Fratri, Patrique nomen a Phæbo datum,
Natoque de Delphis tuo.
He mentions, that this worship prevailed particularly in Armorica; of which country his relations were natives.
[[855]]Nec reticebo Senem,
Nomine Phœbicium,
Qui Beleni Ædituus,
Stirpe satus Druidûm,
Gentis Armoricæ.
Belin, the Deity of whom he speaks, was the same as [[856]]Bel and Balen, of Babylonia and Canaan; the Orus and Apollo of other nations. Herodian takes notice of his being worshipped by the people of Aquileia; and says, that they called him Belin, and paid great reverence, esteeming him the same as [[857]]Apollo.
The true name of the Amonian priests I have shewn to have been Petor, or Pator; and the instrument which they held in their hands was styled Petaurum. They used to dance round a large fire, in honour of the Sun, whose orbit they affected to describe. At the same time they exhibited other feats of activity, to amuse the votaries who resorted to their temples. This dance was sometimes performed in armour, especially in Crete: and, being called Pyrrhic, was supposed to have been so named from Pyrrhus, the son of Achilles. But, when was he in Crete? Besides, it is said to have been practised by the Argonautic heroes before his time. It was a religious dance, denominated from fire, with which it was accompanied.