OpenLLM-France/wikimedia huggingface dataset:
# Littell's Living Age/Volume 173/Issue 2233/A Nocturne

Originally published in Cassell's Magazine. Translation of "Nachtgruß" (1838).
Earth in heavenly rest is sleeping, Moon and stars their watch are keeping Where a garden, bright with flowers, Slumbers through the midnight hours.  Good-night!
There, with moonbeams shining o'er it, Stands a cottage, and before it, On a leafy linden spray, Sings a bird its tender lay.  Good-night! Good night!
In her bower the maid lies dreaming Of the flowers around her gleaming, Heaven's own peace within her breast, Angels, watching, guard her rest!  Good-night! Good-night!
# Littell's Living Age/Volume 173/Issue 2232/By the River

Originally published in Chambers' Journal.
We met at morning by the willow'd river,  Long years ago, when both our hearts were young. We met to watch the lights and shadows quiver,  And listen to the song the waters sung. But deeper than the music of its flowing,  The tide of love flowed on from mind to mind; While overhead the elder blooms were blowing,  And dewy fragrance filled the wooing wind.
We stand beside the waters of the river,  But now the moaning of the sea is near. Far off the beacons 'mid the dimness quiver,  And rolling breakers fill our hearts with fear. No longer choristers of morning greet us,  Or blossoms of the May-time droop above; But shadows of the twilight rise to meet us,  And cloud the golden harvesting of love.
Ah! listen to the rushing of the river  Towards its haven in the restless sea, While like a leaf upon its tide forever  Our life flows onward to Eternity. Oh, 'mid its eager tumult and commotion,  The whirl of waters, and the dash of foam, May Love, the beacon, shining o'er the ocean.  Lead us together to our Father's home!
# Littell's Living Age/Volume 173/Issue 2232/Philip Bourke Marston

Originally published in Athenæum. About Philip Bourke Marston (1850–1887)
The shorn lamb shivers, but the woolly sheep  Feeds on and fattens thro' the untempered storms.  Felt thro' a curly fleece, the east wind warms, While far away shines heaven: an azure steep.
We loved thee, Philip, but we could not keep  The wind away, nor quell the pitiless harms  Such sorrow fans from hell. We had no charms For those blind eyes that lived, but lived to weep.
Yea, weak to heal is Love;' but Death is strong,  Balming the sorest heart that travaileth,  As under bloody wheels of Jaganneth — Even such a heart as thine — even such a wrong; Soother of sorrow is he whose deathless song  Keeps all the choral spheres revolving — Death!
# Littell's Living Age/Volume 173/Issue 2232/Two Days

Originally published in Chambers' Journal.
Somewhere in that strange land we call the Past,  Where each of us has laid his treasures by, My heart has set one day whose light shall last  When all youth’s golden years forgotten lie. Ever across my life it shines afar, As through a storm-tossed sky one glorious star.
One day struck sudden ‘midst the whirling years  Into the perfect calm of Paradise; One day when life, set free from doubts and fears,  Lay love-lit under shining summer skies, When I my heart’s mad hoping dared confess, And found a heaven in my lady’s yes.
The clouds roll back; the gentle wind that sighs  Low through the branches has her voice’s tone; Her eyes look in sweet answer to my eyes;  Once more I feel her hand within my own. Let Fortune spoil my treasures as she will, That one bright memory is with me still.
Somewhere within that unknown shadowy land  We call the Future, waiteth me a day When I shall hold again my lady’s hand,  And listen low to hear what she will say. Ah, Love! that day must dawn for us at last, When all our weary waiting shall be past.
# Littell's Living Age/Volume 173/Issue 2233/A Japanese Volcano

