Page:Homer's Battle of the Frogs and Mice - Parnell (1717).djvu/7

Fleuron from 'Homer's Battle of the Frogs and Mice' by Thomas Parnell published in 1717

PREFACE.

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aving some Time ago heard, that the Translation of Homer's Iliad wou'd be attempted, I resolv'd to confer with the Gentleman who undertook it. I found him of a tall Presence, and thoughtful Countenance, with his Hands folded, his Eyes fix'd, and his Beard untrimm'd. This I took to be a good Omen, because he thus resembled the Constantinopolitan Statue of Homer which Cedrenus describes, and surely nothing cou'd have been liker, had he but arriv'd at the Character of Age and Blindness. As my Business was to be my Introduction, I toldhim