s
we may judge from their history; and were, in great measure, recluses after
the mode of Egypt and Canaan. Hence it is said of Orpheus, that he secreted
himself from the world, and led the life of a [1047]Swan: and it is
moreover mentioned of Aristaeus, when he made a visit to Dionusus upon mount
Haemus, that he disappeared from the sight of men, and was never after
[1048]seen. According to the most common accounts concerning the death of
Orpheus, it was owing to his principles, and manner of life. He was a
solitary, and refused all commerce with womankind: hence the Maenades, and
other women of Thrace, rose upon him, and tore him to pieces. It is said,
that his head, and lyre were thrown into the Hebrus; down which they were
wafted to Lemnos. What is here mentioned of Orpheus, undoubtedly relates to
the Orpheans, and to their temple upon mount Haemus. This temple was in
process of time ruined: and there is great reason to think, that it was
demolished upon account of the cruelties practised by the priests, and
probably from a detestation of their unnatural crimes, to which there are
frequent allusions. Ovid having given a character of Orpheus, concludes
with an accusation to this purpose.

[1049]Ille etiam Thracum populis fuit auctor amores
In teneros transferre mares: citraque juventam
AEtatis breve ver, et primos carpere flores.

Those of the community, who survived the disaster, fled down the Hebrus to
Lesbos; where they either found, or erected, a temple similar to that which
they had quitted. Here the same worship was instituted; and the place grew
into great reputation. They likewise settled at Lenmos. This island lay at
no great distance from the former; and was particularly devoted to the
Deity of fire. It is said by Hecataeus, that it received the name of Lemnos
from the Magna Dea, Cybele. She was styled by the natives [Greek: Lemnos],
and at her shrine they used to sacrifice young persons. [1050][Greek: Apo
megales legomenes Theou; tautei de kai parthenous ethuon.] They seem to
have named the temple at Lesbos Orphi, and Orphei caput: and it appears to
have been very famous on account of its oracle. Philostratus says, that the
Ionians, and AEolians, of old universally consulted it: and, what is
extraordinary, that it was held in high estimation by the people of
[1051]Babylonia. He calls the place the head of Orpheus: and mentions, that
the oracle proceeded from a cavity in the earth; and that it was con