inal religion of this island, which the Druids in
aftertimes adopted. That it went high in the north is evident from
Ausonius, who takes notice of its existing in his time. He had relations,
who were priests of this order and denomination; and who are, on that
account, complimented by him, in his ode to Attius Patera [854]Rhetor.

Tu Boiocassis stirpe Druidarum satus,
Si fama non fallat fidem,
Beleni sacratum ducis e templo genus,
Et inde vobis nomina,
Tibi Paterae: sic ministros nuncupant
Apollinares Mystici.
Fratri, Patrique nomen a Phaebo datum,
Natoque de Delphis tuo.

He mentions, that this worship prevailed particularly in Armorica; of which
country his relations were natives.

[855]Nec reticebo Senem,
Nomine Phoebicium,
Qui Beleni AEdituus,
Stirpe satus Druidum,
Gentis Armoricae.

Belin, the Deity of whom he speaks, was the same as [856]Bel and Balen, of
Babylonia and Canaan; the Orus and Apollo of other nations. Herodian takes
notice of his being worshipped by the people of Aquileia; and says, that
they called him Belin, and paid great reverence, esteeming him the same as
[857]Apollo.

The true name of the Amonian priests I have shewn to have been Petor, or
Pator; and the instrument which they held in their hands was styled
Petaurum. They used to dance round a large fire, in honour of the Sun,
whose orbit they affected to describe. At the same time they exhibited
other feats of activity, to amuse the votaries who resorted to their
temples. This dance was sometimes performed in armour, especially in Crete:
and, being called Pyrrhic, was supposed to have been so named from Pyrrhus,
the son of Achilles. But, when was he in Crete? Besides, it is said to have
been practised by the Argonautic heroes before his time. It was a religious
dance, denominated from fire, with which it was accompanied.

[858][Greek: Amphi de daiomenois eurun choron estesanto,]
[Greek: Kalon Iepaieon', Iepaieona Phoibon]
[Greek: Melpomenoi.]

It was originally an Egyptian dance, in honour of Hermes, and practised by
the Patarae, or Priests. In some places it was esteemed a martial exercise,
and exhibited by persons in armour, who gave it the name of Betarmus. We
have an instance of it in the same poet:

[859][Greek: Amudis de neoi Orpheos anogei]
[Greek: Ekairontes Betarmon enoplion orchesanto,]
[Greek: Kai sakea xipheessin hupektupon.]

[Greek: Betarmos] Betarmus, was a name given