[[595]]Και Μητις, πρωτος γενετωρ, και Ερως πολυτερπης.
On this account many antient temples were ornamented with this curious hieroglyphic: and among others the temple of Caphisus [[596]]in Argolis. Caphisus is a compound of Caph-Isis, which signifies Petra Isidis, and relates to the same Deity as Metis. For we must not regard sexes, nor difference of appellations, when we treat of antient Deities.
[[597]]Αρσην μεν και θηλυς εφυς, πολεματοκε Μητι.
[[598]]Παντοφυης, γενετωρ παντων, πολυωνυμε Δαιμον.
I have taken notice that the Cyclopians of Thrace were styled Charopes; which name they must have received from their rites, and place of worship. Char-Opis signifies the temple of the Python, or serpent: and we find that it was situated near a poisonous pool. It was sacred to the Sun: and there were many temples of this name in [[599]]Egypt, and other countries. The Sun was called Arez; and the lion, which was an emblem of the Sun, had the same denomination: and there is reason to think, that the device upon Charopian temples was sometimes a lion. Homer, undoubtedly, had seen the fierce figure of this animal upon some sacred portal in Egypt; to which he often alludes, when he speaks of a Charopian lion.
[[600]]Αρκτοιτ', αγροτεροι τε Συες, χαροποι τε Λεοντες.
Pl. IX. MEDUSA.
From a Gem in the Collection of His Grace the Duke of Marlborough
The devices upon temples were often esteemed as talismans, and supposed to have an hidden and salutary influence, by which the building was preserved. In the temple of Minerva, at Tegea, was some sculpture of Medusa, which the Goddess was said to have given, [[601]]αναλωτον ες τον παντα κρονον ειναι (την πολιν); to preserve the city from ever being taken in war. It was probably from this opinion, that the [[602]]Athenians had the head of Medusa represented upon the walls of their acropolis: and it was the insigne of many cities, as we may find from antient coins. The notion of the Cyclopes framing the thunder and lightning for Jupiter arose chiefly from the Cyclopians engraving hieroglyphics of this sort upon the temples of the Deity. Hence they were represented as persons,