Αρκτου θ' ην και αμαξαν επίκλησιν καλεσσιν These two lines ftom Anacreon likewise have regard to the same instrument: Στρεφεται οτ' Αρκτος ηδη Κατα χειρα την βοωτε These three lines also from the 7th Odyssey, 34, are peculiarly descriptive of the compass, not only as ascribing the invention of it to the Phæacians (the Chinese), which accords with common tradition at this day, but as alluding to the winged motion of the needle on its axis, and its being endued, as it were, with human thought or intention in making known the true northern point: Νευσι θοήσι τοιγε (Φαιηκες) πεποιθότες ωκεινσιν Λαιτμα μεγ' εκποροωσιν επει σφισι δωκε Κρονίων Την νεες ωκειαι, ώσει πτερον η νοημα and the following lines from the 8th Odyssey, 557, intimate that the instrument still performs its functions, and is equally serviceable in the midst of the thickest clouds, or fogs, or darkness: Όφρα σε τη πεμπωσι τιτυσκόμεναι φρεσι νηες και λαιτμα ταχις' αλος ειππερουσι Πέρι και νεφελη κακαλυμμένοι As to what regards the quadrant or sextant, I have already slightly spoken of it as known to the ancients, in treating above of India and of the sign Virgo. And I shall just mention that that instrument seems to have been the prototype of the prophetess Aадaσia, whom Plato was in the habit of secretly consulting, her name being referable to the circumstance, that, in taking an observation, the instrument seems to be clasped in the embrace, and even kissed, as it were, by the observer: I shall also further mention, that Σulsos, one of the names of Apollo, (1 II. 39), seems to be derivable from the sun's being observed by means of this instrument, and thereby becoming quasi σημιανων θεος. On a future occasion I hope to go into this copious subject at greater length. END OF THE THIRD CHAPTER ON HOMER. COMU A MASK. S,* The First Scene discovers a Wild Wood. The Attendant Spirit descends or enters. BEFORE the starry threshold of Jove's court My mansion is, where those immortal shapes *Before the entering upon another subject, it may be of some use to offer a few remarks supplementary to the notes and comments contained in the preceding volumes, The reader has seen therein that the ancient poets, in the formation of their characters, did not confine themselves to the outlines of the shadows and, lights of the moon, but adopted those of the different districts. |