refentment,  who  takes  this  Method  of 
Revenging  the  Death  of  his  Son  Polyphemus,    What  an  Ap- 
paratus of  Fiction  is  introduced  before  Achilles  can  be  kill'd  ! 
His  Armour  is  made  by  Vulcan ;  his  Mother  to  render  him 
invulnerable,  had  dipp'd  him  in  the  River  Styx;  Minerva 
afllimes  the  Form  of  Deiphobusy  that  He^or  may  be  deceived 
by  imagining  that  he  had  the  AfTiftance  of  his  Brother  5 
Jupiter  takes  the  Scales,  weighs  the  Deftinies  of  the  two  He- 
roes, and  feeing  lienor's  fmk,  abandons  him  to  his  Fate,  and 
then  Achilles  takes  away  his  Life.     Homer^  inftead  of  inform- 
ing us,  that  after  the  Bloody  Battle  fought  on  the  Banks  of 
the  Xantbus,  that  River  being  choak'd  up  with  dead  Bodies* 
overflowed  the  Plain,  till  taking  them  out  of  the  Water,  they 
kindled  a  Funeral  Pile,  and  confumed  them  to  Afhes  :  In- 
ftead of  this,  what  a  Variety  of  Machinery   is  employ'd  ! 
The  River  feeling  himfeif  opprefs'd,  utters  his  Complaints 
to  Achilles^  but  receiving  no  Satisfa6lion,  fwells  againft  him, 
and  purfues  him  with  fuch  Rapidity,  that  he  would  certainly 
have  been  drown'd,  if  Nepttme  and  Minernja  had  not  been 
commiffion'd  by  Jupiter  to  moderate  his  Wrath,  by  pror 
mifmg  him  a  fpeedy  Satisfadion,     When  this  great  Poet 
would  let  us  know,  that  after  the  Retreat  of  the  Greeks  an 
Inundation  from  the  Sea  deftroyed  the  famous  Wall  they  had 
built  during  the  Siege  of  Troy^  to  proted  them  from  the  Ene- 
my ;  he  fays,  that  Neptune  enraged  at  the  Greeks,  begs  of 
Jupiter  to  fufFer  him  to  beat  it  down  with  his  Trident;  and 
having  prevailed  on  Apdh  to  give  him  his  Afliftance,  they 
labour  in  Concert  to  perform  the  arduous  Tafk.    So  when 

lurnus. 


Of  the    Heathen  s.  239 

furnus  caufed  the  Fleet  oi  jEneas  to  be  fet  on  Fire,  Virgil  in- 
troduces Cybehy  who  inftantly  transforms  the  Veflels  into 

Nymphs. 

If  the  Poet,  fays  Laaantius^  found  it  for  his  Interefl  to 
flatter  or  confole  a  Prince  for  the  Lofs  of  his  Son,  it  was 
but  giving  him  a  Place  amongft  the  Stars.  Shepherds  were 
all  Satyrs  or  Fauns;  Shepherdeffes,  Nymphs  or  Naiads; 
Ships,  flying  Horfes  ;  Men  on  Horfeback,  Centaurs ;  every 
lewd  Woman  was  a  Syren  or  a  Harpy  ;  Oranges  were  Ap- 
ples of  Gold;  and  Arrows  and  Darts,  Lightning  and  Bolts 
of  Thunder. 

The  Rivers  and  Fountains  had  their  tutelary  Deities,  and 
fometimes  were  reprefented  as  being  Deities  themfelves;  the 
uniting  their  Streams  was  called  Marriage,  and  Brooks  and 
Canals  were  ftil'd  their  Children.  If  they  would  fpeak  of 
the  Rainbow,  that  too  muft  be  a  Goddefs  drefs'd  in  the 
richefl:  Colours  ;  and  as  they  were  at  a  Lofs  how  to  account 
for  the  Produdlion  of  this  feeming  Phenomenon,  it  was 
call'd  the  Daughter  of  Thaumas^  a  poetical  Perfonage,  whofe 
Name  fignifies  Wonderful. 

Sometimes  a  Concern  for  the  Honour  of  the  Ladies  be- 
came the  Source  of  Fables.  If  a  Princefs  prov'd  too  frail  to 
withftand  the  Attempts  of  her  Lover,  her  Flatterer,  to  (kreen 
her  Reputation,  immediately  called  in  the  Alliilance  of  fome 
enamour'd  God  ;  this  was  eafdy  believed  by  the  ignorant 
Vulgar ;  for  they  could  fuppofe  none  but  a  divine  Perfon 
could  prefume  to  attempt  one  of  her  Rank,  or  could  be  able 
to  thaw  the  Coldiicfs  of  the  infenfible  Fair.  Thus  her  Re- 
putation was  unfullied,  and  inftead  of  becoming  infamous, 
Ihe  was  highly  honoured,  and  the  Huiband  himfelf,  inflead  of 
being  offended,  partook  of  her  Glory.  A  great  Number  of 
Fables  were  derived  from  this  Source.  Nor  is  the  Story  of 
Rhea  Sylvia  (7),  the  Mother  of  Rhemus  and  Romulus ^  and  of 

(7)  Her  Uncle  Amulltn  having  found  Means  to  get  into  her  Apartment, 
Numitor,  her  Father,  fpread  a  Report,  that  the  Twins  of  which  ihe  was 
delivered,  proceeded  from  the  Embraces  of  the  God  of  War.  Dion,  da 
Halic.  Ant.  Rom.  Lib,  1.  Tit.  Liv.  Lib.  I. 

Paulina 


640        MYTHOLOGY 

Paulina  (8),  the  Only  Inftances  to  be  found  In  Hiftory  of  the 
Credulity  of  Hufbands  and  Parents.  From  this  Source,  and 
the  Lewdnefs  or  Corruption  of  the  Priefts,  were  doubtlefs 
derived  many  of  the  Fables  relating  to  the  Amours  of  the 
Gods. 

At  otherTimes,  the  ftrangeft  Transformations  fprung  only 
from  a  Similitude  of  Names,  and  confifted  in  a  Play  of 
Words ;  thus  Cygttus  was  transform'd  into  a  Swan  ;  Picus^ 
into  a  Wood-pecker  j  Hierafe^  into  a  Spar-Hawk  3  the  C^r- 
copes,  into  Monkies ;  and  Jlopis^  into  a  Fox. 

Thus  the  ancient  Poets  gave  Rife  to  innumerable  Errcrs, 
and  indeed  the  Painters  and  Statuaries,  have  employed  all 
their  Skill  to  confirm  and  ftrengthen  the  Delufion.  The 
Poets  have  fpread  an  Air  of  Fiction  over  ferious  Hiftories, 
difguifed  and  altered  Fadts  (9),  and  render'd  the  divined 
Truths  fabulous.  This  in  nothing  appears  more  evident, 
than  in  the  Account  they  have  left  us  of  the  Origin  of  the 
World,  which  feems  partly  compofed  of  Traditions  handed 
down  from  the  Sons  of  Noahy  partly  of  the  Fidtions  and 

(8)  A  young  Roman  Knight,  called  Mundus,  falling  in  Love  with 
Paulinay  and  finding  all  his  Endeavours  to  conquer  her  Virtue  prove  fruit- 
kfs,  corrupted  the  Priefts  of  yimtbis,  who  perfuaded  her  to  believe,  rhat 
the  God  was  ftruck  with  her  Beauty,  on  which  flie  was  that  very  Night 
led  by  her  Hufband  to  the  Temple.  A  few  Days  after  feeing  Mundus, 
whom  (he  happened  accidentally  to  meet,  he  let  her  into  the  Secret,  Pau- 
lina, enrag'd  and  fill'd  with  Indignation,  carried  her  Complaint  before 
1'iberiuiy  who  ordered  the  Statue  of  Anubis  to  be  thrown  into  the  Tiber, 
his  Priefts  to  be  burnt  alive,  and  Muvdus  to  be  fent  into  Exile. 

(9)  The  Abbe  Banier,  from  whom  we  have  borrowed  many  of  thefe 
Remarks,  fays,  "  That  Hovier,  of  a  faithlefs  Proftitute,  has  made  his 
*•  chafte  Penelope,  and  Virgil,  of  a  Traitor  to  his  Country,  has  given  us 
**  the  pious  Hero }  of  a  Renegado,  who  loft  his  Life  in  a  Battle  againft 
**  Mexentius,  he  has  made  a  Conqueror  and  a  Demi-God.  The  fame 
*•  Poet  has  not  even  fcrupied  to  refledt  Diftionour  on  Dido,  a  Princefs  Of 
*<  ftrift  Virtue,  and  diverting  her  of  the  Reputation  (he  had  acquired  for 
*•  Chaftity  and  Courage,  has  reprefented  her  as  indulging  an  infamous 
«*  Paflion,  and  a  Cowardice  capable  of  Defpair.  Almoft  all  of  them 
•*  have  confpired  to  make  Tantalus  pafs  for  a  Mifer,  and  have  fet  him  in 
**  the  Front  of  the  Avaricious,  in  the  Center  of  Hell  ;  where  he  is  repre- 
«'  (ented  as  fuffering  a  Puniihuient  proportionable  to  his  Guilt.  Thus 
«'  have  tht-y  treated  a  Man,  who,  according  to  Pindar,  was  a  religious 
«'  and  a  generous  Prince.     Bauu-r,  vol.  1.  Book  I.  ch,  4. 

Orna- 


Of   /^^    H  E  A  T  H  E  N  S.  241 

Ornaments  introduced  by  the  Poets,  and  partly  from  their 
endeavouring  to  leconcile  confufed  and  imperfect  Tradi- 
tions with  popular  Opinions,  and  the  Corruptions  intro- 
duced into  religious  Worfhip.  This,  it  is  proper  for  us 
particularly  to  examine,  as  it  is  an  Enquiry  abfolutely  ne- 
ceflary  to  explain  many  of  the  Pagan  Fables,  and  to  give  us 
juft  Ideas  of  their  religious  Sentiments,  which  will  be  found 
much  plainer  exprefs'd  by  their  Philofophers  than  their  Poets. 

The  ancient  Opinion,  that  the  World  was  form'd  from 
that  Chaos,  or  a  confufed  Concourfe  of  Matter,  which  He- 
Jtod  calls  the  Father  of  the  Gods,  probably,  had  its  Rife  from 
a  literal  Interpretation  of  the  Beginning  of  that  fublime  De- 
fcriptionj  which  Mofes  gives  us  of  the  Creation  (10) ;  where, 
before  the  Formation  of  any  Part  of  the  Univerfe,  it  is  faid, 
^he  Earth  icas  <withoiit  Form^  and  'void^  and  Darknefs  nvas  upon 
the  Face  of  the  Deep^  as  the  latter  Part  of  the  Verfe,  where  the 
Spirit  of  God  is  reprefented  as  mo-jing  or  hoovering  o'ver  the 
Waters,  might  give  the  Egyptians^  the  Phaniciam,  the  ChaU 
deans^  the  Perfians^  and  the  Indians  the  Idea,  which  they 
mean  to  exprefs  when  they  talk  of  the  Egg  of  the  World. 

But  it  was  not  fufficient  for  Hefiod  to  make  a  God  of  Chaos^ 
to  defcribe  the  Order  that  fprang  from  this  Confufion ;  Chaos 
muft  have  an  Offspring,  and  therefore  inftead  of  faying  like 
Mofes^  that  Darknefs  was  upon  the  Face  of  the  Deep,  he 
fays  Chaos  brought  forth  Gloominejs  and  Night,  and  to  continue 
the  Genealogy,  inftead  of  faying  with  the  infpired  Writer, 
God  di'vided  the  Light  from  the  Darknefs^  he  expreffes  fome. 
thing  like  the  fame  Idea,  by  adding,  that  from  ISIight  fprang 
Air  and  Day,  Mofes  fays,  that  God  ordered  the  dry  Land  to  ap- 
pear, and  created  the  Fir7nament  <^hich  he  caWd  Hea<ven  ;  Hefiod 
fays,  that  the  Earth  begat  Heanjen,  the  high  Mountains  and 
the  Calves,  He  then  informs  us  of  the  Origin  of  the  Ocean, 
who  was  the  Father  of  Springs  and  Rivers,  of  the  Birth  of 
the  Sun  and  Mccn,  and  feveral  other  Gods  of  the  like  Kind, 

(10)  Gen.  i,  2. 

li  It 


242  MYTHOLOGY 

It  is  very  evident,  that  this  whole  Account  is  nothin;' 
more  than  an  allegorical  Hiftory  of  the  Formation  of  al^ 
Things,  in  which  the  various  Parts  of  Nature  are  perfonated; 
but  the  Hand  of  the  great  Architedl:  is  wanting.  OwV treats 
this  Subject  in  a  more  intelligible  Manner,  and  with  great 
Beauty  introduces  the  Creator,  whom  he  calls  God,  or 
Nature,  forming  the  various  Parts,  with  the  utmoft  Regu- 
larity and  Order.  But  in  nothing  does  he  come  fo  near  to 
Uofes^  as  in  the  Account  he  gives  of  the  Formation  of  Man, 
which,  as  well  as  Mojes,  he  makes  the  jaft  Work  of  the 
Creation,  and  introduces  Prometheus^  or  Council,  forming 
him  of  Clay. 

A  Creature  oj  a  more  exalted  Kind 
Was  ivanting  yet^  and  then  n^jas  Man  defigTid 
Confcious  of  T bought f  of  more  capacious  Breajiy 
For  Empire  form'  dy  and  ft  to  rule  the  reji  (\\), 

From  this  Introduction  it  will  not  admit  of  a  Doubt,  but 
that  O'vid  underftood  the  Story  of  Promethcui  in  the  literal 
Senfe.  And  as  to  the  Circumflance  which  he  omits,  of  his 
taking  Fire  from  Heaven  to  animate  the  lumpifh  Form 
what  is  this,  fays  a  modern  Author,  but  God's  breathing  into 
his  Nojlrils  the  Breath  of  Life? 

Father  Liffiteau  (12)  gives  us  an  Account  of  a  very  whim- 
fical  Opinion  maintain'd  by  the  Iroquois,  one  of  the  mofl  con- 
fiderable  of  all  the  Savage  Nations.  They  believe,  that  in 
the  Beginning  there  were  fix  Men  (13);  but  as  yet  there 
being  no  Earth,  thefe  Men  were  carried  about  in  the  Air  a^ 
the  Mercy  of  the  Winds.  As  they  had  no  Women  they 
forefaw  that  their  Race  muft  foon  come  to  an  End  ;  at  laft 
they  learnt  that  there  was  one  in  Heaven,  on  which  it  was 
agreed,  that  one  whom  they  fix'd  upon  fhould  go  and  fetch 
her  from  thence;  the  Attempt  was  dangerous,  but  it  was 
accomplifh'd  by  the  Afliftance  of  the  Birds,  who  wafted 

(11)  O'z.nd,  Lib.  I. 

(12)  Manners  of  the  Savages,  Vol.1. 

(13)  The  People  ot  Fcru  and  Brafil  agree  upon  the  fame  Number. 

him 


0/   the   Heathens.  243 

him  thither  on  their  Wings.  Upon  his  Arrival  he  waited 
for  the  Woman's  coming  out  to  draw  Water,  and  as  foon 
as  fhe  appeared,  he  feduced  her  by  offering  her  a  Prefent. 
The  Lord  of  Heaven  knowing  what  had  pafled  baniftied 
this  Woman,  and  a  Tortoife  receiv'd  her  on  its  Back; 
when  the  Otter  and  the  Fifties  drawing  up  Mud  from  the 
Bottom  of  the  Water,  form'd  of  the  Body  of  the  Tortoife  a 
fmall  lilandj  and  this  increafmg  by  Degrees  was  the  Original 
pf  the  Earth.  The  Woman  had  at  firft  tv/o  Sons,  one  of 
whom  arming  himfelf  with  ofFenfive  Weapons,  flew  his 
Brother ;  and  that  after  this  flie  had  feveral  Children,  from 
whom  fprang  the  reft  of  Mankind. 

Wild  and  extravagant  as  this  Tradition  is,  yet  it  feems  at 
leaft  to  be  founded  on  a  Remnant  of  the  primitive  Hiftory 
of  the  World,  the  Baniftiment  of  Enje  from  the  terreftrial 
Paradife,  and  the  Murder  of  Abel  by  Cain  his  Brother :  Thus 
they  alter'd  the  Tradition,  though  Part  of  it  was  ftill  re- 
tained. 

Arid  here  it  cannot  be  improper  to  mention  a  Fable,  which 
Plato  puts  into  the  Mouth  of  Arijiophanes  fi^J;  "  The 
*'  Gods,  fays  he,  form'd  Man  at  firft  of  a  round  Figuret 
**  with  two  Bodies,  two  Faces,  four  Legs,  four  Feet,  and 
*'  both  Sexes.  Thefe  Men  were  of  fuch  extraordinary 
•'  Strength,  that  they  refolv'd  to  make  War  upon  the  Gods ; 
**  Jupiter  incens'd  at  this  Enterprize,  would  have  deftroyed 
*'  them  as  he  had  done  the  Giants;  but  feeing  that  by  this 
*'  Means  he  muft  have  deftroyed  the  whole  human  Race,  he 
*'  contented  himfelf  with  dividing  them  afunder  ;  and  at  the 
"  fame  Time  ordered  Apollo  to  ft  retch  over  the  Breaft,  and 
*'  other  Parts  of  the  Body,  the  Skin,  as  it  is  at  prefent. 
"  Thefe  two  Parts  of  one  Body  thus  disjoin'd,  want  to  be 
**  reunited  ;  and  this  is  the  Origin  of  Love." 

Oi;/Vmentions  only  the  Formation  of  Man  without  taking 
the  leaft  Notice  of  E've,  in  which  he  evidently  copies  the 
Account  given  us  by  Mojes,  who  omits  mentioning  this  in 

(14.)  Fie  to  in  his  Banquet. 

I  i  2  his 


244        MYTHOLOGY 

his  general  Hiftory  of  the  Creation.  And  the  Hint  of  this 
Fable  was  probably  taken  from  this  Circumftance,  where 
the  Scripture  fays  (i^)»  God  created  'Man,  and  then  adds, 
Male  and  Female  created  he  them\  and  the  Circumftance  of 
their  being  cut  afunder,  the  clofing  up  the  Flefh,  and  the 
Reafon  given  for  conjugal  Love,  from  Enjei  being  made  of  a 
Rib  taken  out  of  Jdams  Side,  and  his  faying  upon  this. 
She  is  Bone  of  my  Bone^  and  flejh  of  my  Tlejh  \  therefor^ 
Jhall  a  Man  leai-e  his  Father  and  Mother  and  cleave  unto  his 
PVife(i6). 

From  hence  it  feems  at  leaft  probable,  that  the  Writings  of 
Mofes  were  not  unknown  to  the  Greeks^  which  makes  it  the 
more  likely,  that  thefe  Writings  or  a  more  antient  Tra- 
dition gave  Rife  to  the  different  Reprefentations  the  Pagars 
'  have  given  us  of  an  original  State  of  Innocence,  which  was 
an  Objecl:  of  Faith  amongft  all  civiliz'd  Nations.  This  has 
been  painted  in  the  moft  beautiful  Colours  by  the  Heathen 
Poets,  under  the  Diftindion  of  the  golden  Age,  or  the 
Reign  of  Saturn.  This  was  the  pre-exiftent  State  of  Pytha- 
goras, and  of  all  the  Eaftern  Nations ;  from  whence  it  is  eafy 
to  fee  that  the  Jhh  Banier  muft  be  greatly  miftaken,  when 
he  fays  (17),  that  the  golden  Age  had  only  a  Relation  to  the 
antient  Inhabitants  of  Latium,  after  the  Arrival  o^Janus^ 
who,  according  to  him,  foften'd  the  Ferocity  of  their  Man- 
ners, gave  them  Laws,  and  brought  them  to  live  together 
in  Cities  and  Villages.  Plato,  fpeaking  of  the  Creator  of 
the  World,  fays  (i^)  "  This  Archited  had  a  Model,  by 
'*  which  he  produced  every  Thing,  and  this  Model  is  him-. 
*'  felf.  The  World  was  perfedtin  its  Conflitution,  perfect 
*'  in  the  various  Parts  that  compofe  it,  and  was  fubje6l  nei- 
•'  ther  to  the  Difeafes  nor  to  the  Decay  of  Age.  God  was 
*'  then  the  Prince,  the  common  Parent  of  all ;  he  govern'd 
**  the  World  by  himfelf,  as  he  governs  it  now  by  inferior 

(15)  Gen.  i.  27. 

(16)  Gen.  ii.  21,  22,  23,  24. 

(17)  Earner  Yo\.  II.   p.  271. 
(iS)  Plato  in  Tima;us,  p.  1047. 

**  Deities 


of  the    Heathens.  245 

**  Deities  :  Rage  and  Cruelty  did  not  then  prevail  upon 
"  Earth,  War  and  Sedition  were  entirely  unknown,  God 
*'  himfelf  took  Care  of  the  Suftenance  of  Mankind,  and 
*'  was  their  Guardian  and  Shepherd;  There  were  no 
*'  Magiftrates,  no  civil  Polity  as  there  are  now.  In  thofe 
**  happy  Days  Men  fprung  from  the  Bofom  of  the  Earth, 
"  which  produced  them  of  itfelf  as  it  produces  Flowers  and 
"  Trees.  The  fertile  Fields  yielded  Corn  and  Fruit,  with- 
"  out  the  Labour  of  Tillage.  Mankind  being  troubled  with 
♦*  no  Inclemency  of  the  Seafons,  had  no  need  of  Raiment 
*'  to  cover  their  Bodies ;  they  took  their  Reft  on  Beds  of 
"  ever  verdant  Turf  ^19^  ;  every  Thing  was  beautiful,  har- 
^'  monious,  and  tranfparent ;  Fruits  of  an  exquifite  Tafte 
**  grew  fpontaneoufly;  and  it  was  water'd  with  Rivers 
^'  of  Neclar ;  they  there  breath'd  the  Light  as  we  breathe  the 
^^  Air,  and  drank  Waters  which  were  purer  than  Air  itfelf." 
Thefe  were  the  Sentiments  not  only  of  the  Greeks  and 
Romans,  but  of  all  the  f  20J  Eaji,  The  ancient  Chinefe  Au- 
^'  thors  diftinguifh  the  two  States  of  Man  before  and  after 
the  Fall,  by  the  two  Heavens,  and  defcribing  the  firft; 
**  All  Things,  fay  they,  were  then  in  an  happy  State,  every 
**  Thing  was  beautiful,  every  Thing  was  good,  all  Beings 
•'  were  perfect  in  their  Kind.  In  this  happy  Age,  Heaven 
*'  and  Earth  employed  all  their  Virtues  jointly  to  embellifh 
'*  Nature.  There  was  no  jarring  in  the  Elements,  nolncle- 
"  mency  in  the  Air;  all  Things  grew  without  Labour; 
*'  an  univerfal  Fertility  reign'd  every  where.  The  active 
**  and  pailive  V  irtues  confpired  together,  without  any  Ef- 
^'  fort  or  Oppofition,  to  produce  and  perfe£l  the  Univerfe.'* 
And  again,  "  Whilft  the  firft  State  of  Heaven  lafted,  a  pure 
"  Pleafure,  and  perfect  Tranquility,  reign'd  over  all  Nature. 

(19)  Vlato  in  Timaeus,  p.  537,  538. 

(20)  T\\^Braminioi  India  teach,  that  *'  Souls  were  originally  created 
*'  in  a  State  of  Purity  j  but  having  finned,  were  thrown  down  into  the 
*'  Bodies  of  Men  or  of  Beafts  ;  according  to  their  refpcftive  Demerits  j 
*'  fo  that  the  Body  where  the  Soul  reftdes,  is  a  Sort  of  Dungeon  or  Prifon4 
Vide  A,  Rogers,  on  th«  Religion  of  the  Bramim. 

'*  There 


246         MYTHOLOGY 

*•  There  were  neither  Labour,  nor  Pain,  nor  Sorrow,  nor 
"  Crimes  fzijr 

But  as  the  Heathens  could  not  believe  that  it  was  confiftent 
with  the  Goodnefs  of  a  wife  and  infinitely  benevolent  Being, 
to  create  a  World  in  the  difordered  State  in  which  this 
Earth  is  at  prefent,  fo  nothing  perplexM  them  more 
than  the  DifEculty  of  accounting  for  the  Introdudion  of 
natural  and  moral  Evil.  The  Story  of  Pandora  and  her  Box, 
though  it  feems  to  have  fome  Relation  to  that  of  Eve,  as  fhe 
was  created  by  the  fame  Prometheus,  was  the  firft  Woman, 
and  the  firft  who  introduced  Mifery  and  Death  into  the 
World,  yet  could  iiot  give  Satisfaction  to  any  reafonable 
Mind.  Hejiod  hzd  given  it  too  much  the  Air  of  a  Fidion, 
and  indeed,  it  feems  only  a  fine  Allegory,  to  fhew  the  Con- 
fequences  of  Difobedience  in  Things,  to  Appearance,  the 
moft  indifferent,  that  from  hence  fpring  innumerable  Evils, 
while  Hope,  which  only  can  alleviate  them,  flays  bejiind, 
and  is  our  only  Remedy,  It  was  doubtlefs  in  this  Light 
that  this  Fable  was  confidered  by  the  Men  of  Senfe  and  Un- 
derftanding.  It  could  give  no  Satisfadion  to  the  penetrating 
Genius  of  the  Philofophers,  and  therefore  Pythagoras  adopted 
the  Notion  of  Tranfmigration,  and  of  a  pre-exiftent  State, 
which  he  learnt  from  the  Egyptians^  Opinions  which  Platg 
fometimes  feems  firnily  to  believp,  and  at  others  mentions 
only  as  an  ingenious  Allegory  :  However,  with  thefe  Senti- 
ments, each  of  thefe  great  Men  attack'd  the  Opinions  of 
thofe  who,  on  Account  of  the  Introduction  of  Evil,  deny'd 
a  Providence,  by  proving  that  the  Diforder  of  the  World, 
and  the  Mifery  and  Death  to  which  Man  is  fubjecl,  are  only 
the  Confequences  which  Men  have  brought  upon  themfelves 
by  their  Crimes.  •*  Our  Alienation  from  God,  fays  Pytha- 
**  goras  (22) J  and  the  lofsof  the  Wings  which  ufed  to  raife 
'*  us  up  to  heavenly  Things,  have  thrown  us  down  into  the 

fai)  Dubald'%  Hift.  of  China,  in  his  Abrtradlof  tire  CbimfeQUmc^. 
(Z2j  Hierocl.  Coaini.  in  aurea  Qrm.  p.  187. 

Region 


Of  the   Heathens.  247 

**  Region  of  Death,  which  is  over-run  with  all  Manner  of 
*'  Evils;  fo  the  ftripping  ourfelves  of  earthly  Affections 
*'  and  the  Revival  of  our  Virtues,  make  our  Wings  grow 
"  again,  and  raife  us  up  to  the  Manfions  of  Life,  where 
**  true  Good  is  to  be  found  without  any  Mixture  of  Evil.** 
This  is  more  fully  explain'd  by  Flato^  who  fays,  "  That  the 
**  etherial  Earth,  the  ancient  Abode  of  Souls,  is  placed 
"  amongft  the  Stars,  in  the  pure  Regions  of  Heaven  ;  but 
"  that,  as  in  the  Sea,  every  Thing  is  altered  and  disfigur'd 
*'  by  the  Salts  that  abound  in  it  j  fo,  in  our  prefent  Earthy 
*'  every  Thing  is  deform'd,  corrupted,  and  in  a  ruinous 
*'  Condition,  if  compared  with  the  primitive  Earth."  In 
other  Places  he  endeavours  to  account  for  this  imaginary 
Change  in  the  Refidence  of  Man ;  he  reprefents  the  Uni- 
verfe,  as  fill'd  with  innumerable  Worlds  inhabited  by  free 
Spirits,  qualified  to  enjoy  the  double  Felicity  of  contem- 
plating the  divine  Prefence,  or  of  admiring  him  in  his 
Works.  But  as  the  Sight  of  the  fupreme  Good  muft  ne- 
ceflarily  engage  all  the  Love  of  his  Creatures,  the  Will  could 
never  ofFend  while  the  Soul  had  an  immediate  View  of  the 
divine  EfTence;  he  therefore  fuppofes,  that  at  fome  certain 
Intervals,  thefe  Souls  quitted  the  divine  Prefence,  to  furvey 
the  Beauties  of  Nature,  and  to  feed  on  the  more  proper  Food 
of  finite  Beings,  and  that  then  it  became  pollible  for  them 
to  adhere  to  thefe,  and  to  fufFer  themfelves  to  be  alienated 
from  the  Love  of  the  Supreme,  when  they  were  thrown 
into  fome  Planet  fitted  for  their  Reception,  there  to  expiate 
their  Guilt  in  human  Bodies,  till  they  are  cured  and  reco- 
vered to  Virtue  by  their  Sufferings  ;  that  Souls  lefs  degraded 
than  others  dwell  in  the  Bodies  of  Philofophers ;  and  the 
moft  defpicable  of  all  animate  the  Bodies  of  Tyrants  ;  and 
that  after  Death  they  will  be  more  or  lefs  happy,  according 
as  they  have  in  this  Life  loved  Virtue  or  Vice. 

Though  thefe  Sentiments  are  not  conformable  to  the 
Mofaic  Account  of  the  Fall,  yet  they  are  neverthelefs  very 
fublime,  and  have  a  natural  Tendency  to  promote  that  Love 

of 


248         MYTHOLOGY 

of  God,  that  Refignation  to  the  divine  Will,  and  that  Rec- 
titude of  Life,  which  are  fo  ftrongly  inculcated  in  the  Old 
and  New  Teftament.  In  feveral  Things,  however,  both. 
Mofes  and  the  Heathen  Philofophers  agree ;  they  equally  afTert, 
that  Man  was  created  in  a  State  of  Innocence,  and  confe- 
quently  in  a  State  of  Happinefs,  but  that  debafing  his  Na- 
ture, and  alienating  himfelf  from  God,  he  became  guilty, 
fubjecS  to  Painj  Difeafes,  and  Death,  and  to  all  tbofe  Af-r 
flidtions  which  are  neceflary  to  awaken  his  Mind,  and  to 
call  him  to  his  Duty  :  That  we  are  Strangers  here,  that  this 
is  a  State  of  Trial,  and  that  it  is  as  hiuch  our  Intereft  as 
Duty,  to  fit  ourfelves,  by  a  Courfe  of  Virtue  and  Piety,  for 
a  nobler  and  more  exalted  State  of  Exiflence.  The  (23) 
Egyptians  and  (2/^)  Perfians  had  other  Schemes  wherein  the 
fame  important  Truths  were  convey'd,  though  according  to 
the  Genius  of  thofe  Countries,  they  were  wrapp'd  up  in  Al- 
legories. Plutarch  has  given  us  his  Sentiments  on  the  fame 
Subje6t,  and  they  are  too  juft  and  rational  to  be  omitted. 
**  The  Worlds  at  its  Birth,  fays  he  f  25  j,  received  from  its 
"  Creator  all  that  is  good  :  Whatever  it  has  at  prefent,  that 
*'  can  be  called  wicked  or  unhappy,  is  an  Indifpofition  fo- 
"  reign  to  its  Nature.  God  cannot  be  the  Caufe  of  Evil, 
"  becaufe  he  is  fovereignly  good :  Matter  cannot  be  the 
**  Caufeof  Evil,  becaufe  it  has  no  a6five  Force;  but  Evi] 
*'  comes  from  a  third  Principle,  neither  fo  perfedl  as  God, 
'*  nor  fo  imperfect  as  Matter*" 

(23)  The  Egyptians  derive  the  Source  of  natural  ahd  moi-al  Evilj  from  a 
wicked  Spirit  whom  they  call  Typhon. 

(24.)  The  Perjians  deduce  the  Origin  of  all  the  Diforder  and  Wickednefs 
in  the  World  from  evil  Spirits,  the  chief  of  whom  they  call  Ahrim  or  Ari- 
maniui.  Light,  fay  they,  can  produce  nothing  but  Light,  and  can  never 
be  the  Origin  of  Evil :  It  produced  feveral  Beings,  all  of  them  fpiritual, 
luminous,  and  powerful  j  but  Arimaniui  their  Chief,  had  an  evil  Thought 
contrary  to  the  Light ;  He  doubted,  and  by  that  doubting  became  dark  j 
and  from  lience  proceeded  whatever  is  contrary  to  the  Light.  They  alfo 
tell  us,  that  there  will  come  a  Time  when  Arimanius  fliall  be  compleatly 
deftroy'd,  when  the  Earth  will  change  its  Form,  and  when  all  Mankind 
Ihall  enjoy  the  fame  Life,  Language,  and  Government,  SeeDr. //j^c's 
ancient  Religion  of  the  Pcrfiam. 

(25)  Flat  arch  de  Anim.  form.  p.  1015. 

The 


Of  the    Heathens.  249 

The  M'an  and  C^he/e  Authors  are  ftill  more  explicit  in 
their  Account  of  the  Fall  of  Man,  than  the  Philofophers 
we  have  mentioned,  and  fpeak  of  this  great  Event  in  fuch 
Terms,  as  mull  raife  the  Admiration  of  every  Reader.  One 
of  their  Authors  (26)  fpeaking  of  the  latter  Heaven,  or  the 
World  after  the  Fall,  fays,  '*  The  Pillars  of  Heaven  were 
**  broken,  the  Earth  was  fliaken  to  its  Foundations  ;  the 
*'  Heavens  funk  lower  towards  the  North ;  the  Sun,  the 
**  Moon,  and  the  Stars  changed  their  Motions ;  the  Earth 
*'  fell  to  Pieces  ;  the  Waters  enclofed  within  its  Bofom, 
**  burft  forth  with  Violence,  and  overflowed  it.  Man  re- 
**  belling  againft  Heaven,  the  Syftem  of  the  Univerfe  was 
"  quite  diforder'd."  Other  Authors  (27)  ftill  more  ancient 
exprefs  themfelves  thus:  *'  Theuniverfal  Fertility  of  Nature 
**  degenerated  into  an  ugly  Barrennefs,  the  Plants  faded, 
**  the  Trees  withered  away,  difconfolate  Nature  refufed  to 
*'  diftribute  her  ufual  Bounty.  All  Creatures  declared  War 
*'  againft  one  another  5  Miferies  and  Crimes  overflowed  the 
*'  Facie  of  the  Earth.  All  thefe  Evils  arofe  from  Man's  de- 
**  fpifmg  the  fupreme  Monarch  of  the  Univerfe  :  He  would 
'*  needs  difpute  about  Truth  and  Falfhood,  and  thefe 
"  Difputes  banifli'd  the  eternal  Reafon.  He  then  fix'd  his 
**  Looks  on  terreftrial  Objeds,  and  loved  them  to  excefs ; 
*'  hence  arofe  the  Pafllons;  he  became  gradually  tranf- 
*'  form'd  into  the  Obje6ls  he  loved,  and  the  celeftiai  Reafon 
*'  entirely  abandon'd  him-" 

It  was  the  Opinion  of  Socrates  and  P/afo,  that  the  Soul 
only  was  the  Man,  and  the  Body  nothing  more  than  a  Pri- 
fon,  a  Dwelling-Place,  or  a  Garment  j  and  confequently, 
that  they  had  noneceflTary  Connection  with  each  other,  fmce 
the  Soul  being  entirely  diftind  from  Matter,  might  live, 
and  think,  and  ad,  without  the  Alliftance  of  fuch  grofs 


(26)  The  Philofopher  Hoinantefe.     See  an  Account  of  his  Works  in 
Duhald's  Hift.  of  China. 

