Eclog. 1. THere was never any Poet or Historian, or any Learned Man of what Science soever, that could please all their Readers in every thing. Neither can any thing that is mortal, tho' it attain its end and design, gain the general approbation of all, so as to be wholly free from Exception and Censure. For neither * Phidias who was so admir'd for his Ivory Images: Nor * Praxiles that excellent Stone-cutter: Nor Appelles or Parrasius, who attain'd to the highest pitch of Art and Skill in Limning and Painting, could ever reach to that degree of Happiness, as to exhibit any piece of their several Arts, that was not in some respect capable of Censure. For who was a more Famous Poet than Homer; or an Orator than Demosthenes? Who more Just than Aristides and Solon? yet join'd as a Flaw to all their Excellencies there is an Oration that carps at them, and makes them as if they were all ignorant Fellows. For indeed being but Men, altho' they attained to eminent Perfection in their several Accomplishments, yet through Human Frailty, they fail'd and mistook in many things. However, some Men there are who discover both their Envy and Folly, who wilfully omit to give an account of what is commendable and praise-worthy; but where they have any colour to find fault, there they fix, and are unwilling ever to leave it, endeavouring by blackning another, to set forth the more their own Worth and Excellencies; not considering that every Art and peculiar Accomplishment is more to be judg'd of by enquiry into the thing it self, than by making conclusions from the partial and peevish Passion of another, But any would admire this industrious Folly of Detraction, whereby a person by blackening another, in truth loses his own Reputation.—There are some things that by a blind instinct, are naturally hurtful, as Frost, and Snow burn and blast the fairest and most pleasant Fruits; and the resplendent Whiteness of the Snow so dazles the Eyes, that it almost deprives them of their Sight: and so some Men that have neither Wit nor Will to do any thing that is commendable themselves, yet have Malice and Folly enough naturally, to judge and condemn the Actions of others: But it is the part of a prudent and understanding Man, always to attribute due praise to them, who by their Industry have prosecuted virtuous Designs: And where any have not been so successful as they desir'd, not to taunt at the infirmity of Humane Nature; But so much of these envious Men.
2. For as a brave Champion after he has spent much time in anointing himself, at length descends into the Lists—Having gain'd great Experience and an Habit.
3. Menodotus the Corinthian writ the Affairs of Greece in 14 Books. And Sosilus the Ilian the Acts of Hannibal in Seven.
4. Among the Romans a Legion consists of 5000 Men.
5. Men naturally flock to them that are in prosperity, but insult over those that are brought into Distress.—For the Soul presently to undergo a meer contrary Change, which is in its own nature unchangeable.
6. The City of Rhodes being ruin'd by a great Earthquake, Hiero the Syracusian bestow'd Six Talents of Silver towards the repairing of the Walls, and Silver Cauldrons of great value, besides Money: And let them have Corn to Transport free from Custom.
7. That which is now call'd Philopolis, was heretofore call'd Phiotis of Thebes, over all Thessaly.
8, For sost Beds, constant delicate Fare, and the use of all sorts of precious Ointments, unfitted them for toil and hardship.—For both their Bodies and Minds were habituated to Effeminacy and Luxuriousness.—For Men naturally can hardly brook Toil and Pains, and low Diet; but delight in Idleness and Luxury. For Hannibal with much Toil and Care gain'd Cities both from the Romans and Brutians, and took Crotona, and Besieg'd Rhegium. For from Hercules Pillars in the West to Crotona, he over-ran all the Roman Territories.
The Histories of Herodotus written in 440 BC is considered to be the founding work of history in Western literature. His history included stories and fables but he claimed to have traveled extensively and learned about many countries through direct observation.
The thesis of Stolen Legacy is that the Egyptians created what is wrongly called Greek philosophy. Dr. James argues that the African origin of Greek Philosophy is well known but rarely discussed. Ancient Greek historians such as Herodotus and Diodorus the Sicilian wrote in significant detail about the contributions of Egypt. Egyptian technology and libraries were unmatched and Greek philosophers such as Pythagoras and Plato studied there. The contribution of Africa to the intellectual foundation of modern knowledge is tremendous but unacknowledged.
The Library of History by Diodorus the Sicilian is one of the most highly regarded universal histories in antiquities. His work includes the history of Egypt, Asia, Africa, Greece and Europe. His book is a must read for research of ancient history.
Bible Study The King James Bible (kjv), World English Bible (web) and Bible in Basic English (bbe) are all examples of public domain books. The King James Bible (kjv) online uses the content from these books and open source software to enhance Bible study capabilities. The site includes the verse of the day, search tools, christian literature and links to related content. It demonstrates the use of open source to create a valuable service.