ribed as the son of Jupiter,
and of the daughter of Phoenix, whom all succeeding authors name
Europa; and he is thus carried back into the remotest period of
Cretan antiquity known to the poet, apparently as a native hero,
Illustrious enough for a divine parentage, and too ancient to allow
his descent to be traced to any other source. But in a genealogy
recorded by later writers, he is likewise the adopted son of
Asterius, as descendant of Dorus, the son of Helen, and is thus
connected with a colony said to have been led into Creta by
Tentamus, or Tectamus, son of Dorus, who is related either to have
crossed over from Thessaly, or to have embarked at Malea after
having led his followers by land into Laconia."--Thirlwall, p. 136,
seq.
237 Milton has emulated this passage, in describing the couch of our
first parents:--
"Underneath the violet,
Crocus, and hyacinth with rich inlay,
'Broider'd the ground."
--"Paradise Lost," iv. 700.
238 --_He lies protected,_
"Forthwith on all sides to his aid was run
By angels many and strong, who interpos'd
Defence, while others bore him on their shields
Back to his chariot, where it stood retir'd
From off the files of war; there they him laid,
Gnashing for anguish, and despite, and shame."
"Paradise Lost," vi. 335, seq.
239 --_The brazen dome._ See the note on Bk. viii. Page 142.
240 --_For, by the gods! who flies._ Observe the bold ellipsis of "he
cries," and the transition from the direct to the oblique
construction. So in Milton:--
"Thus at their shady lodge arriv'd, both stood,
Both turn'd, and under open sky ador'd
The God that made both sky, air, earth, and heaven,
Which they beheld, the moon's resplendent globe,
And starry pole.--Thou also mad'st the night,
Maker omnipotent, and thou the day."
Milton, "Paradise Lost," Book iv.
241 --_So some tall rock._
"But like a rock unmov'd, a rock that braves
The raging tempest, and the rising waves--
Propp'd on himself he stands: his solid sides
Wash off the sea-weeds, and the sounding tides."
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