The Legend of Æsculapius's Voyage to Rome in form of a Snake, seems to express the necessary Sagacity requir'd in Professors of that Art, for the readier insight into Distempers: This Reptile being celebrated by the ancient Naturalists for a quick Sight.
Cur in amicorum vitium tam cernis acutum
Quam aut aquilæ, aut serpens Epidaurius?
The venerable Epidaurian assum'd the figure of an Animal without Hands to take Fees; and therefore, grateful Posterity honoured him with a Temple. In this manner shou'd wealthy Physicians, upon proper Occasions, practise; and thus their surviving Patients reward.
If the Metamorphoses be attended to with a just Application, and without Prepossession; One will be the less surpriz'd at the Author's Prophetick Spirit, relating to the Duration, and Success of the Work.
Jamque opus exegi, &c.———
This Prediction has so far prov'd true, that this Poem has been ever since the Magazine, which has furnish'd the greatest Poets of the following Ages with Fancy, and Allusions; and the most celebrated Painters with Subjects, and Designs. Nor have his Poetical Predecessors,
