HESIODUS
of a single Shepherd be∣came a great Poet, by chewing some Laurel leaves upon Mount Helicon. Lucian has left us a little Dialogue between Hefiod and him∣self, wherein he jeers him, because he bragg'd of his Commerce with the Muses
Lucian.Your Verses. Hesiod, sufficiently evince you a great Poet, for all you write is noble and lofty, and we easily perceive you have received a branch of L'aurel from the Muses's hands. But you having said, that this divine Present would teach things pass'd and the future; I would fain know, why having descanted on the one, you have told us-nothing of the other; for you have sung the Geneology of the Gods, beginning from the Heaven and Earth, the Chaos and Love; you have afterwards set down the precepts of Astrology for Sailors and Hus∣bandmen; you have treated of rural Life, of Women's Vertues, and other such like mat∣ters; but you have not bolted so much as one word of futurity, which had better manifest∣ed your inspiration, and redounded more to the advantage of Men. Is it that you im∣pos'd upon us? or are you willing to con∣ceal your secret? or else are not your Pro∣phecies transmitted down to us? for there is no likelihood that the Muses should keep but that part of their promise, and neglect to teach you futurity, which was the main thing.
Hesiod.It is easie to answer you, that hav∣ing said nothing but by the inspiration of the Muses, 'tis to them to give you an ac∣count of their Actions; but if you desire to know something of my Calling, I will tell you what I know of Agriculture. As the Gods reveal themselves to whom they please, so they reveal only what they please, and have not taught me the least of what you desire to know. Moreover, an Historical Truth is not expected from Poets, nor a reason asked them of all their Fictions; be∣sides, they are us'd to add many things, for the filling up the measure of their Verses, or to cause the more admiration; or if you should retrench them of this liberty, you would curb their Genius. But without taking notice of the beauty of invention and expression, which are the principal Ta∣lents, you make it your business to cavil at the words, as you would do with those of a contract, which is the sign of a carping quirking Wit. I forbear to mention, that you will find in my Poem intituled The Works and Days, several Predictions, which I bestow on those, who are good and bad Husbandmen.
Hesiod was killed by some Locrians, and then thrown into the Sea; but his body was got off and buried near the Nemean Temple. Some Writers tell us, that he lived in the time of Homer; others say that he was before him; and some others report, that he lived after him.