(27)  IVentfe  znd  Lieiitfe,     See  Duhald, 

K  k  Organs, 


25©         MYTHOLOGY 

Organs,  and  would  only  begin  to  exert  itfelf  with  its  native 
Freedom,  when  the  Clog  of  the  Body  was  fhaken  ofF  and 
deftroyed.  The  Mind  then,  in  his  Efteem,  was  the  only 
Part  worthy  of  our  Care ;  and  that  our  principal  Study 
Ihould  therefore  be  to  raife  and  exalt  its  Faculties,  to  im- 
prove in  Virtue  and  in  Piety,  and  in  all  thofe  Difpofitions, 
which  will  bring  us  to  a  nearer  Refemblance  to  the  fupreme 
and  only  perfect  Mind. 

And  here  it  cannot  be  amifs  to  obferve,  that  the  Notion 
of  good,  or  bad  Daemons,  which  was  almoft  univerfally 
believed,  had  a  very  near  Relation  to  our  Ideas  of  Angels 
and  Devils,  as  they  were  a  middle  Clafs  of  Beings,  fuperior 
to  Men  and  inferior  to  the  Gods,  the  one  Species  endea- 
vouring to  infpire  Motives  to  Virtue,  and  to  fhield  from 
Danger,  the  other  leading  to  Sin  and  Ruin.  Plato  and 
JamblicuSf  who,  as  Well  as  Socrates,  believed  the  Exiftence 
of  thefe  tutelary  Deities,  denied  that  wicked  Spirits  had  any 
Influence  on  human  Affairs.  Thefe Philofophers  maintained 
the  Liberty  of  the  Will,  and  at  the  fame  Time  endeavoured 
to  prove  the  Neceflity  Man  frequently  flood  in  of  being  fa- 
vour'd  with  the  divine  Afliftance,  which  they  imagined  they 
partook  of  by  the  Intervention  of  thefe  Beings.  They  be- 
liev'd  that  (zSj  "  Every  Man  had  one  of  thefe  Genii,  or 
*'  Daemons  for  his  Guardian,  who  was  to  be  the  Witnefs, 
*'  not  only  of  his  Adions,  but  of  his  very  Thoughts ;  that 
*•  at  Death  the  Genius  delivered  up  to  Judgment  the  Perfon 
•*  who  had  been  committed  to  his  Charge  -,  that  he  is  to  be 
"  a  Witnefs  for  or  agalnft  him,  and  according  to  his  De- 
*'  cifion  his  Doom  is  to  be  pronounced." 

The  Notion  of  Guardian  Angels  has  been  contended  for 
by  many  Chriftians,  who  alledge  feveral  Paflages  of  Scrip- 
ture, that  feem  to  favour  this  Do6trine,  while  others  have 
turn'd  all  that  has  been  faid  of  thefe  Genii  into  Allegory  5 
and  alTert,  that  by  the  two  Daemons,  the  one  Good,  and 

(28)  j^^uleiui  on  the  Daemon  of  Socrates, 

the 


0/    /&     H  E  A  T  H  E  N  S.  251 

.the  other  bad,  are  meant  the  Influences  of  Confcience,  and 
the  Strength  of  Appetite. 

It  is  very  evident,  however,  that  the  Greeks  had  an  Idea 
of  thefe  Beings,  and  that  their  Exigence  v^^as  generally  be- 
lieved. Hence,  according  to  Plutarch^  came  their  Fables 
of  the  Titans  and  Giants,  and  the  Engagements  of  Python 
againft  Jpollo ;  which  have  fo  near  a  Refemblance  to  the 
Fictions  of  OJiris  and  Typhon.  Thefe  were  Beings  fuperior 
to  Men,  and  yet  compofed  of  a  fpiritual  and  corporeal  Na- 
ture; and  confequently  capable  of  animal  Pleafures  and 
Pains.  The  Fictions  relating  to  the  Giants,  in  Mr.  Banier^ 
Opinion  (^29^,  took  their  Rife  from  a  Faflage  in  Genejts\ 
where  it  is  faid,  that  the  ('j^o)  Sons  of  God,  whom  the 
Ancients  fuppofed  to  be  the  Guardian  Angels,  became  ena- 
mour'd  with  the  Daughters  of  Men,  and  that  their  Children 
were  mighty  Men,  or  Giants,  the  Word  in  the  Original 
fignifying  either  Giants,  or  Men  become  monftrous  by 
their  Crimes ;  their  Heads,  inftead  of  their  Guilt,  were  faid 
to  reach  to  the  Clouds,  while  the  Wickednefs  of  their  Lives, 
might  not  improperly  be  termed  fighting  againft  God,  and 
daring  the  Thunder  of  Heaven.  But  however  this  be,  it 
will  hardly  be  doubted,  but  that  this  PafTage  might  give 
Rife  to  the  Amours  of  the  Gods  and  Goddefles,  and  their 
various  Intrigues  with  Mortals.  As  the  frequent  Appearance 
of  real  Angels  to  the  Patriarchs,  and  the  hofpitable  Recep- 
tion they  met  with  under  the  Difguife  of  Travellers,  might 
give  Room  for  the  Poets  to  form,  upon  the  fame  Plan,  the 
Tales  of  Bauds  and  Philemon ^  and  to  contraft  that  beautiful 
Pidure  of  humble  Content,  and  of  the  Peace  thatblefles  the 
homely  Cabbins  of  the  innocent  and  good,  with  the  Story 
of  Lycaon^  who  wanting  Humanity,  and  being  of  a  favage 

(29)  Baniery  Vol.  I.  jai,   122. 

(30)  Gen.  vi.  2.  By  the  Sons  of  God,  is  here  undoubtedly  meant  the 
Defcendants  of  Setb,  who  had  probably  this  Title  given  them,  to  diftin- 
gui(h  them  from  the  Defcendants  oi  Cain,  who  were  called  the  Sons  of 
Men. 

K  k  2  unhof- 


2^2         M  Y  T  H  O  L  O  G  V 

unhofpltable  Temper,  is,  with  great  Propriety,  faid  to 
change  his  Form  into  one  more  fuitable  to  the  Difpofition  of 
his  Mind.  The  Moral  of  this  Fable  is,  that  Humanity  is 
the  Charaderiftick  of  Man ;  and  that  a  cruel  Soul  in  a  hu- 
man Body,  is  only  a  Wolf  in  Difguife. 

It  is  certain,  that  the  Traditions  relating  to  the  univerfal 
Deluge,  have  been  found  in  almoft  all  Nations  ;  and  though 
the  Deluge  of  Deucalion  fhould  not  appear  to  be  the  fame  as 
that  of  Noah^  it  cannot  be  doubted,  but  that  fome  Circum- 
ftances  have  been  borrowed  from  Noah's  Hiftory,  and  that 
thefe  are  the  moft  ftriking  Parts  of  the  Defcription.  Lucian^ 
fpeaking  of  the  ancient  People  of  Syria^  the  Country  where 
the  Deluge  of  Deucalion  is  fuppofed  to  have  happened,  fays, 
('31)  that  "  The  Greeks  affert  in  their  Fables,  that  the  firft 
*'  Men  being  of  an  infolent  and  cruel  Difpofition,  inhuman, 
*'  inhofpitable,  and  regardlefs  of  their  Faith,  were  all  de- 
*'  flroyed  by  a  Deluge  j  the  Earth  (32)  pouring  forth  vaft 
^'  Streams  of  Water,  fweli'd  the  Rivers,  which,  together 
*'  with  the  Rains,  made  the  Sea  rife  above  its  Banks  and 
^'  overflow  the  Land,  fo  that  all  was  laid  under  Water, 
''  that  Deucalion  alone  faved  himfelf  and  Family  in  an  Ark, 
*'  and  two  of  each  Kind  of  wild  and  tame  Animals,  who 
''  lofmg  their  Animofity,  enter'd  into  it  of  their  own  accord. 
*'  That  thus  Deucalion  floated  on  the  Waters  till  they  became 
"  afTuaged,  and  then  repair'd  the  human  Race." 

We  are  alfo  inform'd,  that  this  VefTel  refled  on  a  high 
Mountain ;  and  Plutarch  even  mentions  the  Dove,  and  My- 
denus  fpeaks  of  certain  Fowl  being  let  out  of  the  Ark,  which 
finding  no  Place  of  Reft,  returned  twice  into  the  VefTel. 
We  are  told  too  that  Deucalion^  a  Perfon  of  ftricSt  Piety  and 
Virtue,  oflFer'd  Sacrifice  to  Jupiter  the  Saviour.  Thus  the 
facred  Writings  inform  us,  that  Noah  offer'd  Sacrifices  of 

(31)  De  Dea  Syria. 

(32)  The  fame  Thought  is  exprefs'd  by  Mojezy  who  fays  The  Fountaitii 
0/  the  great  Deep  ivere  broken  up, 

clean 


Of  the    Heathens.  253 

clean  Beafts  in.  Token  of  Gratitude  to  God,  for  having 
gracioufly  preferved  both  him  and  his  Family. 

The  Chaldean  Authors  have  alfo  related  a  Tradition,  which 
undoubtedly  can  only  refer  to  this  celebrated  Event ;  and 
which,  for  its  fmgularity,  deferves  to  be  mentioned  (33). 
Chronus  (or  Saturn,  {2.^  they)  appearing  to  Xifuthrus  in  a 
Dream,  informed  him,  that  on  the  Fifteenth  of  the  Month 
Dafius^  a  Deluge  would  deftroy  Mankind,  at  the  fame  Time 
enjoining  him  to  write  down  the  Origin  of  the  Hiftory,  and 
End  of  all  Things,  and  then  to  conceal  the  Writing  in  the 
Earth,  in  the  City  of  the  Sun,  called  Sippara.  He  was  next 
enjoin'd  to  build  a  Ship,  to  provide  neceflary  Provifions, 
and  to  enter  into  it  himfelf,  with  his  Friends  and  Relations, 
and  to  fliut  in  with  them  the  Birds  and  four-footed  Beafts, 
Xifuthrus  obey'd  the  Orders  that  had  been  given  him,  and 
made  a  Ship  two  Furlongs  in  Breadth,  and  five  in  Length  j 
which  he  had  no  fooner  enter'd,  than  the  Earth  was  over- 
flowed. 

Some  Time  after,  perceiving  that  the  Waters  were  abated, 
he  let  out  fome  Fowls,  but  finding  neither  Food  nor  Refting- 
Place,  they  return'd  into  the  Vellel.  In  a  few  Days  more 
he  fent  out  others,  who  return'd  with  Mud  in  their  Claws  ; 
but  the  third  Time  he  let  them  go  they  return'd  no  more : 
from  whence  he  concluded,  that  the  Earth  began  to  appear. 
He  then  made  a  Window  in  the  VefTel,  and  finding  that  it 
had  refted  on  a  Mountain,  came  forth  with  his  Wife,  his 
Daughter,  and  the  Pilot,  and  having  paid  Adoration  to  the 
Earth,  raifed  an  Altar,  and  offered  a  Sacrifice  to  the  Gods; 
when  he,  and  they  who  were  with  him,  inftantly  difap- 
peared.  The  Perfons  in  the  Ship  finding  they  did  not  re- 
turn, came  out  and  fought  for  them  in  vain:  Atlaftthey 
heard  a  Voice,  faying  Xifuthrus^  on  Account  of  his  Piety  is, 
with  thofe  who  accompanied  him,  tranflated  into  Heaven, 
and  number'd  among  the  Gods.     They  were  then,  by  the 

(33)  See  Syncell,  Chronolg.  p.  38. 

fame 


254         MYTHOLOGY 

fame  Voice,  exhorted  to  be  f  eligious,  to  dig  up  the  Writing 
that  had  been  buried  at  Sippara^  and  then  to  repair  to 
Babylon, 

Thus  it  appears,  that  Idolatry  and  Fables  being  once  fet 
on  Foot,  the  People,  who  ftill  retained  confufed  Ideas  of 
fome  ancient  Truths,  or  the  moft  remarkable  Particulars  of 
fome  paft  Tranfadions,  adapted  them  to  the  prefent  Mode 
of  Thinking,  or  applied  them  to  fuch  Fables  as  feem'd  to 
have  any  Relation  thereto.  By  this  Means  Truth  and 
Falftiood  were  blended  together ;  and  thus  it  happens  that 
we  frequently  find  fome  Traces  of  Hiftory  intermingled 
with  the  moft  ridiculous  Fidions,  and  remarkable  Tranf- 
adtions  fometimes  pretty  exadly  related,  though  at  the  fame 
Time  confounded  with  the  grofleft  Abfurdities. 

It  is  very  evident,  that  the  Divifion  of  Time  into  {t\tn 
Days,  could  only  be  derived  from  the  Ifraelites,  or  a  Tra- 
dition conftantly  preferved  and  handed  down  from  the  moft 
early  Ages.  This  appears  to  be  the  moft  ancient  Method 
of  reckoning  Time  amongft  the  Heathens,  fince  it  was  very 
early  obferved  by  the  Egyptians,  Hejiod  ft  lies  the  feventh 
Day  of  the  Week  an  Holy-Day ;  and  Lucan  informs  us, 
that  the  feventh  Day  was  a  Feftival,  and  a  Play-Day  for 
School  Boys,  The  Emperor  Sewrus  was  accuftomed  to  go 
to  the  Capitol,  and  to  frequent  the  Temples  on  this  Day* 
Nor  was  the  Word  Sabbath  unknown  j  for  Suetonius  informs 
us,  that  Diogenes  the  Grammarian  held  Difputations  at 
Rhodes  on  the  Sabbaths. 

We  might  here  add  a  Number  of  other  Circumftances  in 
which  there  feems  to  be  fome  Refemblance  between  the  fa- 
creri  Hiftory,  and  the  Fictions  of  the  Pagans ;  this  indeed 
hasopen'd  fo  wide  a  Field  for  the  Conjedlures  of  Men,  that 
there  is  hardly  a  Perfon  in  the  Old  Teftament,  but  on  Ac- 
count of  fome  Incident  in  his  Life,  has  been  thought  to  be 
the  Model  of  a  Correfpondent  Charader  in  the  Heathen 
Poets,  There  are  indeed  feveral  Particulars  in  the  Life  of 
Sampfon^  that  have  a  Refemblance  to  others  faid  to  be  per- 
formed 


Of  the    Heathens.  255 

formed  by  Hercules^  and  fome  Refemblance  between  the 
Feats  of  Hercules  and  the  A6tions  of  Mofes ;  but  it  requires  a 
confiderable  Degree  of  Penetration  to  find  out  the  leaft 
Degree  of  Similitude  (however  plain  it  may  be  to  others 
who  have  made  the  important  Difcovery)  between  Hercules*^ 
fetting  Prometheus  loofe  from  Mount  Cauca/us^  and  Mofes^s 
praying  upon  the  Mount  while  Jojhua  was  defeating  the 
Amalakites  (34).  There  is  a  Refemblance  alfo  between  the 
Actions  of  Lot  and  Mofes^  and  thofe  of  Bacchus ;  and  it  is 
poflible  that  fome  Traditions  relating  to  the  firft  might  ferve 
to  embellifh  the  Hiftory  of  the  latter  \  but  thefe  are  fo  trifling^ 
as,  upon  the  whole,  to  create  but  a  fmall  Degree  of  Simili- 
tude between  Characters  directly  oppofite;  and  therefore  it 
muft  be  abfurd  to  fay  with  fome,  that  Bacchus  means  Lot^ 
and  with  others,  that  the  Hiftory  of  Mofes  was  the  Model  of 

that  of  Bacchus, 

But  notwithftanding  the  Difficulty  of  difcovering  the  Ori- 
gin of  Fables,  when  fome  are  founded  on  Tradition,  others 
on  Hiftory,  others  on  the  Strength  of  a  warm  and  lively 
Imagination ;  and  others,  perhaps,  on  a  Mixture  of  all  thefe 
together :  Yet  it  muft  be  confeiTed,  that  they  are  generally 
fijrd  with  the  nobleft  Sentiments,  and  the  Morals  which  the 
Poets  intended  to  be  convey'd,  are  frequently  obvious  to  the 
meaneft  Capacities.    Virtue  is  painted  in  the  moft  beautiful 

(34)  Huet.  Demonft.  Evangel,  a  fiarned  Author,  has  endeavoured  to 
prove,  that  the  Works  oi  Homer  are  founded  on  Scripture  Hiftories,  dif*. 
guifed  under  borrowed  Names.  It  is  very  certain,  that  fcarcely  any  Ac- 
tion can  be  performed,  but  it  will  have  a  Refemblance  to  fome  other  done 
before  ;  there  is  generally  fomething  extremely  Trifling  in  thefe  Compari- 
fons,  which,  as  they  depend  entirely  on  the  Imagination,  are  as  various  as 
the  Difpofitions  of  the  Authors  who  make  them.  Let  King  fVilliam^s 
Paflage  over  the  Boyne  be  drefs'd  up  with  ever  fo  many  fiditious  Circum'' 
ftances,  fo  as  to  give  it  an  Air  of  Fable,  would  the  Refemblance  of  fomtf 
remarkable  Incidents  be  fufficient  to  prove,  that  this  Piece  of  Hiftory  was 
copied  from  the  PafTage  of  Alexander  over  the  Granicus,  A  modern  Au- 
thor ridicules  the  Puerility  of  many  of  thefe  Comparifons.  "  If  one  was 
**  to  refine  upon  every  minute  Refemblance,  fays  he,  1  too  might  fay, 
<'  that  the  Dog  which  knew  UlyJ/'es,  upon  his  Return  to  Jtbaca,  is  the 
*'  fame  with  that  of  Tobity  which  carcfs'd  his  young  Mafter  upon  his 
**  Return  to /Jtf^we/." 

Colours, 


256        MYTHOLOGY 

Colours,  and  Vice  in  its  native  Deformity.  All  Methods 
are  taken  to  render  Villainy  hateful,  and  undiflembled  Good- 
nefs  amiable  in  the  Eyes  of  Men.  Who  can  read  the  Pic- 
ture Oi;zV  gives  of  Envy  (35),  vi^ithoutdetefting  that  hateful 
Perverfion  of  the  Paflions?  The  very  Defcription  of  the 
Fiend  muft  have  a  greater  Force  than  all  the  Arguments  of 
a  long  and  laboured  Difcourfe. 

Li'vid  and  meagre  nvere  her  Looks ^  her  Eye 

In  foul  dijlorted  Glances  turn'd  anvry  ; 

ji  Hoard  of  Gall  her  innvard  Parts  p''Jfefs''d, 

Andfpread  a  Greennefs  o'^er  her  canker  d  Breajl ; 

Her  Teeth  were  hroivn  nutth  Ruji,  and  from  her  Tongue^ 

In  dangling  Drops ^  the  Jiringy  Poifon  hung. 

She  ne'ver    miles^  hut  nvhen  the  Wretched  ^weepy 

Nor  lulls  her  Malice  <with  a  Moment'' s  Sieep, 

Rejlle/s  in  Spite,  ivhile  ^watchful  to  defroy. 

She  pines  and fickens  at  another'' s  foyy 

Foe  to  herfelf,  -  AddISON. 

It  Is  eafy  to  fee  the  Advantage  of  fuch  Portraits  as  thefcj 
•where  the  Virtues  and  Vices  are  colour'd  vi^ith  fuch  Juftice 
and  Strength  of  Fancy. 

The  Story  of  Deucalion  and  Pyrrha  teaches,  that  Piety  and 
Innocence  vi^ill  alvi^ays  infure  the  divine  Protection. 

That  of  Phaeton,  that  a  too  excelTive  Fondnefs  in  the  Pa- 
rent is  Cruelty  to  the  Child. 

That  of  NarciJ/us,  that  an  inordinate  Self- Love,  which 
renders  us  cruel  to  others,  is  fure  to  be  its  own  Tormentor. 

That  of  Pentheus,  that  Enthufiafm  is  frequently  more 
cruel  than  Atheifm,  and  that  an  inordinate  Zeal  deftroys  the 
EfFe6ls  it  would  produce. 

That  of  Minos  and  Scyl/a,  the  Infamy  of  felling  our  Coun- 
try ;  and  that  even  they  v/ho  reap  Advantage  from  the 
Crime,  deleft  the  Criminal. 

(35)  Ovid  Metam.  1.  2. 

The 


0/  the   Heathens.  257 

The  Story  of  Cippus,  is  adapted  to  infpire  that  noble  Mag- 
nanimity, and  true  Greatnefs  of  Soul,  which  made  him 
prefer  the  Publick  Welfare  to  his  own  private  Grandeur, 
while  with  an  exemplary  Generofity,  he  chofe  rather  to  live 
a  private  Freeman  than  to  command  Nflmbers  of  Slaves. 

From  the  Story  of  Tereus  we  learn,  that  he  who  is  guilty 
of  one  Crime  lays  the  Foundation  of  another,  and  that  he 
who  begins  with  Luft,  may  poffibly  end  with  Murder. 

From  the  Avarice  of  Midas  we  le^rn,  that  Covetoufnefs  is 
its  own  Puniuiment,  and  that  nothing  would  prove  more 
fatal  to  us  than  the  Completion  of  our  Wifhes,  and  the 
Gratification  of  our  fondell  Dcfires. 

As  the  Morals  of  the  Greeks  and  Romans  were  generally 
founded  on  the  Conftitution  of  the  human  Frame,  and  our 
various  Relations  as  animal,  as  rational,  and  accountable 
Beings,  they  came  very  near  to  the  Morals  of  Chriftianity. 
They  fprang  from  the  Seeds  of  eternal  Truth  originally 
fown  in  the  Mind  by  the  great  Creator  himfelf .  They  were 
founded  in  Nature,  and  confequently  muft,  fo  far  as  they 
were  uncorrupted,  be  agreeable  to  every  Revelation  that 
could  poffibly  proceed  from  the  God  of  Nature  :  For  the 
Dictates  of  unbiafs'd  and  unprejudiced  Reafon  can  never  de- 
viate far  from  the  Truth.  The  Laws  of  Juftice  and  Huma- 
nity are  fo  level  to  the  Underftanding,  and  fo  conformable 
to  thelmpulfec;  of  the  moral  Senfe,  that  a  ferious  Enquirer 
can  never  be  much  mifbken  unlefs  his  Heart  be  corrupt. 
•'  According  to  the  Opinions  of  the  greateft  and  wifeft  Phi- 
"  lofophers,  fays  Cicero  (^6),  the  Law  is  not  an  Invention 
'*  of  the  human  Mind,  or  the  arbitrary  Conftitution  of 
**  Men ;  but  flows  from  the  eternal  Reafon  that  governs  the 
*'  Univerfe,  7'he  Rape  which  Tarquin  committed  upon 
"  Lucretia,  was  not  lefs  criminal  from  there  being  at  that 
"  Time  no  written  Law  at  Rome  againft  fuch  A6ls  of  Vi- 
"  olence;  the  Tyrant  was  guilty  of  a  Breach  of  the  eter- 
"  nal  Law,  whofe  Origin  is  as  ancient  as  the  divine  Intel - 

(36)  C;'ffro  de  leg.  1.  z,  p.  1194. 

L  1  le6t 


^58         MYTHOLOGY 

"  lecl;  for  the  true,  the  primitive,  and  the  fupreme  Law, 
*'  is  nothing  eKe  but  the  fovereign  Reafon  of  the  great 
*'  Jo've.''^  Can  any  Thing  be  morejuft  and  more  rational 
than  this  Sentiment ! 

The  Philofophers,  the  Hiftorians,  and  the  Poets,  fome 
fewlnftances  excepted,  were  unanimous  in  the  Caufe  of 
Virtue.  The  Philofophers  laid  down  the  niceft  Rules  for  the 
Regulation  of  the  moral  Condu6i:,  for  thetxercife  of  Hu- 
manity, and  the  Manner  in  which  Benefits  ought  to  be  con- 
ferr'd;  they  employed  themfelves  in  making  good  Laws, 
they  inculcated  a  Love  of  the  Gods,  a  Love  of  their  Coun- 
try, a  Contempt  for  Luxury,  and  for  the  mean  Gratifica- 
tions of  Senfe.  And  thefe  were  inforced  by  the  brighteft 
Conjedtures  relating  to  a  happy  Immortality.  The  Hifto- 
rians generally  wrote  of  Virtue  as  tf  they  felt  it,  and  ex- 
prefs'd  a  Love  and  Admiration  of  it  by  their  Manner  of  de- 
fcribing  great,  generous,  and  good  A6tions  \  and  thofe  that 
were  impious,  cruel,  and  defpicable.  The  Honours  of  the 
firft,  and  the  Infamy  of  the  lair,  they  tranfmitted  down  to 
future  Ages.  The  Poet,  have  drefs'd  up  Piety  and  Virtue  iri' 
all  the  Inftances  of  Life,  in  the  brighteft  and  moft  lovely 
Colours,  here  their  Numbers  flow  with  the  fofteft,  mildeft, 
and  moft  melodious  Harmony,  while  all  the  Thunder  of 
Poetry  was  employ 'd  to  blaft  the  falfe  Joy  of  the  Wicked. 

Pindar  writes  in  a  Strain  of  exalted  Piety,  and  endeavours 
to  wipe  off"  the  Afperfions  which  ancient  Fables  had  thrown 
on  their  Deities.  Virtue  and  Religion  are  the  Subjects  of 
his  Praifes,  and  he  fpeaks  of  the  Rewards  of  the  Juft  with' a 
warm  and  lively  Aflurance. 

Junjenal  eftablifties  the  Diftindions  of  Good  and  Evil, 
and  builds  his  Dodrines  on  the  unmoveable  Foundations  of 
a  fupreme  God,  and  an  over-ruling  Providence  :  His  Mo- 
rals are  fuited  to  the  Nature  and  Dignity  of  an  immortal 
Soul,  and  like  it  derive  their  Original  from  Heaven. 

He  afierts,  (z']),  that  the  Indulgence  of  a  fecret  Inclina- 

(37)  >--^at.  13.  Y.  208. 

tion 


Of  the  Heathens.  259 

tion  to  Vice,  though  never  ripened  into  A6lion,  ftains  the 
Mind  with  Guilt,  and  juftly  expofes  the  Offender  to   the 
"  Punilhment  of  Heaven.     What  a  Scene  of  Horror  does  he 
Jay  open  (l'^)i  when  he  expofes  to  our  View  the  Wounds 
and  Anguifh  of  a  guilty  Confcience  !  With  what  Earneft- 
nefs  does  he  exhort  his  Reader  ^^39^  to  prefer  Confcience 
and  Principle  to  Life  itfelf,  and  not  to  be  reftrained  from  the 
Exercife  of  his  Duty  by  the  Threats  of  a  Tyrant,  or  the 
Profped  of  Death,  in  all  the  Circumfeices  of  Cruelty  and 
Terror.     How  juftly  does  he  expofe  the  fatal  Paffion  of 
Revenge  (\o)^  from  the  Ignorance  and  Littlenefs  of  the 
Mind  that  is  carried  away  by  it  3  from  the  Honour  and  Ge- 
ncrofity  of  paffing  by  Affronts,  and  forgiving  Injuries  ;  and 
from  the  Example  of  thofe  who  had  been  remarkable  for 
their  Wifdom  and  their  Meeknefs,  and  efpecially  from  that 
of  SocrateSi  who  was  fo  great  a  Proficient  in  the  beft  Phi- 
lofophy,  that  being  fenfible  that  his  Perfecutors  could  do  him 
no  Hurt,   had  not  the  leaft  rifing  Wilh  to  do  them  any. 
Who  juft  before  he  was  going  to  die,  talk'd  with  that  eafy 
and  chearful  Compofure,  as  if  he  had  been  going  to  take 
Poffeflion  of  a  Crown  (^^)i  and  drank  off  the  poifonous 
JBow),  as  a  Potion  that  was  to  help  him  forward  to  a  happy 
Immortality. 

Thus  did  the  Teftimony  of  a  good  Confcience  fupport 
the  wife  and  virtuous  of  the  Heathens  in  their  laft  Moments, 
while  Guilt  was  fure  to  dwell  upon  the  Mind,  and  deprive 
it  of  all  Confidence  in  God.  What  Plato  fays  to  this  Pur- 
pofe  is  admirably  good  (^2),  "  Know,  Socrates,  fays  he, 
"  that  when  any  one  is  at  the  Point  of  Death,  he  is  fill'd 


(38)  lb,  V.  192,  210, 

(39)  Sat.  8.V.  79,  85. 

(40)  Sat.  13.  V.  181. 

(41)  Socratei  being  afk'd  by  his  Friends  (o  give  them  the  Reafon  of  this 
fcrene  Joy  and  noble  Intrepidity  ;  **  I  hope,  he  replied,  to  be  re-united 
**  to  the  good  and  pertefi  Gods,  and  to  be  aflTociated  with  better  Men 
<'  than  thofe  I  leave  upon  Earth."     P/<zro's  Dialogues,  p.  48,  51, 

(42)  De  Rep,  i.  5.* 


L  I  2  with . 


26o         MYTHOLOGY 

'*  with  anxious  Doubts  and  Fears,  from  a  Refle£tion  on  the 
*'  Errors  of  his  paft  Life ;  then  it  is  that  the  Pains  and  Tor- 
"  ments  referved  in  the  other  World  for  the  Guilty,  which 
''  he  had  before  ridiculed  as  fo  many  idle  Fables,  begin  to 
**  afFect  his  Soul,  and  to  fill  him  with  dreadful  Apprehen- 
'*  fions  left  they  (hould  prove  real.  Thus,  whether  it  be 
'*  that  the  Mind  is  enfeebled  with  Age,  or  that  having 
*'  Death  nearer  at  Hand,  he  examines  Things  with  greater 
'^  Attention,  his  Soul  is  feiz'd  with  Fear  and  Terror,  and, 
'*  if  he  has  injured  any  one,  finks  into  Defpair;  while  he, 
*'  who  has  nothing  to  reproach  himfelf  with,  feels  that 
"  fweet  Hope  fpringing  up  in  his  Soul,  v/hich  Pindar  calls 
«  ne  Nurfe  of  old  Jger 

Socrates  traces  all  the  principal  Duties  to  God  and  Man 
(^l)i  in  fuch  a  Manner,  as  is  moft  likely  to  engage  and 
prevail  upon  the  Mind.  He  made  as  many  Improvements 
in  true  Morality,  as  was  pollible  to  be  made  by  the  utmoft 
Strength  of  human  Reafon,  and  in  fome  Places  he  feems  as 
if  enlightened  by  a  Ray  from  Heaven.  In  one  of  Plato's 
Dialogues  he  prophecy's,  that  a  Divine  Person,  a  true 
Friend  and  Lover  of  Mankind,  would  come  into  the  World, 
to  inftrucl  them  in  the  moit  acceptable  Way  of  addrcfling 
their  Prayers  to  the  Majefty  of  Heaven. 

Thefe  were  the  Sentiments  of  fome  of  the  moft  celebrated 
of  the  Pagan  Philofophers,  from  whence  Chriftianity  re- 
ceives this  Teftimony  of  its  Truth,  that  the  Purity  of  its 
moral  Precepts,  is  confirmed  by  the  Dictates  of  the  unpre- 
judiced Reafon,  and  the  unbiafs'd  Judgments  of  the  wifeft 
and  belt  Men  in  all  Ages.  Can  any  I'hing  be  a  greater 
Confirmation  of  its  Divinity,  than  its  bearing  thofe  Signa- 
tures of  eternal  Reafon,  which  are  ftamp'd  on  ail  Hearts  ? 
And  that  while  the  Works  of  the  Fleathens,  however  ex- 
cellent, are  mingled  with  Uncertainty  and  Mif^ake,  this 
alone  has  the  moil  remarkable  Credentials  of  that  eternal 

(43)  Xtnofbon  %  memorable  Things  of  Socrate:, 

Truth, 


.Of    //j^     H  E  A  T  H   E   N  S.  261 

Truth,  which  is  always  confident  with  itfelf,  and  which  is 
at  the  greateft  Diftance  from  Error. 

But  here  it  may  be  afked,  how  are  thefe  fublime  Concep- 
tions confident  with  Idolatry  ;  with  the  Blindnefs  of  Men, 
who  paid  Adoration  to  fenfelefs  Statues,  who  were  conti- 
nually adding  to  the  Number  of  their  Gods,  and  who  were 
fo  ftupid,  as  not  only  to  build  a  Temple  to  Puhlick  Faith^  to 
Virtue,  and  other  Deities  of  the  like  Kind;  but  even  to 
worfhip  the  fe'ver^  and  to  build  an  Altar  to  Fear  ? 

To  reconcile  thefe  feemingContradivSlions,  it  is  neceflary, 
in  a  few  Words,  to  throw  what  has  already  been  faid  upon 
this  Subje61:,  into  one  Point  of  View. 

It  appears  from  the  Account  we  have  given  of  the  The- 
ology of  the  Ancients,  that  the  Egyptians,  Perjlansy  Greeks^ 
and  Romans,  worfhipp'd  only  one  Almighty,  independent 
Being,  the  Father  of  Gods  and  Men,  with  a  fupreme  Ado- 
ration, and  that  the  feveral  fuperior  Deities  publickly  wor- 
(hipped,  were  only  different  Names,  or  Attributes  of  the 
fame  God.  This  is  afferted  not  only  by  feveral  of  the  Pa- 
gans, but  even  by  St-  Aufiin.  Whether  this  Diftin6i:ion  was 
maintained  by  the  Bulk  of  the  People  amongft  the  Greeks 
and  Romans,  is  not  fo  eafy  to  determine;  it  is  probable,  that 
they  might  imagine  them  diftindi  Beings  fubordinate  to  the 
Supreme.  However,  there  were  others  univerfally  allowed 
to  be  of  an  inferior  Clafs,  and  thcfe  were  the  national  and 
tutelary  Deities,  among  which  laft  Number  we  may  reckon 
the  good  Daemons,  or  houfhold  Gods,  which  the  Romans^ 
upon  conquering  any  Nation  or  City,  invited  to  take  up 
their  Refidence  amongft  them.  Thefe  were  undoubtedly 
worfhipp'd  with  an  inferior  Kind  of  Adoration.  Since  the 
Stoic  and  Epicurean  Philofophers,  who  allowed  their  Exifl- 
ence,  believed  them  to  be  mortal,  and  that  they  were  to  perifh 
in  the  general  Conflagration,  in  which  they  imagined  the 
World  was  to  be  deitroy'd  by  Fire.  To  this  Pliny  alludes, 
when  defcrlbing  the  Darknefs  and  Horror  that  attended  the 
Eruption  oiVeJwvius^  he  fays,  that  fome  were  lifting  up  their 

Hands 


262         MYTHOLOGY 

Hands  to  the  Gods ;  but  that  the  greater  Part  Imagined, 
that  the  laft  and  eternal  Night  was  come,  which  was  to  de- 
ftroy  both  the  Gods  and  the  World  together. 

