Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1855-04-26

rure. Inc uay II past, ihueeu, winch, 10 i'O'-
coe informs us, the recovery of an ancient
manuscript was equivalent to the conquest Of
a kingdom. Yet these authors are still the
sceptred sovereigns of the realm of letters
An appreciation of the severe beauty of the
ancient models will tend to repress the SLOW
enly, grotesque, and exaggerated style of
thought and expression, with which much of
modern literature sbounds. The study of the
poets. orators, and historians OF antiquity in
translations will not accomplish this purpose.
Like works of art, they cannot be reI Iroduced;
they can only be initiated. The genius of
Powers could not be understood-his inspira-
ton could not be felt, by copy of the Greek
Slave in plaster, or even an imitation in mar
BILE. So with the classics.
Their influence on the formation of char
acter has been beautifully described by CICERO
in the Grafton for the poet ARcHIAs. "IIow
many delineations of the bravest of men,
wrought out, not only for our contemplation,
but also for our imitation, have both the
Greek and Latin writers left to us. Placing
these before my view, | have ever struggled,
in my public career, to mould my feelings
and thoughts by rejecting on the characters
of those illustrious men,"
The whole Grafton is the most elegant plea
for the study of the classics which, perhaps,
has ever been written.
2. The ancient classics have an intimate
and almost inseparable connection with mod
srn literature. The poetry of MILTON, for
example, is brimful Of the classics Allusions,
adopted phrases, parallel passages are found
on every page. So, with Pope, DRYDEN, and
others Take from MnToN's Minor Poems,
if it were possible, the classical allusions, and
you destroy the delicate aroma which gives
them such exquisite fragrance to the cult
waited taste.
3. Latin and Greek form the basis of the
modern languages. 1t is said that any one,
proposing to study Italian, Spanish or French,
would find it saving of labor to begin with
Latin.
f. Philolgy, or the study Of language, is,
of itself, an important science. To the the
logician it is indispensable. The Christian
revelation has been made in Greek; and no
inspired translation has been vouchsafed. To
interpret the Divine oracles, it is necessary
to understand the language in which they
were given.
Again, our own English is essentially
complex, consisting in its elements, of Anglo
Saxon, Greek, and Latin. 1t would be as
reasonable for chemist to endeavor to become
acquainted with the nature and properties of
compound bodies, without resolving them into
their constituent parts, as for scholar to ex-
pect to obtain a critical acquaintance with
English, without a previous knowledge of
Greek and Latin.
Comparative philology, it is supposed,
may throw light on the primitive history of
man.
5. The study of the classics, in youth, is
excellent mental discipline. Memory, asso-
citation, and indeed all the faculties of the
mind are well exercised.
The above are some of the reasons urged
in favor of classical course. In reply, it is
alledged:
l. Mental discipline may just as well be
derived from other studies of a more practi-
cal and useful kind studies which come
home to mems business and bosoms.
2. Although the ancient literature may be
good, it is, certainly, not better than the Eng
lish and German Whatever can raise the
genius, or can mend the heart, may be found
in profusion in the standard authors of our
own tongue. SHAKESPEARE is better than
SOPHOcLEs; PREsCoTT is superior to LIvY.
8. Although classical uellusions are inti-
mately blended with some portions of modern
literature, this habit is every day lessening !;
and an ordinary classical dictionary is sufii-
cient to explain whatever is worth explana-
ton.
A. Philology, or the study Of words, may
be good as speciality. But life is Short and
in general course to fit young men for use
fulness, it is out of place.
.. Not more than one student in ten of
those who spend, perhaps, seven or eight
years of most precious time on the classics,
derive any permanent impression from them.
Their days are occupied in learning to read,
instead of reading to learn. When they en-
ter active life, they never think of their youth
full studies again, except as nuisance A
man OF business who returns to the classics,
in this century, would be considered as sim
gular as the old Baron Bradwardine, in Wa
verify, who suffered himself to be retaken a
prisoner after having made his escape, because,
in his flight, he had unfortunately forgotten
his Livy, and he could not make up his mind
to leave it behind him.
Such, we, think, is fair statement of the
case on both sides.
Our suggestion IS, that the Greek and Latir
languages be taken from the regular course
which is necessary to obtain degree, and be
made special department, like law and theol
ogy. The advantages are two-fold. Othe
studies may be substituted, in the regula
course, which the student will have time t
learn thoroughly.
The course, in the special department o
the classics, may be greatly enlarged, so tina
those who go through it will, in truth, receiv