I judge it much more probable, the Druids learn’d it from them, at least they both derive it from the same original fountain. And whatever they might practise of real magic, the notion of mankind concerning them, receiv’d strength from the name _magi_, which they might bring with them from the east. _Magus_ there originally signifies no more than a _priest_, or person who officiates in sacreds. The word comes from _maaghim meditabundi_, people of a contemplative, retir’d life; whom more commonly in the west, they call’d Druids. I am not dubious in thinking the times we are talking of, when this temple of _Abury_ was built, are of the extremest antiquity, near that of _Abraham_. I was very often on the spot, furnish’d with what I thought a convincing argument, from considering the wear of the weather, what effect it had upon these stones of a very firm texture, a kind of gray marble. And thus my reasoning was founded.
I had sufficient opportunity of comparing the effect of the weather upon the stones here, and upon those at _Stonehenge_. For some years together, I went from one to the other directly, staying a fortnight or more at each place to make my observations. Nothing is more manifest, than that the stones of _Stonehenge_ have been chizel’d, some quite round, some on three sides, easily to be distinguish’d. The stones of _Abury_ are absolutely untouch’d of tool. No doubt, at that time of day, the aboriginal patriarchal method from the foundation of the world was observ’d, not to admit a tool upon them. Even when _Solomon_’s temple was built, tho’ the stones were all carv’d with great art, yet that was done before they were brought to the building; for no ax or hammer was heard thereon. The like, probably, may be said of _Stonehenge_.
_The HAKPEN or snakes head temple on Overton hill, calld the Sanctuary._]
It seems likely, that when _Stonehenge_ was built, the Druids had some notice from _phœnician_ traders, of the nature of _Solomon_’s temple; therefore they made their impost work, as some kind of advance, toward a cover’d temple, and likewise chizel’d their stones in compliance thereto. By using the best of my judgment, in comparing the effect of the weather upon _Stonehenge_ and _Abury_, I could easily induce myself to think that _Abury_ was as old again. For in some places there were cavities a yard long, corroded by time, and on those sides that originally lay on the ground, which, if they had not been expos’d to the weather, by being set upright, would have been smooth. Several other persons of good judgment have been of the same sentiment.