"The moral then of these fables of Alcinous is, that a constant series of happiness intoxicates the mind, and that moderation is often learn'd in the school of adversity."
— Pope, Alexander (1688-1744), Broome, W. and Fenton, E.
Place of Publication
London
Date
1725-6
Metaphor
"The moral then of these fables of Alcinous is, that a constant series of happiness intoxicates the mind, and that moderation is often learn'd in the school of adversity."
Metaphor in Context
This land, from whence their morning course begun,]
If Homer had given the true situation of Corcyra as it really lies opposite to Epirus , yet the Hyperbole of sailing thence to Eubæa and returning in the same day, had been utterly an impossibility; for in sailing thither they must pass the Ionian and Icarian seas, and double the Peloponnesus . But the fiction is yet more extravagant, by the Poet's placing it still more distant near the Fortunate Islands . But what is impossible for vessels to effect, that are as swift as birds, and can sail with the rapidity of a thought?
Eustathius.
But then is the Poet justifiable for relating such incredible amplifications? It may be answer'd, if he had put these extravagancies into the mouth of Ulysses , he had been unpardonable, but they suit well with the character of Alcinous : They let Ulysses into his disposition, and he appears to be ignorant, credulous, and ostentatious. This was necessary, that Ulysses might know how to adapt himself to his humour, and engage his assistance; and this he actually brings about by raising his wonder and esteem by stories, that could not fail to please such an ignorant and credulous person as Alcinous .
Dacier adds, that the Phæacians were so puff'd up with their constant felicity and the protection of the Gods, that they thought nothing impossible; upon this opinion all these Hyperboles are founded: And this agrees too well with human nature; the more happy men are, the more high and extravagantly they talk, and are too apt to entertain themselves with wild Chimæra's which have no existence but in the Imagination.
The moral then of these fables of Alcinous is, that a constant series of happiness intoxicates the mind, and that moderation is often learn'd in the school of adversity.
(Bk. VII)
If Homer had given the true situation of Corcyra as it really lies opposite to Epirus , yet the Hyperbole of sailing thence to Eubæa and returning in the same day, had been utterly an impossibility; for in sailing thither they must pass the Ionian and Icarian seas, and double the Peloponnesus . But the fiction is yet more extravagant, by the Poet's placing it still more distant near the Fortunate Islands . But what is impossible for vessels to effect, that are as swift as birds, and can sail with the rapidity of a thought?
Eustathius.
But then is the Poet justifiable for relating such incredible amplifications? It may be answer'd, if he had put these extravagancies into the mouth of Ulysses , he had been unpardonable, but they suit well with the character of Alcinous : They let Ulysses into his disposition, and he appears to be ignorant, credulous, and ostentatious. This was necessary, that Ulysses might know how to adapt himself to his humour, and engage his assistance; and this he actually brings about by raising his wonder and esteem by stories, that could not fail to please such an ignorant and credulous person as Alcinous .
Dacier adds, that the Phæacians were so puff'd up with their constant felicity and the protection of the Gods, that they thought nothing impossible; upon this opinion all these Hyperboles are founded: And this agrees too well with human nature; the more happy men are, the more high and extravagantly they talk, and are too apt to entertain themselves with wild Chimæra's which have no existence but in the Imagination.
The moral then of these fables of Alcinous is, that a constant series of happiness intoxicates the mind, and that moderation is often learn'd in the school of adversity.
(Bk. VII)
Categories
Provenance
HDIS
Citation
Over 30 entries in ESTC (1725, 1726, 1745, 1752, 1753, 1758, 1760, 1761, 1763, 1766, 1767, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1773, 1778, 1790, 1792, 1795, 1796).
The Odyssey of Homer. Translated from the Greek, 5 vols. (London: Printed for Bernard Lintot, 1725-26).
The Odyssey of Homer. Translated from the Greek, 5 vols. (London: Printed for Bernard Lintot, 1725-26).
Date of Entry
10/26/2003
