A New System; or, an Analysis of Antient Mythology. Volume 2 (of 6)Bryant, Jacob
History
A New System; or, an Analysis of Antient Mythology. Volume 2 (of 6)
Bryant, Jacob
History, Ancient; Mythology
He is said to have sailed first to [1074]Phenicia and Cyprus; and
afterwards to [1075]Rhodes. Here he instructed the people in the religion
which he professed; and founded a temple at Lindus, where he appointed an
order of priests. He did the same [1076]at Thera, and afterwards was at
[1077]Thasus: and proceeding in his travels partook of the Cabiritic
mysteries in [1078]Samothracia. He visited [1079]Ionia, and all the coast
upwards to the Hellespont and Propontis. He was at Lesbos, which he named
[1080]Issa: where some of his posterity were to be found long after. He was
also at Anaphe, one of the Sporades; which island was denominated
Membliaros from one of his [1081]followers. Mention is made of his being
upon the [1082]Hellespont, and in Thrace. Here he resided, and found out a
mine of [1083]gold, having before found one of copper in [1084]Cyprus.
Hence he is said to have procured great wealth. [1085]Ὁδε Καδμου πλουτος
περι Θρακην, και το Παγγαιον ορος. We hear of him afterwards in
[1086]Eubœa; where there are to be found innumerable traces of him, and his
followers. He was likewise at [1087]Sparta, as we may infer from the Heroüm
erected to him by Eurotas, and his brethren, the sons of Huræus. He must
have resided a great while in [1088]Attica; for there were many edifices
about Athens attributed to him. He settled at Tanagra in Bœotia; where he
lost all his companions, who were slain by a dragon. He afterwards built
Thebes. Here he was king; and is said to have reigned sixty-two
[1089]years. But as if his wanderings were never to be terminated, he
leaves his newly founded city, and goes to Illyria. Here we find him again
in regal state. [1090]Βασιλευει Καδμος των Ιλλυριων. He reigns over the
country which receives its name from his son. [1091]Ιλλυρια--απο Ιλλυριου
του Καδμονος παιδος. Now whoever is truly acquainted with antiquity, must
know, that, in the times here spoken of, little correspondence was
maintained between nation and nation. Depredations were very frequent; and
every little maritime power was in a state of [1092]piracy: so that
navigation was attended with great peril. It is not therefore to be
believed, that a person should so often rove upon the seas amid such
variety of nations, and reside among them at his pleasure: much less that
he should build temples, found cities, and introduce his religion, wherever
he listed; and this too in such transient visits. Besides, according to the
Egyptian accounts, the chief of his adventures were in Libya. He married
Harmonia at the lake [1093]Tritonis; and is said to have founded in that
part of the world no less. than an hundred cities:
[1094]Λιβυστιδι Καδμος αρουρᾳ
Δωμησας πολιων ἑκατονταδα.
Some of these cities seem to have been situated far west in the remoter
parts of Africa.
[1095]Και Λιβυες στρατοωντο παρ' Ἑσπεριον κλιμα γαιης,
Αγχινεφη ναιοντες Αλημονος αστεα Καδμου.
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