84 A BOOK OF MORTALS 



So truthfully there is no exaggeration in the use of 

 that phrase, " great mass of myth," by one of the most 

 learned searchers into the genesis of the " full fair Brid 

 to loken upon." 



For the legend has given rise to much literature 

 for and against its credibility, and the seriousness with 

 which the point has been discussed may be inferred 

 by the following solemn pronouncement from one who 

 denied the solitary self-sufficing Life. 



" Do not the Holy Scriptures plainly affirm that in 

 the Ark of Noe were two beasts of each kind .? Thus 

 to say otherwise enfringeth the benediction of God 

 concerning multiplication." 



Alas ! poor Phcenix, fabled Bird of ultimate sexless 

 unity ! Though it hath " schyned full nobily " through 

 the years, has it yet such share in the sin of Eve that 

 it must come to Birth by Defeat and not by Victory .? 



