THE HOMERIC PALACE. 195 



to the adopted circuitous and hilly road. However, 

 it is but fair to presume that its supporters were 

 deterred from adopting the rejected ones by consi- 

 derations of expense, as it is obvious, that two bridges 

 and an embankment at Blaxton, must have occasi- 

 oned a considerable expenditure, and that such hills 

 as occur from Plympton St. Mary Bridge to Chad- 

 dlewood Lodge were not then deemed impediments 

 to the existing mode of traveUing. The far greater 

 part of the yeomanry were furiously opposed to all 

 tolls. (Short sighted men ! ! ! are they yet cured ?) 

 And therefore the popular side was probably with 

 the Rogers' party, as ulterior expence is rarely con- 

 sidered in popular meetings, the immediate burthen 

 being chiefly adverted to. 



In our next number, it is our design to give an 

 engraving of the intended bridge, with some account 

 of its dimensions, its probable expense, period of 

 completion, and of those who have contracted to 

 execute it. 



THE HOMERIC PALACE. 



In the Homeric times, a royal or princely house 

 was uniformly situated in the midst of an area, en- 

 compassed by a wall, in which the exterior gate un- 

 folded its double leaves to admit a chariot and 

 horses to pass. 



Opposite to this gateway was the inner door of 

 entrance into the hall ; which, occupying the middle 

 and main part of the dwelling, served to entertain 

 more than a hundred guests : it contained a fire- 

 place, answering the purposes of a kitchen : its 

 windows, small and on high, let in the light of the sun, 

 and emitted the smoke of lamps : its ceihng was the 

 upper roof, forming a gallery, whither the inmates 

 repaired to sleep ; or refresh themselves in the cool 

 of evening. Thus it is said of Elpenor ; who, in a 

 fit of ebriety, missing the stair, fell outward from 



