Page:Proofs of the Enquiry into Homer's Life and Writings.pdf/32

Rh ashore on his Coast, went out to see who they were ; and to the first Person who addressed him, and asked Whether he was a Herald, or the Ruler of the Land himself? he condescended to give this Answer :

P. 44 (n)

From great Pelasgus, ancient and Earth-born, p I draw my high Descent, this Nations Founder. And the Pelasgic Tribe, justly so call'd From my great Sire, possesses all this Land: My Sway extends whence Algus rolls his Stream; And limpid Strymonj to the setting Sun. Eschylus' Supplicants.



The Island Crete was among the first civilized States of Greece, and the Mother of many Colonies. The Reason of this is insinuated by Aristotle, when he says, in the second Book of his Politics : 44. (m)/ 45 (o) 'The Island Crete is stretched out towards many Seas ; the Greeks being almost wholly settled upon the Maritime Coasts'

It is a very ancient Observation, that Men banished from their native Countries have made a greater Figure abroad, than they would have done in full Prosperity at home. Misfortunes rouse a generous Mind, and call forth that Virtue, which Plenty and Idleness for the most part lull asleep.

45 (o)/ 45 (q)

'In the Age when these things happened, hat is, when the Western Parts of Europe received the greatest Improvements, the Men Rh