VIU INTRODUCTION. 



+lie sudden burst of the winged form, as it rises from 

 the ground, under which it had undergone its trans- 

 formation, to give forth its endless song in the sunshine 

 of day, — a modification perhaps of the old Psychic 

 myth, prevalent all over the world. 



When we remember that Greek ideas leavened the 

 Indian mind long after the invasion of Alexander 

 (which amongst other things we may note in the 

 modified architecture of certain Indian temples), it 

 does not seem to be improbable that conversely 

 Eastern mythic fancies may have passed westwards 

 through Persia into Greece. 



From Plato we learn that the Tettix was sacred to 

 Apollo, " because it everlastingly sung to the sun." 

 Greek coins may be seen in various collections with 

 a figure of the Sun-god, accompanied by the sacred 

 Tettix. Gems and coins in like illustration will be found 

 engraved on Plate I. of Vol. II. of this work. From 

 some such cause, in praise of Apollo the inhabitants of 

 T8eneros(?) are said to have raised a monument to the 

 Cicada, and to have engraved thereon an epicedeum or 

 elegy to the insect. 



Plato remarks in his ' Phaedrus ' that, " according to 

 rumour, the Cicadae were men before the Muses were 

 born,(?) but that they were so overcome by the plea- 

 sures of soDgthat they neglected to eat and drink; and 

 so unawares they died. From these men the race of 

 Cicadae sprung, haviug received this boon from the 

 Muses, that until they died they should need no 

 nourishment whilst singing, and that then they should 

 return to the Muses and inform them who of the 

 mortals worshipped them most." Cicadas made them- 

 selves particularly dear to Terpischore, by telling her 

 who in the dance most honoured her. 



As to the insect's voice, Plato commends the broad 

 eloquence of Timon Sillographus, and compares it to 

 the strain of the Tettix. He also says, "As music 

 soothes the mind and dissipates fatigue, so the plowman 

 loves and cherishes the Cicada for its sonci:." 



