Schliemann, Heinrich: Troy and its remains: a narrative of researches and discoveries made on the site of Illium, and in the Trojan Plain (London, 1875)

XXIV PREFACE.

" I identify with the Homeric Ilion the city second in
succession from the virgin soil, because only in that city
were used the Great Tower, the great Circuit Wall, the
great Double Gate, and the ancient palace of the chief or
king, whom I call Priam, because he is called so by the
tradition of which Homer is the echo; but as soon as it is
proved that Homer and the tradition were wrong, and that
Troy's last king was called ' Smith,' I shall at once call
him so." Those who believe Troy to be a myth and
Priam a shadow as unsubstantial as the shape, whose head

" The likeness of a kingly crown had on,"

need not grudge Schliemann the satisfaction of giving the
unappropriated nominis umbra to the owner of his very
substantial Treasure. The name of Priam may possibly
even yet be read on the inscriptions, as the names of the
Assyrian kings have been read on theirs, or it may be an
invention of the bard's; but the name of Troy can no
longer be withheld from the "splendid ruins" of the
great and wealthy city which stood upon its traditional
site—a city which has been sacked by enemies and burnt-
with fire.

PHILIP SMITH.
Hampstead,

Christmas Eve, 1874.