Of this Latin translation, many editions were afterwards published. The text was revised by Conrad Heresbachius, and printed at Colen in 1526, 1537, &c. &c. The first edition of Herodotus, in Greek, was by Aldus Manutius, and printed at Venice in 1502. The next edition was printed at Basil in 1541, with notes, by Cameranius. Other editions succeeded by Henry Stephens, who printed the Greek text only, in 1570, at Paris; by Jungermann, with notes; by Sylburjius by Gale; by Wesseling, which is of the highest reputation, and which I have principally used; and finally by Borheck, at Lemgow, in seven volumes octavo, in 1795. This last is a very learned performance, but is chiefly confined to criticisms on the text. Almost every European language has to boast of a translation of Herodotus. There is one in Dutch, German, Italian, and more than one in French, A curious old translation of the two first books, seemingly rendered from the French into English, was published in London by Marsh in 1584. From this time none appeared in our language till Littlebury published his two volumes in 1737; My work appeared in 1791, not long after which a single volume was published by Mr. Lempriere, the learned compiler of the Classical Dictionary, who has not been pleased to favour the public with his continuation. And here my account of the historian must conclude; but when I consider the great admiration which for successive ages he has deservedly obtained, when I reflect on the instruction which he communicates in the most pure and delightful style, I cannot but regret, that the sources of information concerning him are not more clear as well as more copious. I would not trifle with my reader, by leading him through the mazes of a labyrinth, where a few intervals of light and beauty would but ill compensate for the tediousness and uncertainty of his way; I have rather chosen to place before him a plain uninterrupted path, from which he may discern at one view the clearest prospect I could present to him, as well as the materials of which it is composed. HERODOTUS. CLIO. 'CHAP. I. O preserve from oblivion the memory of former incidents, and to render a just tribute of renown to the many great and wonderful actions, both of Greeks and Barbarians', HERODOTUS' of Halicarnassus 'The simplicity with which Herodotus commences his History, and enters immediately on his subject, has been much and deservedly admired, and exhibits a striking contrast to the elaborate introductions of modern writers. It is not, however, peculiar to Herodotus; it was the beautiful distinction of almost all the more ancient authors.-T. 2 Barbarians.]-As this word so frequently occurs in the progress of our work, it may be necessary, once for all, to advertise the English reader, that the ancients used it in a much milder sense than we do. Much as has been said of the pride of the old Romans, the word in question may tend to prove, that they were in some instances. less tenacious of their national dignity than the Greeks. The appellation of Barbarians was given by the Greeks to all the world but themselves; |