This  Diftindlion  may  be  juftified  by  the  united  Tefti- 
mony  of  the  Ancients,  and  indeed  it  in  a  great  Meafure,  re- 
moves the  Abfurdity  of  their  continually  introducing  what 
were  called  new  Gods  j  that  is,  new  Mediators,  and  new 
Methods  or  Ceremonials,  to  be  added,  on  particular  Occa- 
fions,  to  the  ancient  Worfliip. 

The  Idolatry  of  the  Pagans,  did  not  confift  in  paying  a 
direct  Adoration  to  the  Statues,  but  in  making  them  the 
(^^J  Medium  of  Worfhip  ;  and  therefore,  whether  the  fe- 
veral  Deities  were  reckoned  to  be  inferior  Beings,  or  only 
different  Names  or  Attributes  of  one  Supreme,  yet  their 
Symbols,  the  Sun,  Moon,  and  Stars,  or  the  Scatues  ere6led 
to  the  Honour  of  their  Gods,  were  never  (except  amongft 
the  loweft  and  mofl  ignorant  of  People)  acknowledged  as 
the  ultimate  Objedls  of  Worfhip.  In  thefe  Statues,  how- 
ever, the  Deity  was  fuppofed  to  refide  in  a  peculiar  Manner. 

But  even  this  was  not  always  the  Cafe ;  it  is  very  evident, 
that  the  Statues  ereded  to  the  Paffions,  the  Virtues,  and  the 
Vices,  were  not  of  this  Clafs.    The  Romans  had  particular 

(44.)  The  Folly  of  reprefenfir.g  the  Infinite  and  omniprefent  Spirit,  by  a 
fenfible  Image,  is  obvious  from  a  very  fmall  Degree  of  Refiedtion  j  and 
from  hence  arifes  the  Crim'^  of  Idolatry,  or  reprefenting  him  by  the  Works 
of  Nature,  or  thofe  of  Mens  Hands,  as  it  is  a  Degradation  of  the  Deity, 
and  an  Affront  to  the  Being,  v^hofe  glorious  ElTence  is  unlimited  and  uncon- 
fined  ;  from  hence  proceeds  that  Exclamation  of  the  Prophet,  Whcreunto 
fkafl ye    liken  me,  faith  the  Lord,  &c. 

When  the  Ifraelstes  m?.de  the  Golden  Calf,  and  cried  out,  This  is  the 
Gcd  that  brought  us  out  of  the  Land  of  Egypt,  they  mufl  be  fuppofed  to 
jnean  This  reprefents  the  God  that  ircught  us  out  of  the  Land  of 'Z^ypt. 
They  had  lately  left  a  Country  fond  of  Symbols,  where  they  had  b^cn  ufcd 
to  fee  one  Thing  reprefented  by  ar.other,  and  the  Sun,  the  mort  glorious 
Image  of  the  Deity,  when  he  enters  into  Taurus,  reprefented  by  a  Bull. 
Had  they  boen  fo  ftupid  as  fo  imagine  this  Calf,  which  they  had  juft  made 
to  be  the  God  of  their  Fathers,  the  God  that  had  wrought  fo  many  Mira- 
cles for  them  even  before  they  had  given  him  Exiflence  ;  their  Foliy  would 
be  entirely  inconfiftent  with  the  rational  Nature  of  Man,  and  they  muft 
have  been  abfolutely  incapable  both  of  moral  and  civil  Government,  and 
iould  only  be  accounted  Idiots,  or  Madmen. 

Places 


of  the    Heathens.  263 

Places  for  ofFerIng  up  particular  Petitions;  they  offered  up 
their  Prayers  for  Health  in  the  Temple  of  Sa/us ;  they  pray'd 
for  the  Prefer vation  of  their  Liberties  before  the  Statue  o^ 
Liberty^  and  offered  their  Sacrifices  to  the  Supreme  before  a 
Figure  expreiTive  of  their  Wants.  Fever^  in  the  Opinion  of 
the  moft  ftupid  of  the  Vulgar,  could  never  be  confidered  as 
a  God,  yet  at  the  Altar  of  Fe^ver^  they  befought  the  Su- 
preme, to  preferve  them  from  being  infe<£led  with  this  Dif- 
order,  or  to  cure  their  Friends  who  were  already  infected 
by  it :  And  at  the  Altar  of  Fear^  they  put  up  their  Suppli- 
cations, that  they  might  be  preferved  from  the  Influence  of  a 
ftiameful  Panic  in  the  Day  of  Battle. 

As  this  appears  evidently  to  be  the  Cafe,  it  is  no  Wonder, 
that  the  Number  of  thefe  Kind  of  Gods  became  very  great. 
Some  of  thefe,  by  the  Parade  of  Ceremonies  that  at- 
tended this  Method  of  Devotion,  were  found  to  have  a 
mighty  EffetSt  on  the  Minds  of  the  Vulgar :  So  that  when 
any  Virtue  began  to  lofe  Ground,  a  Temple,  or  at  leait  an 
Altar  ere£ted  to  its  Honour,  was  fure  to  raife  it  from  its  de- 
clining State,  and  to  re-inftate  its  Influence  on  the  Heart  of 
Man. 

This  appears  to  be  a  true  Reprefentation  of  the  Cafe, 
from  the  Account  which  Dionyfius  oi  Halicamajfus  gives  (45) 
of  the  Reafons,  which  induced  l^ujna  Pompilius  to  introduce 
Faith  into  the  Number  of  the  Rcnian  Divinities,  and  which, 
doubtlefs,  gave  Rife  to  all  the  other  Deities  of  the  fame 
Kind,  that  were  afterwards  introduced.  "  To  engage  his 
'•  People  to  mutual  Faith  and  Fidelity,  fays  he,  Nu?na  had 
''  Recourfe  to  a  Method  hitherto  unknown  to  the  moll  ce- 
"  lebrated  Legiflators;  publick  Gontradts,  he  obferved, 
*'  were  feldom  violated,  from  the  Regard  paid  to  thofe  who 
"  were  WitnefTes  to  any  Engagement,  while  thofe  made  in 
''  Private,  though  in  their  own  Nature  no  lefs  indifpenfible 
"  than  the  other,  were  not  fo  flridly  obferved  j  whence  he 

(45)  Dion,  Halit,  I,  2,  c.  75. 


264    MYTHOLOGY,    ^c. 

*'  concluded,  that  by  deifying  Fait^,  thefe  Contracls  would 
«*  be  ftillmore  binding:  Befides,  he  thought  it  unreafonable, 
•*  that  while  divine  Honours  were  paid  to  Jufticc,  Nemefo 
"  and  T/jemis ;  Faiib,  the  moft  facred  and  venerable  Thing 
•'  in  the  World,  fbould  receive  neither  publick  nor  private 
*'  Honour ;  he  therefore  built  a  Temple  to  publick  Faith, 
**  and  inrtituted  Sacrifices,  the  Charge  of  which  was  to  be 
*•  defrayed  by  the  Publick.  This  he  did  with  the  Hope, 
**  that  a  Veneration  for  this  Virtue  being  propagated 
*'  through  the  City,  would  infenfibly  be  communicated  to 
*'  each  Individual,  His  Conjectures  proved  true,  and  Faitb 
•*  became  fo  revered,  that  (he  had  more  Force  than  even 
•'  Witnefles  and  Oaths ;  fo  that  it  was  the  common  Method. 
**  in  Cafes  of  Intricacy,  for  Magiftratcs  to  refer  the  Deci- 
"  fionto  the  Faith  of  the  contending  Parties." 

Thus  it  appears  evident,  that  thefe  Kind  of  Gods,  and 
the  Temples  ere6led  to  their  Honour,  were  founded  not  only 
on  political,  but  on  virtuous  Principles  This  was  un- 
doubtedly the  Cafe,  with  refped  to  the  Greeh  as  well  as  the 
Homam :  For  a  Propofal  being  made  at  Athens,  to  introduce 
the  Combats  of  the  Gladiators ;  Jirji  thro^w  do^n^  cried  out 
an  Athenian  Philofopher  from  the  midfl  of  the  AfTembly, 
throijo  dcnvn  the  Altar^  ereded  by  our  Ahcejiors  above  a  thoujand 
Tears  ago  to  Mercy.  Was  not  this  to  fay,  that  they  had  no 
Need  of  an  Altar  to  infpire  a  Regard  to  Mercy  and  Com- 
paffion,  when  they  wanted  publick  Spectacles  to  teach  a  Sa- 
vage Cruelty  and  Hardnefs  of  Heart? 


APPEN- 


APPENDIX. 

CONTAINING 

An  Account  of  the  various  Methods  of  Divi- 
nation by  Afirology,  Prodigies,  MagiCy  Au* 
gury^  the  Arufpices  and  Oracles ;  with  a 
JJjort  Account  of  Altar s^  facred  Groves^  and 
Sacrifices^  Priejls  and  Te^nples. 


I.  Of  Astrology. 

WE  fhall  now  unfold  the  Methods,  by  which  the 
Names  of  the  Heathen  Gods  laid  the  Foundation  of 
feveral  pretended  Sciences  j  and  this  we  think  the  more  ne- 
ceflary  in  this  Place,  as  it  is  a  Subject  which  has  a  clofe  Con- 
nexion with  the  Origin  of  Idolatry.  And  here  we  muft 
again  turn  our  Eyes  to  the  ancient  Egyptians^  who  were  not 
only  the  Inventors  of  Arts,  but  the  Authors  of  the  groffeft 
Superftitions.  We  have  already,  in  the  foregoing  DifTer- 
tation  on  the  Theology  of  the  Ancients,  accounted  for  the 
Names  given  to  the  Signs  of  the  Zodiac,  which,  in  their 
firft  Inftitution,  had  an  expreflive  Meaning,  and  which  one 
would  hardly  imagine  capable  of  producing  the  Multitude 
of  fuperftitious  Ceremonies,  and  extravagant  Opinions 
which  refulted  from  them  ;  Ceremonies  and  Opinions  dif- 
fufed  over  the  whole  Earth,  and  propagated  with  Succefs  in 
almoft  every  Nation. 

Aftrology  was  doubtlefs  the  firft  Method  of  Divination, 
and  probably  prepared  the  Mind  of  Man  for  the  other  no 
icfs  abfurd  Ways  of  fearching  into  Futurity :  And  therefore 

Mm  a  fhort 


266  APPENDIX. 

a  (hort  View  of  the  Rife  of  this  pretended  Science  cannot 
be  improper  in  this  Place,  efpecially  as  the  Hiftory  of  thefe 
Abfurdities  is  the  beft  Method  of  confuting  them.  And  in- 
deed as  this  Treatife  is  chiefly  defigned  for  the  Improvement 
of  Youth,  nothing  can  be  of  greater  Service  to  them  than 
to  render  them  able  to  trace  the  Origin  of  thofe  pretended 
Sciences,  fome  of  which  have  even  flill  an  Influence  on 
many  weak  and  ignorant  Minds.     But  to  proceed. 

The  Egyptians  becoming  ignorant  of  the  facred  and  Aftro- 
nomical  Hieroglyphics,  by  Degrees  look'd  upon  the  Names 
of  the  Signs,  as  exprefling  certain  Powers  with  which  they 
were  invefted,  and  as  Indications  of  their  feveral  Offices. 
The  Sun  on  Account  of  its  Splendor  and  enlivening  Influ- 
ence, was  imagined  to  be  the  great  Mover  of  Nature ,  the 
Moon  had  the  fecond  Rank  of  Powers,  and  each  Sign  and 
Conftellation  a  certain  Share  in  the  Government  of  the 
World  ;  the  Ram  had  a  ftrong  Influence  over  the  Young  of 
the  Flocks  and  Herds ;  the  Ballance  could  infpire  nothing 
but  Inclinations  to  good  Order  and  Juflice  j  and  the  Scor- 
pion excite  only  evil  Difpofitions:  And,  in  (hort,  that 
each  Sign  produced  the  Good  or  Evil  intimated  by  its 
Name.  Thus,  if  the  Child  happened  to  be  born  at  the  In- 
ftant  when  the  firft  Star  of  the  Ram  rofe  above  the  Horizon, 
(when  in  order  to  give  this  Nonfenfe  the  Air  of  a  Science, 
the  Star  was  fuppofed  to  have  its  greateft  Influence)  he 
would  be  rich  in  Cattle ;  and  that  he  who  fhould  enter  the 
World  under  the  Crab,  fhould  meet  with  nothing  but  Dif- 
appointment,  and  all  his  Affairs  fhould  go  backwards  and 
downwards.  The  People  were  to  be  happy  whofe  King 
entered  the  World  under  the  Sign  Libra  j  but  compleatly 
wretched  if  he  {hould  light  under  the  horrid  Sign  Scorpio  ; 
the  Perfons  born  under  Capricorn,  efpecially  if  the  Sun  at 
the  fame  Time  afcended  the  Horizon,  were  fure  to  meet 
with  Succefs,  and  to  rife  upwards  like  the  wild  Goat,  and 
the  Sun  which  then  afcends  for  fix  Months  together  j  the 
Lion  was  to  produce  Heroes  3  and  the  Virgin  with  her  Ear 

of 


APPENDIX.  267 

of  Corn,  to  infplre  Chaftity,  and  to  unite  Virtue  and  Abun- 
dance. Could  any  Thing  be  more  extravagant  and  ridicu- 
lous!  "  This  way  of  arguing,  fays  an  ingenious  modern 
"  Author,  is  nearly  like  that  of  a  Man,  who  fhould  ima- 
"  gine,  that  in  order  to  have  g,ood  Wine  in  his  Cellar,  he 
''  need  do  no  more  than  hang  a  good  Cork  at  the  Door." 

The  Cafe  was  exa6lly  the  fame  with  refpe6t  to  the  Pla- 
nets, whofe  Influence  is  only  founded  on  the  wild  Suppo- 
fition  of  their  being  the  Habitation  of  the  pretended  Deities, 
whofe  Names  they  bear,  and  the  fabulous  Charadlers  the 
Poets  have  given  them. 

Thus  to  Saturn  they^gave  languid,  and  even  deflru£live 
Influences,  for  no  other  Reafon,  but  becaufe  they  had  been 
pleas'd  to  make  this  Planet  the  Refidence  of  Saturn,  who 
was  painted  with  grey  Hairs  and  a  Scythe. 

To  Jupiter  they  gave  the  Power  of  beftowing  Crowns, 
and  diftributing  long  Life,  Wealth  and  Grandeur,  meerly 
becaufe  it  bears  the  Name  of  the  Father  of  Life. 

Mars  was  fuppofed  to  infpireaftrong  Inclination  for  War; 
for  no  other  Reafon,  but  becaufe  it  was  believed  to  be  the 
Refidence  of  the  God  of  War. 

Venus  had  the  Power  of  rendering  Men  voluptuous  and 
fond  of  Pleafure,  for  no  other  Reafon,  but  becaufe  Men 
had  been  pleafed  to  give  it  the  Name  of  one,  who,  by  fome, 
was  thought  to  be  the  Mother  of  Pleafure. 

Mercury,  though  almoft  always  invifible,  as  being  con- 
cealed by  the  Rays  of  the  Sun,  would  never  have  been 
thought  to  fuperintend  the  Profperity  of  States,  and  the  Af- 
fairs of  Wit  and  Commerce,"had  not  Men,  Without  the  leafl 
Reafon,  given  it  the  Name  oi  one  who  was  fuppofed  to  be 
the  Inventor  of  civil  Polity. 

According  to  the  Aflrologers,  the  Power  of  the  afcending 
Planet  is  greatly  increafed  by  that  of  an  afcending  Sign  ;  then 
the  benign  Influences  are  all  united,  and  fall  together  on  the 
Head  of  all  the  happy  Infants  which  at  that  Moment  enter 

M  m  2  the 


268  APPENDIX. 

the  World  f^6J  ;  yet  can  any  Thing  be  more  contrary  to 
Experience;  which  fhews  us,  that  the  Characters  and  Events 
produced  by  Perfons  born  under  the  fame  Afpecl  of  the 
Stars,  are  fo  far  from  being  ahke,  that  they  are  diredly  op- 
pofite. 

Thus  it  is  evident,  that  Aftrology  is  built  upon  no  Prin- 
ciples, that  it  is  founded  on  Fables,  and  on  Influences  void 
of  Reality.  Yet  abfurd  as  it  is,  and  ever  was,  it  obtained 
Credit,  and  the  more  it  fpread,  the  greater  Injury  was  done 
to  the  Caufe  of  Virtue.  Inftead  of  the  Exercife  of  Prudence, 
and  wife  Precaution,  it  fubftituted  fuperftitious  Forms  and 
childilh  Pradices,  it  enervated  the  Courage  of  the  Brave  by 
Apprehenfions  grounded  on  Puns  and  Quibbles,  and  encou- 
raged the  Wicked,  by  making  them  lay  to  the  Charge  of  a 
Planet,  thofe  Evils  which  only  proceeded  from  their  own 
Depravity. 

But  not  content  with  thefe  Abfurdities,  which  deftroyed 
the  very  Idea  of  Liberty,   they  afierted   that  thefe  Stars, 
which  had  not  the  leaft  Connection  with  Mankind,  governed 
all  the  Parts  of  the  human  Body  (47),  and  ridiculoufly  af- 
firmed 

(46)  **  What  compleats  the  Ridicule^  fays  the  y^hhe  k  Phcbe,  to  whom 
"  we  are  oblig'd  for  thefe  judicious  Obfervations  is,  that  what  Aftro- 
**  nomers  call  the  firft  Degree  of  the  Ram,  the  Ballance,  or  of  Sagitarius, 
**  is  no  longer  the  firft  Sign,  which  gives  fruitfulnefs  to  the  Flocks,  infpires 
**  Men  with  a  Love  of  Juftice,  or  forms  the  Hero.  It  has  been  found 
*•  that  all  the  celeftial  Signs  have,  by  little  and  little,  receded  from  the 
**  vernal  Equinox,  and  drawn  back  to  the  Eaft  :  Notwithftanding  this, 
*'  the  Point  of  the  Zodiack  that  cuts  the  Equator,  is  ftill  cali'd  the  firll 
**  Degree  of  the  Ram,  though  the  firft  Star  of  the  Ram  be  thirty  Degrees 
**  beyond  it,  and  all  the  other  Signs  in  the  fame  Proportion.  When 
•*  therefore  any  one  is  faid  to  be  born  under  the  firft  Degree  of  the  Ram, 
**  it  was  in  Reality  one  of  the  Degrees  of  Pifces  that  then  came  above  the 
**  Horizon  ;  and  when  another  is  faid  to  be  born  with  a  royal  Soul,  and 
*•  heroic  Difpofitions,  becaufe  at  his  Birth  the  Planet  Jupiter  afcended  the 
*'  Horizon,  in  Conjunction  with  the  firft  Star  of  Sagitary  ;  Jupiter  was 
**  indeed  at  that  Time  in  Conjund^ion  with  a  Star  thirty  De'^rees  eaft  ward 
*'  of  Sagitary,  and  in  good  Truth  it  was  the  pernicious  Scorpion  that  prc- 
**  fided  at  the  Birth  of  this  happy,  this  incomparable  Child.  Le  Plucbe^s 
Hift.  of  the  Heavens,  Vol.  I.  p.  255. 

(47)  Each  Hour  of  the  Day  had  alfoone  ;  the  Number  feven,  as  being 
that  of  the  Planets,  became  of  mighty  Confequence.  The  feven  Days  in 
the  Week,  a  Period  of  Time  handed  down  by  Tradition,  happened  to 

corref- 


APPENDIX.  269 

firm'd,  that  the  Ram  prefided  over  the  Head,  the  Bull  over 
the  Gullet;  the  Twins  over  the  Breaft ;  the  Scorpion  over 
the  Entrails;  the  Fifties  over  the  Feet,  ^f ,  By  this  Means 
they  pretended  to  account  for  the  various  Diforders  of  the 
Body ;  which  was  fuppoled  to  be  in  a  good  or  bad  Difpo- 
Ikion,  according  to  the  different  Afpe6ls  of  thefe  Signs.  To 
mention  only  one  Inftance ;  they  pretended  that  great  Cau- 
tion ought  to  be  ufed  in  taking  a  Medicine  under  Taurus, 
or  the  Bull,  becaufe  as  this  Animal  chews  his  Cud,  the 
Perfon  would  not  be  able  to  keep  it  in  his  Stomach. 

Nay,  the  Influence  of  the  Planets  were  extended  to  the 
Bowels  of  the  Earth,  where  they  were  fuppofed  to  produce 
Metals.  From  hence  it  appears,  that  when  Superflition  and 
Folly  are  once  on  Foot,  there  is  no  fetting  Bounds  to  their 
Progrefs.  Gold,  to  be  fure,  muft  be  the  Production  of  the 
Sun,  and  the  Coilformity  in  Point  of  Colour,  Brightnefs, 
and  Value,  was  a  fenfible  Proof  of  it  By  the  fame  Way  of 
Reafoning  the  Moon  produced  all  the  Silver,  to  which  it 
was  related  by  Colour;  Mars  all  the  Iron,  which  ought  to 
be  the  favourite  Metal  of  the  God  of  War;  Venus  pre- 
fided over  Copper,  which  (he  might  well  be  fuppofed  to  pro- 
duce, fince  it  was  found  in  Plenty  in  the  Ifle  of  Cyprus,  which 
was  fuppofed  to  be  the  Favourite  Refidence  of  this  Goddefs. 
By  the  fame  fine  Way  of  Reafoning,  the  other  Planets  pre- 
fided over  the  other  Metals.  The  languid  Saturn  was  fet 
over  Mines  of  Lead ;  and  Mercury,  on  Account  of  his  A6li- 
vity,  had  the  Superintend ency  of  Quickfilver;  while  it  was 
the  Province  of  Jupiter  to  prefide  over  Tin,  as  this  was  the 
only  Metal  that  was  left  him. 

correfpond  with  the  Number  of  the  Planets  ;  and  therefore  they  gave  the 
Name  of  a  Planet  to  each  Day,  and  from  thence  fome  Days  in  the  Week 
were  confidered  as  more  fortunate  or  unlucky  than  the  rell :  And  hence 
feven  Times  feven,  called  the  climaf^erical  Period  of  Hours,  Days,  or 
Years,  were  thought  extremely  dangerous,  and  to  have  a  furprifing  Effe£l 
on  private  Perfons,  the  Fortune  of  Princes,  and  the  Government  of  States. 
Thus  the  Mind  of  Man  became  diftrefled  by  imaginary  Evils,  and  the  Ap- 
proach of  thefe  Moments,  in  themfeives,  as  harmlefs  as  the  refl  of  their 
Lives,  has,  by  the  Strength  of  Imagination,  brought  on  the  moft  fatal 
Effefts. 

From 


=70  APPENDIX. 

From  hence  the  Metals  obtained  the  Names  of  the  Pla- 
nets; and  from  this  Opinion,  that  each  Planet  engender'd 
its  own  peculiar  Metal,  they  at  length  conceived  an  Opi- 
nion, that  as  one  Planet  was  more  powerful  than  another, 
the  Metal  produced  by  the  Weakeft,  was  converted  into 
another  by  the  Influence  of  a  ftronger  Planet.  Lead ,  though 
a  real  Metal,  and  as  perfect  in  its  Kind  as  any  of  the  reft, 
was  confidered  as  only  a  Half  Metal,  which  through  the 
languid  Influences  of  old  Saturn,  was  left  imperfe6l ;  and 
therefore  under  the  Afpedl  of  Jupiter  it  was  converted  into 
Tin ;  under  that  of  Venus,  into  Copper  j  and  at  laft  into 
Gold,  under  fome  particular  Afpe^ts  of  the  Sun.  And 
from  hence,  at  laft  arofe  the  extravagant  Opinions  of  the 
Alchymifts,  who  with  wonderful  Sagacity  endeavour'd  to 
find  out  Means  for  haftening  thefe  Changes  or  Tranfmuta- 
tions,  which,  as  they  conceived,  the  Planets  perform'd  too 
flowly:  But,  at  laft,  the  World  was  convinced,  that  the 
Art  of  the  Alchymift  was  as  inefFedl:ual  as  the  Influences  of 
the  Planets,  which,  in  a  long  SuccelTion  of  Ages,  had  never 
been  known  to  change  a  Mine  of  Lead  to  that  of  Tin,  or 
any  other  Metal. 

II.  Of  Prodigies. 

WHOEVER  reads  the  Roman  Hiftorians  (i),  muft 
be  furpris'd  at  the  Number  of  Prodigies,  which  are 
conftantly  recorded,  and  which  frequently  fill'd  the  People 
with  the  moft  dreadful  Apprehenfions.  It  muft  be  confefs'd> 
that  fome  of  thefe  are  altogether  fupernatural,  and  are  only 
to  be  accounted  for  by  the  Ignorance  of  the  Vulgar,  cor- 
rupting and  altering  what  had  been  only  handed  down  by 
Tradition,  or  by  their  being  confidered  as  the  Inventions  of 
corrupt  Priefts  j  while  the  greater  Part  only  confift  of  fome 
of  the  uncommon  Produdions  of  Nature,  which  Superfti- 

(i)  Particularly  hivy^  Dioryfiui  of  llalicarvajfui,  Plir.y,  and  Valerius 
MaxitKus. 

tion 


APPENDIX.  271 

tlon  always  attributed  to  a  fuperior  Caufe,  and  reprefented 
as  the  PrognolHcations  of  fome  impending  Misfortunes. 

Of  this  Clafs  may  be  reckoned  the  Appearance  of  two 
Suns,  the  Nights  illuminated  by  Rays  of  Light,  the  Views 
of  fighting  Armies,  Swords  and  Spears  darting  through  the 
Air  ;  Showers  of  Milk,  of  Blood,  of  Stones,  of  Afhes,  or 
of  Fire ;  and  the  Birth  of  Monfters,  of  Children,  or  of 
Beafts  who  had  two  Heads,  or  of  Infants  who.  had  fome 
Feature  refembling  thofe  of  the  brute  Creation.  Thefe  were 
all  dreadful  Prodigies,  which  fill'd  the  People  with  inexpref- 
fible  Aftonifliment,  and  the  whole  Roman  Empire  with  aa 
extreme  Perplexity  ;  and  whatever  unhappy  Event  follow'a 
upon  thefe,  was  fure  to  be  either  caufed  or  predided  by 
them. 

Yet  nothing  is  more  eafy  than  to  account  for  thefe  Pro- 
dudlions,  which  have  no  Relation  to  any  Events  that  may 
happen  to  follow  them.  The  Appearance  of  two  Suns  has 
frequently  happened  in  England^  as  well  as  in  other  Places, 
and  is  only  caufed  by  the  Clouds  being  placed  in  fuch  a  Situ- 
ation, as  to  refledt  the  Image  of  that  Luminary ;  No6lurnal 
Fires,  inflamed  Spears,  fighting  Armies,  were  no  more  than 
what  we  call  the  Aurora  Borealis,  northern  Lights,  or  in- 
flam'd  Vapours  floating  in  the  Air;  Showers  of  Stones,  of 
Afties,  or  of  Fire,  were  no  other  than  the  Effeds  of  the 
Eruptions  of  fome  Volcano  at  a  confiderable  Diftance; 
Showers  of  Milk  were  only  caufed  by  fome  Qj^iality  in  the 
Air  condenfing,  and  giving  a  whitifh  Colour  to  the  Water; 
and  thofe  of  Blood  are  now  well  known  to  be  only  the  red 
Spots  left  upon  the  Earth  on  Stones  and  the  Leaves  of  Trees, 
by  the  Butterflies  who  hatch  in  hot  or  ftormy  V^eather  (2). 

(2)  This  lias  been  fu!ly  proved  by  M,  Reamur,  in  his  Hiftory  of  Infedls; 


m.  0/ 


272  APPENDIX. 

III.   Of  Magi  c. 

MAGIC,  or  the  pretended  Art  of  producing,  by  the 
Afliftance  of  Words  and  Ceremonies,  fuch  Events  as 
are  above  the  natural  Power  of  Man,  was  of  feveral  Kinds, 
and  chiefly  confifted  in  invoking  the  Good  and  Benevolent, 
or  the  Wicked  and'Mlfchievous  Spirits.  The  firft,  which 
was  called  Theurgiay  was  adopted  by  the  wifeft  of  the  Pagan 
World,  who  efteemed  this,  as  much  as  they  defpifed  the 
latter,  which  they  call'd  Goetia,  T^heurgia,  was  by  the  Phi- 
lofophers  accounted  a  divine  Art,  which  only  ferved  to  raife 
the  Mind  to  higher  Perfection,  and  to  exalt  the  Soul  to  a 
greater  Degree  of  Purity ;  and  they,  who  by  Means  of  this 
Kind  of  Magic,  v/cre  imagined  to  arrive  at  what  was  called 
Intuition,  wherein  tliey  enjoyed  an  intimate  Intercourfe 
with  the  Deit}^,  were  believed  to  be  invefted  with  their 
Powers :  So  that  it  was  imagined,  that  nothing  was  impof- 
fible  for  them  to  perform. 

All  who  made  ProfeiTion  of  this  Kind  of  Magic  afpired 
to  this  State  of  Perfection-  The  Prieft,  who  was  of  this 
Order,  v/as  to  be  a  Man  of  unblemifh'd  Morals,  and  all  who 
join'd  with  him  were  bound  to  a  ftrict  Purity  of  Life ;  they 
were  to  abftain  from  Women,  and  from  animal  Food  j  and 
were  forbid  to  defile  themfelves  by  the  Touch  of  a  dead 
Body.  Nothing  was  to  be  forgot  in  their  Rites  and  Cere- 
monies; the  leail  Omiffion ,  or  the  leaft  Miftake,  rendered 
all  their  Art  ineffectual :  So  that  this  was  a  conftant  Excufe, 
for  their  not  performing  all  that  was  required  of  them ; 
though  as  their  fole  Employment,  (ah:er  having  arrived  to  a 
certain  Degree  of  Perfection,  by  Fafting,  Prayer,  and  the 
other  Methods  of  Purification)  was  the  Study  of  univerfal 
Nature;  they  might  gain  fuch  an  Infigbt  into  phyfical  Caufes, 
as  might  enable  them  to  perform  Adions,  that  might  very 
well  fill  the  ignorant  Vulgar  with  Amazement.  And  it  is 
hardly  to  be  doubted,  but  that  this  was  all  the  Knowledge 

that 


APPENDIX.  273 

t^iat  fnany  of  them  ever  afpired  after.  In  this  Sort  of 
Magic,  Hermes  Trifmegijlus  and  Zoroajier  excell'd  :  And  in- 
deed it  gain'd  great  Reputation  amongft  the  Egyptians^  Chal- 
deans'^ Perjians,  and  Indians.  In  Times  of  Ignorance,  a 
Piece  of  Clock-work,  or  fome  curious  Machine,  was  fuffi- 
cient  to  entitle  the  Inventor  to  the  Works  of  Magick : 
And  fome  have  even  aflerted,  that  the  Egyptian  Magic,  that 
has  been  render'd  fo  famous  by  the  Writings  of  the  Ancients, 
confifted  only  in  Difcoveries  drawn  from  the  Mathematicks 
and  natural  Philofophy,  fince  thofe  Greek  Philofophers,  who 
travell'd  into  Egypt  in  order  to  obtain  a  Knowledge  of  their 
Sciences,  return'd  with  only  a  Knowledge  of  Nature,  and 
Religion  and  fome  rational  Ideas  of  their  ancient  Symbols. 

But  it  can  hardly  be  doubted,  but  that  Magic  in  its  grof- 
feft  and  moft  ridiculous  Senfe  was  pradtifed  in  Egypt,  at 
Jeaft  amongft  fome  of  the  Vulgar,  long  before  Pythagoras  or 
Empedocks  travell'd  into  that  Country. 

The  Egyptians  had  been  very  early  accuftom'd  to  vary  the 
Signification  of  their  Symbols^  by  adding  to  them  feveral 
Plants,  Ears  of  Corn,  or  Blades  of  Grafs,  to  exprefs  the 
different  Employments  of  Hufbandry ;  but  underftanding  no 
longer  their  Meaning,  nor  the  Words  that  had  been  made 
ufe  of  on  thefe  Occafions,  which  were  equally  unintelligible, 
the  Vulgar  might  miftake  thefe  for  fo  many  myfterious 
Pra6tices  obferved  by  their  Fathers ;  and  from  hence  they 
might  conceive  the  Idea,  that  a  Conjunction  of  Plants,  even 
without  being  made  ufe  of  as  a  Remedy,  might  be  of  Effi- 
cacy to  preferve  or  procure  Health.  "  Of  thefe,  fays  the 
"  Abhe  le  Pluche,  they  made  a  Collection,  and  an  Art  by 
**  which  they  pretended  to  procure  the  Bleflings,  and  pro- 
*'  vide  aginft  the  Evils  of  Life."  By  the  Affiftance  of  thefe. 
Men  even  attempted  to  hurt  their  Enemies,  and  indeed  the 
Knowledge  of  poifonous  or  ufeful  Simples,  might,  on  par- 
ticular Occafions,  give  fufficient  Weight  to  their  empty 
Curfcs  or  Invocations.     But  thefe  magic  Incantations,  fo 

N  a  ^ojit'-ary 


274  APPENDIX. 

contrary  to  Humanity,  were  detefted  and  punlfhed  by  almofi: 
all  Nations,  nor  could  they  be  tolerated  in  any. 

Pliny,  after  mentioning  an  Herb,  the  throwing  of  which 
into  an  Army,  it  was  faid,  was  fufficient  to  put  it  to  the 
Rout,  afks,  where  was  this  Herb  when  Rome  was  fo  diftrefs'd 
by  the  Cimbri  and  Teutones  ?  Why  did  not  the  Perjians  make 
ufe  of  it  when  Lucullus  cut  their  Troops  in  Pieces  ? 

But  amongft  all  the  Incantations  of  Magic,  the  moft  fo- 
lemn  as  well  as  the  moft  frequent,  v/as  that  of  calling  up  the 
Spirits  of  the  Dead  ;  this  indeed  was  the  Quinteflence  of 
their  Art ;  and  the  Reader  cannot  be  difpleafed  to  find  this 
Myftery  unravel'd. 

An  AfFedion  for  the  Body  of  a  Perfon,  who  in  his  Life- 
time was  beloved,  induced  the  firft  Nations  to  inter,  the  Dead 
in  a  decent  Manner ;  and  to  add  to  this  melancholly  Inftance 
of  their  Eftcem,  thofe  Wifhes  which  had  a  particular  Re- 
gard to  their  new  State  of  Exillence  ;  and  the  Place  of  Bu- 
rial, conformable  to  the  Cuftom  of  Characterizing  all  be- 
loved Places,  or  thofe  diftinguifh'd  by  a  memorable  Event, 
was  pointed  out  by  a  large  Stone,  or  a  Pillar  raifed  upon  it. 
To  this  Place  Families,  and  when  the  Concern  was  gene- 
ral, Multitudes  repaired  every  Year,  where,  upon  this  Stone, 
were  made  Libations  of  Wine,  Oil,  Honey  and  Flour ;  and 
here  they  facrificed  and  eat  in  common,  having  firft  made  a 
Trench  in  which  they  burnt  the  Intrails  of  the  Victim,  and 
into  which  the  Libation  and  the  Blood  was  made  to  flow. 
They  began  with  thanking  God  for  having  given  them  Life, 
and  providing  their  neceffary  Food ;  and  then  praifed  him 
for  the  good  Examples  they  had  been  favour'd  with.  From 
thefe  melancholly  Rites  were  banifli'd  all  Licentioufnefs  and 
Levity,  and  while  other  Cuftoms  chang'd,  thefe  continued 
the  fame.  They  roaftcd  the  Flefh  of  the  Vi6lim  they  had 
offer'd,  and  eat  it  in  common,  difcourfmg  on  the  Virtues  of 
him  they  came  to  lament. 