Originally published in Nature.
A Japanese Volcano - The active volcano, Asamayama, appears to be attracting particular attention just now in Japan, probably because it is the loftiest mountain in the country which is in a constant state of activity, and also because it is the nearest to the capital, and is situated in a district long famous for its health resorts. A few weeks since we referred to an anonymous account of the crater, published in the Japan Weekly Mail, but a much more careful sketch of it is given by the Japan correspondent of the Times in a letter published recently in that journal. The roar of the volcano, on approaching the edge of the crater, he describes as not unlike the noise produced by the passage of a train across a bridge under which one is standing. There was no shaking, however, but loud hissing and bubbling constantly proceeded from numberless vapor-jets in the inner face of the crater-wall, from its rim downwards. The crater is a rough oval in shape, but the estimates of its size are most conflicting. The Japanese give the circumference as four miles, but this is simply a wild guess. A German explorer set down the diameter at eleven hundred yards, and an English mathematical professor put it at only two hundred yards, "divergencies that will illustrate the mental confusion to which some men are liable when in the presence of dread natural phenomena." The writer himself estimated the circumference at one thousand and fifty-six yards, by walking round the windward half of it — it was impossible to pass through the vapors on the lee side — which was accomplished in six minutes, at the rate of about three miles an hour. On the very interesting question of the depth of the crater — that is, the depth from the mouth to the surface of the molten matter — opinions vary almost as hopelessly as on the size. No doubt the "vast clouds of the most pungent sulphurous steam," which are described as rising swiftly out of the caldron, render exact observation difficult. The Times correspondent speaks of catching glimpses of the crater-wall at depths which a very moderate estimate would place at three hundred feet. But the gradual convergence of the cavity apparent at this depth forbids the acceptance of the enormous profundity for which some visitors have contended, and suggests that the depth can hardly much exceed five hundred feet. After a weird description of the appearance presented to the spectator by the volcano at work, the writer concludes by remarking that the present crater is apparently the youngest and innermost of three. Further down on the south-west side are to be seen, along with numerous fissures of unfathomable depth, remains which point to the existence of two former craters, concentric and of large dimensions, and separated from one another by a considerable interval. Possibly the existing cone was formed by the great eruption of 1783.
# Littell's Living Age/Volume 173/Issue 2232/Down by the Shore

Originally published in Sunday Magazine.
Down by the shore at morning  Wearily moans the sea; The brown wrack clings to the bare grey rocks,  And the wind sighs drearily. The mist creeps over the waters  From windward on to the lee, Wrapping the ships in its cold embrace  Sadly and silently.
Down by the shore at evening  The mists are rolling away In long white wreaths, on the solemn hills  That shelter the lonely bay. Bright with a rare effulgence,  The golden clouds are furled, And the faint blue peaks o'er the distant sea  Seem the dream of another world.
Down by the sea of sorrow  The mists lay cold and grey, And never a glimpse of the gracious sun  Broke through the gloom that day. But the clouds were rolled together,  Just ere the daylight died, And we saw the land of Beulah smile  In the light of eventide.
# Littell's Living Age/Volume 173/Issue 2232/The Fortifications of Paris

Originally published in United Service Gazette.
The Fortifications of Paris — In view of a possible, not to say probable, war between Germany and France, it will be interesting to consider the extent of the fortifications in and around Paris since 1871. A new line of forts far outside of the old ones has been erected. In all twenty-four forts have been built, and these contain all the improvements of modern warfare. Their barracks and magazines are all below the ground, and they form such a wide circle about the city that it will hardly be possible to besiege it in future. If it took three hundred thousand Germans to encircle the old line, it ought to require an almost incalculable force to invest the new. The walls of Paris have been demonstrated to be useless, and the French do not rely on them in any way as a means of defence.
# Letters to Atticus/13.9

