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The Iliad of Homer - Get a Free Blog

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is involved. With no less truth and feeling<br />

he proceeds:—<br />

"It seems here <strong>of</strong> chief importance to expect<br />

no more than the nature <strong>of</strong> things<br />

makes possible. If the period <strong>of</strong> tradition<br />

in history is the region <strong>of</strong> twilight, we<br />

should not expect in it perfect light. <strong>The</strong><br />

creations <strong>of</strong> genius always seem like miracles,<br />

because they are, for the most part,<br />

created far out <strong>of</strong> the reach <strong>of</strong> observation.<br />

If we were in possession <strong>of</strong> all the<br />

historical testimonies, we never could<br />

wholly explain the origin <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Iliad</strong> and<br />

the Odyssey; for their origin, in all essential<br />

points, must have remained the secret<br />

<strong>of</strong> the poet." 16<br />

From this criticism, which shows as<br />

much insight into the depths <strong>of</strong> human<br />

nature as into the minute wire-drawings<br />

<strong>of</strong> scholastic investigation, let us pass on<br />

to the main question at issue. Was <strong>Homer</strong>

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