All  other  Fcafts  were  diftingulflied  by  Names  fuitable  to 
the  Ceremonies  that  attended  them.  Thefe  Funeral  Meet- 
ings 


APPENDIX.  275 

ings  were  fimply  call'd  the  Manes ^  that  is,  the  Aflembly. 
Thus  the  Manes  and  the  T>ead  were  Words  that  became  fyno- 
nymous.  In  thefe  Meetings,  they  imagined  that  they  re- 
newed their  Alliance  with  the  decealed,  who,  they  fuppos'd 
had  ftill  a  Regard  for  the  Concerns  of  their  Country  and 
Family,  and  who,  as  aiTedionate  Spirits,  could  do  no  lefs 
than  inform  them  of  whatever  was  neceflary  for  them  to 
know.  Thus  the  Funerals  of  the  Dead  were  at  laft  con- 
verted into  Methods  of  Divination,  and  an  innocent  Infti- 
tution,  into  one  of  the  groffell:  Pieces  of  Folly  and  Super- 
ftition. 

But  they  did  not  ftop  here  \  they  grew  fo  extravagantly 
credulous,  as  to  believe  that  the  Phantom  drank  the  Liba- 
tions that  had  been  poured  forth,  while  the  Relations  were 
feafting  on  the  reft  of  the  Sacrifice  round  the  Pit  .  And  from 
hence  became  apprehenfive  left  the  reft  of  the  Dead  fhould 
promifcuoufly  throng  about  this  Spot  to  get  a  Share  in  the 
Repaft  they  were  fuppofed  to  be  fo  fond  of,  and  leave  no- 
thing for  the  dear  Spirit  for  whom  the  Feaft  was  intended. 
They  then  made  two  Pits  or  Ditches,  into  one  of  which 
they  put  Wine,  Honey,  Water  and  Flour,  to  employ  the 
generality  of  the  Dead  3  and  in  the  other  they  poured  the 
Blood  of  the  Vidim ;  when  fitting  down  on  the  Brink,  they 
kept  off",  by  the  Sight  of  their  Swords,  the  Crowd  of  Dead 
who  had  no  Concern  in  their  Affairs,  while  they  called  him 
by  Name,  whom  they  had  a  Mind  to  chear  and  confult,  and 
defired  him  to  draw  near  ( i ). 

The  Queftions  made  by  the  Living  were  very  intelligible; 
but  the  Anfwers  of  the  Dead,  as  they  confifted  of  Silence, 
were  not  fo  eafily  underftood,  and  therefore  the  Priefts  and 
Magicians  made  it  their  Bufinefs  to  explain  them.  They 
retired  into  deep  Caves,  where  the  Darknefs  and  Silence 

(i)  Hi5w?r  gives  the  fame  Account  of  thefe  Ceremonies,  when  C//v^x 
raifes  the  Soul  of  Tireftas  ;  and  the  fame  Ufages  are  found  in  the  Poem  of 
Siliui  Italicus.  And  to  thefe  Ceremonies  the  Scriptures  frequently  allude, 
when  the  IJraclita  are  forbid  to  aflemble  upon  high  Places. 

N  n  2  refembled 


276  APPENDIX. 

refembled  the  State  of  Death,  and  there  fafted  and  lay  upon 
the  Skins  of  the  Beafts  they  had  facrificed,  and  then  gave 
for  Anfwer  the  Dream  which  moft  affected  them  ;  or  open'd 
certain  Books  appointed  for  this  Purpofe,  and  gave  for 
Anfwer  the  firll  Sentence  that  offer'd.  At  other  Times  the 
Prieft,  or  any  Perfon  who  came  to  confult,  took  Care  at 
his  going  out  of  the  Cave,  to  liften  to  the  firft  Words  he 
fhould  hear,  and  thefe  were  to  be  his  Anfwer.  And  though 
they  had  no  relation  to  the  Bufmefs  in  Hand,  thc)  were 
turn'd  fo  many  Ways,  and  their  Senfe  fo  violently  wrefted, 
that  they  made  them  fjgnify  almoft  any  Thing  they  pleafed. 
At  other  Times  they  had  rccourfe  to  a  Number  of  Tickets, 
on  which  were  fome  Words  or  Verfes,  and  thefe  being' 
thrown  into  an  Urn,  the  firit  that  was  taken  out  was  deliver'd 
to  the  Family. 

IV.     Of    Au  GV  RY, 

TH  E  fuperftitious  Fondnefs  of  Mankind,  for  fearch- 
ing  into  Futurity,  has  given  Rife  to  a  vaft  Variety  of 
Follies,  all  equally  weak  and  extravagant.  The  Rofnans^  in 
particular,  found  out  almoft  innumerable  Ways  of  Divina- 
tion J  all  Nature  had  a  Voice,  and  the  moft  fenfelels  Beings 
and  moft  trifling  Accidents,  became  Prefages  of  future 
Events,  and  foretold  Things  to  come.  This  introduced 
Ceremonies,  founded  on  a  miftaken  Knowledge  of  Anti- 
quity, that  were  the  moft  childifli  and  ridiculous,  and  which 
yet  were  performed  with  an  Air  of  Solemnity.  The  Per^ 
fons  appointed  to  unravel  the  Decrees  of  Heaven,  were  thofe 
of  the  moft  refpe61:able  Charaders,  and  the  higheft  Stations, 
who  received  great  Honour  U'om  the  Privilege  of  exercifing 
this  Office. 

Ciceroy  who  w^as  perfedly  fenfible  of  the  P'olly  of  thefe 
practices,  relates  a  Saying  of  Cato^  who  declared,  that  one 
of  the  moft  furprillng  Things  to  him  was,  how  one  Sooth- 
jfayer  could  look  another  in  the  Face  without  laughing ;  and 
indeed  that  Prieft  muft  have  a  furprifing  Command  of  him- 

felf 


APPENDIX.  277 

fdf  who  could  avoid  fmiling  whenever  he  (aw  his  Colleagues 
walking  with  a  grave  and  {lately  Air,  and  holding  up  the 
augural  Staff,  to  determine  the  Limits  beyond  which  every 
Thing  ceafed  to  be  prophetical. 

It  has  already  been  obferved,  that  Birds,  on  account  of 
their  Swiftnefs  in  flying,  were  confidered  by  the  Egyptians  as 
the  Symbols  of  the  Winds;  and  that  Figures  of  particular 
Species  of  Fowl,  were  fet  up  to  denote  the  Time  when  the 
near  Approach  of  a  periodical  Wind  was  expefted.  From 
hence,  before  they  undertook  any  Thing  of  Confequence, 
as  Sowing,  Planting,  or  putting  out  to  Sea,  it  was  ufual  for 
them  to  fay  (2),  Let  us  conjult  the  Birds^  meaning  the  Signs 
fix'd  up  to  give  them  the  necefTary  Informations  they  then 
ftood  in  Need  of.  By  doing  this  they  knew  how  to  regulate 
their  Condud ;  and  it  frequently  happened,  that  when  this 
Precaution  was  omitted,  they  had  Reafon  to  reproach  theni- 
felves  for  their  Neglect.  From  hence  Mankind  miflaking 
their  Meaning,  and  retaining  the  Phrafe,  Let  us  confult  the 
Birdst  and  perhaps  hearing  old  Stories  repeated  of  the  Ad- 
vantages fuch  and  fuch  Perfons  had  received,  by  confulting 
them  in  a  critical  Moment,  when  the  Periodical  Wind 
would  have  ruin'd  their  Affairs,  they  began  to  conceive  an 
Opinion,  that  the  Fowl  which  fkim  through  the  Air,  were 
fo  many  Meffengers  fent  from  the  Gods,  to  inform  them  of 
future  Events,  and  to  warn  them  againft  any  Difafterous 
Undertaking.  From  hence  they  took  Notice  of  their  Flight, 
and  from  their  different  Manner  of  Flying  prognofticated 
good  or  bad  Omens.  The  Birds  were  inftantly  grown 
Wonderous  wife,  and  an  Owl  who  hates  the  Light,  could 
not  pafs  by  the  Window  of  a  Tick  Perfon  in  the  Night, 
where  he  was  offended  by  the  Light  of  a  Lamp  or  a  Candle, 
but  his  hooting  ipuft  he  confidered  as  prophecying,  that 
the  Life  of  the  poor  Man  was  nearly  at  an  End. 

The  Place  where,  thefe  Auguries  were  taken  amongfl  the 
'Remans^  was  commonly  upon  an  Eminence ;  they  were  pro- 

(2)  Li?luQbt'%lX\Si,  of  the  Heavens,  Vol.  I.  p.  241, 

hibited 


278  APPENDIX. 

hibited  after  the  Month  of  Auguji^  becaufe  that  was  the 
Time  for  the  moulting  of  Birds,  nor  were  they  permitted  on 
the  Wane  of  the  Moon,  nor  at  any  Time  in  the  Afternoon, 
or  when  the  Air  was  the  leaft  difturb'd  by  Winds  or  Clouds. 

When  all  the  previous  Ceremonies  were  performed,  the 
Augur  cloath'd  in  his  Robe,  and  holding  his  augural  Staff  in 
his  Right-Hand,  fat  down  at  the  Door  of  his  Tent,  look'd 
round  him,  then  marked  out  the  Divifions  of  the  Heavens 
with  his  Staff,  drew  a  Line  from  Eafl  to  Weft,  and  another 
from  North  to  South,  and  then  ofFer'd  up  his  Sacrifice.  A 
fiiort  Prayer,  the  Form  of  which  may  be  fufficiently  feen,  in 
that  ofFer'd  to  Jupiter^  at  the  Eledion  of  t^uma  Vompilius^ 
which  was  as  follows :  *'  O  Father  Jupiter,  if  it  be  thy  Will, 
'*  that  this  Numa  Pompiliusy  on  whofe  Head  I  have  laid  my 
'*  Hand,  fhould  be  King  of  Rome^  grant  that  there  be  clear 
'^  and  unerring  Signs,  within  the  Bounds  I  have  defcribed." 
The  Prayer  being  thus  ended,  the  Priefl  turn'd  to  the  Right 
and  Left,  and  to  whatever  Point  the  Birds  direded  their 
Flight,  in  order  to  determine  from  thence,  whether  the  God 
approved  or  rejected  the  Choice. 

The  Veneration  which  the  Romans  entertained  for  this 
Ceremonial  of  their  Religion,  made  them  attend  the  Refult 
of  the  Augury  with  the  mofl  profound  Silence,  and  the  Af- 
fair was  no  fooner  determined,  than  the  Augur  reported  his 
Decifion  by  faying,  7he  Birds  approve^  or  The  Birds  difappro<ve 
it.  However,  notwithftandingthe  Augury  might  be  favou- 
rable, the  Enterprize  was  fometimes  deferred,  till  they  fan- 
cied it  confirm'd  by  a  new  Sign, 

But  of  all  the  Signs  which  happened  in  the  Air,  the  mofl 
infallible  was  that  of  Thunder  and  Lightening,  efpecially  if 
it  happened  to  be  fair  Weather.  If  it  came  on  the  Right- 
Hand  it  was  a  bad  Omen,  but  if  on  the  Left  a  good  one, 
becaufe,  according  to  Donatus^  all  Appearances  on  that  Side 
were  fuppofed  to  proceed  from  the  Right-Hand  of  the  Gods. 

Let  us  now  take  a  View  of  the  facred  Chickens ;  for  an 
Examination  into  the  Maimer  of  their  taking  the  Corn  that 

was 


APPENDIX.  279 

was  offerM  them,  was  the  moft  common  Method  of  taking 
the  Augury.  And  indeed  the  Romans  had  fuch  Faith  in  the 
Myfteries  contain'd  in  their  Manner  of  Feeding,  that  they 
hardly  ever  undertook  any  important  Affair  without  firft  ad- 
vifmg  with  them.  Generals  fent  for  them  to  the  Field,  and 
confulted  them  before  they  ventured  to  engage  the  Enemy, 
and  if  the  Omen  was  unfavourable,  they  immediately  de- 
fifted  from  their  Enterprize.  The  facred  Chickens  were 
kept  in  a  Coop  or  Penn,  and  entrufted  to  the  Care  of  a 
Perfon  who,  on  Account  of  his  Office,  was  called  Pullarius, 
The  Augur,  after  having  commanded  Silence,  order'd  the 
Penn  to  be  open'd,  and  threw  upon  the  Ground  a  handful 
of  Corn.  If  the  Chickens  inflantly  leap'd  out  of  the  Penn, 
and  peck'd  up  the  Corn  with  fuch  Eagernefs  as  to  let  fome 
of  it  fall  from  their  Beaks,  the  Augury  was  called  Tripudium^ 
or,  Tripudium  SoliJii7num,  from  its  ftriking  the  Earth,  and 
was  efleem'd  a  mofl  aufpicious  Omen ;  but  if  they  did  not 
immediately  run  to  the  Corn,  if  they  flew  away,  if  they 
walked  by  it  without  minding  it,  or  if  they  fcatter'd  it  abroad 
with  their  Wings,  it  portended  Danger  and  ill  Succefs. 
Thus  the  Fate  of  the  greateft  Undertakings,  and  even  the 
Fall  of  Cities  and  Kingdoms,  was  thought  to  depend  on  the 
Appetite  of  a  few  Chickens. 

Obfervations  were  alfo  taken  from  the  Chattering,  Sing- 
ing, or  Hooting  of  Crows,  Pies,  Owls,  ^c.  and  from  the 
Running  of  Beafls,  as  Heifers,  AfTes,  Rams,  Hares,  Wolves, 
Foxes,  Weefels,  and  Mice,  when  thefe  appeared  in  uncom- 
mon Places,  crofs'd  the  Way,  or  run  to  the  Right  or  Left, 
l^c.  They  alfo  pretended  to  draw  a  good  or  bad  Omen 
from  the  moft  common  and  trifling  Aftions  or  Occurrences 
of  Life,  as  Sneezing,  Stumbling,  Starting,  the  Numbnefs 
of  the  little  Finger,  the  Tingling  of  the  Ear,  the  Spilling 
of  Salt  upon  the  Table,  or  Wine  upon  one's  Cloaths,  the 
accidental  Meeting  of  a  Bitch  with  Whelp,  ^c»  It  was  alfo 
the  Bufinefs  of  the  Augurs  to  interpret  Dreams,  Oracles, 
and  Prodigies. 

The 


2?o  APPENDIX. 

The  College  of  Augurs,  as  firft  inftituted  at  Roihe  by 
Romulus,  was  only  corapofed  of  three  Perfons,  taken  front 
the  three  Tribes,  into  which  all  the  Inhabitants  of  the  City 
were  divided ;  but  feveral  others  were  afterwards  added,  and 
at  laft,  according  to  a  Regulation  of  Scylla,  this  College  con- 
filled  of  fifteen  Perfons,  all  of  the  firft  Diftinction,  the  el- 
deft  of  whom  was  called  the  Mafter  of  the  College ;  *'  It 
*'  was  a  Priefthood  for  Life,  of  a  Charader  indelible,  which 
**  no  Crime  or  Forfeiture  could  efface ;  it  was  neceflfary  that 
*'  every  Candidate  foould  be  nominated  to  the  People  by 
"  two  Augurs,  who  gave  a  folemn  Teftimony  upon  Oath, 
"  ofhisDignityandfitnefs  for  that  Office  (3)."  Thegreateft 
Precautions  were  indeed  taken  in  this  Ele61:ion ;  for  as  they 
were  invefled  with  fuch  extraordinary  Privileges,  none  were 
qualified  but  Perfons  of  a  blamelefs  Life,  and  free  from  all 
perfonal  Defecis.  The  Senate  could  alTemble  in  no  Place 
but  what  they  had  confecrated.  They  frequently  occafion'd 
the  difplacing  of  Magiftrates,  and  the  deferring  of  publick 
AiTemblies ;  "  But  the  Senate,  at  lafi:,  confidering  that  fuch 
•'  an  unlimited  Power  was  capable  of  authorifing  a  Number 
'^  of  Abufes,  decreed  that  they  ihould  not  have  it  in  their 
**  PowcF  to  adjourn  any  AlTembly  that  had  been  legally  con- 
"  vened  (4)." 

Nothing  can  be  more  aflonifhing,  than  to  find  {o  wife  a 
People  as  the  Romans  addided  to  fuch  Childifh  Fooleries. 
Sdpioy  Augujiusy  and  many  others,  have,  without  any  fatal 
Confequence.  defpifed  the  Chickens  and  the  other  Arts  of 
Divination  :  But  when  the  Generals  mifcarried  in  any  En- 
terprize,  the  People  hid  the  whole  Blame  on  the  HeedlefTnefs 
with  which  they  had  been  confulted,  and  if  he  had  entirely 
negleded  confulting  them,  all  the  Blame  was  thrown  upon 
him  who  had  preferred  his  own  Forecaft  to  that  of  the  Fowls^ 
while  thofe  who  made  thefe  Kinds  of  Predidions  a  Subject 
of  Railery,  were  accounted  impious  and  prophane.    Thus 

(3)  Middkton*^  Life  of  Cicero, 

(4)  Banier^%  Mythology,  Vol,  I.  p,  ^^cc. 

they 


APPENDIX.  28r 

they  conrtrued  as  a  Punifhment  from  the  Gods  the  Defeat  of 
Claudius  Pulcher^  who  when  the  facred  Chickens  refufed  to 
eat  what  was  fet  before  them,  ordered  them  to  be  thrown 
into  the  Sea;  If  they  ^wont  eat^  faid  he,  they  Jhall  drink, 

II.  Of  the  A  R  u  s  p  1  c  E  s. 

IN  the  moft  early  Ages  of  the  World  a  Senfe  of  Piety, 
and  a  Regard  to  Decency,  had  introduced  a  Cullom  o^ 
never  facrificing  to  him,  who  gave  them  all  their  Bleflings, 
any  but  the  foundeft,  the  moft  fat  and  beautiful  Vidims. 
They  were  examined  with  the  clofeft  and  moft  exaii  Atten- 
tion, that  none  might  be  offered  but  the  moft  perfecSt.  This 
Ceremonial,  which  doubtlefs  fprang  at  firft  from  Gratitude, 
and  fome  natural  Ideas  of  Fitnefs  and  Propriety,  at  laft  de- 
generated into  trifling  Niceties  and  fuperftitious  Ceremonies, 
which  they  conceived  to  be  of  the  utmoft  Importance,  and 
even  commanded  by  the  Deity.  And  it  having  been  once 
imagined,  that  nothing  Was  to  be  expedled  from  the  Gods, 
when  the  Vi(3:im  was  imperfeil,  the  Idea  of  Perfedlion  was 
united  with  Abundance  of  trivial  Circumftances ;  fuch  a 
Deity  was  fond  of  white  Victims,  others  of  black,  and 
others  of  red.  The  Intrails  were  examined  with  peculiar 
Care,  and  the  whole  Ceremony  was  imagined  to  be  entirely 
ufelefs,  if  the  leaft  Defedt  u^as  difcovered ;  but,  on  the  other 
Hand,  if  the  Whole  was  without  Blemifh,  their  Duties 
were  fullill'd,  and  under  an  AlTurance  that  they  had  engaged 
the  Gods  to  be  on  their  Side,  they  engaged  in  War,  and  in 
the  moft  hazardous  Undertakings,  with  fuch  a  Confidence 
of  Succefs,  as  had  the  greateft  Tendency  to  procure  it. 

The  Idea  of  the  Neccflity  of  this  Perfedion  naturally 
increafed,  as  foon  as  it  was  believed  to  be  an  infallible 
Means  of  fatisfying  ^he  Gods,  and  procuring  their  Alfiftance 
and  Protedion  ;  and  this  introduced  their  calling  in  the  Af- 
fiftance  of  thofe  who  fliould  aid  the  Prieft  in  his  Office,  and 
make  it  their  Bufmefs  to  ftudy  all  the  Rules  neceflary  to  be 
obferved,  to  avoid  the  ill  Confequences  tliat  might  attend 

Oo  the 


282  APPENDIX. 

the  flighteft  Miftake.  Thefe  introduced  all  the  Obfervances 
that  followed  ;  the  Rules  were  obferved  merely  for  the  fake 
of  thePredi6lion  they  were  to  draw  from  them,  they  had  no 
longer  any  Connection  with  the  pious  Motives  that  had  firft 
inftituted  them ;  and  it  became  their  grand  Principle,  that 
the  Perfedion,  or  Defeats  of  the  outward  and  inward  Parts* 
was  a  Mark  of  the  Confent  or  Difapprobation  of  the  Gods. 
All  the  Motions  of  the  Vidim  that  was  led  to  the  Altar 
became  fo  many  Prophecies.  If  he  advanced  with  an  eafy 
Air  in  a  ftrait  Line,  and  without  offering  Refiftance,  if  he 
made  no  extraordinary  Bellowing  when  he  received  the 
Blow,  if  he  did  not  get  loofe  from  the  Pcrfon  that  lead  him 
to  the  Slaughter,  it  was  a  Prognoflick  of  an  eafy  and  flow- 
ing Succefs. 

The  Victim  was  knock'd  down,  but  before  its  Belly  was 
rippM  open,  one  of  the  Lobes  of  the  Liver  was  allotted  to 
thofe  who  ofFerM  the  Sacrifice,  and  the  other  to  the  Enemies 
of  the  State.  That  which  was  neither  blemifli'd  nor  wi- 
ther'd,  of  a  bright  red,  and  neither  larger  nor  fmaller  than 
it  ought  to  be,  prognofticated  great  Profperity  to  thofe  for 
whom  it  was  fet  apart  j  that  which  was  livid,  fmall,  or  cor- 
rupted, prefaged  the  moft  fatal  Mifchiefs. 

The  next  Thing  to  be  confidered  was  the  Heart,  which 
was  alfo  examined  with  the  utmoft  Care,  as  was  the  Spleen, 
the  Gall,  and  the  Lungs ;  and  if  any  of  thefe  were  let  fall, 
if  they  fmelt  rank,  or  were  bloated,  livid,  or  withered,  it 
prefaged  nothing  but  Misfortunes.  Lucan  has  elegantly  de- 
fcribed  almoft  all  thefe  Imperfections,  as  meeting  in  one 
Victim. 

^he  Liver  tcet  ivith  putrid  Streams  he  Jpyd, 
Jnd  Veins  that  threaten  d  on  the  hojiile  Side  ; 
Part  of  the  hea'ving  Lungs  is  no  nvhere  found, 
j^nd  thinner  Films  the  fenjerd  Entrails  hound  t 
No  ufual  Motion  Jiirs  the  panting  Hearty 
Ihe  (hinky  Vejfels  ouze  in  eijry  Fart : 

The 


APPENDIX.  283 

7he  Ca<wiy  'where  nvrapt  the  clofe  Intejlinei  lie^ 
Betrays  its  dark  ReceJ/es  to  the  Eye, 
One  Prodigy  fuperior  threaten'* djiill. 
The  ne-ver  failing  Harbinger  oj  111: 
Lo  !  By  the  fibrous  Liver  s  rifing  Head^ 
A  fecond  Ri'val  Prominence  is  /pread, 

Rowe's  Lucan. 

After  they  had  finlfti'd  their  Examination  of  the  Entrails, 
the  Fire  was  kindled,  and  from  this  alfo  they  drew  feveral 
Prcfages.  If  the  Flame  was  clear,  if  it  mounted  up  without 
dividmg,  and  went  not  out  till  the  Vidlim  was  entirely  con- 
fumed,  this  was  a  Proof  that  the  Sacrifice  was  accepted  j  but 
if  they  found  it  difficult  to  kindle  the  Fire,  if  the  Flame  di- 
vided, if  it  play'd  around  inftead  of  taking  hold  of  the  Vic- 
tim, if  it  burnt  ill,  or  went  out,  it  was  a  bad  Omen. 

At  Rome  the  Arufpices  were  always  chofen  from  the  beft 
Families,  and  as  their  Employment  was  of  the  fame  Nature 
as  the  Augurs,  they  were  as  much  honour'd.  It  was  a  very 
common  Thing  indeed  to  fee  their  Predidlions  verified  by 
the  Event,  efpecially  in  their  Wars ;  Nor  is  this  at  all  won- 
derful, the  Prediction  never  lull'd  them  into  Security,  or 
prevented  their  taking  every  neceffary  Precaution  5  but  on  the 
contrary,  the  AfTurance  of  Victory  infpired  that  Intrepidity 
and  high  Courage,  which  in  the  common  Soldiers  was  the 
principal  Thing  neceflfary  to  the  Attainment  of  it.  But  if 
after  the  Appearance  of  a  complete  Flavour  from  the  Gods, 
whom  they  had  addrefs'd,  their  Affairs  happened  to  mif- 
carry,  the  Blame  was  laid  on  fome  other  Deity.  Juno  or 
Miner-va  had  been  neglected.  They  facrificed  to  them,  re- 
covered their  Spirits,  and  behaved  vvith  greater  Precaution. 

However,  the  Bufinefs  of  the  Arufpices  was  not  reftrained 
to  the  Altars  and  Sacrifices,  they  had  an  equal  Right  to  ex- 
plain all  other  Portents.  The  Senate  frequently  confulted 
them  on  the  moft  extraordinary  Prodigies. 

O  o  2  "  The 


284  APPENDIX. 

"  The  College  of  the  Arufpices  (5),  as  well  as  thofe  of 
^'  the  other  religious  Orders,  had  their  particular  Regiilers 
•'  and  Records,  fuch  as  the  Memorials  of  Thunder  ^nd 
*J  Lightnings,  the  (6)  Tufca»  Hi&iones,  ^f/' 

VI.  Of  Oracles. 

IT  Is  very  evident,  that  whatever  were  the  politic  Rea- 
fons  that  induced  the  wifeft  Nations  to  continue  and  en- 
courage the  above  Superftit  ions,  which  were  but  little  regar- 
ded by  fomeof  the  moft  learned  andfenfibleMen  amongthcm^ 
yet  they  all  originally  arofe  from  the  Imperfection  of  human 
Nature,  the  Diflatisfaction  which  a  Man  frequently  finds 
in  the  Enjoyment  of  the  prefent  Moment,  the  Eagernefs 
with  which  his  Hopes  and  Fears  ftretch  forwards  into  Futu- 
rity, a  Poflibility  of  regulating  his  Condudl:,  by  knowing 
what  would  be  the  Refult  of  particular  Aitions,  added  to 
that  Curiofity  and  inquifitive  Difpofition,  which  adheres  to 
the  Minds  of  the  greateft  Part  of  Mankind.  Thefe  pre- 
pared the  Way  for  all  the  various  Methods,  which  Super- 
ftition  has  pointed  out  for  difcovering  future  Events.  This 
Weaknefs  paved  the  Way  for  the  ridiculous  Extravagancies 
of  Aftrology,  Magic,  the  innumerable  little  Obfcrvances 
rank'd  under  the  Ideas  of  Prodigies,  good  and  ill  Omens, 
all  the  Whimfies  of  the  Augurs  and  Arufpices,  and  all  the 
Delufions  of  the  Oracles. 

(5)  Kennett's  Rom.  Anriq.  Lib.  II.  c.  4. 

(6)  Romulus,  who  founded  the  Inftitution  of  the  Arufpices,  borrowM 
it  from  the  Tufcans,  to  whom  the  Senate  afterwards  fent  twelve  of  the 
Sons  of  the  principal  Nobility  to  be  inftru(5>ed  in  thefe  Myfleries,  and  the 
other  Ceremonies  of  their  Religion.  The  Origin  of  this  Art  amonglt  the 
People  of  Tufcany,  is  related  by  Cicero  in  the  following  Manner  :  "  A 
**  Peafant,  fays  he,  ploughing  in  the  Field,  his  Plowlhare running  pretty 
**  deep  in  the  Earth  turn'd  up  a  Clod,  from  whence  fprung  a  Child,  who 
**  taught  him  and  the  other  Tufcar.s  the  Art  of  Divination."  See  Cicero 
de  Div.  L.  2.  This  Fable  undoubtedly  means  no  more,  than  that  this 
Child  faid  to  fpring  from  a  Clod  of  Earth,  was  a  Youth  of  a  very  mean 
and  obfcure  Birth,  and  that  from  him  the  T'l^fcatn  learnt  this  Method  of 
Divination.  But  it  is  not  known  whether  he  was  the  Author  of  it,  or 
whether  he  learnt  it  ot  the  Creeks,  or  other  Nations. 

Thus 


APPENDIX.  285 

Thus  Mankind,  by   endeavouring  to  become  fomething 
more  than  Man,  have  in  all  Ages  render'd  themfelves  un- 
happy, fubje£t  to  groundlefs  Fears,  and  endlefs  Inquietudes, 
The   Know^ledge  of  Futurity  was   vi'ifely  concealed   from 
Mortals  :  This  is  a  Truth  that  the  Heathens  themfelves 
could  not  but  confefs;  and  Cicero  though  a  Romav^  though  an 
Augur  gives  us  his  Sentiments  on  this  Subject,  with  that 
affecting  Elegance  of  Expreffion,  which  (hews  that  he  fpoke 
the  naked  Sentiments  of  his  Heart.     "  In  what  a  deep  Me- 
*■  lancholy,  fays  he,   had  Priam  fpent  the   Remainder   of 
"  his  Days,  had  he  been  fenfibie  of  the  unhappy  Fate  that 
^'  awaited  him  ?  Would  the  three   Confulfhips,  the  three 
*'  Triumphs  of  Potnpey^  have  given  him  the  fmalleft  Beam 
"  of  Joy,  had  he  been  able  to  forefee,  what  even  we  cannot 
*^  mention  without  Tears,  that  on  a  fatal  Day,  after  the 
**  Lofs  of  a  Battle,  and  the  total  Defeat  of  his  Army,  he 
"  fhould   fall   in  the  Defarts   oi  Egypt r   And  oh!  What 
"  would  Cafar  have  thought,  if  he  too  had  been  fenfibie, 
**  that  in  the  midft  of  that  very  Senate,  which  he  had  com- 
"  pofed   of  his   Friends  and  his  Creatures,  he  fhould  be 
*'  ftabb'd   near   the  Statue  of  Pompey,  in  the  Sight  of  his 
*'  Guards,  and  cover'd  with  Wounds  by  his  beft  Friends  5 
*'  that  his  Body  would  be  abandoned,  and  not  a  Man  dare 
•*  to  allill  him.     It  is  furely  then  much  better  to  be  ignorant 
*'  of  the  Evils  of  Futurity  than  to  know  them." 

The  Egyptians^  one  of  the  moft  inquifitive  Nations  on 
Earth,  were  probably  verfed  in  moft  of  the  above  Me. 
thods  of  Divination,  at  the  Time  when  Mofes  led  the  Ifrae- 
Hies  into  the  Wildernefs.  They  had  frequently  heard  him 
talk  of  confulting  his  God  ;  they  had  feen  him  go  out  for 
this  Purpofe,  and  at  his  Return,  had  heard  him  predi6t 
Things  that  were  fpeedily  to  come  to  pafs,  and  the  Event  al- 
ways anfwer'd  to  what  he  had  foretold.  They  were  terrified 
by  miraculous  Events,  which  as  they  were  above  the  Power 
of  Man  to  perform,  they  probably  confidered  them  only 
as  fome  Pha;nomena  in  Nature,  or  in  Providence,  which  he 

by 


2P6  APPENDIX. 

by  his  Knowledge  in  Aftrology.  or  fome  of  the  other  Arts 
of  Divination  was  enabled  to  forefee,  and  which  he  was 
willing  to  impofe  upon  them,  as  a  Proof  of  his  adting  under 
the  Authority  and  Influence  of  Heaven.  Filled  with  thefe 
Ideas,  no  fooner  was  the  Effect  of  one  Prediction  over,  than 
they  relapfed  into  Scepticifm  and  a  fond  Security ;  but  at  4afl-, 
wearied  out  by  their  Sufferings,  and  in  fome  meafure  con- 
vinced in  Spite  of  therafelves,  they  relinquifh'd  the  Ad- 
vantage they  reap'd  from  the  Slavery  of  the  Ifraelites,  and 
gave  them  PermifTion  to  retire  out  of  the  Country ;  but 
finding  that  they  had  efcaped  the  Power  of  a  formidable 
Army,  and  had  mijaculouily  crofs'd  the  Red  Sea  in  Safety, 
while  the  King  and  all  his  Forces  v/ere  drown'd,  they  were 
probably  conquer'd  by  the  Strength  of  the  Convidtion,  and 
convinced  that  the  whole  was  miraculous,  and  that  God  re- 
ally condefcended  to  foretel  Things  to  come ;  and  that  had 
their  Priefts  confulted  him  in  the  fame  Manner  Mofes  had 
done,  all  the  Evils  that  had  fallen  upon  them  might  have 
been  prevented.  The  Priefts  were  then  doubtlefs  reproach'd 
for  their  Negligence,  when  to  fatisfy  the  Defires  of  the  Peo- 
ple, they  might  be  oblig'd  to  confult  their  Gods  upon  the 
Mountains,  their  ufual  Places  of  Worfhip,  and  to  fupport 
their  Credit  with  the  People  by  pretended  Revelations. 

It  is  not  improbable  but  that  this  might  be  the  firft  JRiife  of 
Oracles,  as  the  moving  Temple  or  Tabernacle  of  the  Ifrae- 
lites^  in  which  God  was  confulted,  might  fpread  the  Opi- 
nion of  Oracles  amongft  the  Neighbouring  Nations,  and 
give  the  firll  Intimation  of  building  a  Temple.  The  Priefts 
and  Magi,  who  were  utterly  unacquainted  with  the  Methods 
and  Ceremonials  neceflary  to  obtain  an  Anfwer  to  their  Pe- 
titions, had  recourfe  to  feveral  Methods,  which  ferved  at 
once  to  amufe  the  People,  to  infpire  them  with  the  Idea  of 
their  extraordinary  Penetration,  and  to  give  the  Air  of  Sci- 
ence to  the  Art  of  interpreting  the  Will  of  the  Gods; 
which  they  almoft  always  took  Care  to  exprefs  in  fuch  am- 
biguous Terms,  as  to  prevent  any  Difhonour  falling  upon 

their 


APPENDIX.  287 

their  Order,  by  a  Contrariety  between  the  Event  and  the 
Predi6lion. 