Translated by Evelyn Shuckburgh

## To Atticus at Rome
### Tusculum, June 17

You had only just left me yesterday when Trebonius arrived and a little later Curtius--the latter merely intending to call, but he stayed on being pressed. We have Trebatius with us. Early this morning Dolabella arrived. We had much talk to a late hour in the day. I cannot exaggerate its cordial and affectionate tone. However, we came at last to the subject of Quintus. He told me many things beyond words-beyond expression: but there was one of such a kind that, had it not been notorious to the whole army, I should not have ventured, I don't say to dictate to Tiro, but even to write it with my own hand. But enough of that. Very opportunely, while I had Dolabella with me Torquatus arrived; and in the kindest manner Dolabella repeated to him what I had been saying. For I had been just speaking with very great earnestness in his cause, an earnestness which seemed to gratify Torquatus. I am waiting to hear what news you have about Brutus. However, Nicias thinks that the matter is settled, but that the divorce does not find favour.
All the more am I anxious for the same thing as you are. For if any scandal has been caused, this step may put it right. I must go to Arpinum: for in the first place my small property there needs putting straight, and in the second place I fear I may not be able to leave town when once Caesar has come, as to whose arrival Dolabella has the same opinion as you had-founded on your letter from Messalla. When I have got there and ascertained what amount of business there is to do, I will write and tell you the days of my return journey.
| 1: | The younger Quintus, who was with Caesar. |
| 2: | In urging Dolabella to stand his friend with Caesar. Aulus Manlius Torquatus, after Pompey's defeat, had been living in exile at Athens. He appears now to have been allowed to return. See p. 235. |
| 3: | From Claudia, to marry Porcia. |
| 4: | I.e., for the marriage with Porcia, a daughter of Cato and widow of Bibulus, a marriage which seems to have caused much excitement among the remains of the Pompeian party. |
| 5: | Dolabella had been with Caesar in Spain, but had come home direct, whereas Caesar (according to Nicolas of Damascus, "Life of Augustus," c. 11-12) went with Octavius and others to Carthage to arrange for the settlement of his colony there. |
| 6: | From Tusculum to Arpinum is about sixty miles, and it would be a two days' journey, which may possibly account for the plural ad quos dies, which, however, Dr. Reid would change to quo die; but see p. 207. Cicero was detained a considerable time at Arpinum. |
# Letters to Atticus/2.11

Translated by Evelyn Shuckburgh

## To Atticus at Rome
### Formii, April 59 BC

I tell you what it is: I feel myself a downright exile since arriving at Formiae. For at Antium there was never a day that I didn't know what was going on at Rome better than those who were there. For your letters used to show me not only what was doing at Rome, but the actual political situation also—and not only that, but also what was likely to happen. Now, unless I snatch a bit of news from some passing traveller, I can learn nothing at all. Wherefore, though I am expecting you in person, yet pray give this boy, whom I have ordered to hurry back to me at once, a bulky letter, crammed not only with all occurrences, but with what you think about them; and be careful to let me know the day you are going to leave Rome. I intend staying at Formiae till the 6th of May. If you don't come there by that day, I shall perhaps see you at Rome. For why should I invite you to Arpinum?
   A rugged soil, yet nurse of hardy sons: No dearer land can e'er my eyes behold.
So much for this. Take care of your health.

## Footnotes

* ↑ Hom. Od. 9.27.
# Letters to Atticus/2.12

Translated by Evelyn Shuckburgh

## To Atticus at Rome
### Tres Tabernae, 19 April 59 BC

Are they going to deny that Publius has been made a plebeian? This is indeed playing the king, and is utterly intolerable. Let Publius send some men to witness and seal my affidavit: I will take an oath that my friend Gnaeus, the colleague of Balbus, told me at Antium that he had been present as augur to take the auspices. Two delightful letters from you delivered at the same time! For which I do not know what I am to pay you by way of reward for good news. That I owe you for them I candidly confess. But observe the coincidence. I had just made my way from Antium on to the via Appia at Three Taverns, on the very day of the Cerealia (19th April), when my friend Curio meets me on his way from Rome. At the same piace and the same moment comes a slave from you with letters. The former asked me whether I hadn't heard the news? I said, "No." "Publius," says he, "is a candidate for the tribuneship." "You don't mean it?" "Yes, I do," says he, "and at daggers drawn with Caesar. His object is to rescind his acts." "What says Caesar?" said I. "He denies having proposed any lex for his adoption." Then he poured forth about his own hatred, and that of Memmius and Metellus Nepos. I embraced the youth and said good-bye to him, hastening to your letters. A fig for those who talk about a "living voice"! What a much clearer view I got of what was going on from your letters than from his talk! About the current rumours of the day, about the designs of Publius, about "Iuno's" trumpet calls, about Athenio who leads his roughs, about his letter to Gnaeus, about the conversation of Theophanes and Memmius. Besides, how eager you have made me to hear about the "fast" dinner party which you mention! I am greedy in curiosity, yet I do not feel at all hurt at your not writing me a description of the symposium: I would rather hear it by word of mouth. As to your urging me to write something, my material indeed is growing, as you say, but the whole is still in a state of fermentation—"new wine in the autumn." when the liquor has settled down and become clarified, I shall know better what to write. And even if you cannot get it from me at once, you shall be the first to have it: only for some time you must keep it to yourself. You are quite right to like Dicaearchus; he is an excellent writer, and a much better citizen than these rulers of ours who reverse his name. I write this letter at four o'clock in the afternoon of the Cerealia (12th April), immediately after reading yours, but I shall despatch it, I think, tomorrow, by anyone I may chance to meet on the road. Terentia is delighted with your letter, et Ciceron le philosophe salue Titus l'homme d'état."

