320 STRAITS OF THERMOPYL/E. 
through the rifted and rotten surface of a cor- 
rupted soil, as if all the land around were 
diseased; afilthy and fetid quagmire; *' a heaven 
fat with fogs ; " stagnant* but reeking pools ; 
hot and sulphureous springs ; in short, such a 
scene of m-orbid nature, as suggested to the 
fertile imagination of antient Poets their ideas 
of a land poisoned by the "blood of Nessus,'' and 
which calls to mind their descriptions of Tar- 
tarus, can only become delightful from the most 
powerful circumstances of association that ever 
were produced by causes diametrically oppo- 
site;— -an association combining, in the mere 
mention of the place, all that is great, and good, 
and honourable ; all that has been embalmed as 
most dear in the minds of a grateful posterity. 
In the overwhelming recollection of the sacrifice 
that was here offered, every other consideration 
is forgotten ; the Pass of Thermopylie becomes 
consecrated ; it is made a source of the best 
feelings of the hum.an heart ; and it *' shall be 
had in everlasting remembrance'." 
(I) "There Honour comes, a pilgrim gray, 
To bless the turf that wraps their clay ; 
And Freedom shall a while repair, 
To dwell a weepinj hermit there." 
CvlUn 