Of  all  the  Nations  upon  Earth,  Greece  was  the  moft  fa- 
mous for  Oracles,  and  fome  of  their  wifeft  Men  have  endea- 
voured to  vindicate  them  upon  folid  Principles,  and  refin'd 
Reafonings.  Xenophon  expatiates  on  the  NecefTity  of  confult- 
\i}g  the  Gods  by  Augurs  and  Oracles.  He  reprefents  Man 
as  naturally  ignorant  of  what  is  advantageous  or  deftrudive 
to  himfelf ;  that  he  is  fo  far  from  being  able  to  penetrate  into 
the  future,  that  the  prefent  itfelf  efcapes  him  ;  that  his  De- 
figns  may  be  fruftrated  by  the  flighteft  Obje6ts;  that  the 
Deity  alone,  to  whom  all  Ages  are  prefent,  can  impart  to 
him  the  infallible  Knowledge  of  Futurity;  that  no  other 
Being  can  give  Succefs  to  his  Enterprizes,  and  that  it  is 
highly  reafonable  to  believe  that  he  will  guide  and  protect 
thofe  who  adore  him  with  a  pure  Affection,  who  call  upon 
him,  and  confult  him  with  a  fmcere  and  humble  Refigna- 
tion.  How  furprifing  is  it  that  fuch  refined  and  noble  Prin- 
ciples fhould  be  brought  to  defend  the  moft  puerile  and  ab- 
furd  Opinions !  For  what  Arguments  can  vindicate  their 
prefuming  to  interrogate  the  moft  high,  and  oblige  him  to 
give  Anfwers  concerning  every  idle  Imagination  and  unjuft 
Enterprize. 

Oracles  were  thought  by  the  Greeks  to  proceed  in  a 
more  immediate  Manner  from  God  than  the  other  Arts  of 
Divination,  and  on  this  Account  fcarce  any  Peace  was  con- 
cluded, any  War  engaged  in,  any  new  Laws  enacted,  or 
any  new  Form  of  Government  inftituted  without  confulting 
Oracles.  And  therefore  Mimsy  to  give  his  Laws  a  proper 
Weight  with  the  People,  gave  them  the  Veneration  of  a 
divine  Sanction,  and  pretended  to  receive  from  Jupiter  In- 
ftrudions  how  to  new  Model  his  Government.  And 
Lycurgus  made  frequent  Vifits  to  the  Delphian  Oracle,  that 
the  People  might  entertain  a  Belief,  that  he  received  from 
Jpollo  the  Platform  which  he  afterwards  communicated  to 
the  Spartans.    Thefe  pious  Frauds  were  an  eiFe^Siual  Means 

of 


288  APPENDIX. 

of  eftablifhing  the  Authority  of  Laws,  and  engaging  the 
People  to  a  Compliance  with  the  Will  of  the  Law-giver. 
Perfons  thus  infpired  were  frequently  thought  worthy  of  the 
higheft  Truft,  fo  that  they  were  fometimes  advanced  to  regal 
Power,  from  a  Perfuafion  *'  That  as  they  were  admitted  to 
*'  the  Counfels  of  the  Gods,  they  were  beft  able  to  provide 
«  for  the  Safety  and  Welfare  of  Man  (i).'* 

This  high  Veneration  for  the  Priefts  of  the  Oracles,  being 
the  ftrongeft  Confirmation,  that  their  Credit  was  thoroughly 
eftablifhed,  they  fufFered  none  to  confult  the  Gods,  but  thofe 
who  brought  Sacrifices  and  rich  Prefents  to  them ;  by  this 
Means  few,  befides  the  great,  were  ever  admitted.  This 
Proceeding  ferved  at  once  to  enrich  the  Priefts,  and  to  raife 
the  Charadter  of  the  Oracles  amongil:  the  Populace,  who  are 
always  apt  to  defpife  what  they  are  too  familiarly  acquainted 
with :  Nor  were  the  Rich,  or  even  the  greateft  Prince  ad- 
mitted, except  at  thofe  particular  Times  when  the  God 
was  in  a  Difpofition  to  be  confulted. 

One  of  the  moft  antient  Oracles  of  which  we  have  re- 
ceived any  particular  Account  was,  that  of  Jupiter  at  Dodona, 
a  City  faid  to  be  built  by  Deucalion  after  that  famous  Deluge 
which  bears  his  Name,  and  which  deftroy'd  the  greateft 
Part  of  Greece.  It  was  fituated  in  Epirus,  and  here  was  built 
the  firft  Temple  that  ever  was  feen  in  Greece.  According  to 
HerodotuSf  both  this  and  the  Oracle  of  Jupiter  H amnion  had 
the  fame  Original,  and  both  owed  their  Inftitution  to  the 
Egyptians,  The  Rife  of  this  Oracle  is  indeed  wrapped  up 
in  Fable.  Two  Pigeons,  fay  they,  flying  from  Thebes  in 
Egypt t  one  of  them  fettled  in  Lybia^  and  the  other  flew  as 
far  as  the  Foreft  of  "Dodana^  a  Province  in  Epirus^  where  fit- 
ting in  an  Oak  ftie  inform'd  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Country, 
that  it  was  the  Will  of  Jupiter  that  an  Oracle  ftiould  be 
founded  in  that  Place.  Herodotus  gives  two  Accounts  of  the 
Rife  of  this  Oracle,  one  of  which  clears  up  the  Myftery  of 

(i)  Potter's  Antiquities  of  Greece,  Vol.  I.  p.  263. 

this 


APPENDIX.  289 

this  Fable.  He  tells  us,  that  he  Was  informed  by  the  Pricfts 
of  Jupiter^  at  T^hebes  in  Egypt^  that  fome  Ph^nician  Mer- 
chants carried  off  two  PrieftefTes  of  'Thebes^  that  one  was 
carried  into  Greece,  and  the  other  into  Lybia,  She  who  was 
carried  info  Greece^  took  up  her  Refidence  in  the  Foreft  of 
Dodona^  and  there,  at  the  .Foot  of  an  Oak,  ereded  a  fmall 
Chapel  in  Honour  of  Jupiter^  whofe  Prieftefs  fhe  had  been 
at  Thebes  (2). 

We  learn  from  5*^^^;//^;  {3),  that  the  Will  of  Heaven  was 
here  explained  by  an  old  Woman,  who  pretended  to  find 
out  a  Meaning  to  explain  the  Murmurs  of  a  Brook  that 
flowed  from  the  Foot  of  the  Oak.  After  this,  another  Me^ 
thod  was  taken,  attended  with  more  Formalities  j  Brazen 
Kettles  were  fufpended  in  the  Air,  with  a  Statue  of  the  fame 
Metal,  with  a  Whip  in  his  Hand  (4) ;  this  Figure,  when 
moved  by  the  Wind,  ftruck  againft  the  Kettle  that  was  next 
it,  which  alfo  caufing  all  the  other  Kettles  to  ftrike  againft 
each  other,  raifed  a  clattering  Din,  which  continued  fof 
fome  Time,  and  from  ihefe  Sounds  fhe  formed  her  Predic- 
tions. 

Both  thefe  Ways  were  equally  abfurdj  for  as  in  each  the 
Anfwer  depended  folely  on  the  Invention  of  the  Prieftefs, 
fhe  alone  was  the  Oracle.  Suidas  informs  us,  that  the  An- 
fwer was  given  by  an  Oak  in  this  Foreft  (5)^  and  as  it  was 
generally  believed  to  proceed  from  the  Trunk,  it  is  eafy  to 
conceive  how  this  was  perform'd  ;  for  the  Prieftefs  had  no- 
thing more  to  do  than  to  hide  herfelf  in  the  hollow  of  an  old 

(2)  The  Abbe  Saltier  takes  this  Fabie  to  be  built  upon  the  double  Mean- 
ing of  the  Word  'sriXua.i^  which  in  Attica  and  feveral  other  Parts  of 
Greece  fignifies  Pigeons,  while  in  the  Dialedl  of  Epirus  it  meant  old  Wo- 
men.    See  Mem.  Acad.  Belles  Lett  res,  Vol.  5.  p.  35. 

(5)  Scrvjus  m  3.  /En,  V.  466. 

(4.)  As  this  was  evidently  a  Figure  df  O^ri?,  which  was  on  particular 
Occafions  reprefented  with  a  Whip  in  his  Hand,  it  is  an  additional  Proof 
that  this  Oracle  was  derived  from  Egypt. 

( 5)  From  hence  carne  the  Origin  of  the  Fable,  that  the  Mart  of  the  Ship 
Jliz,°)  which  was  cut  in  this  Foreft,  gave  Oracles  to  the  Argor.auti,  Bar.icr, 
Vol.  2.  p.  332. 

P  p  Oak, 


290  APPENDIX. 

Oak,  and  from  thence  to  give  the  pretended  Senfe  of  the 
Oracle,  which  fhe  might  the  more  eafily  do,  as  the  Diftance 
the  Suppliant  was  obliged  to  keep,  was  an  effectual  Means 
to  prevent  the  Cheat  from  being  difcovered. 

'There  is  one  remarkable  Circumftance  relating  to  this 
Oracle  yet  remaining,  and  that  is,  that  while  all  the  other 
Nations  received  their  Anfwer  from  a  Woman,  the  Baotians 
alone  received  it  from  a  Man,  and  the  Reafon  given  for  it 
is  as  follows :  During  the  War  between  the  Thracians  and 
B^eotiansy  the  latter  fent  Deputies  to  confult  this  Oracle  of 
Dodonay  v/hen  the  Prieftefs  gave  them  this  Anfwer,  of  which 
fhc  doubtlefs  did  not  forefee  the  Confequence,  If  you  iJcould 
meet  <vjith  Succefs^  you  muji  be  guilty  of  fame  impious  Allien,  The 
Deputies  no  Doubt  furpriz'd,  and  perhaps  exafperated,  by 
imagining  that  the  Prieftefs  prevaricated  with  them  in  order 
to  pleafe  the  Pelafgi,  from  whom  fhe  was  defcended,  and 
who  were  in  a  ftrict  Alliance  with  the  Thraciansy  refolved  to 
fulfil  the  Decree  of  the  Oracle ;  and  therefore  feizing  the 
Prieftefs  burnt  her  alive;  alledging,  that  this  A6Lion  was  juf- 
tifiable  in  whatever  Light  it  was  confider'd,  that  if  fhe  in- 
tended to  deceive  them  it  was  fit  (he  fliould  be  puniftied  for 
the  Deceit;  or,  if  fhe  was  fmcere,  they  had  only  literally 
fulfilled  the  Senfe  of  the  Oracle.  The  two  remaining  Prie- 
fteftes  (for,  according  to  Straho^  the  Oracle  at  that  Time  had 
ufually  Three)  highly  exafperated  at  this  Cruelty,  caufed 
them  to  be  feized,  and  as  they  were  to  be  their  Judges,  the 
Deputies  pleaded  the  Illegality  of  their  being  tried  by  Wo- 
men. The  Juftice  of  this  Plea  was  admitted  by  the  People, 
who  allowed  two  Priefts  to  try  them  in  Conjunction  with 
the  Priefteiles,  on  which  being  acquitted  by  the  former,  and 
condemned  by  the  latter,  the  Votes  being  equal  they  were 
releaf^d.  For  this  Reafon  the  5^o//«»j  for  the  future,  re- 
ceived their  Anfwers  from  the  Priefts. 

The  Oracle  di  Jupiter  Hammon  in  Lybia^  we  have  already 
faid,  was  derived  from  Egypt^  and  is  of  the  fame  Antiquity 
as  the  former  of  Dodona^  and  though  furrounded  by  a  large 

Traa 


APPENDIX.  291 

Tract  of  burning  Sands,  was  extremely  famous.  This 
Oracle  gave  his  Anfvvers  not  by  Words,  but  by  a  Sign. 
His  Statue  was  carried  about  in  a  gilded  Barge  on  the  Shoul- 
ders of  his  Priefts,  who  moved  v/hitherfoever  they  pretended 
the  Impuife  of  the  God  direded  them.  The  Statue  was 
adorned  with  precious  Stones,  and  the  Barge  with  many 
filver  Goblets  hanging  on  either  Side;  and  thefe  Procefiions 
were  accompanied  with  a  Troop  of  Matrons  and  Virgins 
fmging  Hymns  in  Honour  of  Jupiter.  Thefe  Priefts  re- 
fufed  the  Bribes  offered  them  by  Lyfander,  who  wanted  their 
Ailiftance  to  help  him  to  change  the  Succeflion  to  the  Throne 
of  Sparta.  However,  they  were  not  fc  fcrupulous  when 
Alexander^  either  to  gratify  his  Vanity,  or  to  fcreen  the  Re- 
putation of  his  Mother,  took  that  painful  March  through 
the  Defarts  of  Lybia,  in  order  to  obtain  the  Honour  of  being 
called  the  Son  of  Jupiter^  a  Prieft  ftood  ready  to  receive 
him,  and  faluted  him  with  the  Title  of  Son  of  the  King  of 
Gods. 

The  Oracle  of  Jpollo  at  Delphos  was  one  of  the  moft  fa- 
mous in  all  Antiquity,  This  City  ftood  upon  a  Declivity 
about  the  Middle  of  Mount  Pamaffus ;  it  was  built  on  a  fmall 
Extent  of  even  Ground,  and  furrounded  with  Precipices, 
that  fortified  it  without  the  Help  of  Art  f6j.  Diodorm  Siculus 
relates  (7)  a  Tradition  of  a  very  whimfical  Nature,  which 
was  faid  to  give  Rife  to  this  Oracle.  Theie  was  a  Hole  in 
one  of  the  Valleys  at  the  Foot  of  Pamajfus^  the  Mouth  of 
which  was  very  ftrait;  the  Goats  that  were  feeding  at  no 
great  Diftance  coming  hear  it,  began  to  fkip  and  friflc  about 
in  fuch  a  Manner,  that  the  Goat-herd  being  ftruck  with 
Surprize,  came  up  to  the  Place,  and  leaning  over  it  was 
feiz'd  with  fuch  an  Enthufiaftic  Im.pulfe,  or  temporary  Mad- 
nefs,  as  prompted  him  to  utter  fome  extravagant  Exprefnons 
which  pafs'd  for  Prophecies.    The  Report  of  this  extraordi- 

(6)  Strab.   p.  177. 

(7)  Lib.  14.  pr  427,  428. 

(8)  Diod.  4,  I. 

P  p  2  nary 


292.  APPENDIX. 

nary  Event  drew  thither  the  Neighbouring  People,  who  on 
approaching  the  Hole  were  feiz'd  with  the  fame  IVanfports. 
Surprized  at  i'o  aftoniftiing  a  Prodigy,  the  Cavity  was  no 
longer  approach'd  without  Reverence.  The  Exhalation 
v;as  concluded  to  have  fomething  divine  in  it,  they  imagined 
it  proceeded  from  fome  friendly  Deity,  and  from  that  Time 
beftowed  a  particular  Worlhip  on  the  Divinity  of  the  Place, 
^nd  regarded  what  was  delivered  in  thefe  Fits  of  Madnefs  as 
Predictions,  and  here  they  afterwards  built  the  City  and 
Temple  of  Delphos. 

This  Oracle  it  was  pretended  had  been  pofTcfs'd  by  feveral 
fucceflive  Deities,  and  at  lafb  by  Jpollo,  who  rais'd  its  Repu- 
tation to  the  greateft  Height.  It  was  reforted  to  by  Perfons 
pf  all  Stations,  by  which  it  obtained  immenfe  Riches,  which 
expofed  it  to  be  frequently  plunder'd.  At  firft  it  is  faid  the 
God  infpired  all  indifferently  who  approach'd  the  Cavern  ^ 
but  fome  having  in  this  fit  of  Madnefs  thrown  themfelves 
into  the  Gulf,  they  thought  fit  to  choofe  a  Prieftefs,  and  to 
fet  over  the  Hole  a  Tripos,  or  three-legged  Stool,  whence 
ihe  might  without  Danger  catch  the  Exhalations ;  and  this 
Prieftcfs  was  call'd  Pythian  from  the  Serpent  Python,  (lain 
by  Apollo.  For  a  long  Time  none  but  Virgins  poflefled  this 
Honour,  ti!l  a  young  ^hejjfaliany  called  Echccrates^  falling  in 
Love  with  the  Priertefs,  who  was  at  that  Time  very  beauti- 
ful, ravifti'd  her;  when  to  prevent  any  Abufes  of  the  like 
Kind  for  the  future,  the  Citizens  made  a  law  to  prohibit  any 
Woman  being  chofen  under  fifty  Years  old.  At  firft  they 
h^d  only  one  Prieftefs,  but  afterwards  they  had  two  or  three. 

The  Oracles  were  not  delivered  every  Day ;  but  the  Sa- 
crifices were  repeated  till  the  God  was  pleafed  to  deliver 
them,  which  frequently  happened  only  one  Day  in  the  Year, 
at  all  other  Times  the  Prieftefs  was  forbid  to  confult  the 
God  under  Pairi  of  Death.  Alexander  coming  here  in  one  of 
thefe  Intervals,  after  many  Entreaties  to  engage  the  Prieftefs 
to  mount  the  Tripod,  which  were  all  to  no  Purpofe,  ihe 
mentioning  the  Law  which  deterr'd  her,  the  Prince  growing 

impatient 


APPENDIX.  293 

impatient  at  her  Refufal,  drew  her  by  Force  from  her  Cell, 
and  was  leading  her  to  the  San(Sluary,  when  faying  My  Sony 
thou  art  in-vincible,  he  cry'd  out  that  he  was  fatiilicd,  and 
needed  no  other  Anfwer. 

Nothing  was  wanting  to  keep  up  the  Air  of  Myftcry,  in 
order  to  preferve  its  Reputation,  and  to  procure  it  Venera- 
tion. The  neglecting  the  fmalleft  Punctilio  was  fufHcient 
to  make  them  renew  the  Sacrifices  that  were  to  precede  the 
Refponfe  of  Jpollo.  The  Prieftefs  herfelf  was  obliged  to 
prepare  for  th(?  Difcharge  of  her  Duty,  by  fafting  three  Days, 
bathing  in  the  Fountain  of  CaJIalia^  drinking  a  certain  Quan- 
tity of  the-  Water,  and  chev/ing  fome  Leaves  of  Laurel  ga- 
thered near  the  Fountain.  After  thefe  Preparations  the 
Temple  was  made  to  fliake,  which  pafs'd  for  the  Signal 
given  by  J  polio  to  inform  them  of  his  Arrival,  and  then  the 
Priefts  led  her  into  the  Sandfuary  and  placed  her  on  the  Tri- 
pod, when  beginning  to  be  agitated  by  the  divine  Vapour, 
her  Hair  flood  an  End,  her  Looks  became  wild,  her  Mouth 
began  to  foam,  and  a  Fit  of  Trembling  feiz'd  her  whole 
Body.  In  this  Condition  flie  feemed  to  ftruggle  to  get  loofe 
from  the  Priefts,  who  pretended  to  hold  her  by  Force,  while 
her  Shrieks  and  Howlings,  which  refounded  through  the 
Temple,  hlled  the  deluded  By-ftanders  with  a  Kind  of  fa- 
cred  Horror.  At  lafl  being  no  .longer  able  to  refift  the  Im- 
pulfes  of  the  God,  (he  fubmitted,  and  at  certain  Intervals 
uttered  fome  unconnected  Words,  which  were  carefully 
picked  up  by  the  Priefts,  who  put  them  in  Connection,  and 
gave  them  to  the  Poets,  who  were  alfo  prefent  to  put  them 
into  a  Kind  of  Verfe,  which  was  frequently  ftiiF,  unharmo- 
niou?,  and  always  obfcure ;  this  occafion'd  that  Piece  of 
Raillery,  that  Jpollo  the  Prince  of  the  Mufes  was  the  worfl^ 
of  the  Poets.  One  of  the  Prieftefles  who  was  called  Phe- 
monoe^  is  faid  to  have  pronounced  her  Oracles  in  Verfe ; 
in  latter  Times  they  were  contented  with  delivering  them  in 
Profe,  and  this,  in  the  Opinion  of  P/a/^rc/^,  was  one  of  the 
Reafons  of  the  Declenfion  of  this  Oracle. 

TropboniuSy 


294  APPENDIX. 

T*'ophomuSf  who  according  to'  fome  Authors,  was  no  more 
than  a  Robber,  or  at  moft  a  Hero,  had  an  Oracle  in  Bgeotiat 
which  acquired  great  Reputation.  Paufanias^  who  had  con- 
fulted  it,  and  gone  through  all  its  Formalities,  has  given  a 
very  particular  Defcription  of  it,  and  from  him  we  ihall  ex- 
trad  a  fhort  Hiilory  of  this  Oracle. 

The  facred  Grove  of  Trophonius,  fays  this  Author  (9),  is 
at  a  fmall  Diftance  from  Lebadea,  one  of  the  fineft  Cities  in 
Greece ;  and  in  this  Grove  is  the  Temple  of  Trophoniust  with 
his  Statue,  the  Workmanfhip  of  Praxiteles.  Thofe  who 
apply  to  this  Oracle  muft  perform  certain  Ceremonies  before 
they  are  permitted  to  go  down  into  the  Cave  where  the  Re- 
fponfe  is  given.  Some  Days  rnufl  be  fpent  in  a  Chapel  dedi- 
cated to  Fortune  and  the  good  Genii,  where  the  Purification 
confifts  in  Abftinence  from  all  Things  unlawful,  and  in 
making  ufe  of  the  cold  Bath.  He  mufl  facrifice  to  frophonius 
and  all  his  Family,  to  Jupiter^  to  Saturnj  and  to  Ceres^  fur- 
nam'd  Europa^  who  was  believed  to  have  been  the  Nurfe  of 
Trcphomm.  The  Diviners  confulted  the  Entrails  of  every 
Viiiiim,  to  difcover  if  it  was  agreeable  to  Trophonius  that  the 
Perfon  (hould  defcend  into  the  Cave.  If  the  Omens  were 
favourable,  he  was  led  that  Night  to  the  River  Hercyna, 
where  two  Boys  anointed  his  Body  with  Oil.  Then  he  was 
conducted  as  far  as  the  Source  of  the  River,  where  he  was 
obliged  to  drink  two  Sorts  of  Water,  that  of  Lethe^  to  efface 
from  his  Mind  ail  profane  Thoughts,  and  that  of  Mnemofyne, 
to  enable  him  to  retain  whatever  he  was  to  fee  in  the  facred 
Cave ;  he  v/as  then  prefented  to  the  Statue  of  Trophonius ^  to 
which  he  was  to  addrefs  a  (hort  Prayer ;  he  then  was  cloathed 
in  a  Linnen  Tunic  adorned  with  facred  Fillets ;  and  at  iall 
"^as  conducfed  in  a  folemn  Manner  to  the  Oracle,  which 
was  inclofed  within  a  Stone  Wall  on  the  Top  of  a  Moun- 
tain. 

In  this  Inclofure  was  a  Cave  form'd  like  an  Oven,  the 
Mcuth  of  which  was  narrow,  and  the  Defcent  to  it  not  by 

(9)  Paufaa.  Lib.  9.  p.  6oa,  604. 

Steps 


APPENDIX.  295 

Steps  but  by  a  fhort  Ladder;  on  going  down  there  appeared 
another  Cave,  the  Entrance  to  which  was  very  ftrait.  The 
Suppliant,  who  was  obliged  to  take  a  certain  Compofition  of 
Honey  in  each  Hand,  without  which  he  could  not  be  ad- 
mitted, proftrated  himfelf"  on  the  Ground,  and  then  putting 
his  Feet  into  the  IVlouth  of  the  Cave,  his  whole  Body  was 
forcibly  drawn  in* 

Here  fome  had  the  Knowledge  of  Futurity  by  ViHon  ; 
and  others  by  an  audible  Voice.  They  then  got  out  of  the 
Cave  in  the  fame  Manner  as  they  went  in,  with  their  Feet 
foremoil,  and  proftrate  on  the  Earth.  The  Suppliant  going 
up  the  Ladder  was  conducted  to  the  Chair  of  Mnemofyne^  the 
Goddefs  of  Memory,  in  which  being  feated,  he  was  quef- 
tioned  on  what  he  had  heard  and  feen  j  and  from  thence  was 
brought  into  the  Chapel  of  tlie  good  Genii,  where  having 
ftayd  till  he  had  recovered  from  his  Affright  and  Terror,  he 
was  obliged  to  write  in  a  Book  all  that  he  had  {t^n  or  heard, 
which  the  Priefts  took  upon  them  to  interpret.  There  never 
was  but  one  Man,  fays  Paujanias,  who  loft  his  Life  in  this 
Cave,  and  that  was  a  Spy  who  had  been  (Qnthy  Demefrius,  to  fee 
whether  in  that  holy  Place  there  was  any  Thing  worth  plun- 
dering. The  Body  of  this  Man  was  afterwards  found  at  a 
great  Diftance,  and  indeed  it  is  not  unlikely,  that  his  Defiga 
being  difcovered,  he  was  afiallinated  by  the  Priefts,  who 
might  carry  out  his  Body  by  fome  fecret  Pafiage,  at  which 
they  went  in  and  out,  without  being  perceived. 

The  Oracle  of  the  Bravchida^  in  the  Neighbourhood  of 
Kiletui^  was  very  ancient,  and  in  great  Efteem.  Xerxes  re- 
turning from  Greece^  prevail'd  on  its  Priefts  to  deliver  up  its 
Treafures  to  him,  and  then  burnt  the  Temple,  when  to 
fecure  them  againft  the  Vengeance  of  the  Greeks^  he  granted 
them  an  Eftabliftiment  in  the  moft  diftant  Part  of  Afia. 
After  the  Defeat  of  Darius  by  Alexander^  this  Conqueror 
deftroy'd  the  City  where  thefe  Priefts  had  fettled,  of  which 
their  Defcendants  were  then  in  actual  Pofleflion,  and  thus 

punifh'd 


296  APPENDIX. 

punifh'd  the  Children  for  the  Sacrilege  and  Perfidy  of  their 
Fathers. 

The  Oracle  oi  Apollo  at  Claroi^  a  Town  of  Ionia  in  Afia 
Minor,  was  very  famous  and  frequently  confulted.  Claros 
was  faid  to  be  founded  by  ( 10)  Majito  the  Daughter  of  Tire- 
JiaSf  fome  Years  before  the  taking  of  Troy.  The  Anfwers  of 
this  Oracle,  fays  Tacitus  (11),  were  not  given  by  a  Woman 
but  by  a  Man,  chofe  out  of  certain  Families.  It  was  fuffi- 
cientto  let  him  know  the  Number  and  Names  of  thofe  who 
came  to  confult  him ;  after  which  he  retired  into  a  Cave, 
and  having  drank  of  the  Waters  of  a  Spring  that  ran  within 
it,  delivered  Anfwers  in  Verfc  upon  what  the  People  had  in 
their  Thoughts,  though  he  was  frequently  ignorant,  and 
unacquainted  with  the  Nature  and  Rules  of  Poetry.  *'  It 
*'  is  faid  our  Author  adds,  that  he  foretold  the  fudden  Death 
of  GermanicuSf  but  in  dark  and  ambiguous  Terms." 

Paujanias  mentions  an  Oracle  of  Mercury  in  Achaia^  of  a 
very  fmgular  Kind,  after  a  Variety  of  Ceremonies  which  it 
is  needlefs  here  to  repeat,  they  whifpered  in  the  Ear  of  the 
God,  and  told  him  what  they  were  defirous  of  knowing, 
then  flopping  their  Ears  with  their  Hands,  they  left  the 
Temple,  and  the  firfl  Words  they  heard  after  they  were  out 
of  it,  was  the  Anfwer  of  the  God. 

But  it  would  be  an  endlefs  Tafk  to  pretend  to  enumerate 
all  the  Oracles,  which  were  fo  numerous,  that  Van  Dak 
gives  a  Lift  of  near  three  Hundred,  moft  of  which  were  in 
Greece.  Not  that  all  thefe  ever  fubfifted  at  the  fame  T'ime, 
the  ancient  Ones  were  frequently  negleded,  either  from  a 
Difcovery  of  the  Impoftures  of  their  Priefts,  or  by  the  Coun- 
tries in  which  they  were  placed  being  laid  Wafte  by  War^ 

(10)  Martto  has  been  greatly  extolled  for  her  prophetic  Spirit;  and  fabu- 
lous Hiftory  informs  us,  that  lamenting  the  Miferies  of  her  Country,  (he 
diflblved  away  in  Tears,  and  that  thefe  formed  a  Fountain,  the  Water  of 
which  communicated  the  Gift  of  Prophecy  to  thofe  who  drank  it  ;  but 
being  at  the  fame  Time  unwholefome,  it  brought  on  Difeafes  and  Ihor"^ 
tened  Life. 
'    (11)  Tacit.  Annal.  J,  2.  c.  54, 

Earthquakes, 


A  P  1>  E  N  D  I  X.  297 

Earthquakes,  or  the  other  Accidents  to  which  Cities  and 
Kingdoms  are  expofed. 

But  no  Part  of  Greece  had  (o  many  Oracles  as  B^otia, 
which  were  there  numerous,  from  its  abounding  in  Moun- 
tains and  Caverns;  for  as  Mr.  FontenelU  obferves,  nothing 
was  more  convenient  for  the  Priefts  than  thefe  Caves,  which 
not  only  infpired  the  People  with  a  Sort  of  religious  Horror, 
but  afforded  the  Priefts  an  Opportunity  of  forming  fecret 
Paflages,  of  concealing  themfelves  in  hollow  Statues,  and  of 
making  ufe  of  all  the  Machines,  and  all  the  Arts  neceflary 
to  keep  up  the  Delufion  of  the  People,  and  to  encreafe  the 
Reputation  of  the  Oracles. 

Nothing  is  more  remarkable  than  the  different  Manners 
by  which  the  Senfe  of  the  Oracles  were  convey'd ;  befides 
the  Methods  already  mentioned,  in  fome  the  Oracle  was 
given  from  the  Bottom  of  the  Statue,  to  which  one  of  the 
Priefts  might  convey  himfelf  by  a  fubterranean  PafTage, 
In  others  by  Dreams ;  in  ethers  again  by  Lots,  in  the  Man- 
ner of  Dice,  containing  certain  Characters  or  Words, 
which  were  to  be  explained  by  Tables  made  for  that  Pur- 
pofe.  In  fome  Temples  the  Enquirer  threw  them  himfelf, 
and  in  others  they  were  dropp'd  from  a  Box  \  and  from 
hence  arofe  the  proverbial  Phrafe,  The  Lot  is  J  alien.  Childifh 
as  this  Method  of  deciding  the  Succefs  of  Events  by  a  Throw 
of  Dice  may  appear,  yet  it  was  always  preceded  by  Sacri- 
fices and  other  Ceremonies. 

In  others  the  QiJcdion  was  propofed  by  a  Letter,  fealed 
up  and  given  to  the  Prieft,  or  left  upon  the  Altar,  while  the 
Perfon  fent  with  it  was  obliged  to  lie  ail  Night  in  the  Temple, 
and  thefe  Letters  were  to  be  fent  back  unopen'd  with  the  An- 
fwer.  Here  this  wonderful  Art  confifted  in  the  Priefts  know> 
ing  how  to  open  a  Letter  without  Injuring  the  Seal,  an  Art 
ft  ill  prad^iced,  on  particular  Occafions,  in  all  the  General 
Poft-Offices  in  Europe.  A  Governor  of  Cilicia^  whom  the 
Epicureans  endeavour'd  to  infpire  with  a  Contempt  for  the 
Oracles,  fent  a  Spy  to  that  of  Mopfus  at  Mallos,  with  a  Letter 
Q_q  well 


298  APPENDIX. 

well  fealed  up ;  as  this  Man  was  lying  in  the  Temple^  a 
Perfon  appeared  to  him  and  utter'd  the  Word  Black,  This 
Anfwer  he  carried  to  the  Governor,  which  fill'd  him  with 
Aftonifhment,  though  it  appeared  ridiculous  to  the  Epicu- 
reans^ to  whom  he  communicated  it,  when  to  convince 
them  of  the  Injuftice  of  their  Raillery  on  the  Oracle,  he 
broke  open  the  Letter,  and  fhew*d  them  that  he  had  Wrote 
thefe  Words,  Shall  I  facrtfice  to  thee  a  nvhtte  Ox  or  a  black  ? 
The  Emperor  Trajan  made  a  like  Experiment  on  the  God  at 
Beliopolisy  by  fending  hirh  a  Letter  fealed  up,  to  which  he 
requefted  an  Anfwer.  The  Oracle  commanded  a  blank 
Paper,  well  folded  and  fealed,  to  be  given  to  the  Emperor, 
who,  upon  his  receiving  it,  was  ftruck  with  Admiration  at 
feeing  an  Anfwer  fo  correfpondent  to  his  own  Letter,  in 
which  he  had  wrote  nothing. 

The  general  Chara6teriftic  of  Oracles,  fays  the  juftly  ad- 
mired Rollin(iz)y  were  Ambiguity,  Obfcurity,  and  Conver- 
tibility }  fo  that  one  Anfwer  would  agree  with  feveral  diffe- 
rent and  even  oppofite  Events ;  and  this  was  generally  the 
Cafe  when  the  Event  was  in  the  leaft  dubious.  Trajan  con- 
vinced of  the  Divinity  of  the  Oracle,  by  the  blank  Letter 
above  mentioned,  fent  a  fecond  Note,  wherein  he  defired 
to  know,  whether  he  fhould  return  to  Rome  after  the  Conclu- 
fion  of  the  War  which  he  had  then  in  View;  the  Oracle 
anfwer'd  this  Letter  by  fending  to  him  a  Vine  broke  in 
Pieces.  The  Predi£tion  of  the  Oracle  was  certainly  ful- 
filled ;  for  the  Emperor  dying  in  the  War,  his  Body,  or  if 
you  pleafe  his  Bonesj  repfefented  by  the  broken  Vine,  were 
carried  to  Rome,  But  it  would  have  been  equally  accom- 
plifhed  had  the  Romans  conquered  the  Parthians^  or  the  Par- 
ihians  the  Romans-,  and  whatever  had  been  the  Event,  it 
might  have  been  conftrued  into  the  Meaning  of  the  Oracle. 
Before  Crafus  invaded  the  Medes,  he  confulted  the  Oracle  of 
Velphos  on  the  Succefs  of  the  War,  and  received  for  Anfwef, 
that  by  croffing  the  River  Halys^  he  would  overthrow  a  great 

(is)  Ancient  Hift.  Vol.  5,  p.  25. 

Empire. 


APPENDIX.  299 

Empire.  What  Empire,  his  own,  or  that  of  his  Enemies  ? 
If  he  conquerM  Cyrusy  he  would  overthrow  the  JJjrian  Em- 
pire, if  he  himfelf  was  routed  he  overthrew  his  ov/n.  Un- 
der fuch  Ambiguities  they  eluded  all  Difficulties,  and  were 
hardly  ever  in  the  Wrong.  In  this  all  their  Art  and  all  their 
fuperior  Knowledge  confifled  i  for  \vhen  the  Queftion  was 
plain,  the  Anfwer  was  commonly  fo  too,  A  Man  requeft- 
ing  a  Cure  for  the  Gout,  was  anfwered  by  the  Oracle,  that 
he  fhould  drink  nothing  but  cold  Water-  Another  defiring 
to  know  by  what  Means  he  might  become  richj  was  an- 
fwer'd  by  the  God,  that  he  had  no  more  to  do  but  to  make 
himfelf  Mafter  of  all  between  Sicyon  and  Cormh  (13). 

