The Pantheon representing the fabulous histories of the heathen gods and most illustrious heroes in a short, plain and familiar method by way of dialogue

Pomey, François, 1618-1673., Tooke, Andrew, 1673-1732.

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PART II.

CHAP. IV.

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SECT. I.

AEOLUS.

LET us now Blow out the fire with the wind,* and bring up Aeolus after Vulcan. For Aeolus is next to him; the God of the Winds; begotten by Iupiter of Acesta or Segesta, the Daughter of Hippota; from whom he is named Hippotades. He dwelt in one of those seven Islands, which from him are called Aeoliae; and sometimes Vulcaniae.* He was a skilful Astronomer, and an excellent natural Philo∣sopher, he understood more particularly the nature of the Winds: And because, from the Clouds and Smoke of the Aeolian Islands, he foretold Winds and Tempests a great while before they arose, it was generally believed that they were under his power; and that he could raise the Winds or still them as he pleased. And from hence he was stiled Em∣peror and King of the Winds (the Children of Astraeus and Aurora.)

Virgil describes Iuno coming to him, and represents his Palace thus.

Nimborum in patriam, loca foeta furentibus Au∣stris,
Aeoliam venit: Hic vasto Rex Aeolus antro
Page  186Luctantes ventos, tempestatesque sonoras
Imperio premit, ac vinclis & carcere fraenat.
Illi indignantes, magno cum murmure montis
Circum claustra a fremunt: celsa sedet Aeolus arce,
Sceptra tenens, mollitque animos, & temper at iras.
Ni faciat, maria ac terras, coelumque profundum
Quippe ferant rapidi secum, verrantque per auras.
Sed Pater omnipotens speluncis abdidit atris,
Hoc metuens, molemque, & montes in super altos
Imposuit, Regemque dedit, qui foederc certo
Et premere, & laxas sciret dare jussus habenas.
She to the Land of Storms (Aeolia) went,
Coasts big with Tempests, where King Aeolus reigns,
And the rebellious Winds in Prison chains:
But they, disdaining their so close restraint,
Round the dark Dungeon roar with loud complaint,
In a high Tow'r, here Sceptred Aeolus stands,
Calming their fierceness by severe Commands;
Else in their rapid Course they would not spare
Sea, Land, high Heaven, but sweep them through
the Air.
Jove fearing this, them in a Cave immures,
And under weight of mighty Hills secures;
And gave a King, who knows when to restrain,
And when commanded, how to loose the Rein;

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