Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-05-02

Mus of Thucydides is said to have
first manifested itself, upon seeing the
brows of Herodotus encircled with
the olympic wreath. The trophies of
Miltiades did not allow Themisto-
cles to sleep. Caesar vept for immor-
tally before the statue of Alexander.
A Grenadier, in solemn and religious
silence, sharpened his sabre on the
marble tomb of Marshal De SAKE,
and now thought himself invincible.
Where, among US, are the monuments
of heroes and sages! The ilustrious
Washington sleeps in the rustic tomb.
Where are those literary solemni-
ties, the innocent, but impressive
pomp of which, inhaming the imagi-
enstion of youth, and calling forth the
impetuous energy of the noble passi-
ons, the vehement, irresistible impulse
of generous enthusiasm, wrests from
the Juvenile candidate for glory efforts
of which he thought himself incapable,
consecrates his name in the hearts of
his fellow-citizens, and renders ambi-
ton subservient to talents and virtue
Alas ! we have no such institutions.
---aIvsannot be said that we revile
itefar$ ,honours by lavishing them.
Our economy in that way is truly re-
markable. had more than one &C.
casion to observe that parsimony,
wnen lived in the world. Notwith-
standing my general abstraction from
the muses., delighted now and then,
to steal a glance at their charms and
therefore, sometimes att nded collegi-
ate and scholastic examination Ex-
cept, perhaps, some venerable Judge,
some eminent physician, some solitary
friend of literature and science, and
some affectionate and enlightened Par
ent or Guardian, all seemed regardless
of an object, to which all professed to
attach the utmost importance, mean
education. How often have I seen
Visitor or Trustee, betraying, on
such occasions, the morbid impatience
of a prisoner, just nailed to the walls
of his dungeon The sublimity of
Homer, the pathos of Virgil, the eau
sticity of Juvenal, the suavity of Hor-
ace, the profundity OF Tacitus, the
acumen of Locke and Condillac, the
res arches of Adam Smith, Rusher-
ford, and Vatel, the clear and capti-
waiting induction of Euclid, Newton,
and other great mathematicians, went
on UNDECIDED .. 1t was well, if c n /.
trouling the caprices of his restless
fancy, and satisfied with wandering
alone oner the map of his distractions,
the man Of power did not obstrude UNI
seasonable remarks upon the majestic
sile' &c of the scene, and, at once, dis
turb the attention of those who were
better employed, and discomfort the
tlmid efforts OF the young candidates
for applause !-Launcelot! said L to
myself, how would you like to be in
the place OF these youths, or in that of
their instructors Is it for this, then,
that they have trimmed tie mid.
night lamp and undergone so many
deprivations Say, you, who can re-
ceive more pain from single thorn
than pleasure from hundred roses ;
you, who are, indeed, capable of that
enthusiasm which a noble cause in.
spires, and of that energy which it de.
mands, but who cannot insulate your
exertions from the hope OF success
you, for whom mental congelation be-
gins, where that hope terminates how
would you like this ?--And felt Just
, sss If some grim spectre had grasped my
.ssheart, and, by his icy touch, frozen the
very current of soul -. O my
countrymen, L have much to say to
you on this momentous subject -
Though only an humble passenger in
the vessel of the state, feel, l ardently
feel for its destinies. Can YOU, then,
doubt the intimate, the immutable
relations that link knowledge, and con-
sequently, education, with virtue, lib.
erty, and national prosperity View
q the immense chasm that separates you
kUrom those miserable Indians, who
$ometimes parade your streets, in
squallid, disgusting and piteous appar
el, and whose degraded situation ex-
cites, even in your slaves, sentiments
OF derision and scorn. What have
barbarlsm, sloth, and ignorance done
for those ancient LordS Of the syiDan
shdIes ? The simple agricultural arts