VII.  Of  Altars,  /acred  Groves,  and 
Sacrifices. 

IN  the  moft  early  Ages,  Sacrifices  were  made  without  an 
Altar.  As  a  Teflimony  of  their  Gratitude  they  ofFer'd 
a  fmall  Quantity  of  Corn  or  Herbs,  or  the  choiceft  of  their 
Flocks.  This  was  conGder'd  as  an  Acknowledgment,  that 
they  had  received  all  they  enjoy 'd  from  the  Hands  of  God, 
By  this  they  teftified  their  Dependance,  and  by  making  this 
publick  Profeflion  of  it,  engaged  themfelves  in  the  Face  of 
the  World,  to  be  faithful  to  him.  And  indeed  nothing 
could  be  more  capable  of  enobling  the  Mind,  and  of  culti- 
vating Sentiments  of  the  moft  fublime  Gratitude  and  Re- 
fpeft,  than  the  appearing  at  thefe  Feftivals.  But  as  Super- 
ftition  gaiiiM  Ground  in  the  World,  the  Purity  of  thefe 
S  ntiments  became  fullied.  Inflead  of  fitting  upon  the  Grafs 
they  fat  upon  Skins  and  Carpets-  Altars  were  er^6ied,  and 
the  Idolaters  at  firfl  imitated  the  fimple  Manner  in  which 
they  had  i  een  raifed  by  Noah  y  for  the  firfl  Altars  confifled 
only  of  Heaps  of  Earth  or  Turf,  or  a  rough  unhewn  Stone* 
But  the  Form  and  Materials  infenfibly  chang'd,  there  were 
fome  fquare,  others  long,  round,  or  triangular.  Each  Feaft 
pbtained  a  peculiar  Ceremonial,  and  an  Altar  of  a  particur 

(13)  Banietf  Vol,  i. 

Q^q  2  lar 


3CO  APPENDIX. 

lar  Form.  Sometimes  they  were  of  common  Stone,  fome- 
times  of  Marble,  Wood,  or  Brafs.  The  Altar  was  fur- 
rounded  with  Carvings  in  Bas-relief,  and  the  Corners  or- 
namented with  Heads  of  various  Animals.  Some  reach'd 
no  higher  than  to  the  Knee,  others  were  rear'd  as  high  as 
the  Waift,  while  others  were  much  higher.  Some  again 
were  folid,  others  hollow,  to  receive  the  Libations  and  the 
Blood  of  the  V  i6^ims.  Others  were  portable,  refembling  a 
Trevit,  of  a  magnificent  Form,  to  hold  the  Offering  from 
the  Fire,  into  which  they  threw  Frankincenfe,  to  over- 
power the  difagreeable  Smell  of  the  Blood  and  burning  Fat. 
In  (hort,  what  had  been  approved  on  fome  important  Occa- 
iion  pafs'd  into  a  Cuftom,  and  became  a  Law. 

As  it  was  cuftom ary  with  the  Egypt iavs^  to  go  upon  a 
Mountain  to  make  thofe  aftronomical  Obfervations  that 
were  necefl'ary  to  regulate  their  Affairs,  they  there  rais'd  Al- 
tars, and  fact  ificed  before  they  came  down.  Here  too  they 
planted  Groves  to  fhelter  them  from  the  Inclemency  of  the 
Weather.  They  at  lafl  became  Idolaters,  and  worfhipp*d 
the  Sun,  Moon,  and  Stars,  as  the  peculiar  Refidence,  or  as 
the  Emblems  of  the  Deity.  This  Worfhip  foon  fpread 
amongft  the  Neighbouring  Nations,  and  from  them  was 
conveyed  to  the  moft  diftant,  and  the  Groves  were  confider'd 
as  necefTary  to  the  Worfhip. 

Almoft  every  Nation  after  their  Example,  worfhipp'd  on 
the  high  Places,  where  they  chofe  out  the  thickeft  Woods 
or  planted  Groves ;  for  Groves  were  foon  confidered  as  ^ 
necefTary  Part  of  their  Worfhip,  and  as  the  Places  mofl  ac- 
ceptable to  the  Deity.  They  confidered  the  Gloomy  Shade 
of  thick  Trees,  impervious  to  the  Rays  of  the  Sun,  as  hav- 
ing a  Tendency  to  infpire  a  Kind  of  religious  Melancholy, 
and  they  were  fo  link'd  to  Idolatry,  that  it  became  highly 
neceffary  for  Mofis  to  forbid  the  Hebretus  planting  Groves 
about  their  Altars,  to  prevent  their  falling  into  the  idola- 
trous Pradices  of  the  Nations  around  them.  Thefe  lafted 
for  a  long  Time,  and  in  fome  Countries  even  till  Chrifti- 

anity 


APPENDIX.  301 

anity  banifli'd  Paganifm.  They  were  hung  with  Garlands 
and  Chaplets  of  Flov/ers,  and  with  a  Variety  of  Offerings 
in  fo  lavifli  a  Manner,  as  almoft  entirely  to  exclude  the 
Light  of  the  Sun.  Here  were  celebrated  all  the  Myfteries 
of  Paganifm,  and  here  our  ancient  Druids  aflembled.  They 
were  every  where  efteemed  as  facred,  and  it  was  the  higheft 
Sacrilege  to  cut  them  down  ( i ). 

In  the  early  Ages  of  Paganifm,  the  Worfhip  paid  to  the 
Gods  was  exceeding  fimple.  The  Egyptians  ofFer'd  neither 
Incenfe  nor  Perfumes,  but  only  the  green  Herbs  which  were 
gathered  and  prefented  as  the  ftrft  Produdtions  of  Nature, . 
together  with  Libations  of  Water  (2).  This  Simplicity 
lalled  very  long,  and  there  are  Places  in  which  it  always 
fubfifted.  Paujanias  mentioning  an  Altar  confecrated  to 
Jupiter  the  moft  high,  informs  us,  that  no  living  Thing 
was  ever  offered  upon  it,  and  that  they  ufed  no  Wine  in 
their  Libations  (3).  When  Bread  came  to  be  introduced 
inftead  of  Herbs  and  parched  Corn,  they  then  offered  Flour 
and  Cakes  baked  with  Salt  (4',  to  which  they  added  Oil, 
Wine,  and  Honey,  while  thofe  Nations  who  afterwards 
fed  on  the  Flefh  of  Animals,  offer'd  Flefh  alfo  in  their  Sa- 
crifices. For  as  Part  of  the  Sacrifice  was  to  be  eaten  by  the 
Prieffs  or  the  People,  there  naturally  arofe  a  very  particular 
Connexion  between  the  Food  of  Man  and  the  Matter  of 
the  Sacrifice.  However,  the  ancient  Form  was  fiill  pre- 
ferved  on  particular  Occafions. 

At  lafl  the  Superflition  of  Mankind,  and  unjuft  SentiM 
ments  of  the  Deity,  entirely  corrupted  the  Nature  of  reli- 

(i)  Lucan  mentioning  the  Trees  which  Cajar  ordered  to  be  felled,  to 
make  his  warklike  Engines,  defcribes  the  Confternation  of  the  Soldiers, 
v/ho  refused  to  obey  his  Orders,  till  taking  an  Ax  he  rut  down  one  of 
them  himfeif.  Struck  with  a  religious  Reverence  for  the  Snndity  of  the 
Grove,  they  imagined  that  if  they  prefumptuoufly  attempted  to  cut  down 
any  of  its  Trees,  the  Ax  would  have  recoiled  upon  themfelves.  Tiiey 
however  believed  it  lawful  to  prune  and  clear  them,  and  to  fell  thofe  Trees 
which  they  imagined  attradted  the  Thunder. 

(2)  Vojjiui  de  Orig.  &  Progr.  Idol. 

(3)  In  Att. 

(-}.)  ThisCuftomis  alluded  to  by  Ihvaxej  Lib.  3.  Od,  23. 

glous 


302  APPENDIX. 

gious  Worfhip,  and  fubverted  the  End  for  which  Sacrifice? 
were  originally  inftituted,  They  entertained  a  Belief,  that 
the  Deity  was  cruel,  rigorous,  and  inflexible,  and  delighted 
in  the  Miferies  of  his  Creatures.  Opinions  like  thefe  intro- 
duced the  Offering  of  human  Vidlims,  thofe  horrid  Kind 
of  Sacrifices  which  were  a  Difgrace  to  human  Nature. 
Thefe  barbarous  Sacrifices  were  known  even  in  the  Days  of 
Mofes  (5),  who  thought  itneceflary  to  ref1:rain  the  Ifraelitesy 
on  Pain  of  Death,  from  falling  into  a  Crime,  which  before 
it  was  poflible  for  them  to  commit,  they  mufl  offer  the 
utmoft  Violence  to  Nature ;  and  indeed  it  is  furprizing  to 
fee,  that  almofl  all  Nations,  who  have  offered  bloody  Sa- 
crifices, have  in  one  Age  or  other  offered  human  Vi6lims : 
Amongft  fome  of  whom  it  was  fufficient  to  banifh  Huma- 
nity (6),  while  amongft  others  it  was  thought  neceffary  to 
banifh  both  Humanity  and  parental  Affe6lion.  Some  have 
imagined,  that  this  horrid  Practice  arofe  from  an  imperfe6^ 
Tradition  of  Abraham's  Sacrificing  his  Son ;  but  fuppofmg 
this  the  Cafe,  it  could  never  have  gained  Ground,  had  not 
the  Mind  been  prepared  by  fuch  injurious  Sentiments  of  the 
Deity.  However,  it  was  a  Pra£lice  that  gave  a  Shock  to 
the  Humanity  of  the  befl  and  wifefl  Heathens :  And  for  this 
Reafon  it  was  of  fhorter  Duration  amongfl  civiliz'd,  than 
amongfl  Savage  Nations :  And  therefore  if  this  Pra6lice  was 
a  Difgrace  to  the  Pagans,  it  is  alfo  an  Honour  to  thofe  Pa- 
gans, who  by  the  feverefl  Laws  fought  to  abolifh  it.  This 
cruel  Cuftom  amongfl  the  Carthaginians  of  offering  Children 

(5)  Levit.  XX.  2,  3,  4.  Deut,  xvli.  10.  The  Children  were  put  into 
the  brazen  Statue  of  Molocby  which  being  firft  made  extremely  hot,  they 
were  there  burnt,  or  rather  fried  to  Death. 

(C)  This  is  remarkably  true  of  many  Nations,  but  more  particularly  of 
the  Gauh,  who,  according  to  Caj'ar^  when  any  Man  was  fick,  were  per- 
fuaded  that  there  was  no  Way  to  induce  the  Gods  to  fpare  his  Life,  but  to 
facrifice  another  in  his  Place.  Their  publick  Sacrifices  were  very  fingular. 
With  Ofier  T\vigs  they  formed  a  Figure  refembling  that  of  the  human 
Form,  but  of  a  monftrous  Size,  the  Cavity  of  which  was  filled  with  Jiv- 
ing Men,  whom  they  burnt  together.  When  they  could  not  fill  it  with. 
Criminals,  they  made  up  the  Deficiency  with  innocent  Perfons.  Cajar  de 
beil.  Call.  Lib.  6. 

to 


APPENDIX.  303 

to  Saturn  (7},  occafioned  an  Embafl'y  being  fent  to  them 
from  the  Romans,  in  order  to  perfuade  them  to  abolifh  it : 
And  in  the  Reign  of  "Tiberius^  the  Priefts  of  Saturn  were 
crucified  for  prefuming  to  facrifice  Children  to  him ;  and 
Amafts^  King  of  Egypt  made  a  Law,  that  only  the  Figures 
of  Men  fhould  be  facrificed  inftead  of  themfelves.  Plutarch 
informs  us,  that  at  the  Time  of  a  Plague  the  Spartans  were 
ordered  by  an  Oracle  to  facrifice  a  Virgin,  but  the  Lot  hav- 
ing fallen  upon  a  young  Maid  whofe  Name  was  Helena^  an 
Eagle  carried  away  the  facrlficing  Knife,  and  laying  it  on 
the  Head  of  an  Heifer  it  was  facrificed  in  her  ftead.  The 
fame  Author  informs  us,  that  Pelopidas  the  Athenian  General 
dreaming  the  Night  before  an  Engagement,  that  he  fhauld 
facrifice  a  Virgin  to  the  Manes  of  the  Daughters  of  Scedafus, 
who  had  been  ravifh'd  and  murder'd,  he  was  fill'd  with  Hor- 
ror at  the  Inhumanity  of  fuch  a  Sacrifice,  which  he  could  not 
help  thinking  odious  to  the  Gods ;  but  feeing  a  Mare,  by 
the  Advice  of  Theocritus  the  Soothfayer,  he  facrificed  it,  and 
gained  the  Vidtory. 

The  Ceremonies  ufed  at  Sacrifices  were  extremely  diffe- 
rent, and  to  every  Deity  a  diftin6t  Vi61:im  was  allotted  (8) : 
But  whatever  Vidims  were  offered,  the  greateft  Care  was 
to  be  taken  in  the  Choice  of  them  ;  for  the  very  fame  Ble- 
mifhes  that  excluded  them  being  offered  by  the  Jenvs^  ren- 
dered them  alfo  imperfe6l  among  the  Pagans. 

The  Prieft  having  prepared  himfelf  by  Continence,  during 
the  preceding  Night,  and  by  Ablution,  before  the  Procef- 
fion  went  a  Herald  crying  Hoc  age,  to  give  the  People  Notice 
that  they  were  to  give  their  fole  Attention  to  what  they  were 

(7)  Thefe  Sacrifices  were  praftifed  annually  by  the  Carthaginians,  who 
firft  offered  the  Sons  of  the  principal  Citizens  ;  but  afterwards  privately 
brought  up  Children  for  that  Purpofe. 

(i5)  Lucian  informs  us,  that  "  The  Vidtims  were  a!fo  different  accord- 
'*  ing  to  the  Quality  and  Circumftances  of  the  Perfons  who  offered  them. 
*'  The  Hufbandman,  fays  he,  facrificcs  an  Ox,  the  Shepherd,  a  Lamb  9 
*'  the  Goat_herd,  a  Goat.  There  are  fome  who  offer  only  Cakes,  or 
**  Incenfe,  and  he  that  has  nothing,  facrifices  by  kiffirg  his  Right-Hand. 
•'  DeSacr,'' 

about  i 


304  APPENDIX. 

about;  then  followed  the  Players  on  feveral  Inflruiiienbj 
who  between  the  Intervals  of  Playing,  exhorted  the  People 
in  the  fame  Manner.  The  Prieft,  and  fometimes  the  Sacri- 
ficers,  went  before  cloathed  in  white,  and  the  Prieft  befides 
being  drefs'd  in  the  Veftments  belonging  to  his  Office,  was 
fure  to  be  crown'd  with  a  Chaplet  of  the  Leaves  of  the  Tree 
facred  to  the  God  for  whom  the  Sacrifice  was  appointed  ;  the 
Vi(Stim  had  his  Horns  gilt,  and  was  alfo  crowned  with  a 
Chaplet  of  the  fame  Leaves,  and  adorned  with  Ribbons  and 
Fillets.  In  Greece^  when  the  Prieft  approached  the  Altar, 
he  cry'd,  Who  is  here  ?  To  which  the  Spectators  anfwered, 
Many  good  People  (g).  The  Prieft  then  faid  Be  gone  all  yt 
frofane^  which  the  Romans  expiefted  by  faying  Procul  ejle 
Profani.  The  Vi6lim  arriving  at  the  Altar,  the  Prieft  laid 
one  Hand  upon  the  Altar^  and  began  with  a  Prayer  to  all 
the  Gods,  beginning  with  Janus  and  ending  with  Vejia,  dur^ 
ing  which  the  ftrideft  Silence  was  obferved.  Then  the  Sa- 
crifice began  by  throwing  upon  the  Head  of  the  Vidim, 
Corn,  Frankincenfe,  Flower  and  Salt,  laying  upon  it  Cakes 
and  Fruit  (lo),  and  this  they  called  ImtnoUtio,  or  the  Immo- 
lition.  Then  the  Prieft  took  the  Wine,  which  having  firft 
tafted,  he  gave  it  to  the  By-ftanders  to  do  fo  too  (i  i),  and 
then  poured  it  out,  or  fprinkled  the  Beaft  with  it  between 
the  Horns.  After  this,  the  Prieft  plucked  off^  fome  of  the 
rough  Hairs  from  the  Forehead  of  the  Vidlim,  threw  them 
into  the  Fire,  and  then  turning  to  the  Eaft  drew  a  crooked 
Line  with  his  Knife  along  the  Back,  from  the  Forehead  to 
the  Tail,  and  then  ordered  the  Servants  (12)  to  flay  the 
Viftim,  which  they  had  no  fooner  done  than  he  was  open'd, 
and  the  Duty  of  the  Arufpex  began,  which  was  no  fooner 
over  than  the  Carcafs  was  cut  in  Quarters,  and  then  into 

(o)  nr)>>o»  ;K;'ay«6&u 

(10)  All  thefe were  not  ufed  for  every  Sacrifice. 

(11)  This  was  called  Libatio. 

(12)  Thefe  inferior  Officers,  whofe  Bufmcfs  it  was  to  kill,  to  imbowel, 
to  flay  and  walh  ths  Vi«^im,  were  called  ViEliviariij  Poposy  Agonezy 
Cultrarii. 

fmaller 


APPENDIX.  305 

Tmaller  Pieces,  and  according  to  Paufanias  ( 1 3I  and  Jpollonius 
Ahcdius  (i4)5the  Thighs  were  covered  with  Fat,  and  facri- 
ficed  as  the  Part  allotted  to  the  God  (15);  after  which  they  - 
regaled  themfelves  upon  the  reft,  and  celebrated  this  religi- 
ous Feaft  with  Dancing,  Mufick,  and  Hymns  fung  in  Ho- 
nour of  the  Gods. 

Upon  fignal  Victories,  or  in  the  midft  of  fome  publick 
Calamity,  they  fometimes  offered  in  one  Sacrifice  a  hundred 
Bulls,  which  was  called  an  Hecatomb  :  But  fometimes  the 
fame  Name  was  given  to  the  Sacrifice  of  an  hundred  Sheep, 
Hogs,  or  other  Animals.  'Tis  faid,  that  Pythagoras  offered 
up  an  Hecatomb  for  having  found  out  the  Demonftration  of 
the  forty- feventh  Propofition  in  the  firft  Book  of  Euclid, 

VIII.  Of  the  Priests,   Priestesses,  &c.  of 
the  Greeks  and  Romans. 

IN  the  early  Ages  of  the  World  every  Man  was  Prieft 
in  his  own  Family,  and  afterwards  when  publick  Priefb 
were  appointed.  Kings,  as  Fathers  and  Mailers  of  that 
large  Family  which  compofed  the  Body  politick,  frequently 
offered  Sacrifices;  and  not  only  Kings,  but  Princes  and 
Captains  of  Armies.  Inftances  of  this  Kind  are  frequently 
CO  be  met  with  in  Homer, 

When  the  Ancients  chofe  a  Prieft,  the  ftridleft  Enquiry 
was  made  into  the  Life,  the  Manners,  and  even  the  bodily 
external  Perfections  of  the  Perfon  to  be  chofen.  They 
were  generally  allowed  to  marry  once,  but  were  not  always 
forbid  fecond  Marriages. 

The  Greels  and  Romans  had  feveral  Orders  of  Priefts  -,  but 
as  Greece  was  divided  into  many  independent  States,  there 
naturally  arofe  different  Hierarchies.  In  feveral  Cities  of 
Greece  the  Government  of  Religion  was  intrufi.ed  to  Wo' 

(13)  Lib,  5.  p.  193. 

(14)  In  Att.  p.  42. 

,'15)  In  the  Holocaufts,  the  whole  Viflirn  was  burnt,  and  nothing  left 
for  thi;  Feaft, 

R  r  men. 


3o6  APPENDIX. 

men,  in  others  it  was  conferred  on  the  Men  ;  while  agairt 
in  others,  both  in  Concert  had  a  Share  in  the  Management 
of  it.  The  Prieftefles  of  Jrgos  were  very  famous.  At 
Athens  2l  Prieflefs  prefided  over  the  Worfhip  of  Miner'va  j 
there  was  alfo  a  Prieftefs  for  Pallas  at  Clazomena  5  for  Ceres^ 
at  Catanay  &c.  The  Hierophanta^  were  very  famous  Priefts 
of  Athens^  and  both  they  and  their  Wives,  who  were  called 
Bierophantida^  were  fet  apart  for  the  Worfhip  of  Ceres  and 
Hecate^  as  were  the  Orgwphantce,  and  the  Women  ftiled 
Orgiaji^t  appointed  to  prefide  over  the  Orgies  of  Bacchus, 
&c.  Befides,  the  Prieftefs  of  Jpollo  at  Delphos^  who  was  by 
Way  of  Eminence  called  Pythia  (i),  there  belonged  to  this 
Oracle  five  Princes  of  the  Priefts,  and  feveral  Prophets  who 
pronounced  the  Senfe  of  the  Oracle.  There  were  alfo  chief 
Priefts,  one  of  whom  prefided  over  a  City,  and  fometimes 
over  a  whole  Province  j  fometimes  he  was  invefted  with  this 
Dignity  for  Life,  and  at  other  Times  only  for  five  Years. 
Befides  thefe,  there  were  chief  Prieftefies,  who  were  the 
Superintendants  of  the  Priefteft'es,  and  were  chofen  from 
the  Nobleft  Families  j  but  the  moft  celebrated  of  thefe  was 
the  Pythia. 

The  Priefts  of  Rome  enjoyed  feveral  very  confiderable  Pri- 
vileges, they  were  exempted  from  going  to  War,  and  ex- 
cufed  from  all  burthenfome  Oftices  in  the  State.  They  had 
commonly  a  Branch  of  Laurel  and  a  Torch  carried  before 
them,  and  were  allowed  to  ride  in  a  Chariot  to  the  Capitol. 
Romulus  inftituted  fixty  Priefts,  who  were  to  be  at  leaft  fifty 
Years  of  Age,  free  from  all  perfonal  Defects,  and  diftin- 

(i)  Thus  the  Prieftefs  of  Pallas  at  Clazomena  was  called  Hefychia,  and 
that  of  Bacchus,  "Thy as  j  and  in  Crete,  that  of  Cybele,  MeliJJa.  Among 
the  Athenians,  the  inferior  Minifters  were  ftiled  Parajiti,  a  Word  that 
did  not  at  that  Time  carry  with  it  any  Mark  of  Reproach  j  for  it  is  men- 
tioned in  an  Infcription  at  Athens,  that  of  two  Bulls  offered  in  Sacrifices 
the  one  ft^.ould  be  referved  for  the  Games,  and  the  other  diftributed 
among  the  Priefts  and  Parafites.  Thefe  Parafites  had  a  Place  among  the 
chief  Magiftrates,  and  the  principal  Part  of  their  Employment  was  to 
choofe  the  Wheat  appointed  for  their  Sacrifices,  JBanier's  Mythology,  Vol. 
J.  p.  283. 

guifhed 


APPENDIX.  307 

gulflied  both   by    their  Birth  and  the  Rectitude  of  their 
Morals. 

The  Ponttfex  yiaxitnus^  or  the  High-Prieft,  was  efteemed 
the  Judge  and  Arbitrator  of  all  divine  and  human  Affairs, 
and  his  Authority  was  fo  great ,  and  his  Office  fo  much  re- 
vered, '*  That  all  the  Emperors,  after  the  Example  of  Julius 
*'  Cafar  and  Augujius^  either  adhially  took  upon  them  the 
''  Office,  or  at  leaft  ufed  the  Name  (2).'*  He  was  not  al- 
lowed to  go  out  of  Italy^  though  this  was  difpenced  with  in 
Favour  of  Julim  C<efar ;  whenever  he  attended  a  Funeral,  a 
Veil  was  put  between  him  and  the  Funeral-Bed ;  for  it  was 
thought  a  Kind  of  Profanation  for  him  to  fee  a  dead  Body. 

The  Rex  Sacrorum{\)t  according  toDionyJius oi HalicarnaJ/tiS 
(4),  was  inftituted  after  the  Expulfion  of  the  Roman  Kings,  to 
perpetuate  the  Memory  of  the  great  Services  fome  of  them 
had  done  the  State.  On  this  Account  the  Augurs  and  Pon- 
tifices  were  dire61:ed  to  choofe  out  a  fit  Perfon,  who  fhould 
devote  himfelf  to  the  Care  of  religious  Worfhip,  and  the 
Ceremonies  of  Religion,  without  ever  interfering  in  civil 
Affairs  j  but  leaft  the  Name  of  King,  which  was  become 
odious  to  the  People,  fhould  raife  their  Jealoufy,  it  was  at 
the  fame  Time  appointed,  that  he  fhould  be  fubjedt  to  the 
High-Priefts.    His  Wife  had  the  Title  of  Regina  Sacrorum, 

Th^  Flamines,  according  to  Z^oy  (5),  were  appointed  by 
Numa  Pompilius^  to  difcharge  thofe  religious  Offices,  which 
he  imagined  properly  belong'd  to  the  Kings.  At  firft  there 
were  but  three  (6),  which  were  chofen  by  the  People,  and 
their  Election  confirmed  by  the  High-Priefl.    They  were 

(a)  Kenn£t''s  Rom.  Antlq. 

(3)  He  was  alfo  ftiled  Rex  Sacn'f  cuius, 

(4)  Lib.  I. 

(5)  Liv.  Lib.  I. 

(6)  The  F/amen  Dialis,  of  Jupiter,  the  Martialis  of  Mars,  and  the 
Sluirinalis  of  S^uirinus.  The  firlt  facred  to  Jupiter,  was  a  Perfon  of  very 
high  Diftindtion,  though  he  was  obliged  to  fubmit  to  fome  burthenfoma 
Regulations  and  fuperftitious  Obfervances:  His  Wife  was  a  Prieflefs,  and 
had  the  Title  of  Flaminica  ;  and  alfo  enjoy 'd  the  fame  Privileges,  and 
was  under  the  fame  Reftri<5tlons  as  her  Hulband,  Aului  Gellius,  Noft, 
Att.  1.  10.  c,  15. 

R  r  2  afterwards 


3o8  APPENDIX. 

afterwards  increafed  to  fifteen,  three  of  whom  were  chofen 
from  amongll  the  Senators,  and  were  called  Flamines  Ma- 
jores;  and  the  other  Twelve  chofen  from  the  Plebeians, 
were  ftiled  Flamines  Minores. 

The  Ficiales  were  alfo  inflltuted  by  Numa,  and  confifted 
of  twenty  Perfons,  chofen  out  of  the  moft  diftinguifhed 
Families.  Thefe  were  properly  the  Heralds  of  the  Repub- 
lick  ;  who,  whenever  it  was  injured,  were  fent  to  demand 
Satisfadlion,  which  if  they  could  not  obtain,  they  called  the 
Gods  to  witnefs  between  them  and  the  Enemy,  and  de- 
nounced War.  They  had  the  Power  of  ratifying  and  con- 
firming Alliances,  and  were  the  Arbitrators  of  all  the  Dif- 
ferences between  the  Republick  and  other  Nations;  fo  that 
the  Romans  could  not  lawfully  take  up  Arms  till  the  Feciaies 
had  declared  that  War  was  mofl  expedient, 

The  Pater  Patratus  derived  his  Name  from  a  Circum- 
flance  necefTary  to  his  enjoying  the  Title,  in  order  that  he 
might  be  moft  ftrongly  interefted  in  the  Fate  of  his  Coun- 
try, he  was  to  have  both  a  Father  and  a  Son  living  at  the 
fame  Time-  He  was  chofe  by  the  College  of  Feciaies  out 
of  their  own  Body,  to  treat  with  the  Enemy  on  the  Sub- 
ject of  War  and  Peace. 

The  Epulones  were  Minifters  appointed  to  prepare  the 
facred  Banquets  at  the  folemn  Games,  and  had  the  privi- 
lege of  wearing  a  Robe  like  the  Pontiffs,  bordered  with 
Purple.  Thefe  Minifters  were  originally  three  in  Number, 
to  which  two  were  afterwards  added,  and  then  two  more, 
till  in  the  Pontificate  of  Julius  C^far  they  were  encreafed  to 
ten.  The  moft  confiderable  of  the  Privileges  granted  to  the 
Epulones,  was  one  which  they  enjoyed  in  common  with  the 
other  Minifters,  their  not  being  obliged  to  make  th.eir  Daugh- 
ters Veftals  (7). 

Befides  thefe  were  the  Salii,  or  Priefts  oiMars:  The 
Phsebades  of  Apollo^  the  Bafl'arides  of  Bacchus^  the  Luperci 

(7)  Aulus  CdUviy  Lib.  I.  c.  la, 

of 


APPENDIX.  309 

of  Pan,  and  feveral  others  who  prefided  over  the  Worftiip 
of  particular  Deities,  each  of  which  had  a  particular  Col- 
lege, and  conftituted  a  diftinct  Community. 

Of  the  Temples  of  the  Pagans. 

WE  have  already  obferved,  that  Sacrifices  and  Altars 
were  of  a  much  more  ancient  Date  than  the  erect- 
ing of  Temples.  The  firft  Worfhipers  had  no  other  Tem- 
ple than  the  wide  Canopy  of  Heaven,  and  afterwards  the 
Covert  of  thick  and  (hady  Groves  ;  and  thefe  lall  in  all  Pro- 
bability were  the  only  Places  of  Worfliip,  till  Mo/es  gave  a 
Hint  to  the  World  by  erecting  the  Tabernacle,  which  might 
give  the  Egyptians  the  firft  Thought  of  Building  alfo  a  Houfe 
for  God.  Had  Temples  been  built  in  Egypt  at  the  Time 
when  Mo/es  refided  there,  it  can  hardly  be  conceived  but 
that  he  would  have  mentioned  them;  and  that  this  moving 
Temple  might  ferve  as  a  Model  for  the  reft  is  the  more  pro- 
bable, as  there  is  a  near  Refemblance  between  the  Sanaum 
SanclGrum^  and  the  holy  Places  in  the  Pagan  Temples.  Li 
that  oi  Mo/es  God  was  confulted,  and  none  fuffered  to  enter 
but  the  Priefts  ;  this  exactly  agrees  with  the  holy  Places  in 
the  Heathen  Temples  where  the  Oracle  was  delivered. 

It  was  the  Opinion  of  Liuian^  that  the  firft  Temples 
were  built  by  the  Egyptians^  and  that  from  them  this  Cuftom 
was  conveyM  to  the  Affyrians^  and  the  People  of  the  neigh- 
bouring Countries,  Phenicia  (i),  Syria^  and  others;  and 
from  Egypt  and  Phauida  it  palled  into  Greece,  and  from 
Greece  to  Rome, 

They  all  began  with  little  Chapels,  which  were  generally 
erected  by  private  Perfons,  a;  d  thefe  were  foon  fucceeded  by 
regular  Buildings,  and  the  moft  magnificent  StruClures, 
when  even  the  Grandeur  and  Beauty  of  the  Buildings  neigh- 
tened  the  Veneration  that  was  entertained  for  them.     They 

(t)  The  firft  Temple  mentioned  in  Scripture,  is  that  oi  D.rgcn  among 

'•  -  Pbi/i/iincs. 

had 


3ro  APPENDIX. 

had  often  Porticos,  and  always  an  Afcent  of  Steps,  while 
fome  of  them  were  furrounded  by  Galleries  fupported  by- 
Rows  of  Pillars.  The  firft  Part  in  entering  thefe  Temples 
was  the  Porch,  in  which  was  placed  the  holy  Water  for  the 
Expiation  of  thofe  that  entered  into  the  Temple.  The  next 
was  the  Nave  (2)  or  Body  of  the  Temple,  and  then  the 
holy  Place  (3),  into  which  none  but  the  Priefts  were  al- 
lowed to  enter.  Sometimes  there  was  behind  the  Building 
another  Part,  called  the  Back-Temple. 

The  Infide  was  frequently  adorned  with  Paintings,  Gild^ 
ings,  and  the  richeft  Offerings,  among  which  were  the 
Trophies  and  Spoils  of  War.  But  the  principal  Ornaments 
were  the  Statues  of  the  Gods,  and  thofe  of  Perfons  diftin- 
guifhed  by  great  and  noble  Actions,  which  were  fometimes 
of  Gold,  Silver,  Ivory,  Ebony,  and  other  precious  Mate- 
rials . 

The  Veneration  for  thefe  Buildings,  was  carried  by  the 
Romans  and  other  Nations  to  the  moft  fuperftitious  Excefs. 
Before  the  erefting  one  of  thefe  noble  Edifices,  the  Arufpices 
chofe  the  Place,  and  fix'd  the  Time  for  beginning  the  Workj 
for  here  every  Thing  was  of  Importance.  They  began 
when  the  Air  was  ferene,  and  the  Sky  clear  and  unclouded  j 
on  the  Limits  of  the  Building  were  placed  Fillets  and  Gar- 
lands, and  the  Soldiers  whofe  Names  were  thought  aufpicious, 
entered  the  Enclofure  with  Boughs  in  their  Hands  :  Then 
followed  the  Veftal  Virgins,  attended  by  fuch  Boys  and 
Girls  who  had  the  Happinefs  to  have  their  Fathers 
and  Mothers  living,  and  thefe  afliftcd  the  Veftals  in 
fprinkling  all  the  Ground  with  clear  Water  ;  then  followed 
a  folemn  Sacrifice,  and  Prayers  to  the  Gods  to  profper  the 
Building  they  were  going  to  ere6l  for  their  Habitation  :  And 
this  being  over,  the  Prieft  touched  the  Stone  that  was  to  be 
firft  laid,  and  bound  it  with  a  Fillet,  after  which  the  Magi- 
ftrates,  and  Perfons  of  the  greateft  Diftindion,  alTifted  by 

(3)  Called  Penet rails,  Sacrariurn,  Adytumt 

the 


APPENDIX.  311 

the  People  with  the  utmoft  Joy  and  Alacrity  in  removing 
this  Stone,  which  was  extremely  large,  fixed  it  for  a 
Foundation,  throwing  in  with  it  feveral  fmall  Gold  Coins^ 
and  other  Pieces  of  Money. 

When  thefe  Buildings  were  finifti'd  they  were  confecrated 
with  abundance  of  Ceremony,  and  fo  great  was  the  Vene- 
ration felt  by  the  People  for  the  Temples,  that  they  fre- 
quently, as  a  Mark  of  Humiliation,  clamber'd  up  to  them 
on  their  Knees  j  and  fo  holy  was  the  Place,  that  it  was 
thought  criminal  for  a  Man  to  fpit  or  blow  his  Nofe  in  them. 
The  Women  proftrated  themfelves  in  them,  and  fwept  the 
Pavements  with  their  Hair.  They  became  Sanctuaries  for 
Debtors  and  Criminals;  and  on  all  Holidays  were  con- 
ftantly  deck'd  with  Branches  of  Laurel,  Olive  and  Ivy. 

