( 37 )
ourselves[1]. If all these circumstances are compared and examined, we shall find no great difficulty in clearing up the truth. When Odin and his companions came to establish themselves in the north, there is no doubt but the Cimbri, or original inhabitants of the country, would stoutly dispute the possession of it with them. Afterwards when they were conquered and driven out, the remains of this barbarous nation would be apt to take refuge among the rocks and desarts, where their rough and savage way of living[2] could not but increase their native ferocity. The fear of being discovered by the conquerors, reduced them to the necessity of seeking by night the only provisions that were left them; and as their tallness of stature, their cloathing of skins, and their savage air could not fail sometimes to make
- ↑ Torf. Hist. Norveg. Tom. I. Lib. 3. cap. 4 Arng. Jon. Crymogria. Lib. I. p. 44.
- ↑ The Asiatics brought with them into the north, a degree of luxury and magnificence, which were before unknown there. The author of an old Islandic chronicle, intitled, Landnama-Saga, speaking of a certain person, says, “that he was so well clothed, that you would take him for one of the [Ases] Asiatics.” P. 3. cap. 10, p. 102. apud Sperling, in nov. liter. M. B. an. 1699. M. Jun. Hence proceeded their contempt for the ancient inhabitants of the country, who were worse clad and less civilized than themselves.
