Page:Ovid's Metamorphoses (Vol. 1) - tr Garth, Dryden, et. al. (1727).djvu/58

xl The Legend of Æsculapius's Voyage to Rome in form of a Snake, seems to express the necessary Sagacity requir'd in Professors of that Art, for the readier insight into Distempers: This Reptile being celebrated by the ancient Naturalists for a quick Sight.

Cur in amicorum vitium tam cernis acutum Quam aut aquilæ, aut serpens Epidaurius? Hor. Sat. 3. l..

The venerable Epidaurian assum'd the figure of an Animal without Hands to take Fees; and therefore, grateful Posterity honoured him with a Temple. In this manner shou'd wealthy Physicians, upon proper Occasions, practise; and thus their surviving Patients reward.

If the Metamorphoses be attended to with a just Application, and without Prepossession; One will be the less surpriz'd at the Author's Prophetick Spirit, relating to the Duration, and Success of the Work.

This Prediction has so far prov'd true, that this Poem has been ever since the Magazine, which has furnish'd the greatest Poets of the following Ages with Fancy, and Allusions; and the most celebrated Painters with Subjects, and Designs. Nor have his Poetical Predecessors, and