One  of  the  firft  Temples  built  in  Egypt  ^  was  that  of  Vulcan 
at  Memphis  ere6led  by  Menes:  At  firft  it  had  the  primitive 
Simplicity  of  all  other  ancient  Buildings,  and  without  Sta- 
tues {4) ;  but  the  Succeflbrs  of  this  Prince  ftrove  to  excell 
each  other  in  embellifliing  this  Work  with  ftately  Porches 
and  Statues  of  a  monftrous  Size.  There  were  indeed  a  great 
Number  of  Temples  in  Egypt^  but  the  moft  extraordinary 
Thing  of  this  Kind  was  a  Chapel  hewn  out  of  a  fingle  Stone, 
which  by  Order  of  Amafis  was  cut  out  of  the  Quarries  in 
upper  Egypty  and  with  incredible  Difficulty  carried  as  far  as 
5tf/j,  where  it  was  dcfigned  to  have  been  fet  up  in  the  Tem- 
ple of  Miner^a^  but  was  left  at  the  Gate.  Herodotus  men- 
tions this  Work  with  Marks  of  Aftonifhment  "  What  I  ad- 
mire more,  fays  he,  than  at  the  other  Works  of  Jmajis,  is 
••  his  caufing  a  Houfe  to  be  brought  from  EHphantina,  a 
''  Houfe  hewn  out  of  a  fingle  Stone ;  which  two  thoufand 
**  Men  were  unable   to  remove  thither  in  lefs  than  three 

(4)  According  to  the  beft  Hiftorians,  there  were  no  Statues  in  the  an- 
cient Temples  of  Egypt.  But  this  is  not  at  all  ftrange,  fince  Plutarck, 
who  has  his  Authority  from  Farro,  lays.  That  the  Roma?i5Werc  a  hund- 
red and  feventy  Years  without  Statues,  Numa  prohibited  them  by  a  Law  ; 
and  Tertullian  lets  us  know,  that  even  in  his  Time  there  were  feveral 
Teoiples  that  had  no  Statues. 

,      "  Years. 


312  APPENDIX. 

•*  Years.  This  Houfe  was  thirty-one  Feet  in  Front,  twenty- 
*'  one  Feet  in  Breadth,  and  twelve  in  Height ;  and  on  the 
•*  Infide  twenty-feven  Feet  in  Length,  and  feven  Feet  and  a 
«  Half  high.'* 

The  Temple  of  Diana  at  Ephejus  f^J,  has  been  always 
admired  as  one  of  the  nobleft  Pieces  of  Architecture  that 
the  World  has  ever  produced.  It  was  four  Hundred  and 
twenty-five  Feet  long,  two  hundred  Feet  broad,  and  fup- 
ported  by  a  Hundred  and  twenty-feven  Columns  of  Marble 
Hxty  Feet  high,  twenty  feven  of  which  were  beautifully 
carved.  This  Temple,  vvhich  was  two  Hundred  Years  in 
Building,  was  burnt  by  Erojlratus  with  no  other  View  than 
to  perpetuate  his  Memory  :  However*  it  was  rebuilt,  and  the 
laft  Temple  was  not  inferior  either  in  Riches  or  Beauty,  to 
the  former,  being  adorned  with  the  Works  of  the  moft 
famous  Statuaries  of  Greece. 

The  Temple  oi  Ceres  and  Proferpine  was  built  in  the  Doric 
Order,  and  was  of  fo  wide  an  Extent  as  to  be  aible  to  contain 
thirty  Thoufand  Men ;  for  there  were  frequently  that  Num- 
ber at  the  Celebration  of  the  Myfleries  of  the  two  God- 
defTes.  At  firft  this  Temple  had  no  Columns  on  the  Out- 
fide ',  but  Philo  afterwards  added  to  it  a  magnificent  Portico. 

The  Temple  o^  Jupiter  Olympius^  as  well  as  the  admirable 
Statue  of  Jupiter  placed  in  it,  were  raifed  from  the  Spoils 
which  the  EUans  took  at  the  Sacking  of  Pi/a  (6).  This 
Temple  was  of  the  Doric  Order,  the  moft  ancient,  as  well 
as  the  moft  fuitable  to  grand  Undertakings,  and  on  the  Out- 
fide  was  furrounded  with  Columns,  which  formed  a  noble 
Periftyie.  The  Length  of  the  Temple  was  two  Hundred 
and  thirty  Feet,  its  Breadth  ninety-five,  and  its  Height  from 
the  Area  to  the  Roof  two  Hundred  and  Thirty.  From  the 
Middle  of  the  Roof  hung  a  gilded  Vidory,  under  which 
was  a  golden  Shield,  on  which  was  reprefented  l\^e(iufas 
Head  J  and  round  the  Temple,  above  the  Columns,  hung 

(5)  This  Temple  was  accounted  one  of  the  Wonders  of  the  World. 

(6)  Faufar.ias  in  Iliac,  p.  3P3.  &feq. 

twenty- 


APPENDIX.  SI3 

twenty-one  gilt  Bucklers,  which  Mummius  confecrated  to 
Jupiter  after  the  facking  of  Corinth,  Upon  the  Pediment  in 
the  Front  was  reprefented  WMth  exquifite  Art  the  Chariot 
Race  between  Telops  and  Oenomaus :  And  on  the  back  Pedi- 
ment, the  Battle  of  the  Centaurs  with  the  Lapitha  at  the 
Marriage  of  Pirithous ;  and  the  Brafs  Gates  were  adorned 
with  the  Labours  of  Hercules.  In  the  Infide  two  Ranges  of 
tall  and  {lately  Columns  fupported  two  Galleries,  under 
which  was  the  Way  that  led  to  the  Throne  of  Jupiter, 

The  Statue  of  the  God  and  this  Throne  were  the  Mafter^ 
pieces  of  the  great  Phidias^  and  the  moft  magnificent  and 
higheft  finifh'd  in  all  Antiquity*  The  Statue,  which  was  of 
a  prodigious  Size,  was  of  Gold  and  Ivory  fo  artfully  blended 
as  to  fill  all  Beholders  with  Aftonifhment.  The  God  wore 
upon  his  Head  an  Olive  Crown,  in  which  the  Leaf  of  the 
Olive  was  imitated  in  the  niceft  Perfection.  In  his  Right- 
Hand  he  held  the  Figure  of  Victory,  form'd  likewife  of  Gold 
and  Ivory,  and  in  his  Left  a  golden  Scepter,  on  the  Top  of 
which  was  an  Eagle.  The  Shoes  and  Mantle  of  the  God 
were  of  Gold,  and  on  the  Mantle  were  engraved  a  Variety 
of  Flowers  and  Animals.  The  Throne  fparkled  with  Gold 
and  precious  Stones,  while  the  different  Materials,  and  the 
Aflemblage  of  Animals  and  other  Ornaments  formed  a 
delightful  Variety.  At  the  four  Corners  of  the  Throne, 
were  four  Victories  that  feemed  joining  Hands  for  a  Dance; 
and  at  the  Feet  of  Jupiter  were  two  others.  On  the  Fore- 
fide,  the  Feet  of  the  Throne  were  adorned  with  Sphinxes 
plucking  the  tender  Infants  from  the  Bofoms  of  the  'Chelan 
Mothers,  and  underneath  were  Jpollo  and  Diana  flaying  the 
Children  of  l^iobe  with  their  Arrows,  ^c.  At  the  Top  of 
the  Throne,  above  the  Head  of  Jupiter^  were  the  Graces 
and  Hours.  The  Pedeftal  which  fupported  the  Pile,  was 
equally  adorned  with  the  reft :  It  was  covered  with  Gold, 
on  the  one  Side  Phidias  had  engraved  Phoebus  guiding  his 
Chariot;  on  the  other,  Jupiter  and  Juno^  Mercury ^  Vefia^ 
and  the  Graces ;   Here  Venus  appeared  as  rifing  from  the 

S  f  Sea, 


314  APPENDIX. 

Sea,  and  Cupid  receiving  her,  while  Pithoy  or  the  Goddefs 
of  Perfuafion,  feemed  prefenting her  with  a  Crown:  There 
appeared  JpoUo  and  Diana^  Minerva  and  Hercules,  At  the 
Foot  of  the  Pedeftal  was  Neptune  and  Amphitrite^  with  Diana 
who  appeared  mounted  on  Horfeback.  In  fhort,  a  woollen 
Veil  died  in  Purple,  and  curioufly  embroidered,  hung  down 
from  the  Top  to  the  Bottom.  A  large  Balluftrade  painted 
and  adorned  with  Figures  encompafled  the  whole  Work ; 
there  with  inimitable  Art  was  painted  the  Atlas  bearing  the 
Heavens  upon  his  Shoulders,  and  Hercules  ftooping  to  eafe 
him  of  his  Load.  The  Combat  of  Hercules  with  the  Nemean 
Lion,  Ajax  offering  Violence  to  CaJ/andra^  Prometheus  in 
Chains  ;  and  a  Variety  of  other  Pieces  of  fabulous  Hiftory. 

In  fhort,  this  Temple  was  paved  with  the  fineft  Marble, 
adorned  with  a  prodigious  Number  of  Statues,  and  with  the 
Prefents  which  feveral  Princes  had  confecrated  to  the  God, 

Though  the  Temple  of  Apollo  at  Delphosy  was  greatly  infe- 
rior in  Point  of  Magnificence  to  the  former,  yet  the  im- 
menfe  Prefents  fent  to  it  from  every  Quarter  rendered  it 
infinitely  more  rich.  The  principal  Value  of  the  former 
arofe  from  its  containing  the  Works  of  Phidias,  and  his 
Mafter  piece  was  really  invalluable ;  but  what  this  Temple 
wanted,  in  not  containir>g  the  Productions  of  fo  curious  an 
Artifl-,  was  amply  made  up  by  a  Profufion  of  Treafure, 
which  arofe  from  the  Offerings  of  thofe  who  went  to  confult 
the  Oracle.  The  firfl  Temple  which  was  built  being  burnt, 
the  Amphi6lyones,  or  general  Council  of  Greece,  took  upon 
themfelves  the  Care  of  Rebuilding  it,  and  for  that  Purpofe 
agreed  with  an  ArchitecSt  for  three  flundred  Talents,  which 
amounts  to  forty-five  Thoufand  Pounds,  and  this  Sum  was 
to  be  raifed  by  the  Cities  of  Greece-,  Colledtions  were  alfo 
made  in  foreign  Countries.  Amajis  King  of  Egypt^  and  the 
Gr^f/««  Inhabitants  of  that  Country,  contributed  confiderable 
Sums  for  that  Service.  The  Akmceomdes,  one  of  the  moft 
powerful  Families  in  Athens,  had  the  Charge  of  condu6ling 
the  Building,  which  they  rendered  more  magnificent,  by 

adding 


APPENDIX,  315 

adding  at  their  own  Expence  confiderable  Additions  that 
had  not  been  propofed  in  the  Model. 

After  the  Temple  of  Delphos  was  finifh'd,  Gyges  King  of 
Lydia,  and  Crcefus  one  of  his  Succeflbrs,  enriched  it  with  an 
incredible  Number  of  the  moft  valuable  Prefents,  and  after 
their  Example,  many  other  Princes,  Cities,  and  private  Per- 
fons,  beftowed  upon  it  a  vaft  Number  of  Tripods,  Tables, 
VefTels,  Shields,  Crowns,  and  Statues  of  Gold  and  Silver 
of  inconceivable  Value.  Herodotus  informs  us  {7),  that  the 
Prefents  of  Gold  made  by  Cr^fus  alone  to  this  Ternple, 
amounted  to  more  than  two  Hundred  and  fifty  Talents,  or 
33,5001.  Sterling,  and  it  is  probable  that  thofe  of  Silver  were 
not  of  lefs  Value.  And  Diodorus  Siculus  (8)  adding  thefe  to 
thofe  of  the  other  Princes,  computes  them  at  ten  Thoufand 
Talents,  or  about  1,300,0001.  (9). 

Plutarch  informs  us  (10),  that  amongft  the  Statues  of 
Gold,  which  Crafus  placed  in  the  Temple  of  Delphos,  was 
one  of  a  Female  Baker,  of  which  :his"was  the  Occafion : 
Jiyattusy  the  Father  of  Crafus,  having  married  a  fecond 
VsfiiQ,  by  whom  he  had  Children ;  (he  formed  the  Defign  of 
fecuring  the  Crown  to  her  own  IfTue,  by  putting  a  Period  to 
the  Life  of  her  Son-in-law ;  and  with  this  View  engaged  a 
Female  Baker  to  p^t  Poifon  into  a  Loaf,  that  was  to  be 
ferved  up  at  the  Table  of  the  young  Prince.  The  Woman 
ftruck  with  Horror  at  the  Thought  of  her  bearing  fo  great  a 
Share  in  the  Guilt  of  the  Queen,  let  Cr^efus  into  the  Secret; 
on  which  the  Loaf  was  ferved  to  the  Queen's  own  Children, 
and  their  Death  fecured  his  Succeflion  to  the  Throne,  which 
when  he  afcended,  from  a  Senfe  of  Gratitude  to  his  Bene- 
fadrefs,  he  eredted  this  Statue  to  her  Memory  in  the  Tem-f 

(7)  Her.  Lib.  i.  c.  50,  51. 

(8)  Diod.  Lib.  16.  p.  4.53. 

(9)  It  is  impoffible  to  form  any  tolerable  Idea  of  thefe  Sums  without 
bringing  alfo  into  the  Account  the  comparative  Scarcity  of  Gold  at  th^t 
Time,  which  render'd  its  real  Value  vaftly  greater  than  what  it  bears  at 
prefent.     The  Mines  of  Mexico  and  Peru  have  deilroy'd  all  Comparifon. 

(10)  Plut,  de  Pyth,  orac.  p.  401. 

S  f  2  pie 


3i6  APPENDIX. 

pie  of  Tidphou  An  Honour  that  our  Author  fays  fiie  had  a 
better  Title  to,  than  many  of  the  boafted  Conquerors  or 
Heroes,  who  rofe  to  Fame  only  by  Murder  and  Devaftation. 

haly  was  no  lefs  famous  for  a  Multiplicity  of  Temples 
than  Greece  -,  but  none  of  them  were  more  noble,  or  more 
remarkable  for  the  Singularity  of  their  Form,  than  the 
PanthecTiy  commonly  called  the  Rotunda^  originally  confe- 
crated  to  all  the  Gods,  as  it  is  now  to  all  the  Saints.  It  is 
generally  believed  to  have  been  built  at  the  Expence  of 
Jgrippa,  Son-in-law  to  Augujluu  This  noble  Fabric  is 
entirely  round  and  without  Windows,  receiving  a  fufficient 
Degree  of  Light  from  an  Opening  admirably  contrived  in. 
the  Centre  of  the  Dome.  It  was  richly  adorned  with  the 
Statues  of  all  the  Gods  and  GoddefTes  fet  in  Nitches.  But 
the  Portico,  compofed  of  fixteen  Columns  of  granate  Mar- 
ble, each  of  one  fmgle  Stone,  is  more  beautiful  and  more 
furprifmg  than  the  Temple  itfelf,  fmce  thefe  Columns  are 
five  Feet  in  Diameter,  and  thirty-feven  Feet  high,  without 
mentioning  the  Bafes  and  Chapiters.  The  Emperor  Con- 
ftantius  the  Third  ftripp'd  it  of  the  Plates  of  gilt  Brafs  that 
covered  the  Roof,  and  of  the  Beams,  which  were  of  the 
fame  Metal.  Pope  Urban  the  Eighth  afterwards  form'd  the 
Canopy  of  St  Peter^  and  the  great  Pieces  of  Artillery,  which 
are  in  the  Caftle  of  St.  Angela. 

The  Magnificence  of  thefe  Structures  doubtlefs  arofe  from 
a  Zeal  for  the  Caufe  of  Religion,  and  an  ardent  Defire  to 
do  honour  to  God :  For  we  find  the  Pagan  World,  how- 
ever diftinguiihed  by  an  Oppofition  in  Manners,  Inclina- 
tions and  Characters,  have  always  been  unanimous  in  ac- 
knowledging a  Reverence  and  Awe  of  the  Deity,  and  in 
paying  him  that  Homage  which  became  reafonable  and  de* 
pendent  Creatures.  Unaflifted  by  any  other  Revelation 
than  that  internal  Ray  of  Truth,  the  Light  of  Reafon, 
which  bearn'd  but  faintly  on  weak  Minds,  they  were  ex- 
pofed  to  frequent  Errors  both  in  the  Offices  and  Rites  of 
Religion,  and  in  the  common  Duties  of  Life.    At  firfl  the 

Religion 


APPENDIX.  317 

Religion  of  the  Pagans,  being  that  handed  down  from  the 
moft  early  Ages,  was  fimple,  pure,  and  unmix'd  with  any 
capital  Errors,  when 

Ihe  Voice  of  Nature  ^was  the  Voice  of  God. 

Pope. 

And  in  this  Simplicity  it  continued,  till  miflaken  Notions 
of  the  Egyptian  Symbols  fpread  Idolatry  through  the  World, 
and  involved  all  the  Nations  in  Mifts  of  Superftition,  till 
all  became  clouded  and  obfcured  by  a  Multiplicity  of  Forms, 
Ceremonies,  and  the  moft  childifh  Obfervances.  Yet  ftilJ, 
notwithftanding  all  tliis  Degeneracy,  a  Regard  for  the  eflen- 
tial  Branches  of  Morality  was  generally  kept  up  in  all 
Ages  and  Countries.  Wherever  we  turn  our  Eyes  we  find 
a  Reverence  for  the  Deity,  we  fee  Altars,  Sacrifices,  Priefts, 
Temples,  or  other  Places  devoted  to  religious  Worfhip* 
by  thefe  they  made  a  publick  Profeffion  of  an  entire  Depen- 
dance  on  him  in  all  their  Undertakings  and  Neceflities,  in 
all  their  Adverfities  and  Dangers  the  Publick  hoped  only  for 
Succefs,  as  they  had  his  Approbation :  His  fupreme  Autho- 
rity rendered  Oaths  facred,  and  Treaties  inviolable;  no 
War  was  declared,  no  Battle  fought,  no  Enterprize  en- 
gaged in,  without  his  being  previoufly  invoked;  to  him 
they  afcribed  the  Glory  of  Succefs  by  publick  Thankfgiv-. 
ings,  and  by  fetting  apart  the  moft  valuable  of  the  Spoils*  as 
his  indifpenfible  Right.  In  their  private  Affairs,  in  their 
Voyages,  Journeys,  Marriages,  Difeafes,  the  Aid  of  the 
Deity  was  ftill  implored,  and  with  him  they  began  and 
ended  every  Repaft.  Whenever  any  one  attempted  by  the? 
Subtilties  of  falfe  Philofophy  to  root  out  thefe  Difpofitions, 
others  by  fuperior  Strength  of  Argument  vindicated  the 
Caufe  of  Truth,  of  Virtue,  and  Religion.  And  though 
the  former  gained  a  few  Profelites,  the  latter  were  fure  to 
be  countenanced  and  fupported  by  publick  Authority,  by 
the  Voice  of  the  People,  and  the  Friendfhip  of  all  the  Wife 
and  Good,    But  alas !  Superftition  was  as  facred  as  Truth, 

and 


3i8  APPENDIX. 

and  it  was  as  dangerous  to  attack  this  as  to  attack  Religion 
itfelf:  They  were  here  in  Love  with  Darknefs,  and  capti- 
vated by  their  vain  Imaginations,  till  the  Light  of  Chrifti- 
anity  broke  through  the  Shades,  and  with  convincing  Evi^ 
dence  (hew'd  them  the  Way  to  Life  and  Immortality. 


FINIS. 


«^t&/ 


INDEX 


INDEX. 


A. 

yf  B  A  Sy  turned  by  Ceres  into  a  Newt,   or  Water-Lizard 
Jj.  Page  12S 

Achelous,  who  aflumed  all  Shapes,  conquered  by  Hercules  i+g 
An  Explication  of  this  Fable  ibid. 

Acheron,  one  of  the  infernal  Rivers  55 

Achilles y  his  Birth  and  Education,  167.     Is  concealed  to  prevent 
his  going  to  Troy,  and  is  difcovered  by  Ulyjes,  167,   168.     Di- 
vine Honours  paid  him  ibid 
Acrijius  caufes  Danae  and  her  Son  Perjius  to  be  put  into  a  Cheft, 
and   caft  into  the  Sea,  157.     Receives  an  accidental   Hurt, 
which  caufes  his  Death  158 
Adaon  turned  into  a  Stag,  and  devoured  by  his  own  Dogs,  9 1 . 
The  literal  Senfe  of  the  Fable      ^                     ^  ibid 
Adonis  beloved  by  Venus,  102.     Killed  by  a  wild  Boar,  turned 
by  that  Goddefs  into  the  Flower  Anemone  ibid 
^acus,  who,  his  Hiftory  60 
^geus  throws  himfelf  from  a  Rock,  and  is  drowned  in  the  Sea ; 
which  afterwards  was  called  the  Mgean  Sea                             166 
Mgis,  Jupiter''s  Shield,  why  called  by  this  Name  34. 
jEgina,  corrupted  by  Jupiter  under  the  Appearance  of  Fire     37 
jEolus,  God  of  the  Winds,  his  Hiftory                                       174 
jEfculapius,  the  God  of  Phyfick,  his  Birth  and  Skill,  77.     His 
coming  to   Italy  in  the  Form  of  a  Serpent,  78.     The  Origin 
of  the  Fable,  78,  79.     The  Manner  in  which  he  was  repre- 
fented  79 
Alchymy,  or  the  Tranfmutation  of  Metals,  &c.  founded  only 
on  the  Names  given  to  the  Planets                                           27a 
Alcides,  one  of  the  Names  of  Hercules                                          151 
Alcithoe,  for  deriding  the  PriefteiTes  of  Bacchus,  transformed  into 
a  Bat                                                                                            133 
AleSio,  one  of  the  Furies  62 
Alcmena ,  deceived  by  "Jupiter  under  the  Form  of  her  Husband 
Amphytrion  3  7 
Altars,    facred   Groves,  and  Sacrifices,    299.      Of  the   Simpli- 
city of  the  moft  eaily  Ages,  and  the  Introduftions  of  Altars, 
299,  300.     The  Original  of  facred  Groves,  300.     Of  the  an- 
cieut  Sacrifices,  301.     Of  hum-^n  Vi<5lims,    302,  303.      The 
.                                                       Ceremo- 


INDEX. 

Ceremonies  ufed  at  Sacrifices,  and  the  Manner  in  which  they 

were  performed  303,  305 

Amaltheea,  the  Nurfe  of  Jupiter  34. 

Amazons,  defeated  by  Hercules  14.5 

Ambarvalia,  Feftivals  in  Honour  of  CVr^/,  how  performed  128, 

129 
Amphiont  faid  to  raife  the  Walls  of  Tbebes  by  the  Harmony  of  his 
Lyre  170 

Amphitritey  Neptune's  Wife  4.7 

Amycus,  Son  of  Neptune,  killed  by  Pollux  155 

Ancile,  a  Brafs  Buckler,  faid  to  be  fent  from  Heaven  121 

Anteusy  a  Giant  fqueezed  to  Death  by  Hercules,  147,  148 

Antiope,  debauched  by  Jupiter  in  the  Form  of  a  Satyr  36 

Apis,  the  miraculous  Ox  194 

Apollo,  his  Birth,  67,  68.  His  Adventures,  68,  72.  The  Prin- 
cipal Places  where  he  was  worihipped,  72,  73,  74.  The  Ori- 
gin of  the  Fable  of  Apollo,  75.  In  what  Manner  he  was  repre- 
fented,  76.  His  Offspring,  77.  His  Oracle  at  Delphos  de- 
fcribed,  291,  293.    That  Temple,  and  the  Riches  it  contained, 

314*  315 
Arachne  pretending  to  excell  Miner^va  in  Weaving,  is  turned  into 
a  Spider,  116.     The  Origin  of  this  Fable  119 

Ariadne  gives  Thefeus  a  Clew,  by  which  he  gets  out  of  the  La- 
byrinth J  but  he  ungratefully  leaves  her  j  fhe  is  found  by  Bac- 
chus, who  loves  her,  166.  Her  Crown  turned  into  a  Conftel- 
lation  133 

Argonauts,  Jafon''s  Companions,  who  attended  him  in  his  Expe- 
dition to  fetch  the  golden  Fleece,  162.  The  Origin  of  the 
Fable  of  the  Argonauts  Expedition  1 64 

Argus,  who  had  an  hundred  Eyes,  ordered  to  watch  lo,  but  is 
killed  by  Mercury,  when  Juno  turns  him  into  a  Peacock,  38. 
This  Fable  explained  38 

Arion,  a  skilful  Mufician,  being  robbed  and  thrown  into  the  Sea, 
is  carried  to  Land  on  the  Back  of  a  Dolphin  170,  171 

Arifieus,  his  Hiftory  83,  84 

AJieria,  carried  away  by  Jupiter  in  the  Shape  of  an  Eagle         36 
AJirea,  returns  to  Heaven,  and  is  changed  into  the  Conftellation 
Virgo  200 

Aflrplogy,  its  Origin ;  the  Names  of  the  Signs  of  the  Zodiac, 
and  thofe  of  the  Planets,  imagined  to  be  Indications  of  their 
feveral  OfHces,  and  to  produce  Good  and  Evil,  according  to 
their  Names,  265,  267.  The  Signs  fuppofed  to  prefide  over  all 
the  Parts  of  the  human  Body  268,  269 

Atalanta  and  Hippomenes  turned  into  Lions  103 

.^//^j,  his  Defcent  and  Offspring,  8>  9-     His  Exploits,  10.     Per- 
feus,  by  fhewing  him  Medufa'%  Head  turns  him  into  a  Moun- 
tain, ibid.     The  Origin  of  the  Fable  of  Atlas  10,  11 
Atys,  beloved  by  Cybele,  is  murdered  by  her  Father's  Order,  29. 
Turned  into  a  Pine-Tree  30 

Augeus^s 


INDEX. 

Augtas^s  Stable,  containing  three  Thoufand  Oxen,  cleaned  by 
Hercules  in  a  Day,  and  himfelf  flain  for  his  Perfidy     144,   14.5 

Augury f  or  forming  a  Judgment  of  Futurity  by  the  Flight  of 
Birds,  276.  From  whence  it  arofe,  276,  277.  The  Manner 
in  which  the  Ceremony  was  performed,  and  what  were  the 
Rules  of  Judging,  278.  Of  the  facred  Chickens,  and  the 
other  Methods  of  Divination,  279.  Of  the  College  oi  Augurs i, 
and  the  Qualifications  neceflary  to  render  a  Perfon  capable  of 
being  chole  into  the  Office  280 

Aurora  J  her  Defcent,  6.  Carries  Cephalus  ^nd  Tithonus  into  Hea- 
ven, 7.     Her  Defcription  8 

ArufpiceSi  or  foretelling  future  Events,  by  infpe61:ing  the  Intrails 
of  Vi61ims,  281.  From  whence  thefe  fuperftitious  Obfervances 
were  derived,  ibid.  The  Manner  in  which  the  Intrails  were 
examined,  arid  what  were  the  Rules  of  Judging,         282,  2S3 

B. 

TyAcchanatia  Feftivals,  In  Honour  of  Bacchus  135 

X3  Bacchusy  his  Education  and  Exploits,   131,   132,  133.       His 

Names,   134.     His  principal  Feftivals,    134,    135.     How 

reprefented  by  the  Poets  and  Painters,   136.     The  true  Origin 

of  this  fabulous  Deity  136,   137,'  139,  140 

Belidesy  their  Crime  and  Punifhment  in  Tartarus  6  5 

Seller ophonf  his  Hiftory,  158,  159.      The  Origin  of  this  Fable 

160,   161 
Bellonay  the  Goddefs  of  War,  defcribed  124 

Boar  of  Erimanthus  taken  by  Hercules  143 

Bona  Deay  one  of  the  Titles  of  Cyhele  29 

Boreasy  the  North  Wind,  his  Offspring  175 

Bully  one  that  breathed  Fire,  taken  by  Hercules  144 

Bufirisy  a  cruel  Tyrant  taken  by  Hercules,  and  facrificed  to 
Neptune  148 


f^Ahiriy  three  great  Deities  introduced  from  Egypt  into  Sa-^ 

w/       mothracia  193,   194 

Cacusy  the  Son   of  Vulcan^  a  notorious  Robber,    killed   by 

Hercides  113 

Cadmus y  his  Hiftory,  169.     He  and  his  Wife  Herminne  turned  to 

Serpents  170 

Calusy  the  Son  of  vE^^^r  and  DieSy  3.  Caftrated  by  5«?«r«  4. 
CaliftOy  turned  into  a  Fountain  72. 

Califtoy  debauched   by  Jupiter  under  the   Form  of  Dianay  36, 

Turned  into  a  Bear  and  made  a  Conftellation  ibid, 

Calujnny,  an  Altar  erefted  to  her,  208 •     A  Pi(5hire  of  this  God* 

defs  drawn  by  ^/>f//^j,  defcribed  ao8,  209 

Cajialiat  turned  into  a  Fountain  7  a 

T  t  Cajlor 


INDEX. 

Cajior  and  Pollux,  their  Birth  and  Aftions,  155.     Their  jfharing; 

Immortality  between  them,  and  being  made  the  Conftellation 

Gemini,  156.     A  Temple  erected  to  them  157 

CecropSy  tmiied  into  Apes  17 

Celeus,  killed  by  Ceres  125 

Cephalusy  beloved  by  Aurora y  7.     Kills  his  Wife  Procris  without 

Defign  8 

Cerberus  defcribed,   58.     Dragged  out  of  Hell  by  Hercules,  146, 

14.7.     The  Origin  of  the  Fables  related  of  this  Monfter,  Sj, 

23a 
Ceres,  her  Birth,  124.     Her  Adventures  while  in  Search  of  her 
Daughter  Proferpine,   125,   17.6.      Her   feveral  Names,  and  a 
»     Defcription  of  the  Manner  in  which  Sacrifices  were  offered  to 
her,  iz6,   129.     The  Origin  of  thefe  Fables,  and  of  the  mif- 
terious  Rites  of  Ceres,  129,   130.     The  Manner  in  which  (lie 
was  reprefented  by  the  Poets  and  Painters,  130.     The  Tem- 
ple of  Ceres  a.nd  Proferpi/ie  31a 
Ckaos,  according  to  He/ioJ  the  Father  of  the  Gods,  1 .     Defcrib'd 
by  Milton  3 
Charon,  his  Office  and  Charafler,  58.     The  Origin  of  this  fabu- 
lous Character                                                                       67,  a 3a 
Charjbdis,  turned  into  a  Whirlpool                                                179 
Chimara,  deflroyed  by  Bellerophon                                                    159 
Chione,  deprived  of  Speech  by  Diana                                           215 
Circe,  a  famous  Sorcerefs,    baniflied    for  killing   her  Hufband, 
84.     Falls  in  Love  with  Glaucus,  and  turns  "Scylla  her  Rival 
into  a  Sea  Monfter,  ibid.     Turns  the  Companions  of  Ulyjfes 
into  Swine,  ibid.     The  Origin  of  this  Fable                     84,   85 
CiJJ'us,  transformed  by  Bacchus  into  the  Plant  Ivy                      133 
Clemency,  Altars  and  Temples  erefted  to  this  Virtue                 205 
Cljtie,  changed  into  a  Sun  Flower                                                   7  a 
Clytoris,  deflowered  by  Jupiter  in  the  Shape  of  an  Ant               37 
Cocytus,  one  of  the  infernal  Rivers                                                    55 
Concordia,  or  Concord,  a  Goddefs                                               203 
Cupid,  two  of  this  Name  mentioned  by  the  Poets,  106.     The 
Manner  in  which  Cupid  is  reprefented  by  the  Poets  and  Pain- 
ters,  107.     The   Origin  of  this  little  God   derived  from  the 
Egyptian  Horus                                                                               ibid. 
Cybele,  or  Fejla  the  Elder,  her  Hidory,  and  tlie  Defcription  of 
her  Image,  28,  29.     Her  Priefts,  Sacrifices,  tf<r.                     30 
Cyclops,  defcribed,   114.     Their   Employment,   ibid.     Killed  by 
Apollo                                                                                                  68 
Cycnus,  turned  into  a  Swan                                                                 80 
Cyparijj'us,  turned  into  a  Cyprefs-Tree                                           69 
Cypria  and  Cytherea,  Names  given  to  Fetiu^                                10 1 


Danae, 


INDEX, 


D. 

"r^Anae,  feduced  by  Jupiter  in  the  Form  of  a  golden  Shower 

Daphne  J  turned  into  a  Laurel  -ji 

Deianira,    the  Wife  of  Hercules,   the   innocent  Caufe  of   his 
Death  149 

Death,  tlie  Daughter  of  Nox,  or  Night  59 

Deities,  inferior,  attending  Mankind  trom  their  Birth  to  their 
Deceafe  195,  19S 

Delphos,  the  Temple,  and  Oracle  of  Apollo  there  7  3 

Dejiinies,  or  Fates,  their  Names  and  Offices,   56.     The  Mytho- 
logy of  thefe  Charafters  ibid, 
Deucaleon,  reilores  the  Race  of  Mankind  deftroyed  by  a  Deluge 

Diana,  her    Adventures  90,  91,  92.     Her  feveral  Names,  and 
the  different  Charafters  under  which  fhe  was  worfhipped,  93, 

94,  95.     The  Origin  of  the  Fables  relating  to  this  Goddefs, 

95,  96.     Her  Temple  at  Ephcfus  defcribed  31a 
Diomede,  the  Tyrant  of  Thrace  vanquifhed  by  Hercules,  and  given 

as  a  Prey  to  his  own  Horfes,  who  breathed  Fire,  and  were  i^di 

with  human  Flefh  144 

Diflertation  on  the  Theology  of  the  Heathens  210 

Dryades,  the  Nymphs  of  the  Forefts  and  Woods  183 

E. 

TT^Choe,  has  a  Daughter  by  P/^;^,  but  he  flighting  her,  fhe  pined 
J2j       away  till  fhe  had  nothing  left  but  her  Voice  i  S  i 

Egyptians,  their  ancient  Religion  compared  with  that  of  the 
Perfians,  217,  219.  The  Symbols  ufed  by  the  Egyptians  gave 
Rife  to  Idolatiy,  216,  217,  220.  Some  Remarks  on  the  Cere- 
monies ufed  at  their  Funerals,  232.  The  Improbability  of 
their  worfhipping  Beafts,  Reptiles,  and  Vegetables,  234, 
Temples  firil   built  by  the  Egyptians  309 

Elyfian  Fields,  defcribed,  65.     The  Origin  of  the  Fables  relating 

to  them,  66,  67,  232. 
Endymion,  beloved  by  Diana,  94.     The  Origin  of  this  Fable, 

ibid. 
Epimetheus,  opens  Pandora's  Bo-x.  13 

Epulones,  their  Office  30S 

EriSlhonius,  the  Son  of  Vulcan,  the  firfl:  Inventor  of  Chariots     1 1 
Erimanthian  Boar,  feized  by  Hercules  143 

Erifichton,  puniflied  by  Ceres  with  perpetual  Hunger  126 

Eumenedes,  or  the  Furies  defcribed,  62.     The  Fable  of  the  Fu- 
ries explained  ibid, 
Eiiropaf  debauched  by  Jupiter  in  the  Shape  of  a  white  Bull,  36, 

j6g,  169 
T  t  z  F, 


INDEX. 


