functions, and is equally serviceable in the midst of the thickest clouds, or fogs, or darkness: Οφρα σε τη πεμπωσι τιτυσκόμεναι φρεσι νηες και λάιτμα ταχις' αλος ειππεροωσι Πέρι και νεφελη κακαλυμμένοι As to what regards the quadrant or sextant, I have already slightly spoken of it as known to the ancients, in treating above of India and of the sign Virgo. And I shall just mention that that instrument seems to have been the prototype of the prophetess Aaraoia, whom Plato was in the habit of secretly consulting, her name being referable to the circumstance, that, in taking an observation, the instrument seems to be clasped in the embrace, and even kissed, as it were, by the observer: I shall also further mention, that Σulsos, one of the names of Apollo, (1 Il. 39), seems to be derivable from the sun's being observed by means of this instrument, and thereby becoming quasi σημιανων θεος. On a future occasion I hope to go into this copious subject at greater length. END OF THE THIRD CHAPTER ON HOMER. |