Book XIV

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The beauty of this simile will be lost to those who have never been at sea during a calm. The water is then not quite motionless, but swells gently in smooth waves, which fluctuate in a balancing motion, until a rising wind gives them a certain determination. Every circumstance of the comparison is just, as well as beautiful.

Anointing the body with perfumed oil was a remarkable part of ancient cosmetics. It was probably an eastern invention, agreeable to the luxury of the Asiatics.

A footstool was considered a mark of honor.

In accordance with the doctrine of Thales the Milesian, that all things are generated from water, and nourished by the same element.

[Hercules.]

Night was venerated, both for her antiquity and power.

[One of the heads of Ida.]

A bird about the size of a hawk, and entirely black.

By Juno is understood the air, and it is allegorically said that she was nourished by the vapors that rise from the ocean and the earth. Tethys being the same as Rhea.

[Europa.]

An evident allusion to the ether and the atmosphere.—E.P.P.

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