Gell, William: The geography and antiquities of Ithaca (London, 1807)

8

countrymen, and the intervals of the song might be filled
with the marvels of his adventures, with the description of
his return, and circumstantial relations of the art and valour
by which he recovered his dominion. Gratitude towards
his family, as well as the peculiar interest of the tale, might
have induced Homer to construct on this foundation the
second prodigy of his genius; the conversation of the
islanders would supply anecdotes of their hero in abun-
dance ; his own geographical knowledge might correct or
heighten their report of his distant dangers, and his obser-
vation of existing circumstances in Ithaca might turn his
attention to the dangers of immoderate commercial aggran-
disement, and draw from him those expressions of abhor-
rence of the sea which in a manner characterise the Odys-
sey.1

The confirmation of the justice of this principle, applied
to the island in question, will not be the most unpleasing
feature in the present survey ; and while every day wit-
nesses some new tract of land lost to cultivation, some new
countryman, quitting his cottage for the lucrative though

' 8 Odyss. 1. 138.