The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1861-01-31
Development Of Language.

Edward III was the first to encourage
English composition. During his splendid
reign there was a revival Of the Anglo
Saxon genius, and the language began
vigorous growth After having passed
through these successive periods OF anal
camation, it needed constructing anew.
Let Us 90 on from wars TO authors Ihe
English language has been highly favored
with minds Of rare emincnce, who have
brought out the inherent power and vital
ity OF their native tongue. In each period
of its growth, authors OF grand and varied
styles have given it transparency and CO.
piousness. They arrayed it in garments
it had not before worn, az i'll their fertile
brains ideas terminated which were not |
stirring the minds OF the maSses-as IN /
their souls spiritual cravings started up |.
unfelt by others. Chaucer, the father OF
/ English poetry, and living worshlpper OF
/ Nature. left it wealthier in descriptions OF
natural objects He was followed by
vast assembly Of poets, vino have consecra-
ted it as Il temple in which to pour forth
c;-2:, ju5iiess OF song.
In the EIi2abcthan era Of the sixteenth
century. words by thousands were natural
ized. and the language vas endowed with
=. powers Of intellectual and spiritual eXpres-
sion; Spenser, with his exquisite fancy and
creative genius. drew out It's fine musical
harmony and the unsupported richness oI
its dietion. BY the minis Of poets this
rude. ilnpcrfect and rough implement Is
nolisbcl and refined till IL mirrors in AL
fthair dcrcacv the emotions that fill and
. aoitate the human heart.
Shakespeare developed and improved
=, fha art Of boiying forth visions Of the M
, agination. and Of revealing internal and
immortal conceptions, TO perfection be
p fore unknown. Milton gave an example
: IF tbe glorious vigor with which It could
, be cmploved to vindjcate the rights OF
freedom. and with what solemn awe It
could be marshalled into verse, TO untold
a drama which has human life for It's first
scene, immcnsity for its theatre, and eter'
n p;+v t'5r is completion.
Bacon and Locke, earnest seekers alter
J. truth. in natural and mental science, en-
: larged the phraseology OF our language to
of explain abstract reasonings, and the gath
n cred facts Of observing. inqurIng minds
ls Edwards, with an intellect OF unbendlnE
III purpose and OF rigid logic, carved out II
is stern and massive features, and gave US
or now model of the compact consistency 0
ar It's M logical syntax Addison, johnson
it Goldsmith, and all the brilliant satirist
le and essayists, wits, historians, and reform
at ers of that age, contributed largely
ny exhibit It's cn-pointedness, It's sharp al
it. tithisys, It's fertile versatility, ITS pial
ut a,2aptucss, bold simplicity, and stron
vs. dignity. Wordsworth showed how
could be used to hymn the diyincst T'c2l
n ip.-s. and transport Is On rs wings
- realms Of grandeur and loyeliness, who'
- thoughts grow flowers and life makes M
: sic. Coleridge thueht how it could
tic made to weave the robe Of dreamy my
es. terics. and to lay open the steps OF pr
ght found Investigations into the labyrinths
nd rccondita problems; he poPu!arized t
zen language OF metaphysics