Heeren, who is evidently little disposed in favour of modern theories, finely observes:-- "It was Homer who formed the character of the Greek nation.

No poet has ever, as a poet, exercised a similar influence over his countrymen.

Prophets, lawgivers, and sages have formed the character of other nations; it was reserved to a poet to form that of the Greeks.

This is a feature in their character which was not wholly erased even in the period of their degeneracy.

When lawgivers and sages appeared in Greece, the work of the poet had already been accomplished; and they paid homage to his superior genius.