etical and in
keeping with the moral which is every where spread through Homer,
that nothing is accomplished without divine assistance.

19. Homer's rich invention gives us five beautiful similes on the
march of the army. This profusion and variety can never be
sufficiently admired.

20. The superior knowledge that the poet here attributes to the Muses
as divine beings, and then his occasional invocations to them,
gives an air of importance to his subject and has an imposing
effect.

21. However fabulous the other parts of Homer's poems may be, this
account of the princes, people, and countries, is by far the most
valuable piece of history and geography left us in regard to the
state of Greece in that early period. Greece was then divided into
several dynasties, which Homer has enumerated under their
respective princes; and his division was considered so correct,
that many disputes respecting the boundaries of Grecian cities were
decided upon his authority. Eustathius has collected together the
following instances: The city of Calydon was adjudged to the
AEtolians, notwithstanding the pretensions of AEolia, because it was
ranked by Homer as belonging to the former. Sestos was given to
those of Abydos, upon the plea that he had said the Abydonians were
possessors of Sestos, Abydos, and Arisbe. When the Milesians and
people of Priene disputed their claim to Mycale, a verse of Homer
gave it to the Milesians. The Athenians were put in possession of
Salamis by another which was cited by Solon, or (according to some)
interpolated by him for that purpose; and Porphyry says, that the
catalogue was so highly esteemed, that the youths of some nations
were required to commit it to memory.

Professor Felton remarks, "The student is advised to give
particular attention to this important passage. He will find it the
most interesting fragment of geography extant; interesting for the
poetical beauty of the verse, the regular order which is followed,
and the little characteristic touches which denote the
peculiarities of the several provinces. The more he examines this
catalogue with the subsidiary lights of geography, history and
travels, the more cause will he find of wonder, that a description
so ancient should combine so much accuracy, beauty, and interest.
It is recommended to the student, to trace the provinces and cities