ATHENS. 257 
once dreaming that they were likely to perish. CHAP, 
For example, he does not determine the quan- 
tity of the Diazomata, or Pr&cinctiones, which 
we call corridors, retreats, or landing-places: and 
even in things which he does specify, he lays 
down rules which we actually find were never 
attended to; as when he tells of two distinct 
elevations observed in the construction of their 
rows of benches, and neither the one nor the 
other accords with any thing now remaining of 
the antient theatres. Among modern writers, 
the Jesuit Gallutius Sabienus, and the learned 
Scaliger, have neglected the most essential 
parts : and the confused mass of citations col- 
lected by Bulengerus intimidates any one who is 
desirous to set them in a clear light : after being 
at the pains to examine his authorities, and 
glean whatever intelligence may be derived 
from Athenceus, Hesychius, Julius Pollux, Eusta- 
thius, Suidas, and others, our knowledge is still 
Very imperfect. The Greek theatres were in 
general open ; but the Odeum of Regilla was 
magnificently covered, as has been stated, with 
a roof of cedar. The Odeum of Pericles, or 
Music Theatre, was also covered; for, according 
to Plutarch, it was the high-pointed and tent- 
like shape of its roof, which gave occasion to 
the comic poet Cratinus to level some ingenious 
VOL. vi. s 
