14 MYTHOLOGY. 
It was the origin of all things, and began by 
the separation of the four elements, from two of 
which the heavens are formed and from the 
others the earth, and by the participation of 
these all beings are born. 
The spirit of God brooded upon the waters as 
the hen upon her egg. 
This egg becomes the base of a multitude of 
allegories revolting and absurd when they do 
not approach their model, but very ingenious 
when in the same key. Among these are the 
fables of the birth of Hercules; the sons of 
Jove born from an egg — Castor and Pollux ; 
Venus born from the bosom of the waters ; 
Semiramis born from an egg cast up by the 
waters — and others.” 
The Persians believed in two deities ; one born 
of light, the other of shade, who made war upon 
each other. 
The first produced twenty-four good spirits 
inclosed in an egg, which was invaded by evil 
spirits proceeding from the other, and since that 
time good and evil have been mingled on earth. 
The Hindoos held the egg to be the source of 
