it is long since it has been accepted as a credible record of the career of the immortal bard. But what- ever is known or supposed to be known of Homer is derived chiefly from this narrative, and from a later one falsely attributed to Plutarch.
We learn from these works that Menalippus, an Athenian, went to Cumæ in Ionia. He had a daughter named Critheis, whom he left at his death in the charge cf Cleanax, his friend. But Cleanax proved unworthy of his trust, and when he found she was with child by him sent Critheis to Smyrna. There Homer was born on the bank of the Meles. His mother wove woolen stuffs to earn a living for herself and her infant.
Parentage of Homer.
There was at that time in Smyrna, a famous school of music and letters kept by Phemius. He was not so wedded to these pursuits, however, as to disdain the passions with which other men are concerned. Having seen Critheis he discerned in her qualities which won his love. He frankly wooed and married her, adopted her son and gave him instruction. At the death of Phemius, Homer or Melesigenes, as he was sometimes called, from the place of his birth, in- herited his step-father's effects including the school, and acquired repute as a teacher. During this period he seems to have conceived the idea of composing the Iliad. Having this in view and being apparently of an inquiring mind, and thirsting for information, he ac- cepted the invitation of a shipman named Mentes, who urged him to accompany him on a cruise to distant lands, and over remote seas. During this voyage, one of the most important ever taken, if it occurred, Homer went as far as Italy and Spain. On his return he stopped at Ithaca, and
Travels of Homer.
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Publication Information: Book Title: Troy: Its Legend, History and Literature. Contributors: S. G. W. Benjamin - author. Publisher: Charles Scribner's Sons. Place of Publication: New York. Publication Year: 1880. Page Number: 115.
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