"The Moral of this Fable is, that Humanity is the Characteristick of Man; and that a cruel Soul in a human Body, is only a Wolf in Disguise."
— Boyse, Samuel (1708-1749)
Author
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed for J. Newbery
Date
1753
Metaphor
"The Moral of this Fable is, that Humanity is the Characteristick of Man; and that a cruel Soul in a human Body, is only a Wolf in Disguise."
Metaphor in Context
[...] The Fictions relating to the Giants, in Mr. Banier's Opinion (29), took their Rise from a Passage in Genesis; where it is said, that the (30) Sons of God, whom the Ancients supposed to be the Guardian Angels, became enamour'd with the Daughters of Men, and that their Children were mighty Men, or Giants, the Word in the Original signifying either Giants, or Men become monstrous by their Crimes; their Heads, instead of their Guilt, were said to reach to the Clouds, while the Wickedness of their Lives, might not improperly be termed fighting against God, and daring the Thunder of Heaven. But however this be, it will hardly be doubted, but that this Passage might give Rise to the Amours of the Gods and Goddesses, and their various Intrigues wish Mortals. As the frequent Appearance of real Angels to the Patriarchs, and the hospitable Reception they met with under the Disguise of Travellers, might give Room for the Poets to form, upon the same Plan, the Tales of Baucis and Philemon, and to contrast that beautiful Picture of humble Content, and of the Peace that blesses the homely Cabbins of the innocent and good, with the Story of Lycaon, who wanting Humanity, and being of a savage unhospitable Temper, is, with great Propriety, said to change his Form into one more suitable to the Disposition of his Mind. The Moral of this Fable is, that Humanity is the Characteristick of Man; and that a cruel Soul in a human Body, is only a Wolf in Disguise.
(pp. 251-2)
(pp. 251-2)
Categories
Provenance
Searching in Google Books
Citation
13 entries in ESTC (1753, 1758, 1760, 1768, 1769, 1771, 1772, 1777, 1786, 1787, 1792, 1800).
A New Pantheon: or, Fabulous History of the Heathen Gods, Heroes, Goddesses, &c. Explain’d in a Manner Intirely New, and Render’d Much More Useful Than Any Hitherto Publish’d on This Subject. Adorn’d With Figures Depicted from Ancient Paintings, Medals and Gems, for the Use of Those Who Would Understand History, Poetry, Painting, Statuary, Coins, Medals, &c. To Which Is Added, a Discourse on the Theology of the Ancients, Wherein the Manner of Their Worship, and the Rise and Progress of Idolatry Are Considered. As Also an Explanation of Their Ancient Mythology from the Writings of Moses; the Egyptian, Grecian, Roman, and Eastern Historians, Philosophers, Poets, &C. by Samuel Boyse, A.M. With an Appendix, Containing Some Account of Their Various Superstitious Observances by Astrology, Prodigies, Auguries, Auspices, Oracles, &c. In Which the Origin of Each Are Pointed out. As Also a Short Historical Account of the Rise of Altars, Sacred Groves, Priests and Temples. By a Gentleman of Cambridge. (London: Printed for J. Newbery, at the Bible and Sun opposite the North Door in St. Paul’s Church-Yard; and B. Collins, Bookseller, on the New Canal in Salisbury, 1753). <Link to ESTC><Link to Google Books>
A New Pantheon: or, Fabulous History of the Heathen Gods, Heroes, Goddesses, &c. Explain’d in a Manner Intirely New, and Render’d Much More Useful Than Any Hitherto Publish’d on This Subject. Adorn’d With Figures Depicted from Ancient Paintings, Medals and Gems, for the Use of Those Who Would Understand History, Poetry, Painting, Statuary, Coins, Medals, &c. To Which Is Added, a Discourse on the Theology of the Ancients, Wherein the Manner of Their Worship, and the Rise and Progress of Idolatry Are Considered. As Also an Explanation of Their Ancient Mythology from the Writings of Moses; the Egyptian, Grecian, Roman, and Eastern Historians, Philosophers, Poets, &C. by Samuel Boyse, A.M. With an Appendix, Containing Some Account of Their Various Superstitious Observances by Astrology, Prodigies, Auguries, Auspices, Oracles, &c. In Which the Origin of Each Are Pointed out. As Also a Short Historical Account of the Rise of Altars, Sacred Groves, Priests and Temples. By a Gentleman of Cambridge. (London: Printed for J. Newbery, at the Bible and Sun opposite the North Door in St. Paul’s Church-Yard; and B. Collins, Bookseller, on the New Canal in Salisbury, 1753). <Link to ESTC><Link to Google Books>
Date of Entry
11/15/2013
