That the Theban Cadmus was a Tyrian, and not a Sidonian, is established by Euripides;--as, also, the worship of Apollo, and the Sacred Virgins. The Poet has made a singular local error, as will be seen in the second line about to be quoted,--for though the _Isle_ of Tyrus was inhabited in the time of Euripides, it was _not_ at the period contemplated by his Tragedy. It is true that the Isle (previous to Alexander) was "sea-girt," but it is evidently intended by the Poet to have reference to the Island-Capital, and therefore an anachronism. The following translation from the original Greek, will prove Cadmus to have been a Tyrian. VIRGIN CHORUS. Bounding o'er the _Tyrian_ flood From Phœnicia's sea-girt Isle,-- * * * * Cull'd from _Tyre_, its brightest grace, Worthy of the god, I came To Agenor's high-born race, Glorying, _Cadmus_, in thy name." * * * * Phœnicia is my country, gave me birth, And nurtured me, till, captive by the spear. Selected from the virgin train, the sons Of _Cadmus_ led me hither, to Apollo A hallowed offering. * * * * As yet Castalia's silver wave These flowing tresses waits to lave, Delicious stream, where bathes the virgin train, Serving at Apollo's fane." * * * * When _Cadmus_ from the _Tyrian strand_ Arriving, trod this destined land."--[_i. e._ Thebes.] * * * * A dragon there in scales of gold Around his fiery eyeballs roll'd, By Mars assigned that humid shade, To guard the green extended glade, And silver-streaming tide: Him, as with pious haste he came To draw the purifying stream, Dauntless the _Tyrian Chief_ repress'd, Dashed with a rock his sanguine crest And crush'd his scaly pride. * * * * Virgin queen, at whose command _Cadmus_ crush'd the dragon's crest." _The Phœnician Virgins._ There can remain upon the mind of the reader, (from the previous quotation) not a doubt, that the celebrated Cadmus of Classic history was of Tyrus,--and consequently it is the first name to be found having reference to Tyrian history. The _chief events_ only of that history will be enlarged upon in these pages;--for our aim will be to obtain, and delineate the vital spirit of the Nation, and its principle of action,--that _Instruction_ may not be forgotten, in the contemplation of History's wild romance,--for her prerogative has ever been, to prove that _truth_ is more strange than _fiction_!