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Often appears with: history and the writing of history · education and the training of the young · language, naming, and meaning · justice as a virtue · censorship and the press · books, libraries, and learning · translation and the transmission of texts · fate, destiny, and necessity · religious persecution and toleration · poetry and the poets · honor, shame, and reputation · the passions and the emotions
Usually: detachment (130) · curiosity (110) · argument (108) · skepticism (89) · narrative (82) · exhortation (62) · censure (56) · wonder (56) · reflection (55) · commentary or gloss (52)
“It is precisely because such phrases are not part of the current idiom that they give distinction to the style. This, however, he failed to see.” Aristotle, The Poetics of Aristotle · observation
“The moral which I gained from the dialogue was the power of truth over the conscience of even a slaveholder.” Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an Amer · insight
“It opened my eyes to the horrible pit, but to no ladder upon which to get out.” Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an Amer · vivid
“Freedom now appeared, to disappear no more forever. It was heard in every sound, and seen in every thing.” Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an Amer · vivid
“Here I give to be thine a fair grove, an holy, Priapus, Where thy Lampsacus holds thee in chamber seemly, Priapus;” Gaius Valerius Catullus (translated by Robinson Ellis), The Poems and Fragments of Catullus · vivid
“Men should be taught as if you taught them not, And things unknown propos'd as things forgot;” Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · precept
“Modest, sensible men, who do not love disputation, will probably leave you undisturbed in the possession of your error.” Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · observation
“Anti-slavery is no longer a thing to be prevented. The time for prevention is past.” Frederick Douglass, My Bondage and My Freedom · precept
“One flash from the heart-supplied intellect of Harriet Beecher Stowe could light a million camp fires in front of the embattled host of slavery, which not all the waters of the Mississippi, mingled as they are with blood, could extinguish.” Frederick Douglass, My Bondage and My Freedom · vivid
“And no history can be bad so long as it is true.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · insight
“it is the business and duty of historians to be exact, truthful, and wholly free from passion, and neither interest nor fear, hatred nor love, should make them swerve from the path of truth, whose mother is history, rival of time, storehouse of deeds, witness for the past, example and counsel for the present, and warning for the future.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · insight
“it is no business or concern of knights-errant to inquire whether any persons in affliction, in chains, or oppressed that they may meet on the high roads go that way and suffer as they do because of their faults or because of their misfortunes.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · precept
The preface states that this translation’s sura order uses Muslim traditions and modern scholarly criticism (Weil, Muir, Noldeke), and it claims Qur’an suras shift from poetic Meccan admonitions to more didactic Medina legislation and warfare.
and honesty of purpose which forbade him, as it certainly did, in any way to tamper with the sacred text, to suppress contradictory, and exclude or soften down inaccurate, statements. The arrangement of the Suras in this translation is based partly upon the traditions of the Muhammadans themselves, with reference especially to the ancient chronological list printed by Weil in his Mohammed der Prophet, as well as upo…
Margoliouth says the suras were meant for hearers via public recital rather than silent readers, outlines key stages of Muhammad’s career tied to suras, and notes that individual verse-to-event links are often hard to pinpoint.
Apostle's, God's pleasure and the Apostle's, spoken of in the same breath, and epithets and attributes elsewhere applied to Allah openly applied to himself as in Sura ix., 118, 129. The Suras, viewed as a whole, strike me as being the work of one who began his career as a thoughtful enquirer after truth, and an earnest asserter of it in such rhetorical and poetical forms as he deemed most likely to win and attract h…
He describes how Muhammad, before and during public life, drew Qur'an material from Jewish, Christian, Persian, and Arabic legends, naming figures like Salman and Sergius/Boheira, and discussing Meccan taunts and the Hanyfs.
historians like Abulfeda as authorities, and to suppose that an account gains in certainty because it is mentioned by several of them, is highly uncritical." Life of Mohammad, p. 73. The sources whence Muhammad derived the materials of his Koran are, over and above the more poetical parts, which are his own creation, the legends of his time and country, Jewish traditions based upon the Talmud, or perverted to suit h…
The editor’s preface praises Pepys’s diary as a detailed source for plays and stage life, and claims it also describes surprising early scientific and military experiments, along with scandalous anecdotes.
the curious, affect dramatic antiquities--a line which has special charms for the present age--no book published in our time has thrown so much light upon plays, playwrights, and play- actors. "Then those who desire to be aware of the earliest discoveries, as well in sciences, as in the useful arts, may read in Pepys's Memoirs, how a slice of roast mutton was converted into pure blood; and of those philosophical gla…
Pepys narrates September 5 in detail: a yacht race between English and Dutch vessels near Woolwich/Greenwich, and a long anecdote from Sir Jerom Bowes about humiliating an emperor’s courtiers and asserting English precedence.
