Chapter II

Remote Origin of Oracles--Influence of Oracles--Opinions respecting
them--Cause of the Cessation of Oracles--Superstition early
systematized in Egypt--Bœotia early famous for Oracles--Origin of
the Oracle of Dodona--Ambiguity of Oracular Responses--Stratagem
of a Peasant--Oracles disbelieved by Ancient Philosophers--Cyrus
and the Idol Bel--Source of Fire-Worshipping--Victory of Canopus
over Fire--The Sphinx--Sounds heard from it--Supposed Cause of
them--Mysterious Sounds at Nakous--Frauds of the Priests of
Serapis--The Statue of Memnon--Oracle of Delphi--Its Origin--Changes
which it underwent--The Pythoness--Danger attendant on her
office--Tricks played by Heathen Priests--Origin of the Gordian
Knot--The Knot is cut by Alexander--Ambrosian, Logan or Rocking
Stones--Representations of them on Ancient Coins--Pliny’s Description
of a Logan Stone in Asia--Stones at Sitney, in Cornwall, and at
Castle Treryn--The latter is overthrown, and replaced--Logan Stones
are Druidical Monuments 17