CHAPTER III. The Cumaean Sibyl

THE CUMAEAN SIBYL

Promontory of Carmel--Westmost Point of Italy--Mode of reaching Cumae--Few Relics of Ancient City--Uncertainty about Sibyl's Cave--Loneliness of Site--Roman Legend of Sibylline Books--Mode of Keeping Them--Sortes Sibyllinae--Different Sibyls--Apocalyptic Literature--Existing Remains of Sibylline Books--Reverence paid to Sibyl by Christian Writers--Church of Ara Coeli--Roof of Sistine Chapel--Prospective Attitude of Sibyl--Retrospective Characteristic of Greek and Roman Religion--Connection between Hebrew and Pagan Prophecy--Pagan Oracles superseded by Living Oracles of the Gospel