Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1809 edition. Excerpt: ...to a Point where the Description being above their own Strength, they have occasion for supernatural Assistance; by this Artifice at once exciting the Reader's Attention, and gracefully varying the Narration. In the present case Homer seems to triumph in the Advantage the Greeks had gain'd in the Flight of the Trojans, by invoking the Muses to snatch the brave Actions of his Heroes from Oblivion, and set them in the Light of Eternity. This Power is vindicated to them by the Poets on every occasion, and it is to this Task they are so solemnly and frequently summon'd by our Author. Taffb has, I think, introduced one of these Invocations in a very noble and peculiar manner; where, on occasion of a Battel by Night, he calls upon the Night to allow him to draw forth those mighty Deeds which were perform'd under the Concealment of her Shades, and to display their Glories, notwithstanding that Disadvantage, to all Posterity. IVotte, ehe ml profottdo ofcuro feno Ckutdefiix e ne /' oblio fatio si grande; Piaaiati, eh' to nel trayga, e'n bel feremo A la future eta lo spteght, e mande, Vtva la same Uro, e tra lor gloria Sgleuda del so/io tuo I' aha memorta. THE FIFTEENTH BOOK OF THE ILIAD The ARGUMENT. The fifth Battel, at the Ships j and the Acts of Ajax. JUpiter awaking, sees the Trojans repuls'd from the Trenches, Hector in a Swoon, and Neptune at the Head of the Greeks: He is highly incensed at the Artifice of Juno, who appeases him by her Submissions; she is then sent to Iris and Apollo. Juno repairing to the Assembly of the Gods, attempts with extraordinary Address to incense them against Jupiter, in particular she touches Mars with a violent Resentment: He is ready to take Arms, but is prevented by Minerva. Iris and Apollo obey the Orders...