in classical history, a native of Colchis, contemporary with Orpheus, and one of the most ancient poets and musicians of Greece. It is impossible, at this distance of time, to discover whether Linus was the disciple of Orpheus, or Orpheus of Linus. The majority, however, seem to decide this question in favour of Linus. According to Archbishop Usher, he flourished about 1280 B.C. and he is mentioned by Euclid among the poets who wrote before the time of Moses. Diodorus Siculus tells us, from Dionysius of Mitylene the historian, who was contemporary with Cicero, that Linus was the first among the Greeks who invented verses and music, as Cadmus first taught them the use of letters. The same writer likewise attributes to him an account of the exploits of the first Bacchus, and a treatise upon Greek mythology, written in Pelaegian characters, which were also those used by Orpheus, and by Promapides the preceptor of Homer. Diodorus says that he added the string lichanos to the Mercurian lyre; and ascribes to him the invention of rhyme and melody; which Suidas, who regards him as the most ancient of lyric poets, confirms. Mr Marpurg tell us, that Linus invented cat-gut strings for the use of the lyre, which, before his time, was only strung with thongs of leather, or with different threads of flax strung together. He is said by many writers to have had several disciples of great renown; among whom were Hercules, Thamyris, and, according to some, Orpheus—Hercules, says Diodorus, in learning from Linus to play upon the lyre, being extremely dull and obstinate, provoked his master to strike him; which so enraged the young hero, that instantly seizing the lyre of the musician, he beat out his brains with his own instrument.