the term itself. But the judicious use which Mr. Bryant
could make of this science is apparent in every part of his work: he
derives from it the greatest and only light which can be cast upon some of
his inquiries, and that in a way that will draw the admiration of those who
have a proper acquaintance with the subject; that is, such as have a
knowledge of the Oriental languages sufficient to enable them to trace them
through the Greek, Latin, and other tongues, as they relate to the names of
things, which in almost every country carry evidence of their being derived
from the East; from whence it is certain mankind themselves are derived.
The sagacity and diligence with which our author has applied his helps
obtained from the scattered passages of antient authors and etymology, have
enabled him to clear up the history of the remotest ages, and to elucidate
objects hitherto surrounded with darkness and error. Upon the whole, it
will be allowed by all who are capable judges of the subject, that the
plausibility of his hypothesis is frequently apparent, his scheme great,
and his discoveries extraordinary.

_Viro plusquam octogenario, et_ Etonae _Matris Filiorum omnium superstitum
AEtate jam grandissimo,_ JACOBO BRYANT, S.

* * * * *

Nomen honorati sacrum mihi cum sit amici,
Charta sit haec animi fida ministra mei:
Ne tamen incultis veniant commissa tabellis,
Carminis ingenua dicta laventur ope.
Quem videt, e longa sobolem admirata caterva,
Henrici[1] a superis laetius umbra plagis?
Quem pueris ubicunque suis monstrare priorem
Principe alumnorum mater Etona solet?
Quem cupit eximiae quisquis virtutis amator,
Serius aetherei regna subire poli?
Blande Senex, quem Musa fovet, seu seria tractas,
Seu facili indulges quae propiora joco;
Promeritos liceat Vates tibi condat honores,
Et recolat vitae praemia justa tuae:
Praeparet haud quovis lectas de flore corollas,
Sed bene Nestoreis serta gerenda comis.
Scriptorum ex omni serie numeroque tuorum,
Utilitas primo est conspicienda loco:
Gratia subsequitur; Sapientiaque atria pandit
Ampla tibi, ingeniis solum ineunda piis.
Asperitate carens, mores ut ubique tueris!
Si levis es, levitas ipsa docere solet.
Quo studio errantes animos in aperta reducis!
Quo sensu dubios, qua gravitate mones!
Si fontes aperire novos, et acumine docto
Elicere in scriptis quae latuere sacri