Plutarch's morals. Part 2. translated from the Greek by several hands.

Plutarch's Morals: Vol. II. Greek Questions:

Translated into English by the same hand.

Quest. 1. WHo are they at Epidaurus called Conipodes and Ar∣tymi?

Sol. The Managers of the Affairs the Com∣mon-wealth were One hundred and eighty Men, out of these they Elected Senators, which they call'd Artymi, the most Part of the Common-People were conversant in Husbandry, these they called Coni∣podes, because (as may be supposed) they were known by their dirty feet, when they came into the City.

Quest. 2. What Woman was that among the Cumans, called Onobatis?

Sol. This was one of the Women taken in Adul∣tery which they brought into the Market-place, and set her upon a certain Stone to be seen of all, from thence they took her and set her on Ass-back, and led her round about the City, and afterwards set her up again upon the Stone, lead∣ing the rest of her life under disgrace; her they

called Onobatis [the Woman that rode upon an Ass] hence the abominated the Stone as unclean. There was also a certain Magistrate among them, called Phylactes [a Conservator] he that had this Office for the rest of his time, kept the Prison, but at the nocturnal Convention of the Senators, he came into the Counsel, and laying hands on the Kings led them forth, and detained them in Custody until the Senate had determined concerning them, whether they had acted un∣righteously or no, who passed Sentence in pri∣vate.

Quest. 3. Who are Hypocaustria among the Solenses?

Sol. They call the She-Priest of Minerva so, because she offers certain Sacrifices and Oblations for the averting of impending Calamities.

Quest. 4. Who are the Amnemones among the Cnidians, and who is Aphester?

Sol. The sixty Men chosen for Prelates from among the Nobles, which they used for Chief-Ju∣stices [Bishops] and Principle Counsellors for life, in Matters of greatest concern, they called Amnemones (as a Man may suppose) because they were not accountable to any for what they did, or verily (rather in my opinion) because they were Men carrying much business in their Memories, and he that craved their Judgment was called Aphester.

Quest. 5. Who were the Cres•••• among the Arca∣dians and Lacedemonians?

Sol. When the Lacedaemonians were agreed with the Tegeats, they made a League with them, and set up a common Pillar at Alpheum, upon which this is written among other things, drive out the

Messinians from your Borders, and make none of them Cresti, i. e. Good. Aristotle interpreting this, saith, that none of the Tageats ought to be slain that endeavoured to bring aid to the Lacedemoni∣ans.

Quest. 6. Who is Crithologus among the Opun∣tains?

Sol. The most of the Greeks did use Barly at their ancient Sacrifices, when the Citizens offered their first Fruits, now they called him Crithologus, who presided over the Sacrifices, and received the first Fruits. They had two Priests, one that had the chief charge of the Divine things, the other of Daemonic affairs.

Quest. 7. What sort of thin Clouds are the Plo∣jades?

Sol. Showring Clouds which were carried up and down, for the most part they called Plojades, as Theophrastus hath said expresly in his fourth Book of Meteors, whereas indeed the Plojades are those Clouds which have a consistency, and not so moveable, but as to colour white, which disco∣ver a kind of different Matter, neither very Wa∣try nor very Windy.

Quest. 8. Who is Platychetas among Boeo∣tians?

Sol. They that had neighbouring Houses, or bordering Fields, using the Aeolick Dialect, they call so as such who dwell nearest. I will add one say∣ing out of the Thesmophylachan Law, seeing there are many—here it is wanting.

Quest. 9. Who is he among the People of Delphos who is called Hosioter? And why do they call one of the Months Bysius?

Sol. They call the slain Sacrifice Hosioter? when the Hosius [the Holy one] is declared. There are

five of these Holy ones for Life, and these trans∣act many things with the Prophets, and Sacri∣fice together with them, supposing that they descended from Ducalion. The Month Byfus verily as many think is the same with Physius [natural] for its in the beginning of the Spring, when most things do sprout and put forth Buds; but this is not the true reason; For the Delphs do not use B. for Ph. (as the Macedonians, who say Bilippus, Balacrus and Beronic•• for Phylippus, Phalacrus and Pheronica) but instead of P. they for the most part saying 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, therefore Bysius for Pysius, because in that Month they enquire of and consult their God Apollo, this is their genuine and Country way of speaking: for in that Month an Oracle is given forth, and they call that Week the Na∣tivity of Apollo, and the Name is Polyphthonum; not because of their Baking a sort of Cakes called Pthojes, but because then their Oracle is full of An∣swers and Prophesies, for it is but of late that Oraculous answers were given to the enquirer every Month. In former times Pythia gave an∣swers only once a Year, which was in this Month as Calisthenes and Anaxauridas hath told us.

Quest. 10. What is Phyxemelum?

Sol. Its one of the small Plants that creeps upon the ground, upon whose Branches the Cattle treading, do hinder, hurt and spoil their growth, where therefore they have attained some considerable bigness by growth, and escap∣ed the injury of those that use to go over, its called Phyxemelum, of which Esculapius is Wit∣ness.

Quest. 11. Who are the Apospendoneti?

Sol. The Eretrienses inhabited the Island of Corcyra, but when Charicrates set Sail from Corinth with a considerable strength, and overcame them in Battle: The Eritrienses took Shipping and sailed to their Native Countrey, of which thing the Inhabitants of that Countrey having timely notice, gave them a repulse, and by slinging Stones at them impeded their Landing, now be∣ing not able eitheir to perswade or force their way, seeing the Multitude was implacably bent against them, they sailed into Thracia and took possession of that Country, where they say Metho first inhabited, of whose Off-spring Orpheus was, the City therefore they call Methona, and of the neighbouring Inhabitants the Men are called Apospendoneti, i. e. They that were repulsed with Sling-stones.

Quest. 12. What was Charila among the Delphs?