Tp^Ame,  how  reprefented  aot 

JO  Fauns,  or  Satyrs y  rural  Gods  183 

Faunusy  a  rural  God,  from  whence  fprang  the  Faum        183 
Faufiitas,  or  publick  Felicity,  many  Temples  confecrated  to  her, 
206.     How  reprefented  ibid, 

Feciales,  their  Office  308 

Feronia,  the  Goddefs  of  Woods  and  Orchards  184. 

Fidesy  or  Faith,  the  Mamier  in  which  her  Sacrifices  were  per- 
formed 204. 
Flaminesj  their  Office  307 
Floray  Goddefs  of  Flowers,  her  Image  defcribed              187,  188 
Floralia,  Feafts  in  Honour  of /7<?r/2                                               187 
Fortima,  or  Fortune ,  worfbipped  as  a  Goddefs,  201.     Her  various 
Names,  ibid.     How  reprefented                                               ibid. 
Furies,  their  Office,  Chara6lers,  and  Perfons  defcribed,  61,  62. 
The  Fable  of  the  Furies  explained  63 

G. 

GAlanthis,  changed  into  a  Weafel  14.I 

Ganymede,  carrried  by  Jupiter  into  Heaven,  and  made  his 
Cup-bearer,  36,  154.     Different  Interpretations  of  this 
Fable  154 

Genii,  or  Daemons,  attendant  Spirits,  191.     The  Sacrifices  and 
Offerings  made  them  192 

Ceryon,  King  of  Spain,  who  had  three  Bodies  killed  by  Her- 
cules 145 
Giants,  their  War  with  Jupiter,  and  Defeat,  22,     An  Explica- 
tion of  this  Fable                                                                   24,  25 
Glaucus,  a  Fiffierman,  made  a  Sea  God                                     177 
Golden- Age,  defcribed  21 
Golden-Fleece,  an  Account  of  the  Ram  that  bore  it.     Its  being 
guarded  by  a  Dragon,  and  Bulls  breathing  Fire,   i6t,  162. 
And  of  its  being  carried  away  by  Jafon                         162,   163 
Good  Genius,  a  Temple  ereded  to  him                                          207 
Gorgons,  defcribed                                                                               178 
Graces,  Three  Attendants  on  the  Mufes,  88.     Their  Origin,  88 
89.     How  reprefented                                                                   89 
Graa,  Sifters  to  the  Gorg-o;/^,  defcribed                                          178 
Cro'ves,  from  whence  they  vvcre  confidered  as  facred                300 

H. 

Y  yA?nadryades,  Nymphs  who  animated  fome  Tree  1 84 

Jrj[  Harpies,  their  Names,  and  a  Defcription  of  them,  with  the 

Mythology  of  their  Charafters  57 

Harpocrates,  tlie  God  of  Silence,  liis  Origin  207,  208 

Health,  her  Temple  ao6,  207 

Uebey 


INDEX. 

fiehe,  her^Irth  and  Hiftory,  153.  Is  married  to  Hercules^  ibid* 
Her  Temples,  1 54.      Different  Interpretations  of  the  Fable 

ibid, 
Eebrenvsj    the   Conformity  between  feveral  of  their   religious 
'  Rights,  and  thoie  of  the  neighbouring  Pagan  Nations  ac- 
counted for  ^  ^  210,  2 la 
Hecate,  one  of  the  Names  given  to  Dianay  95.     Her  Figure  as 
Goddefs  of  the   infernal   Regions,  ibid.     The  Origin  of  this 
Goddefs,.  and  of  her  different  Names  and  Charadters      95,  96 
Jielenaj  cz.nit&  2iV^?iy  hy  TheJ^eus  155 
Helle,  when  on  the  Point  of  being  facrificed,  is  carried  through 
the  Air  on  the  Ram  that  bore  the  golden  Fleece  j  but  falling, 
is  drowned  in  that  Sea,  which  from  her  is  called  tlie  Hellefpont 

161 
Herculesy  his  Birth,  140,   141.      His  Labours,  142,   149.      His 
Death,   149,  150.     The  Origin  of  thefe  Fables  152. 

Hermaphrcditus  and  Salmacis  formed  into  one  Perfon  called  an 
Hermaphrodite  9  8 

Hermes,  one  of  Mercury's  Names      .  ^  97 

He/per  ides,  their  Garden  guarded  by  a  Dragon  with  a  hundred 
Heads  }  Hercides  kills  the  Dragon,  and  takes  away  the  gol- 
den Fruit,  146.  An  Explication  of  the  Fable  of  the  Hefpe^ 
rides  152,  153 

Hind,  with  brazen  Feet,  and  golden  Horns,  taken  by  Hercules  143 
Hippolitus,  rejects  the  Solli citations  of  Phadra,  files  to  efcape  the 
Effects  of  her  Revenge,  and  is  killed  by  a  Fall  from  his  Cha- 
riot ^  166,  167 
Hippomenes  and  Atalanta  turned  into  Lions  105 
Honour,  her  Temple                                                                      203 
Hope,  worlhiped,  204.     How  prefented                                     ibid. 
Hora,  or  the  Hours,  their  Defcent,  and  how  employed           loS 
Hyacinthus,  killed  by  Apollo,  and  changed  into  a  Flower  69 
Hjades,  lamenting  the  Lofs  of  their  Brother  Hjas,  are  turned' 
into  Stars  la 
Hydra,  a  monftrous  Serpent  killed  by  Hercules                           298 
Hymen,  his  Birth,  and  the  Manner  in  which  he  was  reprefented, 
108.     His  Origin  an  Egyptian  Horus                                        ibid, 
Hyperion,  the  Son  of  Calus  and  Jerra  affaffmated                    4,  ^ 

J. 

yAI^US,  his  Hiftory,  26.       His  Image  defcribed,  28.     The- 
Meaning  of  the  Fable  of  janus  ibid. 

Japetus,  the  Father  of  Epimetheus  and  Prometheus  1 1 

Jafo?t,  his  Birth  and  Education,  161.  Undertakes  a  Voyage  to 
fetch  the  golden  Fleece,  which  he  gains  by  the  Affiftance  of 
Medea,  162.  The  A6lions  of  this  Sorcerels,  who  follows  him. 
to  Greece.  ^^/o«'s  leaving  her,  and  her  Revenge  163,  164 
Idolatry,  fome  Conjedures  concerning  its  Original,  210.  >A 
Ihort  View  of  its  Rife  and  Pi-ogrefs  225  to  229 

Ufirnal 


INDEX. 

Infernal  Regions^  defcribed  5^ 

Inferior  Deities  attending  Mankind  from  their  Birth  to  their 
Deceafe  ^  195  to  198 

Inferior  rural  Deities  199 

Ino  and  Palemon  turned  into  Marine  Deities  176,  177 

Jo,  her  Story  38 

lolaus,  at  the  IntercefTion  of  Hercules  reflored  to  Youth,  143.  Af- 
ter his  Death  returns  to  Earth  to  revenge  the  Infults  offered  to 
t)\t  Jieraclida  150 

IriSf  the  MefTenger  of  Juno  44. 

Iroquois^  a  whimllcal  Opinion  of  theirs  442 

Ifis,  Ofiris  and  Serapis,  three  Egyptian  Gods,  whofe  Worlhip  was 
introduced  at  Rome  193 

Itys,  murdered  by  Progne,  and  turned  into  a  Pheafant  laa 

JtinOy  her  Birth  and  Names,  43,  44.  The  Manner  in  which 
flie  was  reprefented  44,  45,  46 

Jupiter,  his  Birth  and  Education,  16,  33,  34.  His  War  with 
the  Giants,  17,23.  His  other  Exploits,  34,35,36.  His  In- 
trigues, 36,  37,  38.  An  Explication  of  the  Fables  related  of 
Jupiter,  39,  239,  240.  The  Manner  in  which  he  was  repre- 
fented, 41.  His  Oracle  at  Dodona  defcribed,  288,  289.  And 
that  of  Jupiter  Hammon  in  Lyhia,  290,  291.  The  Temple  of 
Jupiter  Olympus,  fefr.  312,  314. 

IxioKj  his  Crime  and  Punifhment  in  Tartarus  64 

L. 

Y  AOMEDON,  King  of  Troy,  cheats  Apollo  ^nd  Neptune,  who 
./  ^    puniih  him  by  fending  a  Peftilence  69 

Lares,  domeftick  Gods,  their  Defcent,   189.     The  Manner 
in  which  they  were  reprefented  ^  1 90 

Latona,  the  Mother  of  Apollo  and  Diana,  turns  the  Clowns  of 
Lycia  into  Frogs,  for  refufmg  to  let  her  Drink  ^  68 

Leda,  debauched  by  Jupiter  in  the  Shape  of  a  Swan,  36.  Brings 
forth  two  Eggs  15s 

Lethe,  the  River  of  Forgetfulnefs  (>S 

Leucippus,  ftabbed  ^  71 

Leucothoe,  turned  into  the  Tree  that  bears  Frankincenfe  72 

Liberty,  Altars  and  Temples  confecrated  to  her  206 

Linceus,  kills  Cajior,  and  is  himfelf  killed  by  Pollux  156 

Linus,  punifhed  with  Death  for  prefuming  to  imitate  Apollo  70 
Linus,  Son  of  Apollo,  his  Story,  83.  The  Origin  of  the  Fa- 
ble ii^i^' 
Lucina,  one  of  the  Names  of  Juno  and  of  Diana  94 
Luna,  or  the  Moon,  one  of  Diana?,  Names  94 
Lupercalia,  a  Feaft  celebrated  in  Honour  of  Pan  182 
Lycaon,  for  his  Impiety  and  Inhumanity  turned  into  a  Wolf  35 
Ly^as,  being  hurled  into  the  Air  by  Hercules,  falls  into  the  River 
Thermopolis,  where  he  is  transformed  into  a  Rock                1 50 

Lycian, 


INDEX. 

Ijciafty  Clowns  turned  into  Frogs   for  muddying  the  Water 
when  Ceres  wanted  to  drink  12^ 

M. 

Ti/r^NADES,  the  Priefteffes  and  Nymphs  of  P<«ff;faj       138 
yk/  Magick,  of  two  Kinds,  272.     Its  Origin,  273.     Of  call- 
ing up  the  Spirits  of  the  Dead  274,  to  276 
Marsy  how  produced,  120.     His  different  Names,  ibid.     His  In- 
trigue with  r^vz^/,   III.     His  Offspring,   122.     The  Origin  of 
the  Fables  relating  to  this  God,  123.     The  Manner  in  which 
he  has  been  reprefented  by  Poets,  Painters,  and  Statuaries  124. 
Marfyas,  pretending  to  equal  Apollo  in  Mufick  is  liea'd  alive,  and 
afterwards  changed  into  a  River  70 
Medea^  a  Sorcerefs,  affifts  Jafon  in  obtaining  the  golden  Fleece, 
162.     Her  Exploits                                                                      163 
Medufa,  her  Hair  turned  to  Snakes  by  Minewaf  and  why,  116. 
All  that  looked  at  her  turned  to  Stones                                 ibid, 
Meg^ra,  one  of  the  Furies  6z 
Meiantko,  furprized  by  Neptuney  as  (he  was  riding  on  a  Dolphin,  48 
Mcleager,  his  Story,  91.     His  Sillers  turned  into  Hen  Turkies  9z 
Mentha,  changed  into  Mint                        •  51 
Mercwy,  his  Birth,  Thefts,  and  other  Exploits,  6^y  96.     His 
various  Offices,  97,    98.     The  real   Origin  of  this   fabulous 
Deity                                                                                      99,   100 
Mercy,  Altars  and  Temples  erefled  to  this  Virtue                  205 
Midas y  for  giving  an  unjuil  Sentence  againft  Apollo ^  is  rewarded 
with  AfTe's  Ears,  70.     Bacchus  grants  his  Wifli,  that  whatever 
he  touclied  might  be  changed  into  Gold                                  133 
Mlnerojaj  her  feveral  Names,   115,116.     Her  Chara<51:er  and  Ex- 
ploits,  116,117.     Her  Temples,  Statues,  <s'<:.   117,118.    The 
Origin  of  this  Goddefs,  and  of  the  Fables  related  of  her,  i  iS, 
119.     How  re'prefented  by  the  Poets  and  Sculptors                 120 
Mi7ios,  one  of  the  Judges  of  Hell,  his  Hiftory  60 
Minotaury    a    Monller  who  lived    on    human    Flelh,  killed  by 
T:'hefeus                                                                                              166 
Mnevis  or  Apis,  the  Ox  adored  in  Egypt                                      1  ^4. 
Moz««^,  ceniures  the  Aftions  of  the  Gods                                    173 
Morpheus y  the  God  of  Sleep  defcribed                                             174, 
Mufesy  their   Birth  and  dilliu6l  Provinces,  85,  86.     Their  Ori- 
giii  87 
Mythology  of  the  Heathens,  230.     Of  Fiction  in  general,  231. 
By  what  Means  Allegories  became  Objeas  of  Faith,  illuftrated 
by  fome  Obfervations  on  the  Ceremonies  with  which  the  Egjp- 
tia/is  burled  their  Dead,  232.     A  Prayer  uled  by  the   Ee)p- 
tians  at  their  Funerals,  252,  233.     The  Improbability  of  tlieir 
worfhiping  Bealls,    Reptils   and  Vegetables,  234.      Many   of. 
the  Heathen  Fabks  derived  from  the  Fictions  of  the  Poets,  a 
Concern  for  the  Honour  of  the  Ladies,  and  a  Similitude  of 

Names, 


INDEX. 

Karnes,  135,  240.  The  Sentiments  of  the  Pagans  in  Rek* 
lation  to  the  Origin  of  the  World,  compared  with  thofe  given 
us  by  Mofesy  441,  244.  Of  the  golden  Age,  as  defcribed  by 
the  Philofophers  and  Poets,  244,  246.  Of  the  Fall  of  Man, 
as  defcribed  by  Pythagorasy  PlatOy  and  feveral  Indian  and  Cki- 
»<?/^  Authors,  246,  250.  Of  good  or  bad  Daemons,  250.  Of 
the  Fables  of  the  Tiians  and  Giants,  &c,  251.  Traditions  re- 
lating to  the  Univerfal  Deluge,  252,  253.  The  Seventh  Day 
the  Sabbath  of  the  Heathens,  254.  The  Heathen  Fables  filled 
with  noble  Gentiments,  255,  256.  Of  the  Morals  of  the 
Creek  and  Roman  Philofophers,  257,  260.  In  what  Pagan 
Idolatry  coniifted  a6i,  264 

N. 

"KTAtD ESy  Nymphs  of  Brooks  and  Rivers  184 

JL\   Napceay  the  tutelar  Guardians  of  Valleys  and  flowry  Meads 

l^emaean  Lion,  killed  by  Hercules  142 

liemefisy  one  of  the  Goddelles  of  Juflice,  how  reprefented      200 
^eftuney  his  Defcent,  46.     His  remarkable  Adlions,  47.     The 
mythological  Senfe  of  this  Fable,  49.     The  Manner  in  which 
he  was  painted  50 

Uereus,  a  Sea  God  »  175,  176 

Nereids f  Sea  Nymphs,  the  fifty  Daughters  of  Nereas  176 

Nejfusy  the  Centaur,  killed  by  Hercules  with  a  poifoned  Arrow  149 
Niley  its  periodical  Overflowing  renders  figurative  Symbols,  and 
the  Study  of  the  Heavens,  necefTary  in  Egypt  213,  215 

Niobe's,  Children  flain  by  Apollo ^  and  herfelf^llupified  with  Grief 
for  the  Lofs  of  her  Children,  is  turned  into  a  Stone,  70.  The 
Origin  of  this  Fable  71 

Nox,  and  her  Progeny  .  59 

Nyfusj  after  having  loll  his  Purple  Lock  of  Hair,  and  his  King- 
dom, is  transformed  into  a  Hawk  179 

o. 

OCEANUSy  the  Son  of  Caeliis  and  Terra  5 

Omphale,  Queen  of  Lydiay  gains   fuch    an  Afcendant  over 
Herculesy  as  to  make  him  fit  among  her  Women  and  ipin 

149 

OpSy  one  of  the  Names  of  Cybele  28 

Qrcadcs,  Nyrnphs  who  prefided  over  the  Mountains  183 

OrioHy  his  furprifing  Birth,  174.    Killed  by  Z>/^/7^,  and  made  a 

Conllellation  175 

Orpheus y  his  Story,  81.     The  Origin  of  this  Fable  81 

Of  Oracles,  284.     That  much  of  the  Happinefs  of  Life  is  owing  ' 

to   our  Ignorance'  of  Futurity,    285.     On   the   firft  Rife   of 

OraQles,  and  the  Ufe  made  of  them  by  the  greatefl;  Legifia- 

tors, 


i  N  D  E  x; 

tors,  485,  288.  Of  the  Oracle  of  Jupiter  at  Dodona^  i%%i 
289.  A  remarkable  Circumftance  relating  to  this  Oracle, 
890.  Of  the  Oracle  of  Jupiter  Hammon  in  Lybia,  290,  291. 
Of  the  Oracle  of  Apollo  at  Delphos  ;  a  Tradition  concerning 
the  Rife  of  it,  and  the  Manner  in  which  its  Anfwers  were 
delivered,  291,  293.  Of  the  Oracle  of  Tro/)/;o;;/«j,  294..  295. 
Of  the  Oracles  of  the  Brarichida:  Of  Apollo  at  Clarosy  and 
that  of  Mercurj  in  Achaia^  295,  296.  Some  Obfervations  on 
the  different  Ways  by  which  the  Senfe  of  the  Oracles  were 
conveyed  297,  299. 

Palamon  and  /«o  changed  into  Marine  Deities  176,   177 

Pales  the  Goddefs  of  Shepherds  185 

P.aliliay  Feafts  in  Honour  of  Pales  1 8  5 

Palladium,   a  Statue  of  Minerija  faid  to  fall  down  from  Hea- 
ven 1 1 8 
Pallas y  one  of  the  Names  of  Miner<va  1 1 5 
Pan,  the   Chief  of  the  rural   Gods,    180;     His  Amours,  181. 
His  Feftiyals,  and  the   Manner  in  which  he  is  defcribed  by 
Poets  and  Painters                                                                       i8i 
Pater  Patratusy  his  Office                                                                 3o5? 
Pandora,  the  firft  Woman,  12.     Her  Box,  ibid.     The  Evils  that 
fpread  from  thence  amongft  Mankind,  13.     This  Fable  ex- 
plained                                                                                          24.6 
Parca,  or  Deftinies,  their  Office,  and  the  Mythology  of  their 
Charafters  56 
Paris,  defides  the  Difpute  between  the  three  GoddefTes,    and 
gives  the  golden  Apple  to  Venus                                               103 
Peace,  an  Altar  erefted  to  her,  202.     How  reprefented         207 
Pecunia,  or  Money,  a  Goddefs                                                      207 
Pegafus,    a  flying   Horfe,  how  produced,  88.     The   Origin  of 
the  Fable                                                                                 88,   89 
Panates,  domeftick  Deities,   19a.     Three  Ranks  of  them        191 
Perfeus,  his  Defcent,   157.     The   Gifts  he    received   from  the 
Gods,   158.     Cuts  off  Medufas  Head,  ibid.     Tnvns  Atlas  into 
a  Mountain,   10.     Delivers  Andromeda,  founds  an  Academy^ 
dies,  and  is  placed  among  the  Stars>  158.     An  Explanation  of 
X.\\Q'£3h\e  o^  Perfeus  2iiiA  Andromeda                                           160 
Phabe  and  Tahjra  carried  away  by  Cajlor  and  Pollux                156 
Phoebus,  one  ot  the  Names  oi  Apollo                                               7a 
Phadra,  attempts  to  debaiich  her  Son  Hippolitus,  her  Suit  is  re- 
jefted,  and  ihe  lays  violent  Hands  on  herfelf                166,   167 
Phaeton,  obtains  Leave  of  his  Y^\\\tx  Apollo,  to  drive  the  Chariot 
of  the  Sun  for  one  Day ;  but  loling  the  Reins,  is  ftruck  down 
hy  .Jupiter, -/(),  %o.     His  Sifters   turned  into  poplar  Trees,   80. 
The  Origin  of  this  Fable                                                     80,  81 
P/'/7o///^//2,  her  difmal  Story                                                            i2z 
Phineus,  tormented  by  the  Harpies,  for  revealing  tl>e  Myfteries 
of  Jupiter  57 
Phlegethon,  one  of  the  infernal  Rivers                                         55 
U  u                                          Phlegjae, 


index; 

Phlegyas,  bums  the  Temple  of  Apollo,  is  punifhed  in  Tartarus    64 
Phorcusy  or  Phorcys,    one  of  the  Sons   of   Neptune,  being  van- 
quilh'd  by  Atlas,  who  threw  him   into  the  Sea,  is  changed 
into  a  Sea  God  178 

Phryxus,  rejefts  the  Advances  of  Ino,  and  efcapes  the  Effefts  of 
her  Revenge,  by  being  carried  through  the  Air  on  the  Ram 
that  bore  the  golden  Fleece  161,  i6a 

Picas,  turned  into  a  Wood-pecker  84 

Piety,  or  filial  AfFe6lion,  what  it  was  that  occafioned  a  Chapel 
being  erefted  to  this  Virtue  204,  205 

Planets,  the  Names  given  them,    became  Indications    of  their 
feveral  Offices,  265,  267.     Why  they  were  fuppofed  to  pro- 
duce Metals,  269 
Pleiades,  the  Daughters  of  Atlas,  taken  up  into  Heaven,  where 
they  form  the  Conftellation  that  bears  their  Name  9 
Pluto,  his  Defcent,  50.     Stea.h  2i-w3.y  Proferpine,  51.     His  feveral 
Names,  52.     The  Manner  in  which  he  is  reprefented  by  the 
Painters  and  Poets,  ibid.     The  Mythology  of  the  Fable,  52,  53 
Pollux  and  CaJIor,  their  Birth  and  Exploits,   155.     Share  Im- 
mortality between    them,    and   are  made    the   Conftellation 
Gemini,  156.     A  Temple  erefted  to  them                               157 
Polyphemus,  a  monftrous  Giant  with  but  one  Eye                      114 
Pomona,  the  Goddefs  of  Fruit  Trees,  courted  and  married   by 
Vertmnnus                                                                                        188 
Pontifex  Maximus,  or  the  High  Prieft,  his  Office                     307 
Priapus,  the  tutelar  Deity  of  Vineyards  and  Gardens,  185.    The 
feveral  Names  given  him,  and  his  Image  defcribed               186 
Priejis  and  PrieJleJJes  of  the  Greeks  and   Romans,   305,   306.     Of 
the  Pontifex  Maximus,  or  the  High  Prieft,  307.     Of  the  Rex 
Sacrorum,  ibtd.     Of  the  Flamines,  ibid.     Of  the  Feciales,   308. 
Of  the  Pater  Patratus,  ibid.     Of  the  Epulones                       ibid, 
Procrujies,  killed  by  Thefeus                                                             165 
Prodigies,  the  Superftition  of  the  Romans,  in  Relation  to  them, 
and  hov^  they  may  be  accounted  for                               270,  271 
Progne  and  Philomela,  their  difmal  Story                                     122 
Prometheus  makes  a  Man  of  Clay,  and  animates  him  with  Fire 
ftol en  from  Heaven,   12.     His  Punilhment,  13.     Delivered  by 
Hercules,  148.     This  Fable  explained                               13,  246 
PropcBtides,  turned  into  Stones                                                        103 
Proferpine,  carried  av/ay  by  P/m/(?,   51.     Her  various  Names,    54. 
The  mythological  S'enfe  of   the    Fable,  ibid.      Her  Mother 
Ceres,  goes  in  fearch  of  her,  and   the  Adventures  fhe  meets 
with                                                                                         125,   126 
Proteus,  the  Son  of  Neptune,  one  that  could  transform  himfelf 
into  any  Shape                                                                       177,  178 
Pryene  turned  into  a  Fountain                                                           92 
Fudicitia,  or  Chaftity,  honoured  at  Rome  under  two  Names    205 
Pyg?nalion,  falls  in  Love   with    a  Statue  of   his   own    making, 
which  Venus,  at  his  Requeft,  turns  into  a  Woman               103 

Pyrrha, 


INDEX. 

Pjrrha,  the  Wife  of  Deucalion  14. 

Python,  a  monftrous  Serpent  flain  by  Apollo  \  and  the  Origin  of 

the  Fable  75 

R. 

j^Hadamanthusy  one  of  the  Judges  of  Hell  60 

jLV   Rex  Sacrorum,  his  Office  307 

Rheaf  one  of  the  Names  of  Cybele  a  8 

s. 

SACRIFICES,  originally  extremely  fimple,  301.    Of  human 
O       Viftims,  302,  303.      The  Ceremonies  ufed  at  Sacrifices, 
and  the  Manner  in  which  they  were  performed      303,  305 
Salmoneus  punifhed  in  Tartarus  for  imitating  Thunder,  &c.     65 
Salusj  or  Health,  her  Temple,  206,207.    How  reprefented    ibid 
Saturn  caftrates  his  Father  Ceelus,  4.     Devours  his  Male  Chil- 
dren, 16.     Taken  Prifoner  by  Titan,  but  fet  at  Liberty  by 
Jupiter,   who  afterwards  dethrones  him,  17.     The  Fable  of 
-J^/arw  explained,  17,  18,  20.     Feftivals  in  Honour  of  Saturn, 
19.     His  Amours  ibid, 

Satyrsy  the  Attendants  of  Bacchus  defcribed,  139.     Their  Ori- 
gin 139,  14.0 
Sciron,  killed  by  Thefeus  165 
Scylla,  the  Daughter  of  Phorcus,  turned  by  Circe  into  a  Mon- 
fter,  84.     Throws  herfelf  into  the  Sea  and  is  changed  i^to  a 
Rock                                                                                        179 
Scylla,  the  Daughter  of  Nyfus,  betrays  her  Father,  by  cutting 
off  a  Purple  Lock  of  Hair,  and  is  turned  into  a  Lark     179 
Semele  deftroy'd  by  Jupiter"^  Embraces  3  8 
Serapis,  an  Egyptian  God  worlhipped  at  Rome                           195 
Silence,  worfhipped  by  the  Romans,    207.     The   Origin  of  this 
fuppofed  Deity                                                                     207,  208 
Silenus,  the  Companion  of  J?/«fC/&?<.r,  defcribed,  138.   The  Origin 
of  this  fabulous  Charadler                                                       139 
Silnjer  Age,  defcribed                                                                         4.* 
Sijiphus,  his  Punifliment  in  Tartarus                                              64. 
Stable  of  Augeas  cleaned  by  Hercules                                            144 
Stymphalides,  monftrous  Birds  deftroyed  by  Hercules                 143 
Styx,  a  River  of  Hell  55 
Syl'vanus,  a  rural  Deity                                                                  138 
Syrens,  defcribed,  89.     The  Origin  of  the  Fable                89,  90 
Syrinx  flies  from  Pan,  and  is  changed  into  a  Tuft  of  Reeds     181 

T, 

CrAUTA LUS  his  Crime  and  Punifhment  in  Tartarus      64,  65 

JL    Tartarus   defcribed,  61.      The  fabulous   Perfons   punifhed 

there,  63,  64,  65.     The  Origin  of  thefe  Fables      66,67 

temples  firft  built  by  the  Egyptia7is,  309.     The  Ceremonies  ufed 

by  the  Romans  before  they  began  to  build  a  Temple,  310.     Of 

U  u  a  the 


INDEX. 

the  Temple  of  Vulcan  at  Memphis,  and  an  extraordinary  Chapel 
hewn  out  of  one  Stone,  311.  Of  the  Temple  of  D'tana^  at 
Ephefusy  31a.  Of  the  Temple  of  Ceres  and  Proferpiney  ibid. 
A  particular  Defcription  of  the  Temple  of  Jupiter  Olympus, 
of  his  Statue  and  his  Throne,  312,  314..  Of  the  Temple  of 
4pollo  at  DelphoSy  and  the  immenfe  Treafures  it  contained, 
314,315.  Of  the  Temples  in /z'^x/y,  316.  The  P<2^««  World 
unanimous  in  exprefllng  a  Reverence  and  Awe  of  the  Deity, 

316,  318 
Theology  of  the  Heathens ,  a  Diflertation  upon  it,  a  10.     Some  Con- 
je6lures  concerning  the  Original  of  Idolatry,  ibid.     The  Con- 
formity between  feveral  religious  Rites  of  the  Hehrenvs,  and 
thofe  of  the  neighbouring  Pagan  Nations  accounted  for,  210, 
a  1 2.     The   Reaibn  of  the  Names    given  to  the  Signs  of  the 
Zodiack,  212,  213.     The  Overflowing  of  the  Nile  renders  fi- 
gurative Symbols,  and  the  Study  of  the  Heavens,  neceflaiy  in 
Egypty  213,  215.     Thefe  Symbols  miftaken  by  the  Vulgar  for 
real  Objefts,  216,  217.     The  ancient  Religion  of  the  Egyptians 
and  Perfians  compared,  217,  219.     The  Greeks  and  Romans 
derive  their  numerous  Deities  from  the  Egyptian  Symbols,  220. 
The   Sentiments   of  the   Greek  and  Ro?nan  Philofophers   and 
Poets,  on  the   grand  Principles  of  Religion,  the  Being  and 
Perfections  of  one  infinitely  good  and  Almighty  Being,  220, 
223.   Some  Obfervations  oh  four  Grecian  Seels  or  Schools,  224, 
225.     A  (hort  View  of  the  Rife   and  Progrefs   of  Idolatry, 
225,  229. 
Tereusy  after  marrying  PrognCy  falls  in  Love  with  her  Hfter  Philo- 
meluy  122.     Her  barbarous  Treatment,  and  Pro^-';^'s  Revenge  j 
Tereus\  being  turned  into  a  Lapwing,  Progne  into  a  Swallow, 
their  Son //>.r  into  a  Pheafant,  and  Philomela  xnXo   a  Night- 
ingale. ibicL 
Terminus y  the  God  who  prefided  over  Landniarks  186 
Terra y  the  Mother  and  Wife  of  Calus  3 
Tethysy  the  Wife  and  Sifter  of  Oceanus                                        .      5 
Theia,  the  Daughter  of  Ccelus   and   Terra,  marries  Hyperion,    4 
Difappears  in  a  Storm  of  Thunder  and  Lightening                  5 
Themisy  her  Birth  and  Aftions                                       '               aoo 
Theology  of  the  Heathens                                                                        210 
Theophaney  changed  into  an  Ewe  by  Meptuney  who  debauches  her 
under  the  Form  of  a  Ram*                                                          48 
Thefeus,  his  Birth  and  Exploits                                           165,   167 
TirefiaSy  deprived  of  Sight  b^  Miner'va,  but  receives  the  Gift  of 
Prophecy                             '                                                          116 
Tifipho7iey  one  of  the  Furies,  being  rejefted  by  Cytharon,  kills  hini 
by  throwing  one  of  her  Snakes  at  him                                      61 
Titans,  make  War  on  y^/zV^r,  and  are  fubdued                          16 
Tithonus  marries  Aurora,  and  obtains  Immortality  5  but  growing 
decripid  with  Age  is  turned  into  a  Graihopper                          7 
T^tyusy  Jiis  Punifhment  in  Tartarus     '                                        63 

Triptolemus^ 


INDEX. 

TriptolemuSy  fed  by  Ceres,  and  fent  by  her  in  a  Cliariot  to  inftruft 
Mankind  in  the  Benefit  of  Tillage  12  jj 

Triton,  the  Son  of  Neptune  defcribed  176 

Trophoniusy  his  Oracle  defcribed  494,  295 

Truth,  how  reprefented  205,  206 

Tyndarida,  who  ^  155 

"Typhon,  or  Typhaus,  one  of  the  Giants  who  made  War  againft 
Jupiter,  23.     His  Figure  defcribed  24. 

TyrhenianyiQicYiZ.nt^  changed  by  Bacchus  into  Dolphins  131 

V. 

T/'E  N  U  S,  how  produced,  100.      Her  various  Names,  loi, 
A^       Her  Actions,  102,  103.     An  Explanation  of  thefe  Fables, 
104,  105.     How  reprefented,    105,    106.      Her  Atten- 
dants, 106,  107,  108 
Vertumnalia,  Feafts  in  Honour  of  Vertumnus  188 
Vertumnus  and  flora,  their  ftory,  188.     Vertumnus  thought  by 
fome  to  be  an  Emblem  of  the  Year                                        189 
Vepa  the  Elder,  her  Hiftory,  28.     The  Manner  in  which  flie  is 
reprefented  29 
Vejiaxht  younger,  theGoddefs  of  Fire,  31,  32.  Her  Chaftity,  3a 
Veftal  Virgins  yv 
Victory,  a  Goddefs,  how  reprefented                                            206 
Virginia  the  Daughter  of  Aulus  dedicates  a  Chapel  to  Pudicitia 
Plebeia                                                                             ^                205 
Virtue  and  Honour,  Temples  erected  to  them                            205 
Vulcan,  his  Imployment,  and  the  curious  Works  he  performed, 
109,   no.      His  various    Names,   110.     Difcovers  Mars  with 
his  Wife  Venus,  by  Means  of  a  Net,  and  expofes  them  to  the 
Ridicule  of  the  Gods.   m.     The  Manner  in  which  he  was 
reprefented,  ibid.     The    Origin   of  thefe   Fables,    112.     His 
Offspring,  112.  114.     His  Temple  at  M^w//6// defcribed     311 

u. 

J  rlY  S  S  E  S  difcovers  Achilles,  notwithftanding  his  being  dif- 
C/       guifed,  and  takes  him  with  him  to  the  Siege  of  Troy  x6j 

i6g 
Uranus  the  Son  of  ^ther  and  Dies  j 

X. 

yiSUTHR  us,  faved  from  the  Deluge,  a  Chaldean  Tr^, 
•^       dition  25J 

Z- 

yEPHYR  US  blows  Apollo's  Quoit  againft  Hyacinfhus^s  Head, 

^       and  kills  him  ,  69 

Zodiac,  its  Invention,  and  the  Reafon  of  the  Names  given  to 

the^  Signs,  212,  213.     Thefe   Names   became   Indications  of 

their  feveral  Influences   or   Offices,  265,  267.     Each  of  the 

Signs  fuppofed  to  govern  fome  Part  of  the  human  Body    268 


it^  t?i^  <^iS»  =?iPP  <^  C7if5»  c?(f§)  ^f§)  ^  rafs)  < 


Thg  READER  is  defir'd  to  eorreSi  the  following  Errors  of  the 
Prefsy  viz. 

PAGE  16  the  laft  Word,  'viz..  being,  read  Delinjerance.  Page 
92  Line'18,  dele  the  Word  t^wo.  Page  113  Line  15,  for  him 
read  the^n.  Page  204.  Line  laft  but  one,  for  Sailor  read  Coaler, 
Page  212  Line  17  dele  the  Word  other. 


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