AS we were taking a turn in Saturn's temple, we saw a great many consecrated presents, remarkable enough for their curiosity: Amongst the rest, we took particular notice of a picture hung over the door; the piece we perceived was all emblem and mythology; but then the representation was so singular and out of custom, that we were perfectly at a loss whence it should come, and what was the meaning of it. Upon a strict view, we found it was neither a city, nor a camp, but a sort of court, with two partitions of the same figure within it, though one of them was larger than the other. The first court had a crowd of people at the gate, and within we saw a great company of women. Just at the entrance of the first gate, there stood an old man, who by his gesture and countenance, seemed to be busy in giving advice to the crowd as they came in. And being long at a stand about the design of the fable, a grave man somewhat in years, making up, begins to discourse us in this manner. Gentlemen, says he, I understand you are strangers, and therefore 'tis no wonder the history of this picture should puzzle you: For there are not many of our own countrymen than can explain it. For you are to observe, this is none of our town manufacture.<238> But along while ago, a certain outlandish man<239> of great sense and learning, and who by his discourse and behaviour, seemed to be a disciple of Pythagoras and Parmenides; this gentleman, I say, happening to travel hither, built this structure, and dedicated both the temple and this piece of painting to Saturn. Sir, said I, had you any acquaintance with this gentleman. Yes, says he, I had the benefit of his conversation, and was one of his admirers a long time. For, to my thinking, though he was but young, he talked at a strange significant rate.<240>

N. B. The remainder of Collier's facetious version, is omitted for want of room.

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