Sol. The Delphs selemnized three nonennial Feasts, subsequent in order to each other, of which they call one Septerium, another Herois, and the third Charila. The Septerium represents by imitation the fight which Apollo had with Py∣thon, and both his flight and pursuit after the fight unto Tempe, for some verily say that he fled as needing purification by reason of the Slaughter, others say that he pursued Python wounded, and flying along the High-way which they now call Sacred, he left him almost dead, but he overtook him just dead of his wound, and buried by his Son, whose name was Aix as they say. Septerium therefore is the representation of these or some such things, but as to Herois, it hath for the most part a Mysterious reason which the Thiades are

acquainted with, but by the things that are pub∣lickly acted, one may conjecture it to be the education of Semele [the Mother of Bacchus] Con∣cerning Charila, they fable some such things as these. A Famine by reason of drought seis'd the Delphs, who came with their Wives and Children as suppliants to the Kings-gate, where∣upon he distributed Meal and Pulse to the more noted of them, for there was not sufficient for all. A little Orphan Girl yet coming and impor∣tuning of him, he beat her with his Shoe, and threw his Shoe in her Face, she indeed was a Poor wandring beggar Wench, but was not of an ignoble disposition, therefore withdrawing her self, untied her Girdle and hanged her self, the Fa∣mine hereupon increasing and many Diseases ac∣companying it, Pythia gives answer to the King, that the Maid Charila, who slew her self must be Expiated. They with much ado, at last discovering that this was the Maids name which was smote with a Shoe, they instituted a certain Sa∣crifice mixt with expiatory Rites, which they yet solemnize to this day every Ninth Year: where∣at the King presides distributing Meal and Pulse to all Strangers and Citizens (for they introduce a kind of an Effigies of the Wench Charila and and when all have received their doles, the King smites the Idol with his Shoe, which the Go∣verness of the Thyades takes up and carries away to some desolate place, and there putting a Halter about the Idols Neck, they bury it in the place where they suppose Charila strangled her self.

Quest. 13. What is he that begged flesh among the Aeneians?

Sol. Many have been the removes of the Aenci∣ans, first they inhabited the plain of Dosion, thence they were expell'd by the Lapithites to Aithica, frem thence they betook themselves to a Region of Molossia about Arava, where they were called Pa••avaeans, afterward they took possession of Cir∣rah, * they had no sooner landed on Cirrah (Apollo so commanding their King Aenoclus) but they went down to their Country bordering on the River Inachus, inhabited by the Inacheans and Achajans. There was an Oracle given forth. That they would loose all their Country, who parted with some of it, but that it would be held by those that took it of such as freely resigned it. Temo a no∣ted Man among the Aeneians, putting on Rags and a Scrip like a Beggar, addresseth himself to the Inachians, the King in a way of reproach and scorn gave him a Clod of Earth, he received it and put it up into his Scrip, and absconds him∣self making much of his Dole, and presently for∣sakes the Country, begging no more, which the old Men admiring, the Oracle came fresh to their remembrance, and going to the King, told him that he ought not to slight this Man, nor suffer him to escape; whose designs Temo well percei∣ving, hastens his flight, and as he fled, vowed a Hecatomb to Apollo, upon this occasion the Kings fought hand to hand, and when Phaenius the King of the Aeneians saw Hyperochus the King of the Inachaeans charging him with a Dog at his Heels, he said he dealt not fairly to bring a second with him to fight him, whereupon Hyperochus going to drive away the Dog, and turning himself about in order to the throwing a Stone at the Dog, Phaenius slays him; so that the Aeneians possessed themselves of that Region, expelling the Inachaeans

and Achajans, but they reverence that Stone as sa∣cred, and sacrifice to it, and when they offer a Haca∣tomb to Apollo, they sacrifice an Ox to Jupiter, a choice Part of which they distribute to Temo's po∣sterity, and call it the Beggars flesh.

Quest. 14. Who were the Koliads among the Ithakesians? And who was Phagilus?

Sol. After the Slaughter of the Suiters, some near related to the deceased made head against Ʋlysses. Neoptolemus being introduced by both Parties as an Arbitrator, determined that Ʋlysses should remove and hasten out of Cephalenia, Za∣cynthus and Ithaca, because of the Blood that he had shed there, but the Friends and Relations of the Suiters should pay a yearly Mulct to Ʋlysses, for the wrong done to his Family, Ʋlysses therefore passed over into Italy, and the Mulct he devoted to his Son and commanded the Ithakeses to pay it. The Mulct was Meal, Wine, Honey-Combs, Oyl, Salt, the wonted Offerings of the Phagils. Aristole saith Phagilus was a Lamb, but Telemachus setting Eumeus his People at liberty, placed them among the Citizens, and is the Family of the Coliads descending from Eumaeus, and of the Bu∣cholians coming of Philaetius.

Quest. 15. What is the Wooden Dog among the Locrians?

Sol. Locrus was the Son of Fuscius, the Son of Ampictuon, of him and Cabya came Locrus, with whom his Father falling into contention, and gathering after him a great number of Citizens, consulted the Oracle about transplanting a Co∣lony, the Oracle told him that there he should build a City, where he should happen to be bit by a wooden Dog: He wafting over the Sea unto the next Shoar, trod upon a Cynosbatus [a

sweet Bryer] and being sorely pained with the prick, he spent many days there, in which time considering the Nature of the Country, he built Physces and Hyanteia, and other Towns which the Locrians [know by the name of Ozolites] in∣habited. Some say that the Locrians were called Ozolites [strong scented People] from Nessus, others say, that they are called so upon the account of Python the Serpent, cast up there by the Surf of the Sea, and putrifying upon the Shoar, and some say that the Men wore Pelts and Ram-Goat skins, living for the most part among the Herds of Goats, and therefore were strong scented; others contrariwise say that the Coun∣try brought forth many Flowers, and that this name was from their sweet odour, among them that asserts this is Architas the Amphissite, who hath wrote thus,

Macyna Crown'd with Vines fragant and sweet.

Quest. 16. What manner of thing is that among the Megarins called Aphabroma?

Sol. Nisus of whom Nisaia had her name in the time of his Reign, married Abrota of Boeotia the the Daughter of Onchestus, the Sister of Megareus a Woman (as it seems) excelling in Prudence, and singularly modest, when she Died the Mega∣rins cordially lamented her, and Nisus willing to perpetuate her Memory and Renown, gave command that her Bones should be arrayed with the Gown which she wore, and that Gown they called for her sake Aphabroma, and verily its manifest that the Oracle countenanced the vene∣ration of this Woman, for when the Magarin

Women would often have altered their Gar∣ments, the Oracle prohibited it.

Quest. 17. Who is Doryxenus?

Sol. The Country of Megaris was anciently inhabited by Vilages, the Inhabitants being di∣vided into five Parts, and they were called He∣raens, Piraens, and Megarins, Cynoscorens, and Tri∣prodiscians, these the Corinthians drew into a Civil War (for they always contrived to bring the Me∣garins into their Power) yet they waged War with much moderation and neighbourly designs, for no Man did at all injure the Husbandman, and there was a stated Ransom determined for all that were taken Captive. And this they received after the release of the Prisoner and not be∣fore, but he that took the Captive Prisoner brought him home, gave him entertainment, and then gave him liberty to depart to his own House, wherefore he that brought in the price of his Ransom, was applauded and remained the Friend of him that received it, and was called Doryxenus, from his being a Captive by the Spear, but he that dealt fraudulently was reputed an unjust and unfaithful Person, not only by the Souldiers but by the Citizens also.

Quest. 18. What is Palintochia?

Sol. When the Magarins had expelled Theage∣nes the Tyrant, they managed the Common∣weal, for sometime with moderation, but then (to speak with Plato) when their Orators had fill'd out to them, even to excess, the Wine of Liberty, they became altogether Corrupt, and as in other things the Poor carried themselves insolently toward the Richer sort, so in this that they entred into their Houses, and demanded that they might be feasted and sumptuously treated,

but where they prevailed not, they used violence and abusive behaviour, at last enacted a Law to enable them to fetch back the use of Money from the Usurers: which at any time they had paid, calling the Execution thereof Palintochia, i. e. the returning of use Money.

Quest. 19. Who is Anthedon of whom Pythia speaks?

Drink Wine on th' Lees Anthedon's not thy home, For Anthedon in Boeotia did not produce much Wine.

Sol. Of old they called Calauria Irene from a Woman Irena, which they fable to be the Daugh∣ter of Neptune and Melantheia the Daughter of Alpheus, afterwards when the People of Alpheus and Hyperes planted there, they called the Island Anthedonia and Hygeria, the Oracle, as Aristotle saith, was this.

Drink Wine on Lees, wh' at Anthedon don't dwell, N'at sacred Hypera where thou drank'st Wine purg'd well.

Thus Aristotle, but Mnasigiton saith that Anthus who was Brother to Hypera was lost when he was an Infant, and Hypera rambling about to find him, came at Pheras to Acastus or Adrastus, there by chance he found Anthus serving as a Wine-drawer, where while they were a Feasting, and the Boy bringing a Cup of Wine to his Brother, knew him, and said to him softly,

Drink Wine on Lees, th' at Anthedon don't dwell.

Quest. 20. What is that Darkness spoken of at the Oak in Priena?

Sol. The Samians and Prianes waging War with each other, as at other time they sufficiently injured each other, so at a certain great fight the Prianes slew a Thousand of the Samians, seven Years after fighting with the Milessians at the said Oak, they lost all the Principal and Chief of their Citizens together, at that time when Bias the wise (who was sent Embassador from Prieur to Samos) was famous, this grievous and sad calamity befalling the Women, there was established an Execration and Oath to be taken about Matters of greatest concern. The place adjacent to that Oak was called Scotos [Darkness] because their Children, Fathers, and Husbands were there slain.

Quest. 21. Who they were among the Creets called Catacauts?

Sol. They say that the Tyrenes took away by force from Bauro the Daughters and Wives of the Athenians, at which time they inhabited Lemnus and Imber, from whence being driven they came to Laconica, and fell into such a commixture with that People, even so far as to beget Children on the native Women, so that by reason of Jealousie and Calumnies, they were again constrained to leave Laconica, and with their Wives and Children to waft over into Creet, having Pollis with his Brother their Governours; where waging War with the Inhabitants of Creet, they were fain to permit many of them that were slain in Battle, to lie unburied, in that at first they had no leasure, by reason of the War and Peril they were in, and afterwards they shunned the touching of the dead Corpses, being corrupted by time and pru∣trified, wherefore Pollis contrived to bestow cer∣tain Dignities, Priviledges and Immunities, some of which on the Priests of the Gods and some on

the buryers of the dead, devoting these to the Infernal Daemons, that they should remain perpetual to them and then divided to his Brother a share by Lot. The first he named Priests, the other Catacaute [makers of Bone-fires.] But as to the Governnment each of them ma∣naged it apart, and had among other tranquilities, an immunity from those injurious practises which other Creets were wont to exercise toward one another, privily and openly; for they neither wronged them, nor filched or robbed any thing from them.

Quest. 22. What was the Sepulchre of the Boys at Calcidon?