## Footnotes

* ↑ Where the road from Antium joins the Appia. Cicero seems to be on his way to Formiae, where he had intended to arrive on the 21st. He must be going very leisurely.
* ↑ Δικαίαρχος and ἀδικαίαρχοι, a pun on a name not reproducible in English : "just-rulers " and "unjust-rulers."
# Letters to Atticus/2.17

Translated by Evelyn Shuckburgh

## To Atticus at Rome
### Formiae, May 59 BC

I quite agree with your letter. Sampsiceramus is getting up a disturbance. We have everything to fear. He is preparing a despotism and no mistake about it: For what else is the meaning of that sudden marriage union, the Campanian land affair, the lavish expenditure of money? If these measures were final, even then the mischief had been very great; but the nature of the case makes finality impossible. For how could these measures possibly give them any pleasure in themselves? They would never have gone so far as this unless they had been paving the way for other fatal steps. Immortal Gods! But, as you say, at Arpinum about the 10th of May we will not weep over these questions, lest the hard work and midnight oil I have spent over my studies shall turn out to have been wasted, but discuss them together calmly. For I am not so much consoled by a sanguine disposition as by philosophic "indifference," which I call to my aid in nothing so much as in our civil and political business. Nay, more, whatever vanity or sneaking love of reputation there is lurking in me—for it is well to know one's faults—is tickled by a certain pleasurable feeling. For it used to sting me to the heart to think that centuries hence the services of Sampsiceramus to the state would loom larger than my own. That anxiety, at least, is now put to rest. For he is so utterly fallen that, in comparison with him, Curius might seem to be standing erect after his fall. But all this when we meet. Yet, as far as I can see, you will be at Rome when I come. I shall not be at all sorry for that, if you can conveniently manage it. But if you come to see me, as you say in your letter, I wish you would fish out of Theophanes how "Arabarches" is disposed to me. You will, of course, inquire with your usual zeal, and bring me the result to serve as a kind of suggestion for the line of conduct I am to adopt. From his conversation we shall be able to get an inkling of the whole situation.

## Footnotes

* ↑ The marriage of Pompey with Caesar's daughter Iulia.
* ↑ adiaphoria, a word taken from the Stoics, huic [Zenoni] summum bonum est in his rebus neutram in partem moveri, quae adiaphoria ab ipso dicitur (Acad. 2.130).
* ↑ C. Curius, one of the Catiline set, who had been ignominiously expelled from the senate.
* ↑ Another nickname of Pompey, from the title of the head of the Thebais in Egypt. Like Sampsiceramus and the others, it is meant al a scornful allusion to Pompey's achievements in the East, and perhaps his known wish to have the direction of affairs in Egypt.
# Letters to Atticus/2.10

Translated by Evelyn Shuckburgh

## To Atticus at Rome
### Appii Forum, April 59 BC

Please admire my consistency. I am determined not to be at the games at Antium: for it is somewhat of a solecism to wish to avoid all suspicion of frivolity, and yet suddenly to be shown up as travelling for mere amusement, and that of a foolish kind. Wherefore I shall wait for you till the 7th of May at Formiae. So now let me know what day we shall see you. From Appii Forum, ten o'clock. I sent another a short time ago from Three Taverns.

