Ill 
130 GROVE OF THE MUSES 
CHAP. These imperfect legends, and the vestiges of 
antient architecture in the walls of the build- 
ings, are sufficient to prove that the monastery 
and its church occupy the site of some more 
antient shrine: and the allusion to the Games 
here solemnized in honour of the Muses plainly 
indicate its real nature. With Pausanias in 
our hands, we began a further examination of 
the place ; comparing the different objects with 
his description. The sacred Grove, according to 
him, was in Helicon {iv 'EXizmvi), at a distance 
from THESPiy\, which was not in Helicon, but 
beneath, that is to say, at the foot of the moun- 
tain'. In the time oi Pausanias, the Grove was 
surrounded by inhabitants; and thither the 
Thespians annually resorted', to celebrate Games 
in honour of the Muses, which were called 
MOT2EIA. It is to these games that the 
inscription we found within the church evidently 
relates : and as the pillar, upon which it is 
written, perhaps remains upon or near to the 
spot where this festival was commemorated, we 
may thence proceed towards the fountain 
Aganippe and the river Permessus, being 
(1) 'T^o T« 0^0} Tflv 'EA./»»»a, ». T. ;.. Fausan. Bceot. c. 26. p. 761- 
ed. Kuhnii. 
(2) Tlt^ioiKovrt ti xai avl^'.s to aXaai, zai lo^Tnv ft hrxuSa oi Qifrni; *«) 
uyuM ayoua-i MOT'ZEIA. Ibid. C. 31. p. 771. 
