Goodisson, William: A historical and topographical essay upon the islands of Corfu, Leucadia, Cephalonia, Ithaka and Zante: with remarks upon the character manners and customs of the Ionian Greeks : descriptions of the scenery and remains of antiquity discovered therein, and reflections upon the Cyclopian ruins, illustrated by maps and sketches (London: Thomas and George Underwood, 1822)

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runs down between it and Stephanos, or Neios,
through the bottom of which a little rivulet flows
to the sea. Here was probably the fountain of
Ithacus*, which would thus correspond in situation
with that at which Ulysses and Eumeus met the
insolent Melanthius on their way to the city.
Sir W. Gell’s description of the palace is evi-
dently a paraphrase of the text of Homer, no trace
of any thing of the kind being to be found here,
which, if the traveller expects to meet with,
although there is much else to gratify his curiosity,
he will be greatly disappointed. Admitting that
the great hero of the Odyssey, who also made so
conspicuous a figure in the Iliad during the war,
did occupy this post, of which the historical ‘and
topographical evidence appear not to admit of a
doubt; it will be found to have been admirably
well adapted to the character of the times in which
he lived: it was secure against any surprise from
an enemy, by its insulated and elevated position,
occupying the top of a hill in the centre of the
island, commanding on one side a most excellent
harbour, and a roadsted (otticcuto) at the other,
facing the bay of Samos. The city of Samos,
* Where silver alders, in high arches twin’d
Drink the cool stream and tremble to the wind.
Beneath, sequester’d to the nymphs is seen
A mossy altar, deep embower’d in green;
Where constant vows by travellers are paid,
And holy horrors solemnize the shade.
Pops, Od. b. 17. 1. 240.