Page:Proofs of the Enquiry into Homer's Life and Writings.pdf/68

Rh Belief to these Children of the Immortals, even though what they have said should want the necessary Demonstrations, or even be void of Probability. But, in obedience to the Law, we must give Credit to those who profess to relate the Concerns of their own Family."—There is hardly a more remarkable Passage in all Plato's Works than this ; nor one that more clearly shews his religious Opinions. Timæus.



I remember to have frequently wondered at that vulgar Expression, the Burthen of a Song ; and sometimes the Burthen of a Prophecy ; which should rather be called the Burthen of the Poet or of the Prophet, if what the Author of the Enquiry fays be true ; ' That the Mind, under a Fit of the Poetic or Prophetic Passion joins the Images with inconceivable Avidity, utters with Rapture, and feels the Joy of the Discharge, like the throwing off a Burden or Deliverance from a Pressure.' This seems to have been the Case of Firgiss Sibyl in the sixth Eneid ;

P.152 (?) / 158 (?)

The furious Priestess in her Cavern foams, Nor bears the God reluctant—but in Rage, Gasping, she tries to shake him from her Breast; The harder still he reins her gnawing Mouth, Daunts her fierce Heart, and pond'rous molds her Thoughts. Rh