a Scythian philosopher, who lived about 600 years before Christ. His father was one of the chiefs of his nation, and married a woman of Greece. Intrusted in the Greek language by his mother, he caught the flame for Grecian literature, and prevailed upon the king to intrust him with an embassy to Athens. Arrived in that renowned city, he was introduced to Solon by one of his own countrymen, named Foxaris; and it is reported, that when he came to the door of Solon, he requested a servant to inform his master, that Anacharsis a Scythian was at the door, and was desirous of being received as his friend and guest. Solon is said to have returned for answer, that "friendships are best formed at home." To this the Scythian philosopher replied, "then let Solon, who is at home, make me his friend and receive me into his house." Solon was so astonished at the propriety of this reply, that he gave him admittance; and, finding him upon farther acquaintance worthy of his confidence, he honoured him with his friendship. From such a well qualified matter, Anacharsis rapidly acquired a knowledge of the wisdom of Greece, and the literature then in circulation. By the influence of Solon he was introduced to the principal characters of Athens, and was the first stranger who was honoured with the title of citizen by the Athenians.

After he had resided several years at Athens, he travelled through different countries in quest of knowledge, and then returned to his native country inflamed with the desire of instructing them in the laws and the religion of the Greeks. But his countrymen were not prepared to profit by his instructions; and while he was performing sacrifice to the goddess Cybele, correspondent to a vow which he had made on his