[766]. Hatch, H.L. p. 77, n. 1, quoting Harnack.
[767]. Hatch, op. cit. pp. 75, 76, shows that the allegorical method introduced by the Gnostics in order to avoid the difficulty of reconciling the Old Testament with the New was at first scornfully rejected, but was soon adopted by the orthodox, and was pursued by both Catholic and Protestant writers up to a few years ago.
[768]. Droysen, Hist. de l’Hellénisme, t. II. pp. 33, 289.
[769]. Op. cit. III. pp. 351, 352; 439, 450. As Droysen points out, in this respect there was no practical difference between Parthian and Persian.
[770]. As in B.C. 41, when the Parthians under Pacorus “rushed” Palestine. See Morrison, The Jews under the Romans, p. 58, for authorities. Cf. Chapter V. Vol. I. p. 101, n. 3, supra.
[771]. This is shown by, among other things, the claims of the kings of Armenia, Cappadocia, and Pontus to be descended from the seven heroes who delivered Persia from the Magians after the death of Cambyses. See Droysen, op. cit. II. p. 519; III. pp. 82, 83.
[772]. Droysen, op. cit. III. p. 83.
[773]. Horace, Odes, Bk IV. Ode 5. Cf. his Carmen Seculare.
[774]. Renan, L’Antéchrist, pp. 317, 318, for authorities. A critical essay on the Neronic myth and its congeners is to be found in Dr Charles’ Ascension of Isaiah, p. li sqq.
[775]. Gibbon, Decline and Fall (Bury’s ed.), vol. I. pp. 5, 205.