Sol. Cothus and Arclus the Sons of Zuthus came to dwell in Euba, the Aeolians possessing the greatest part of the Island at that time. The Oracle told Cothos that he should prosper and conquer his Enemies, if he had bought the Country, into which therefore, going up a little after, he happened to meet with some Children playing by the Sea side, whereupon he fell to play with them, conforming himself to their humors, shewed them many out∣landish Toys, but seeing the Children very desirous to have them, refused to give them any upon any other terms then to receive Land for them, the Boys taking up some Earth from the Ground, gave it to him, receiving the Toys, and he departed: The Aeolians (perceiving what was done, and the Enemies sailing in upon them) moved by Indig∣nation and Grief, slew the Children and buried them near the way side that goes from the City to Enripus, and that place is called the Sepulcre of the Children.

Quest. 23. Who was Mixarchagevas among the Argi? And who are the Elasians?

Sol. They call Castor Mixarchagevas, and are of opinion that he was buried in the Country, but they worship Pollux as one of the Celestial Deities, those which they supposed were able to drive away the falling Sickness they called Elasii, but esteeming them to be of the posterity of Alexida the daughter of Amphiaraus.

Quest. 24. What was that which was called En∣cnisma, by the Argives?

Sol. It was a custom among those that lost any of their Kindred or Acquaintance, presently after mourning, to Sacrifice to Apollo, and thirty days after to Mercury, for they are of opi∣nion, that as the Earth receives the Bodies of the deceased, so Mercury receives their Souls, gi∣ving them Barley to Apollo's Minister, they take the flesh of the Sacrifice and extinguishing the Fire as polluted, but kindling it again by others, they boil the Flesh, calling it Encnisma.

Quest. 25. Who is, Alastor, Aliterius, Palamnaeus?

Sol. For we must not give credit to those that say that such are called Aliterii who in the time of dearth, watch the Miller and steal the Corn. But he was called Alastor who did exploits not to be forgotten, but had in remembrance for a long time. Aliterius is he who is fit to be a∣voided and observed upon the account of his Knavery. Such things (saith Socrates) were en∣graven in Plates of Brass.

Quest. 26. What is the meaning of this, that the Virgins that follow those that lead the Ox from Enon to Cassiopoea, sing till they approach the bor∣ders in this manner? To Native Country dear, O may ye ne'r return.

Sol. The Aeneians being first excited by the Lapathites, took up their habitation about Aethacia,

and then about Molossis and Cassiopoea, where the Country affording no Staple Commodity, and being ill bestead with troublesome Neighbours, they went into the Circaean Plain, under the Con∣duct of Onoclus, their King, where there was great droughts. By warning from an Oracle (as they say) they stoned Onoclus, and betaking themselves to ram∣ble again, they came into this Country which they now possess, being very pleasant and fruit∣ful, where they instantly pray to God that they may never return again to their ancient native Country, but abide where they are in prosperity.

Quest. 27. What was the reason that at Rhodes, the Cryer never entred into the Temple [or Tomb] of Ocridion?

Sol. Was it because Ochimus espoused his daugh∣ter Cydippe to Ocridion, but Cercaphus who was Brother to Ochimus, falling in love with the Maid, perswaded the Cryer (for it was the Custom to fetch the Spouses by the Cryer) that he might obtain her, to bring her to him this being accord∣ingly done, Cercaphus got the Maid and fled, af∣terward when Ochimus was grown old, he return∣ed. Wherefore it was enacted by the Rhodians, that a Cryer should not enter into the Chappel of Ocridion, because of the injustice done by him.

Quest. 28. What is the reason that at Tenedos an Organist [or Piper] might not go into the Temple of Tenes? Nor no mention might be made of Achil∣les in that Temple?

Sol. Was it because a Step-Mother accusing Tenes, that he would have lain with her, Molpus a Piper bore false witness against him, whereupon Tenes took occasion to fly into Tenedos with his Sister? and they say, that Achilles was strictly charged by Thetis his Mother not to flay Tenes, as

one that was much respected by Apollo, com∣mitted the trust to one of the houshold Servants, that he should take special care, and put him in mind of it, least Achilles should kill Tenes at un∣awares: But when Achilles made an incursion into Tenedos, and persued the Sister of Tenes being very fair, Tenes met him and defended his Sister, whereupon she escaped, but Tenes was slain, Achilles knowing of him as he fell down dead slew his own Servant, because he being present did not admonish him to the contrary. He burys Tenes, whose Temple now remains, into which nei∣ther a Piper enters, nor Achilles is named there.

Quest. 29. Who was Poletes amongst the Epi∣damnians?

Sol. The Epidamnians who were neighbouring to the Illiryans perceiving that the Citizens that had frequent commerce wirh them were de∣bauched, and fearing an Innovation, made choice of an approved Man yearly from amongst them, who should deal as a Factor with the Barbarians in all matters of Trade and Traffick, and manage the whole business of dealing and commerce on the behalf of all the Citizens, and this Man was called Poletes [the City Commis∣sioner.]

Quest. 30. Who was Araeniacta at Thracia.

Sol. The Andrians and Chalcidenses sailing into Thrace to get them a Seat, the City Sane being betray'd, was delivered up to them both in com∣mon; and being told that it was deserted by the Barbarians they sent two Spies thither, who ap∣proaching the City and perceiving all the Ene∣mies to be fled, the Chalcidic out-runs, the other intending to seize the City for the Chalcidenses,

but the Andrian finding himself not able to over∣take him, darts his Lance, and fixeth it exactly in the Gates, and saith that he had first seized the City for the Andrians, hence a great conten∣tion arising without a War, they agreed toge∣ther to make the Eruthraeans, Samians, and Parians Umpires in all matters of controversie between them. The Eruthraeans and Samians brought in the Verdict for the Andrians, but the Parians for the Chalcidenses hence the Andrians about this place bound themselves under a Curse, that they would not give Wives in Marriage to the Parians, nor take Wives of them, therefore they called the Land Acte-araino [the Shoar of the accursed] whereas before it was called Acte-draconis [the shoar of the Aragon.]

Quest. 31. In the solemn Feasts to the honour of Ceres, why do not the Eretrian Women rost their Meat at the fire, but at the Sun? And do not call upon Calligeneia?