up to-day, and strict watch is kept in the City by the train-bands, and abettors of a plot are taken. God preserve us, for all these things bode very ill. SEPTEMBER 1, 1662. With Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen by coach to St. James's, this being the first day of our meeting there by the Duke's order; but when we come, we found him going out by coach with his Duchesse, and he told us he was to go abroad with the Queen…
Pepys attends sermons and literary events, debates about the value of Hudibras, watches skating in the Park with Captain Ferrers, and hears court gossip including the Monmouth “child dropped” incident and Monmouth’s rank.
vests officiating somewhere in Holborne the other day, and was committed by Secretary Morris according to law; and they say the Bishop of London did give him thanks for it. 17th. To my Lord Sandwich, whom I found at cards with Pickering; but he made an end soon: and so all alone, he told me he had a great secret to tell me, such as no flesh knew but himself, nor ought; which was this:--that yesterday morning Escha…
Pepys attends a court performance of the old comedy “Albumazar,” connected in rumor with Jonson’s “Alchymist,” and records general mirth at mimicked tricks during the King’s presence.
thing extraordinary in it, but was indeed wary of it before it was done. The King here; and indeed all of us pretty merry at the mimique tricks of Trinkilo. 23rd. I met with Sir W. Coventry, and he and I walked awhile together in the Matted Gallery; and there he told me all the proceedings yesterday: that the matter is found in general a miscarriage, but no persons named; and so there is no great matter to our pre…
Corinth replies that Corcyra’s moderation is hypocrisy aimed at monopoly of “crime,” and argues Corinth’s war against Corcyra is justified by the seizure of Epidamnus and the rejection of arbitration.
Such were the words of the Corcyraeans. After they had finished, the Corinthians spoke as follows: “These Corcyraeans in the speech we have just heard do not confine themselves to the question of their reception into your alliance. They also talk of our being guilty of injustice, and their being the victims of an unjustifiable war. It becomes necessary for us to touch upon both these points before we proceed to the …
Jesus’ “bread of life” teaching shocks many disciples, yet Peter confesses Jesus as Christ; afterward Jesus travels in Galilee and goes to the Jewish feast in a guarded way, teaching in the temple.
live by me. This is the bread which came from heaven: not as your fathers have eaten manna and are dead. He that eateth of this bread, shall live ever. These things said he in the synagogue as he taught in Capernaum. Many of his disciples, when they had heard this, said: this is an hard saying. Who can abide the hearing of it? Iesus knew in himself, that his disciples murmu red at it, and said unto them: Doth this o…
Paul argues that without love gifts and sacrifices are worthless, then defines love’s character, says love endures beyond knowledge and prophecy, and urges prioritizing prophecy and intelligible speech in worship.
What is it then? I will pray with my spirit, and will pray with my mind also. I will sing with my spirit, and will sing with my mind also. For else when thou blessest with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say amen at thy giving of thanks? seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? Thou verily givest thanks well: but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues mo…
Paul explains that after failing to find Titus at Troas he goes to Macedonia, thanks God for victory, contrasts the “savor” of Christ for different groups, and stresses preaching the gospel without changing.
thing, to whom I forgave it for your sakes forgave I it, in the room of Christ, lest Satan should prevent us. For his thoughts are not unknown unto us. When I was come to Troada for Christ's Gospel's sake (and a great door was opened unto me of the lord) I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but took my leave of them and went away into Macedonia. Thanks be unto God which always giveth us …
Livy recounts Roman consular and praetorian assignments for the war against Hannibal and narrates a tax-farmer fraud of staged shipwrecks, culminating in a failed attempt to fine Marcus Posthumius Pyrgensis.
of them they convicted and sent into exile. The plebeian games were repeated during two days, and a feast in honour of Jupiter was celebrated on occasion of the games. 3. Quintus Fulvius Flaccus, for the third time, and Appius Claudius entered upon the office of consuls. The praetors determined their provinces by lot. Publius Cornelius Sulla received both the city and the foreign jurisdiction, formerly allotted to t…
Douglass describes learning to read by befriending white boys on Philpot Street, sharing bread for lessons, and reading the “Columbian Orator” to challenge slavery’s logic.
was too late. The first step had been taken. Mistress, in teaching me the alphabet, had given me the *inch,* and no precaution could prevent me from taking the *ell.* The plan which I adopted, and the one by which I was most successful, was that of making friends of all the little white boys whom I met in the street. As many of these as I could, I converted into teachers. With their kindly aid, obtained at different…
He explains that “The Columbian Orator,” including a dialogue and Sheridan’s speech on Catholic emancipation, strengthens his belief in abolition by showing slavery’s conscience and human-rights violations.
