New-York tribune., 1878-11-05

TIoH4s CRUTwELl, NJ a. SvO, pP. sos. chailes scnb-
In this volume, which is intended chiefly
for students in colleges and public schools, the general
reader will find q comprehensive manual OF Roman
literature suited either for occasional book OF ref
erenee, guide TO wider course OF reading on the
subject. The author has made iudciOus use Of the
latest and best authorities IN the preparation Of the
work including the elaborate History of Teuel, and
the treatses OF Bernhardy and Ritter among German
winters; Bolster Champagny, and Nisard among the
French, and the English writings Of Dunlop, Coming
ton Els Monro and others. The relation Of literature
20 the State presented by Mr. Crutwe, and by pre-
vOus writers the subject, exhibits remarkable fea-
ture Of Roman civilization. Its eliminating point was
the period which had no literature. Had the Roman
people not come in contact with Grecan genius, they
might have remained long without any literature or II
they had wrought out one for themselves, 1t would
doubtless have been very different from that which
has come down 10 us. Rome presents the peculiar
spectacle OF nation rich in patriotic feeling,
in heroes, legendary and historical, advancing
TO the fullest solution Of the great problems
Of government and law and finally rising by its virtues
TO the position OF mistress OF the world without attain
ing to any intellectual expression of its life and growth
either the OF the poet the narrative OF the his
fOran The Romans possessed peculiar talent for pub
lie speaking. Readiness Of speech almost uni
yersal requirement but in the early ages Of Rome it
acquired almost wholly by practice ElOquenco not
reduced the rules Of art far less
uals Of rhetoric Nor there any growth OF regular
prose composition. The earliest composer of history
who were In point OF time the first writers OF Rome
did not write Latin at ALL but IN Greek The history
of Latin prose began with Cato (23i-149 B. Cl, who
gave II the colofing, which II never entirely lost Mr.
Crutwes sketch OF this typical old Roman is OF the
most impressive pOrtrdltuTes in the volume. The aus
tere presented in the massive proportions Of
his peculiar individuality. Hard, shrewd, narrow
ho liz no
every kind of luxury, OF inhexble moral rectude lie
had no respect for birth, rank, fortune or
talent; he despsed the arts and graces Of liter
Rture; his praise was bestowed only on personal
merit. The harsh virtues which he inherited from an
ancient house in conflict with the spirit OF the
age. With all his contempt for letters he the most
original writer OF Rome. No outside influence produced
any effect on his vigorous mind Brought up on his
fathers farm he spent his bOyhOOd amid the abors Of
the plough. His snews tougneDed by hard work
and fare. Military service had knitted his frame
Into the strength of endurance which, until his DEATH
never betrayed sign Of weakness fatigue. lie was
wont to say: Mans life is like iron you use IT, 1t
wears away II not, the rust cats IT, 30, too, men are
worn away by hard work but they do not work. rest
and sOth DO injury than exercise" His own life
was formed this maxim. In the intervals OF warfare,
be d not indulge the pleasures OF the city but went
home TO his farm and attended TO his small estate His
wit and ready speech him eminence a the bar and
n due time he obtained all the offices OF state In every
position he made many enemies. Ho often brought
to trial. FOry-fOur times he spoke In hs defence,
and overy time be acquitted. The yigor with
which he welded the powers OF the censorship
stirred up q host OF foes. His tongue be-
came moro bitter than ever. At eightyfve
years Of age the veteran official stands before u.s.
The crisp, erect Eure. brstling with aggressive fierce
meas. the coarse red har the keen gray eyes fixed
his opponents face and piercing through the knavey
he sought 70 hide the raspng voice. launching its dry
cutting sarcasms each pointed with the sting Of truth
present seene which shows the intensity OF the dislike
which could make enemy provoke the terrible shafts
OF the old mans eiOqueuce.-Mr. Crutwells style
throughout the work solid. businesske and effective
His narrative gives ample proof Of patient and thorough
research and Just discrimination in the estimate
thOries In the description OF facts. he is concise
act and eminenty lucd his critical Judgments have
been carefully formed and expressed with mOdera
kon and good taste while his general reflections are