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The early legends of Hellas have no real connection with the

later history: they are at a distance, and the intermediate

region is concealed from view; there is no road or path which

leads from one to the other. At the beginning of Greek history,

in the vestibule of the temple, is seen standing first of all the

figure of the legislator, himself the interpreter and servant of

the God. The fundamental laws which he gives are not supposed to

change with time and circumstances. The salvation of the state is

held rather to depend on the inviolable maintenance of them. They

were sanctioned by the authority of heaven, and it was deemed

impiety to alter them.