Sol. Was it because it came in course to the Women which Agamemnon carryed captive from Troy to solemnize a Feast to Ceres, which while they were in doing a fair Wind arose, and they were suddenly had a board, leaving the Sacrifices imperfect.

Quest. 32. Who were the Aeinautae amongst the Milesians?

Sol. Thoans and Damasenor Tyrants being de∣posed, two Factions got the Government of the City, one of which was called Plontis, and the other Chiromacha, wherein the Potent Men pre∣vailing, they settled the State Affairs in the Asso∣ciation, and when they would sit in Counsel about Matters of greatest concern, the went on Ship∣board and launched out to a great distance from

the Shore, where agreeing upon a Point in de∣bate they sailed back again and upon this ac∣count were called Aeinautae, [perpetual Mari∣ners.]

Quest. 33. Why do the Chalcidenses call a cer∣tain place about Pyrsopius, Acmaeon Lesche, [the Conventicle of Youths?]

Sol. They say that Nauplius being Persecuted by the Achaeans, addressed himself to the Chalci∣denses for redress, making his defence against the Accusation and recriminated on the Acheans, where∣upon the Chalcidenses refusing to deliver him into their hands least he should be slain by treachery, granted him a Guard of lusty Young men, and appointed their post in that place, where they had mutual Society together and guarded Nau∣plius:

Quest. 34. Who was he that Sacrificed an Ox to his Benefactor?

Sol. In a Haven about Ithakesia, there was a Py∣rat Ship, in which happened to be an old Man who had Earthen Pots, holding Pitch it fell out that an Ithakesian Skipper named Pyrrhias put into this Port, who ransomed the Old Man, upon free cost, only upon his Supplication, and out of commiseration towards him and at the request of the old Man he purchased also some of his Tar-Pots. The Pyrats departing and all fear of danger over: The old fellow brings Pyrrhias to his Earthen Pots, and shews him a great deal of Gold and Silver blended amongst the Pitch [or Tar] whereupon Pyrrhias attaining to great riches, as in all respects he treated the old Man well, so he sacrificed an Ox to him. Hence they say Proverbially, That none hath Sacrificed an Ox to his Benefactor, but Pyrrhias.

Quest. 35. Why was there such a custom amongst the Baeotian Maids, as they danced, to sing, let us go to Athens?

Sol. It is reported that the Creets (in payment of a Vow,) sent the Firstlings of Men to Delphos, but when such as were sent found no plentiful Provision there, they departed from thence in search of a Plantation, and first sat down at Japy∣gia, from thence they went and possessed that Part of Thracia which now they have, Athenians being mixed with them, for its probable that Minos did not destroy those young Men which the Athenians sent in a way of Tribute but only detain'd them in servitude, of these some that de∣scended were accountcd Creets, and were sent with others to Delphos, so the Baeotian Daughters in remembrance of their Pedigree, sing on their Feast-days, Let us go to Athens.

Quest. 36. Why do the Eleian Women in their Hymns beseech Bacchus that he will come to their help with an Ox's foot? The Hymns runs thus, Come O Hero Bacchus, to thy holy Temple placed by the Sea; with the Graces to thy Temple, with a Neats-foot Sacrificing, and then they redouble this, O worthy Bull.

Sol. Was it because some call Bacchus, Bull-begot, and some Bull? Or as some say, Ox Foot, for a great Foot? As the Poet saith, Ox Eye, for a great Eye? and Ox carriaged for stately car∣riag'd; or rather because the Foot of an Ox is innocent, his Head bearing Horns pernicious, so they desire, that the God would come to them mild and harmless? or is it because ma∣ny Men are of opinion that this God presides o∣ver plowing and sowing?

Quest. 37. What is the meaning of that place at Tanagria, before the City called Achillaeum?

Sol. It is reported that Achilles had an enmity against, rather than a kindness for this City, in that he took Stratonica the Mother of Poemander by force of Arms, and slew Achestor the Son of Ephippus: Now Poemander the Father of Ephippus, (whilst Tenegria was inhabited by Villages) being besieged in Stegon (a Village so called) by the Achajans, because he refused to aid them in the Wars left that Country the same Night, and fortified Poemandria, Policritus the Architect coming in, disparaging his Works, and making a ridicule of them, leapt over the Ditch, Poemander falling into a rage, catch'd up a great Stone sud∣denly to throw at him, which had been hid there a great while, lying over some sacred Nocturnal Relics, this Poemander hurling rashly, flung, and missing Policritus, slew his own Son Leucippus, he was therefore forced by Law to depart out of Baeotia, and become a wandring and begging Pil∣grim, neither was that easie for him to do, be∣cause of the incursions which the Achaeans made into Tenegrica, wherefore he sent Ephippus his Son to beg aid of Achilles, who by perswasion prevail'd with him to come, as also with Tlepole∣mus the Son of Hercules, and with Peneleus the Son of Hippalmus, all of them their Kindred, by these Poemander was introduced into Chalchis and was ab∣solved by Elephanor from the Murther, he ascri∣bed great honour to these Men, and assigned Groves to each of them of which this kept the name of Achilles's Grove.

Quest. 38. Who among the Baeotians were the Psyloeis, and who the Aeoliae?

Sol. They say that Minos's Daughters, Leucippa,

Arsinoa, and Alcathoa falling mad had a greedy Appetite for Mans flesh, and accordingly, cast Lots for their Children, whereupon it fell to Leucippa's lot to produce her Son Hippasus, to be cut in peices, the Hubands of these Women that were cloathed in course Apparel by reason of sorrow and greif were called Psiloeis, the Women Aeoliae Oionoliae, and to this day the Orchomenians call their posterity so, and it's so ordered that in the yearly Feast called Agrionia that there a'is flight and pursuit of them by the Priest of Bacchus with a drawn Sword in his hand, and it's law∣ful for him to slay any of them that he takes, Zoilus a Priest of Ortnir slew one, which thing proved unlucky to them, for Zoilus sickning upon a wound that he got, wasted away for a long time and died, whereupon the Occhomenians falling under publick accusations and condemnations remo∣ved the Priest-hood from their Family, and made choice of the best Man in the whole multitude.

