On the mythological history of Apollo. His birth, according to the Delian, his battle with the Python, according to the Delphian legend. Mimic representation of the latter story, and of the servitude of Apollo.

1. Our present investigation renders it necessary to ascend to a period in which the primitive religion of the Dorians exhibited a distinct and original character, before it had been combined with the worship of other deities. At that time this nation had only two male deities, Jupiter and Apollo: for the existence of the latter every where supposes that of the former, and both were intimately connected in Crete, Delphi, and elsewhere; though the Doric Jupiter did not receive great religious honours. In the temple of Delphi Jupiter and Apollo were represented as Moiragetæ, accompanied by two Fates. The supreme deity, however, when connected with Apollo, was neither born, nor visible on earth, and perhaps never considered as having any immediate influence upon men. But Apollo, who is often emphatically called the son of Jupiter, acts as his intercessor, ambassador, and prophet with mankind. And whilst the father of the gods appears, indistinctly and at a distance, dwelling in ether, and enthroned in the highest heavens, Apollo is described as a divine hero, whose office is to ward off evils and dangers, establish rites of expiation, and announce the ordinances of Fate.