Let us now consider some of the opinions to which a persevering, patient, and learned--but by no means consistent--series of investigations has led.

In doing so, I profess to bring forward statements, not to vouch for their reasonableness or probability.
"Homer appeared.

The history of this poet and his works is lost in doubtful obscurity, as is the history of many of the first minds who have done honour to humanity, because they rose amidst darkness.

The majestic stream of his song, blessing and fertilizing, flows like the Nile, through many lands and nations; and, like the sources of the Nile, its fountains will ever remain concealed." Such are the words in which one of the most judicious German critics has eloquently described the uncertainty in which the whole of the Homeric question is involved.

With no less truth and feeling he proceeds:-- "It seems here of chief importance to expect no more than the nature of things makes possible.