Medulla Poetarum Romanorum Or, the Most Beautiful and Instructive Passages of the Roman Poets. Being a Collection, (Disposed under proper Heads,) Of such Descriptions, Allusions, Comparisons, Characters, and Sentiments, as may best serve to shew the Religion, Learning, Politicks, Arts, Customs, Opinions, Manners, and Circumstances of the Antients. With Translations of the same in English Verse. By Mr. Henry Baker |
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Writing.
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
541
Writing.
Phœnicians first, if ancient Fame be true,The wond'rous Art of forming Letters knew:
They first essay'd, as 'twere by Magic bound,
To picture Speech, and fix the flying Sound:
By uncouth Figures which their Fancy wrought,
Colour and Body gave to Voice and Thought.
Then Memphis, e'er the ready Leaf was known,
Engrav'd her Precepts and her Arts on Stone:
With Birds and Beasts, in various Order plac'd,
The learned Hieroglyphick Column grac'd.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |