The history of the decline and fall of the Roman empire Volume 6 - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1825 edition. Excerpt: ...space; the character of eternity is marked on these solid globes, that seem incapable of corruption or decay; the regularity of their motions may be ascribed to a principle of reason or instinct; and their real or imaginary influence encourages the vain belief that the earth and its inhabitants are the object of their peculiar care. The science of astronomy was cultivated at Babylon; but the school of the Arabs was a clear firmament and a naked plain. In their nocturnal marches, they steered by the guidance of the stars: their names, and order, and daily station, were familiar to the curiosity and devotion of the Bedoween; and he was taught by experience to divide in twentyeight parts, the zodiac of the moon, and to bless the " D'Herbelot, Bibliot. Orient. p. 458. Gagnier, Vie de Mahomet, torn. S. p. 118. Caab and Hesnus (Pocock, Specimen, p. 43. 46. 48.) were likewise conspicuous for their liberality; and the latter is elegantly praised by an Arabian poet:--" Videbis eum cum accesseris exultantem, ac si dares illi quod ab illopetis.' Whatever can be known of the idolatry of the ancient Arabians, may be found in Pocock. (Specimen, p. 89--136.163,164.) His profound erudition is more clearly and concisely interpreted by Sale; (Preliminary Discourse, p. 14--24.) and Assemanni (Bibliot. Orient. torn. 4. p.580--590.) has added some valu« able remarks. VOL. VI. T constellations who refreshed, with salutary rains, the thirst of the desert. The reign of the heavenly orbs could not be extended beyond the visible sphere; and some metaphysical powers were necessary to sustain the transmigration of souls and the resurrection of bo dies: a camel was left to perish on the grave, that he might serve his master in another life; and the invoca tion of...