Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1819-05-07
FOR THE ENQUIRER.
CLASSICAL LITERATURE.-N 2.

Having at the close of the former No.
given short extract from the enlightened
and pious BLAIR, recommending the stu
dy OF the ancient classics az the necessary
introduction TO polite literature | will
here add a few words from much LATER
Writer,t the Rev. Mr.. KETT Of Trinity Coll
Oxford, whose eiegantectures have set the
principal branches of literature and sci
ence in so just and pleasing light, that
they seem divested of every thing re-
pulsive, and clothed only with attraction
and lnterest. O(the Greek language, he
speaks IN terms well calculated TO give
?he highest idea af its richness, variety,
beauty and force and TO inspire in any
MIND not lost TO the sense Of intellectual
pleasure, wish 10 become acquainted
with the treasures il contains. Tn attend
Ing to his vivid and fascinating eloquence
III its praise, we cease to be surprised that
caro-, late in life, as we are infsrmed
by Plutarcb, determined to encounter
the task of learning it. And it ought TO
be mentioned, for the encoura cement of
our female votaries OF mental improve
ment, that even this stiff old Roman, i'm
The autumn OF his days, (probably between
sixty and seventy found the Greek not
a very difficult attainment since the
reading and Wrifing Of it, as it appears.
became the agreeable amusement and ia
yourlfe occupation of his old aye. Nor
could he, perhaps, have found more
pleasing or cOpious source of rational en-
teTtainment 10 sootll and dignity the de-
cline OF life. Had not violence prevented,
the lllustrlous Cicero would have graced
The last period of his earthly career with
similar avocations and mankind might
nave been benefited by the last splen.
dours of mind, which seemed to bright
EN- as 1T advanced towards the natural
termination OF its course. In making the
last remark, II may well enough he sup
posed that have IN my eye certain dis
'Inguished persOn-aye, among ourselves,
who, like The sun, sinking gradually among
our western hills, seems desirous 10 illu
mine the scene from which he is males
tlcally retiring: We are crediblv inform.
ed that this great man finds ii one Of his
most pleasing relaxaiions TO associate
more intimately with tho admired ancients.
That were the companions of his youth
and carries constantly in his pocket some
miniature copy of his iavOrile classics. i'm
wnich he hnds as captivating an interest
as lighter minds perceive in The novel
and frivolous productions Of the day.
10 return, however, to the Rev. Mr..
kcti. Speaking of the Greek language.
he SAYS
The assertion will not perhaps be contro-
Verted by those who are best acquainted with
such subjects, and best quairied 10 make com
parsons, IT IL be said that the Greek claims the
superiority over all other languages In IFS
numerous modes Of expression, there is preci-
sion without obscurity and coplousness with
out redundaDce. While the Greeks con
Veyed the dictates of philosophy to the under
standins, heId up the most pleasing pictures TO
me imagination, or by the impulse of feeling
melted and snsdued the heart, The dress in
which they clothed their ideas, was at once
rich, elegant and graceful and while they
rose to AZ elevation of genius, courage, and
taste which has never been surpassed their
words were the most harmonious, nervous
and expressive, that ever flowed from mortal
lips
In addition to the cHrious. circumstances
whch distinguish the Greek language, III may
BE- iennarke ed, that il was spoken and w,itten