The statements of Herodotus concerning the "shifting of the shadows," and the manner of "extracting the brain" previous to Embalming; and with the foregone proofs of their accuracy both from science and ocular demonstration, are without their parallels for supporting the authenticity of an Ancient Historian—and truly may he be called the Father of History—for Nations were his children, and justly he wrote of them. Time has become his executor, and renders him ample justice in return for his valuable legacy to posterity!
We have been anxious to establish the accomplishment of this celebrated Voyage, the first mentioned having reference to the circumnavigation of a Continent;—but, more especially have we been solicitous to prove that the Fortunate Isles were known to the Tyrians during this Expedition;—for those Islands form an important feature in the great event to follow. In the endeavour to confirm these propositions, we have pursued a path of research and reasoning, we believe, untrodden, or attempted by any writer upon the subject. The Greek Historian is supported by his own accuracy of character and delineation,—and he is directly confirmed by Holy-Writ. Jeremiah wrote of it only a few months after the Expedition. Ezekiel 18 years subsequently, and Herodotus 122 years after the enterprise. The later (and jealous) Romans only are silent:—they do not deny it,—which they would naturally have done, if they would not also have been liable to have been contradicted.
We now submit the subject to the reader's opinion, upon a review of the evidence, facts, and reasoning upon the entire proposition; and shall proceed with the History of Tyrus and the Migration, in the belief that the decision is in the affirmative;—and that consequently the Fortunate Isles (i. e. the Canaries) are admitted to have been discovered, and claimed, by the Tyrians during this first great Voyage around the Continent of Africa, and between the years 609-606 before the Christian Æra; and that from the natural reason stated,—viz., the absence of Woman—the Founding of Ancient America could not have taken place at that time.
CHAPTER VII.
(585—515 B. C.)
ITHOBALUS THE SECOND—TO SISINNES.
THE FIRST SIEGE OF TYRUS, &c.—FULFILMENT OF THE PROPHECY BY JEREMIAH AND EZEKIEL,—AND OF THE FIRST AND SECOND PROPHECY BY ISAIAH.
During the war upon Egypt by the King of Babylon, (and which occurred only seven years after the Voyage around Africa,) it is probable that the King of Tyrus would assist Pharaoh-Necho against the invasion of the Nile by Nebuchadnezzar. The attack by Pharaoh, at the solicitation of Judæa [Ezekiel xvii. 15], (which nation was still paying the annual tribute to Egypt,) had compelled the Babylonian to raise the siege of Jerusalem:—in this movement, also, the Tyrians may have aided by countenance or wealth. In these apparent probabilities, we find the political cause why Nebuchadnezzar turned his fury upon Tyrus, after his conquest of Egypt, and his second and successful invasion of Judæa, and the captivity of the Jews,—which latter event took place 588 B. C.