The Preface.
improbable, for the Eaſtern Countries have been always famous for Magical and Secret Societies. Now am I to ſeek how far you will believe me in this, becauſe I am a Chriſtian; and yet I doubt not but you will believe a Heathen, becauſe Ariſtotle was one.
Take then amongst you a more acceptable Ethnic, I mean Philoſtratus, for thus he delivers himſelf in the life of Apollonius. He brings in his Tyaneus diſcourſing with Prince Phraotes, and amongst other Queſtions propoſed to the Prince, Apollonius asks him, Where he had learnt his Philoſophy, and the Greek Tongue, for amongſt the Indians (ſaid this Greek) there are no Philoſophers? To this ſimple Quære the Prince replies, γελῥφας, and with a notable Sarcaſm, ὁι ωὶ παλαιὸι, &c. Our Forefathers (ſaid he) did ask all thoſe who came hither in ſhips, if they were not Pirates; for they conceived all the World (but themſelves) addicted to that vice, though a great one: But you Grecians ask not thoſe ſtrangers who come to you, if they be Philoſophers. To this
he
