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ERYX

Volume 17 · 133 words · 1810 Edition

a son of Butes and Venus, who relying upon his strength, challenged all strangers to fight with him in the combat of the celus. Hercules accepted his challenge after many had yielded to his superior dexterity; and Eryx was killed in the combat, and buried on the mountain, where he had built a temple to Venus. Virg. Æn. 5. v. 402. A mountain of Sicily near Drepanum, which received its name from Eryx, Erzerum who was buried there. This mountain was so steep, that the houses which were built upon it seemed every moment ready to fall. Daedalus had enlarged the top, and inclosed it with a strong wall. He also consecrated there to Venus Erycina a golden heifer, which resembled life so much, that it seemed to exceed the power of art.