Quest. 39. Why do the Arcadians stone those that go willingly into Lycaeum, but those that go in un∣wittingly they carry forth to Eleuthera?

Sol. Is it as if they obtained their liberty by way of absolution, that this Story gained cre∣dit? And this is that which tends to liberty as that, Thou shalt go into the Country of security, or that, thou shalt come to the Seat of Aresan? or is the reason to be rendred according to that fabulous Story? That all the Sons of Lycaon only Eleuther and Lebadus were free from that Conspiracy a∣gainst Jupiter, but fled into Baeotia, where the Lebadenses use the like civil Polity to that of the Arcadians, Therefore they send them to Eleutheras, that enter unwittingly into the inacessible Temple of Jupiter. Or is it (as Architimus saith in his

remarks on Arcadia) that some that went into the Lycaeum unawares, were delivered up to the Phliasians by the Arcadians, and by the Phliasians to the Megarins, and by the Megarins to the Thebans which inhabit about Eleuthera, where they are detained under Rain, Thunder, and other direful Judgments from Heaven, and upon this account some say this place was called Eleutheras, but the report is not true, that he that enters into the Lycaeum casts no shadow, though it hath had a firm belief, and what if this be the reason of that report; that the Air converted into Clouds looks darkly on them that go in? Or that he that goes in falls down dead? For the Pythagorians say, that the Souls of the deceased do neither give a shadow, nor wink. Or is it that the Sun only makes a shadow, and the Law for∣bids a Man to enter while the Sun shines? though this they speak aenigmatically, but verily he that goes in is called Elaphus [a Hart] Hence the Lace∣daemonians delivered up Cantharion, the Arcadians to the Arcadians who went over to the Elians (whilst they waged War with the Arcadians) and passing with his booty through the inaccessible Temple fled to Sparta, when the War was ended, the Oracle requiring them to restore the Hart. [Ela∣phus.]

Quest. 40. Who is Eunostus the Hero of Tene∣gra and what's the reason that Women might not enter into this Grove?

Sol. Eunostus was the Son of Elejus who came of Cephissus and Scias, but they say received his name from Eunosta the Nymph that brought him up. This Man as he was honest and just, so ••e was no less prudent and austere, and they say, that Othna his Neice fell in love with him, who was

one of the Daughters of Colonus, and when he perceived that she tempted him to lie with her, manifesting his indignation went and accused her to her brethren, but she had cried Whore first, and provoked her Brethren, Ochimus, Leon and Bucolus, to kill Eunostus, by her false suggestion that he would have forced her, wherefore these laid wait for the Young Man and slew him, upon which Elejus secur'd them. Now Ochna growing penitent and full of terrour, as well to discharge the grief she had for her beloved, as out of commiseration towards her brethren, confest the whole truth to Elejus, and he declares it to Colonus, who con∣demned them. Whereupon Ochna's brethren fled, but she broke her Neck from some high place, (as Myrtis the Anthredonian Poetress hath told us) wherefore he kept the Tomb and Grove of Eunostus from the access and approach of Wo∣men, in so much that upon Earthquakes, Droughts and other Portends that often there happened, the Tenagrians made diligent search, whether any Woman had not by stealth got nigh to that place, and there are some that report (of which Cleidanus a Man of great fame is one) that Euno∣stus met them going to the Sea to wash himself because a Woman had entred into his Grove. Diodes also in his Treatise concerning Tombs re∣lates the Edict of the Tenagrians upon the things that Cleidanus declared.

Quest. 41. Whence is it that in Baeotia there's a River at Eleon called Scamander?

Sol. Deimachus the Son of Eleon an intimate Friend of Hercules and bore his Part in the Seige of Troy, the War proving long (as it seems) took to him Glaucia the Daughter of Scamander, who

had fallen in love with him, and got her with Child, and soon after fighting against the Tro∣jans was slain. Glaucia fearing that she might be apprehended fled to Hercules, and acquainted him with her late affection towards Deimachus and the familiarity she had with him, Hercules both out of commiseration to the Woman, as also for joy that there was an Off-spring left of so good a Man and his intimate acquaintance, took Glaucia on Shipboard, and when she was delivered of a Son, brought her into Baeotia and committed her and her Child to the care of Eleon. The Son was named Scamander, and came to reign over that Country, he called the River Inachus by his own Name Scamander, and the next Rivulet he named from his Mother Glaucia, but the Fountain he called by his own Wives name Acidusa, by whom he had three Daughters which they have a vene∣ration for to this day, styling them Virgins.

Quest. 42. Whence was that Proverbial speech, Let it be ratified?

Sol. Dinon the Tarentine Praefect, being a Man well skilled in Military affairs, when the Citizens manifested their dislike of a certain opinion of his by lifting up of hands, as the Cryer was de∣claring the majority of Votes, he stretched forth his right hand and said this (meaning his own opinion) is better. Thus Theophrastus hath told the Story, Apolidorus in his Rytinus adds this; that when the Cryer had said there's the most suffrages, ay but saith Dinon these are the best and ratifies the suf∣frages of the minority.

Quest. 43. Why is the City of the Ithakesites called Alalcomenai?

Sol. It's affirmed by most, that it was because Antecleja in the time of her Virginity was forci∣bly

seised upon by Sysiphus and brought forth Ʋlysses. But Ister the Alexandrian hath acquaint∣ed us in his Memoires that Antecleja was married to Laerta, and being brought to a place about Alalcomenaeum, in Baeotia, was delivered of Ʋlysses, and therefore that place carrys the name of the Metropolis, he mentions also a Town in Ithaca called so.

