Page:Proofs of the Enquiry into Homer's Life and Writings.pdf/65

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Proofs of the Enquiry into

Proofs of the Tlnquiry into ' ' ' '

Complexion, and inclined to Melancholj ; exceedingly litigious, and vehement Reclaimers : « «No Force of Tortures has been yet invented, which could compel an Egyptian to tell his own Name, if he had a mind to conceal it. Amm. Mar cell in us.

jfjsOMER's Allegories, and divine Persons introduced into his Poem, are Emblems or Types of the Powers and Parts of the Universe. * For P. 142- (y) < all Theology and Enquiries concerning the »4*. (c) ' QqjJs i^d t0 a Discussion of old Opinions and '

ibid. >45>-

of Fables ; because the Ancients thus wrapt up their Conceptions of natural Causes, and were sure to give a Veil oj Fable to whatever they delivered.' Strabo. This Observation is extended by a truly

learned modern Author to other Subjects.—

  • Wherefore, says he, the ancient Poets ( like

< Painters) with one and the same Covering (Fa* ble,) expressed their Conceptions of Things

  • natural, theological, and moral ; with which
  • Sciences, comprehended in a Body, and set
  • forth in a popular Dress, they struck out a

' Way to treat of great and profound Myste' ries.' Vincenzo Gravina.

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