The classics for the million, an epitome, in English, of the works of the principal Greek and Latin authors

the construction of phrases and sentences, and the omission of necessary words for the sake of brevity, are avoided. Embellishment or ornament should be used sparingly, and varied according to the nature of the subject. Repetition and sameness are as wearying as a superfluity of words. Other blemishes to be guarded against are pointed out, as well as what may be accomplished by different modes of expression. Striking conceptions, and tropes or metaphors, of which numerous illustrations are given, may occasionally be employed with advantage, but when used too frequently they become fatiguing, and vitiate the simplicity of style to which an orator should aspire.

Book IX. explains the difference between tropes and figures of speech, the former being expressions altered from their natural signification to another, while the latter are forms of speech differing from the ordinary modes of expression. After quoting Cicero's ideas on the subject, Quintilian expresses his own views, and gives a variety of instances of what really are figures, selected from the writings of different authors. Touching on the importance of attending to the smaller niceties of composition, he shows how much depends on the position of the principal words in a sentence, on the rhythm being agreeable to the ear, on avoiding the collision of letters and syllables that do not harmonise with each other, on the proper stops being introduced, and especially on the commencement and conclusion of each period being graceful and forcible. Above all, our care must be diligently concealed, in order that our words may seem to flow spontaneously, and not to be forced or studied.

Book X. undertakes to instruct the student how to practise, in the best and easiest manner, what he has learnt. To do so, he must provide himself with supplies of matter and words, and these are best obtained by assiduous reading, and listening to eloquent speakers. The faculties are recruited by the charms of poetry, while history furnishes fertilising aliment, and the study of philosophy develops the reasoning powers. A list is then given of the authors whose works are especially suitable for those who aim at becoming orators. Homer is at once copious and concise,

pleasing and forcible, admirable both in exuberance and brevity, and eminent, not only for poetic, but for rhetorical excellence; in short, his words, thoughts, figures, and arrangement, exceed the bounds of human genius. Hesiod seldom rises above the general level, but merits approbation for his sententious manner and easy flow of language. Of the lyric poets, Pindar is first in nobleness of spirit, grandeur of thought, and beauty of figures. Among tragic writers, Eschylus is grandiloquent, but unpolished; Euripides abounds with moral and philosophical ideas, and possesses a remarkable power of exciting pity; while the style of Sophocles is grave and dignified; and Menander has the gift of being able to represent every phase of human life. Of the two historians who are to be preferred to all others, Thucydides is pithy, Herodotus diffuse-the one excelling in speeches, the other in narrative. The most eminent of orators was Demosthenes, in whose eloquence we can neither find anything wanting, nor anything superfluous. Of the philosophers, who can doubt that Plato is the chief, as well in acuteness of reasoning as in a certain divine power of language? Concerning Xenophon, whose sweetness is unaffected, but such as no affectation could attain, the Graces themselves are said to have formed his style; and Aristotle is equally famous for his knowledge of things, the multitude of his writings, the agreeableness of his language, the penetration shown in his discoveries, and the variety exhibited in his works. Among Roman poets, Virgil approaches nearest to Homer; Lucretius is difficult; and Tibullus and Propertius are elegant writers of elegy. Ovid is more luxuriant in style; and his Medea shows how much he could have done had he been willing to control rather than indulge his genius. Horace soars occasionally, is full of pleasantness and grace, and evinces a happy daring in figures and expressions. In history, Sallust may be matched with Thucydides, and Livy is equal to Herodotus, so admirably is all that he says adapted to particular circumstances and characters. The principal Latin orators, too, may claim an equality of eloquence with those of Greece, and most of the excellences of Cicero are similar to those of Demosthenes. As for Julius Cæsar, had he

devoted himself to the forum, no other Roman would have been named as a rival to Cicero. Having carefully read the works of these authors, and those of others of lesser note, the student's mind must be directed to the imitation of all their excellences; for, although invention holds the first place in merit, a great portion of art consists in imitation; but he should also strive to excel rather than simply follow, and neither make any particular writer his model, nor copy what is faulty either in composition or style. Great advantages are likewise to be secured from practice in writing; and as nothing great is accomplished quickly, so our pen should, at first, move slowly but accurately. Thoughts will not come by looking at the ceiling, but by patient reflection; and working alone by lamp-light, if the mind be fresh and vigorous, is most desirable. We should, however, be able to abstract our attention even in a crowd, or on a journey; and although correction of what we have written is useful, it should not be indulged in too freely. Copiousness and facility of expression are best acquired by translating, by changing poetry into prose, and by composing declamations on common subjects and real facts. When we cannot write, we should meditate, and the habit of thinking out a speech may be gained by fixing a few particulars in our mind at first, and gradually enlarging our power of retention. The richest fruit, however, of all study is the faculty of speaking well extempore, which requires a settled method, a natural activity of mind, and constant practice.

Book XI. is a dissertation on speaking with aptitude, and on the styles which are best adapted to different speakers. Thus, while a bold and exuberant flow of words is allowable to a young orator, a calm and precise manner is more becoming to those who are growing grey. A plain style suits military men; and princes and conquerors may indulge in language which others would hardly be allowed to utter. A difference should always be made according to the rank and character of those we are addressing, and the occasion or place of speaking. Consideration, too, should be shown for the feelings of persons, even when serious accusations have to be made; and whatever is in excess is indecorous.

The cultivation of the memory is most important, and various modes are suggested of fixing facts and ideas in the mind. Still more minute directions are given as to the effective delivery of a speech, including the management of the voice, the countenance, the hands and fingers, the body generally, and even the dress; the great object in speaking being decorum, and the great triumph that what we do is becoming.

Book XII., after comparing the author's task to that of a navigator on an ocean, across which only one adventurer besides himself has sailed, sums up the reasons why a great orator must be a good man, and why no one will ever be accomplished in eloquence who has not gained a deep insight into the impulses of human nature, and formed his moral character on the precepts of others, and on his own reflections. Hence the study of philosophy is indispensable in order that he may attach himself to what is really good, and raises the mind towards the heaven from which it sprung. Other needful qualifications are reverted to, and a comparison is made between painting and sculpture, and the various styles of Greek and Latin eloquence. The orator is then advised to bring his public career to a close before he falls into the grasp of old age, and Quintilian concludes his labours with the following exhortation :

'Let us, then, pursue with our whole powers, the true dignity of eloquence, than which the immortal gods have given nothing better to mankind, and without which all nature would be mute, and all our acts would be deprived alike of present honour and of commemoration among posterity; and let us aspire to the highest excellence, for, by this means, we shall either attain the summit, or at least see many below us.'-Watson.

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APPENDIX.

NAMES OF THE PRINCIPAL ENGLISH TRANSLATORS OF EACH AUTHOR.

ÆSCHYLUS,