Quest. 44. Who are the Monophagites in Aegina?

Sol. Many of the Aeginites that fought against Troy, were slain in those Wars, but more of them by storm in the Voyaging by Sea, the relations therefore receiving those few that were left, and observing the other Citizens overwhelmed with sorrow and grief, they thought it not conveni∣ent to make any publick appearances of joy, nor to Sacrifice to the Gods but every one took home to his House his Relations that were escaped, pri∣v••tely to their Feasts and Entertainments, they themselves giving attendance, to their Fathers, Kinsfolks, Brethren, and Acquaintance, none of other Families being admitted thereto. Hence in imitation of these they celebrate a Sacrifice to Neptune which is called the Thiasi, in which they revel without any noise, each Family a part by it self, for the space of sixteen days, without any Servant attending them, then offering Sacrifices to Venus, they finish this solemn Feast, upon this account they are called Monophagi, i. e. such as feed apart by themselves.

Quest. 45. What is the reason that the Statue of Labraden-Jupiter in Caria is made so as to hold an Ax lifted up, and not a Scepter or Lightning?

Sol. Because Hercules slaying Hippolita, and tak••ng away from her amongst other Weapons,

her Pole-Ax presented it to Omphala, after Om∣phala the Kings of the Lydians carried it, as part of the sacred regalities which they took by Suc∣cession, until Candaules disdaining it, gave it to one of his Favourites to carry, but afterward Gyges revolting, waged War against him. Arselis also came to Gyges his aid from the Malysines with a great strength, and slew Candaules with his Favourite, and carried away the Pole-Ax into Caria with other spoils, where furbishing up the Statue of Jupiter, he put the Ax into his hand, and called it the Labradean God, for the Lydians call an Ax Labra.

Quest. 46. What is the reason that the Trullians call Orobus [Pulse] Catherter, i. e. Purgative, and use it especially in expiations and purifications?

Sol. It was because the Leloges and Minuans in former times driving out the Trallians, possessed themselves of the City and that Country, af∣terward the Trallians returning and conquered them; as many of the Leloges as were not slain or fled, but by reason of indigency and weakness were left there, these they made no account of whether they lived or died, therefore enacted a Law that any Trallian that slew a Minue, or Leloge, should be guiltless, measuring only a Me∣dimnus, i. e. Six Bushels of Pulse to the Family of the slain Person.

Quest. 47. Why is it spoken by way of Proverb amongst the Elites, Thou sufferest worse things than Sambicus?

Sol. It's said that one Sambicus an Elite having many Comrades with him, did break off many of the devoted brazen Vessels placed in Olympia and disposed of them, at length robbed the Tem∣ple of Diana the Bishoppess (this Temple is in

Elis and called Aristarchaeum) presently after the committing of this Sacriledge, he was taken and tormented the space of a year being examined concerning all the Accessarys and so died, hence this Proverb arose from his sufferings.

Quest. 48. Why is the Temple of Ulysses in Lacedemonia built by the Monument of Leucip∣pis?

Sol. One Ergienes of the posterity of Diomedes by the perswasion of Temenes stole the Palladium from Argos, Leager being conscious of, and ac∣cessory to the fellony (for he was one of the inti∣mates of Temenes) afterward Leager by reason of a fewd betwixt him and Temenes went over into Lacedemonia and transported the Palladium thither. The Kings receive him readily, and place the Palladium next to the Temple of the Leucipides, and sending to Delphos, consult the Oracle about it's safety and preservation. The Ora∣cle answered that they must make one of them that stole it th•• keeper of it. So they erected there a Monument of Ʋlysses, for they supposed that that Hero was otherwise related to the City by the Marriage of Penelope.

Quest. 49. What is the reason that it is a Cu∣stom amongst the Chalcidon Women, that if at any time they happen to meet with other Womens Hus∣bands, especially Magistrates, that they cover one Cheek?

Sol. There was a War between the Chalcido∣nians and Bythinians frequently moved upon every pretence. Zeipoetus King of the Bithinians, brings out all his Forces, with the addition of the Thra∣cian Auxillarys, and wasts the Country with Fire and Sword; Zeipoetus then pitching his Camp against them at a place called Phallium, the Chal∣cidonians

fighting ill through desperateness and disorder lost about eight thousand Souldiers; but were not all cut off, Zeipoetus in favour of the Byzantines yeilding to a cessation of Arms. Now there being a great scarcity of Men in the City of Calcedon, most of the Women were necessi∣tated to Marry their Apprentices and Slaves, and others that chose Widowhood rather than Marriage to such, if they had any occasion to go before the Judges or Magistrates, mannaged their own Affairs; putting a Mask upon one side of their Face, the Married Women (imitating their betters) for modesty sake took up the same Custom.

Quest. 50. Why do the Argives bring their Sheep to the Grove of Agenor to take Ram?

Sol. Was it because Agenor took care to have the fairest Sheep, and of all things possessed the most Flocks of Sheep?

Quest. 51. Why did thc Argive boys on a certain Feast day call themselves Ballacrads in sport?

Sol. Was it because, they report that the first People that were brought by Inacus out of the hilly Countries into the Plains lived upon Achrades, i. e. Wild Pears? But wild Pears were first dis∣covered by the Graecians in Peloponesus, while that Country was called Apia, from Apii wild Pears, which by changing the name came af∣terwards to be called Aohrades.

Quest. 52. For what reason do the men of Elis lead their Mares out of their borders when they would have them leapt by the Horses?

Sol. Was it that of all Kings Aenomaus was the greatest lover of Horses, and being most fond of this Creature [a fine Horse] he imprecated

many and great Curses upon Horses that should leap Mares in Elis, wherefore the People fearing his Curse, do abominate this thing.

