Having in the above comment cited a passage from the _Pharsalia_, not as authority, but for purpose of inference; and having further adverted to a sentiment attributed to the philosophic hero of the poem, in reference to the inland and sequestered situation of the temple of Ammon; the annotator is induced to close this essay with a version of the admirable speech of Cato at length, as deriving a peculiar interest from connection with the subject under discussion, appearing to terminate, (and leave as it were, in ruins,) the superstitions of the oracle, with the fabric of its temple. Lucan tells us, that Cato approaching the Fane of Jupiter Ammon in Lybia, was requested by Labienus to demand of the oracle,—“What was to be the fate of Cæsar?—whether Rome was to be enslaved or free?—and in what consisted virtue, &c. &c.” Cato, (his spirit flaming high, as e’er From Ammon’s fane burst forth in prophecy)— Spoke from his heart,—the sacred shrine of truth!— “What wouldst thou, Labienus?—should I ask, If being free, that freedom I’d resign? If I would die,—before I’d be a slave? If life is nought,—when measur’d but by years? If evil can affect the good;—or whether The threat of Fortune’s lost upon the brave? If to deserve well is enough?—or if, Desert is yet dependant on success? All this I know:—Ammon can’t tell ME more! We all depend on God:—(his priest and oracle Silent) His will is known, nor does he need A voice, but that within the breast of man: Our duties are implanted on our births! The God of Nature ne’er confin’d his lessons Here, to the few;—or buried his great truths In Afric’s sands.—Is not HIS HOLY PLACE,— At once all earth, sea, air, and heav’n, and virtue?— God is, whate’er we see,—where’er we move! Let those who doubt, go ask at yonder fane Their lot?—not knowing how they’d act, or feel. No oracle confirms, or moves, _my_ thoughts; —Makes nought more sure:—I know I am to die, And this doth make me sure,—of how to live! The coward and the brave, the bad and good Alike must die!—and God declaring this, Made known to man, all man requires to know!” Thus Cato spoke,—turn’d from the hallow’d fane In faith and virtue satisfied; and left Ammon, to Ammon’s votaries,—the people. W. Y. _Ille Deo plenus, tacitâ quem mente gerebat,_ _Effudit dignas adytis è pectore voces:_ _“Quid quæri, Labiene, jubes?—an liber in armis_ _Occubuisse velim potiùs, quàm regna videre?_ _An sit vita nihil, sed longam differat ætas?_ _An noceat vis ulla bono?—Fortunaque perdat_ _Oppositâ virtute minas,—laudandaque velle_ _Sit satis, et nunquam successu crescat honestum?_ _Scimus; et hoc nobis non altiùs inseret Ammon._ _Hæremus cuncti Superis, temploque tacente,_ _Nil facimus non sponte Dei: nec vocibus ullis_ _Numen egit: dixitque semel nascentibus auctor_