238 A T H E N S. 
CHAR A beautiful figure of Act&on, with this kind of 
IV. 
hat, is preserved upon one of the Greek Marbles 
in the University Library at Cambridge 1 ; and 
another representation of the same person, 
similarly attired, appears upon the Neapolitan 
Vase*, where there is also an effigy of Castor 
with the pileus upon his head; for Action, in 
both instances, is figured with his head un- 
covered, the hat hanging, by its ribbands, in 
graceful negligence behind his shoulders; and 
after this manner it is more frequently repre- 
sented. Among the Romans, who rarely used 
any covering for the head, the pileus, when 
worn, was the distinguishing badge of freed- 
men; and the use of it, as a privilege, was 
granted to persons who had obtained their 
liberty. In the Heroic age no kind of hats 
were worn, if we may judge from the Poems of 
Homer, where there is no allusion to any such 
article of apparel. Indeed, Eustathius affirms 
that the Romans derived their custom of going 
(l) This marble represents the body of an Amphora, about three 
feet in length, from the shore of the Propontis. It was presented 
to the University by Mr. Spencer Smith, late Minister Plenipotentiary 
at the Ottoman Porte, and brother of Sir Sidney Smith. The sculp- 
ture is in low relief, but it is very antient. 
(2) Now in the possession of Mr. Edwards, of Harrow, late book- 
seller in Pall Mail, I^ondon. 