## Footnotes

* ↑ On the via Appia. Cicero halts at Appii Forum and at once despatches a short note, probably by some one he finds there going to Rome, to announce a change of plan. He had meant to get back to Antium on 6th May, because Tullia wanted to see the games. See Letter XXXIV.
# Letters to Atticus/2.15

Translated by Evelyn Shuckburgh

## To Atticus at Rome
### Formiae, April 59 BC

As you say, things are as shifting (I see) in public affairs as in your letter; still, that very variety of talk and opinion has a charm for me. For I seem to be at Rome when I am reading your letter, and, as is the regular thing in questions of such importance, to hear something first on one side and then on the other. But what I can't make out is this—what he can possibly hit upon to settle the land question without encountering opposition. Again, as to Bibulus's firmness in putting off the comitia, it only conveys the expression of his own views, without really offering any remedy for the state of the Republic. Upon my word, my only hope is in Publius! Let him become, let him become a tribune by all means, if for no other reason, yet that you may be brought back from Epirus! For I don't see how you can possibly afford to miss him, especially if he shall elect to have a wrangle with me! But, seriously, if anything of the sort occurs, you would, I am certain, hurry back. But even supposing this not to be the case, yet whether he runs amuck or helps to raise the state, I promise myself a fine spectacle, if only I may enjoy it with you sitting by my side. Just as I was writing these words, enter Sebosus! I had scarcely got out a sigh when "Good day," says Arrius. This is what you call going out of town! I shall really be off to
    My native mountains and my childhood's haunts.
In fine, if I can't be alone I would rather be with downright countryfolk than with such ultra-cockneys. However, I shall, since you don't say anything for certain, wait for you up to the 5th of May. Terentia is much pleased with the attention and care you have bestowed on her controversy with Mulvius. She is not aware that you are supporting the common cause of all holders of public land. Yet, after all, you do pay something to the publicani; she declines to pay even that, and, accordingly, she and Cicero—most conservative of boys—send their kind regards.

## Footnotes

* ↑ The spectacle Cicero hopes for is Clodius's contests with the triumvirs.
* ↑ To Arpinum (see last letter). The verse is not known, and may be a quotation from his own poem on Marius. He often quotes himself.
* ↑ This is not mentioned elsewhere. The explanation seems to be that for the ager publicus allotted under the Sempronian laws a small rent had been exacted, which was abolished by a law of B.C. 111 (the name of the law being uncertain). But some ager publicus still paid rent, and the publicanus Mulvius seems to have claimed it from some land held by Terentia, perhaps on the ground that it was land (such as the ager Campanus) not affected by the law of Gracchus, and therefore not by the subsequent law abolishing rent.
# Letters to Atticus/2.13

Translated by Evelyn Shuckburgh

## To Atticus at Rome
### Formiae, April 59 BC

What an abominable thing! No one gave you my letter written on the spot at Three Taverns in answer to your delightful letters! But the fact is that the packet into which I had put it arrived at my town house on the same day as I wrote it, and has been brought back to me to Formiae. Accordingly, I have directed the letter meant for you to be taken back again, to show you how pleased I was with yours. So you say that the talk has died out at Rome! I thought so: but, by Hercules, it hasn't died out in the country, and it has come to this, that the very country can't stand the despotism you have got at Rome. When you come to "Laestrygonia of the distant gates"—I mean Formiae—what loud murmurs! what angry souls! what unpopularity for our friend Magnus! His surname is getting as much out of fashion as the "Dives" of Crassus. Believe me, I have met no one here to take the present state of things as quietly as I do. Wherefore, credit me, let us stick to philosophy. I am ready to take my oath that there is nothing to beat it. If you have a despatch to send to the Sicyonians, make haste to Formiae, whence I think of going on the 6th of May.

## Footnotes

* ↑ têlepulon Laistrugoniên, whose king Lamus (Od. 10.81) was supposed to have founded Formiae (Horace, Od. 3.17).
* ↑ A despatch from senate or consuls. See Letter XXIV.