Quest. 53. What was the reason of the Custom amongst the Gnossians to take away the Money by foree from those that borrowed it upon Ʋsury?

Sol. Was it that as Bankrupts they should be liable to all violent Assaulters [i. e. be Outlaw'd and thereby receive further punishment?

Quest. 54. What is the cause that in Samos they call upon Venus of Dexicreon?

Sol. Was this the reason, that the Women of Samos by Lasciviousness and Baudery falling in∣to great debauchery were reformed by Dexi∣creon a Mountebank using some Charms towards them? Or was it because Dexicreon being the Master of a Ship and Sailing into Cyprus a Tra∣ding Voyage, and being about to take in his Lading, was commanded by Venus to lade with Water and nothing else, and Sail back with all possible speed, being perswaded hereto, he took in much Water and set Sail, immediately still Winds and a Calm detaining him, he sold his Water to Merchants and Seamen distressed with Thirst, whereby he gathered up much Money, whereupon he erected a Statue to Venus, and called it by his own Name, if this Story be true, it's manifest that the God∣dess intended not only the enriching of one Man, but the saving of many alive by one Man.

Quest. 55. What is the reason that amongst Samians, when they Sacrifice to Mercury Munifi∣cent, they suffer a Man to filch and steal Garments if he will?

Sol. Because when at the command of the Oracle they transplanted themselves from that Island into Mychale, they lived ten years upon Robbery, and after this sailing back again into their Island they conquered their Enemies.

Quest. 56. Whence is that place in the Island Samos called Panema?

Sol. Was it because the Amazens flying be∣fore Bacchus from the Coasts of Ephesus fell up∣on Samos, whereupon Bacchus rigging up his Ships, wafted over and joyning battle, slew abun∣dance of them about that place which by reason of the plenty of blood spilt there, the beholders by way of admiration called it Panema, some say that this slaughter was about Plaeum and shew their Bones there but others say also that Plaeum was rent off from Samos, by the dreadful and heideous cry that was uttered at their death.

Quest. 57. Ʋpon what account was Andron [the Name of a House] in Samos called Pede∣tes?

Sol. The Geomorites [i. e. the Bores] got the Government into their hands, after Demoteles was slain and the dissolution of Monarchical constitution, the Megarines waged War with the Per∣nithites being a Samite Collony, and brought Fetters with them (as they say) to put on the Captives, when the Geomorites were acquainted with these procedings, they immediately sent Aid, setting forth nine Praefects, and managing thirty Ships, two of which Lanching forth and lying before the Haven was destroyed with Lightning, the Praefects proceeding on their Voyage in the rest subdued the Megarins, and took six hundred of them alive, the Prae∣fects

were so elevated with this Victory, that they meditated the subversion of this Geomo∣ran Oligarchy, but the occasion was given by the States themselves, writing to them that they should bring the Megarine Captives bound in their own Fetters; when they received these Letters, they shewed them privately to the Megarines perswading them, to concur with them in a Conspiracy to procure the Peoples liberty, a Consult was held in common be∣tween them about this matter, and the result was, that the best way was, to beat off the Rings from the Fetters, and put them on the Megarines and fasten them with Thongs to their Girdles that they might not fall off nor being loose should hinder them in their going. Accordingly they accoutred the Men in this manner, and giving each of them a Cimiter, they soon Sailed back to Samos and Landed, and accordingly led the Megarines through the Market-place to the Counsel-house, where all the Geomorites were sitting together, and then the sign being given the Megarines fell on and slew those Men, whereupon the City being set at liberty, they admitted the Megarines (as many as would) into the number of Citizens, and erecting a magnificent Edifice hung up the Fet∣ters in it.

Quest. 58. What is the reason that the cheif Priest of Hercules in Antimachia at Coos, when he manageth the Sacrifice, is clothed in Womens Ap∣parel, and wears a Mitre upon his head?

Sol. Hercules setting Sail from Troy with six Ships, was attacked by a Storm, and lost all his Ships but one, with which only he was forced by the Wind upon the Coast of Coos, and fell

upon a place called Leceter saving nothing be∣sides his Men and Armour. There hapning to meet with a flock of Sheep, he requested one Ram of the Shepherd (the Man was called Antagoras) who verily being a robust bodied young Man, challenged Heecules to fight with him, and if he were worsted Hercules should carry away the Ram. As soon as this fellow engaged with Hercules, the Meropes came into the aid of Antagoras, and the Grecians coming into assist Hercules a great Fight ensued. Where∣at (they say) Hercules overcharged with mul∣titude, betook himself for refuge to a Woman called Tressa, where he was concealed, disguising himself in Womans Apparel. But afterwards conquering the Meropes, and passing under puri∣fication, he Married the Daughter of Alciopus, and put on a Gown of flowred [Silk]. Hence the Priest offers Sacrifice in the place where the Battle was fought, but the Bridegrooms are cloathed in Womens Apparel when they embrace their Brides.

Quest. 59. Whence was the race of Hamaxocy∣lists in Megara?

Sol. In that licentious Democracy (which intro∣duced the exaction of double Use and Sacriledge) the Peloponesians went on Pilgrimage to Delphos through the borders of Megara, and lodged in Aeigyra by the Lake side with their Wives and Children (as the case required) in their Caravans, where a re∣solute, drunken Company of the Megarins in a riotous and cruel manner overturned their Wa∣gons and overwhelmed them in the Lake; so that many of the Theori [Pilgrims] were drown∣ed. The Megarins indeed by reason of the disor∣der of the Government neglected the punishment

of this wickedness, but the Amphyctions, taking into consideration the Devotion of this Pilgri∣mage, punished the Actors of this Villany, some with Banishment, some with Death, thence the Posterity of these Villains were called Hamaxocy∣lists, i. e. overturners of Waggons.