things in reply to his master—things which had the desired though unexpected effect; for the conversation resulted in the voluntary emancipation of the slave on the part of the master. In the same book, I met with one of Sheridan’s mighty speeches on and in behalf of Catholic emancipation. These were choice documents to me. I read them over and over again with unabated interest. They gave tongue to interesting thoug…
Creelman’s vivid description portrays Washington’s commanding physical presence and delivery before a white audience, including the famous ‘separate as the fingers’ line, followed by tears from listeners and Bullock rushing onstage to shake his hand.
enthusiasm—handkerchiefs were waved, canes were flourished, hats were tossed in the air. The fairest women of Georgia stood up and cheered. It was as if the orator had bewitched them. And when he held his dusky hand high above his head, with the fingers stretched wide apart, and said to the white people of the South on behalf of his race, “In all things that are purely social we can be as separate as the fingers, ye…
Washington explains his speaking practice: he suffers intense nervousness, but after about ten minutes feels he controls the audience through sympathy, using stories carefully to thaw skeptics, and avoids speaking without a deep message.
matter of duty, I went to the church, and found it packed with people. The surprise gave me a shock that I did not recover from during the whole evening. People often ask me if I feel nervous before speaking, or else they suggest that, since I speak often, they suppose that I get used to it. In answer to this question I have to say that I always suffer intensely from nervousness before speaking. More than once, just…
Washington says people leaving the room quickly throws him off balance, so he keeps his talk fact-heavy and engaging, prefers business audiences, recalls a childhood molasses ritual while enslaved, and compares that memory to speaking hardships.
for the proper use of the English language, and all about rhetoric and that sort of thing, and I like to make the audience forget all about these things, too. Nothing tends to throw me off my balance so quickly, when I am speaking, as to have some one leave the room. To prevent this, I make up my mind, as a rule, that I will try to make my address so interesting, will try to state so many interesting facts one after…
In Paris, Washington attends events with U.S. officials, highlights American painter Henry O. Tanner’s recognition at the Luxembourg Palace, and argues that success comes from skilled usefulness regardless of race or color.
States Supreme Court. During our entire stay of a month in Paris, both the American Ambassador and his wife, as well as several other Americans, were very kind to us. While in Paris we saw a good deal of the now famous American Negro painter, Mr. Henry O. Tanner, whom we had formerly known in America. It was very satisfactory to find how well known Mr. Tanner was in the field of art, and to note the high standing wh…
He reflects on French character—pleasure, thoroughness, competition, and mercy to animals—then describes traveling to London, declining most invitations to rest, speaking at Essex Hall, and meeting Mark Twain.
the material, intellectual, and moral well-being of the place in which he lives is long left without proper reward. This is a great human law which cannot be permanently nullified. The love of pleasure and excitement which seems in a large measure to possess the French people impressed itself upon me. I think they are more noted in this respect than is true of the people of my own race. In point of morality and mora…
From Winter 1855 lecture material, Douglass praises the anti-slavery movement as sublime and holy, cites John C. Calhoun and Daniel Webster studying it, and describes its impact on churches, newspapers, and public debate.
Anti-Slavery Bodies, in the Winter of 1855. A grand movement on the part of mankind, in any direction, or for any purpose, moral or political, is an interesting fact, fit and proper to be studied. It is such, not only for those who eagerly participate in it, but also for those who stand aloof from it—even for those by whom it is opposed. I take the anti-slavery movement to be such an one, and a movement as sublime a…
He concludes that the anti-slavery movement has become a major moral and social issue in America, strengthened by influential writers and international opinion, and likely to succeed unless it decays from within.
when the claims of justice and mercy make their demand at the door of human selfishness. Nevertheless, there is that within which ever pleads for the right and the just. In conclusion, I have taken a sober view of the present anti-slavery movement. I am sober, but not hopeless. There is no denying, for it is everywhere admitted, that the anti-slavery question is the great moral and social question now before the Ame…
Plutarch portrays Themistocles as impulsive but ambitious, claims he studied political “wisdom” connected to Solon, and narrates his rivalry with Aristides from youth to early political rise.
practical part of it into a mere art of speaking and an exercise of words, were generally called sophists. Themistocles resorted to Mnesiphilus when he had already embarked in politics. In the first essays of his youth he was not regular nor happily balanced; he allowed himself to follow mere natural character, which, without the control of reason and instruction, is apt to hurry, upon either side, into sudden and v…
Plutarch tells how Pericles defends the cost of his building program in the assembly, then after ostracizing Thucydides he consolidates Athenian imperial power and shifts governance toward firm, persuasive rule.
the works, they cried aloud, bidding him to spend on, and lay out what he thought fit from the public purse, and to spare no cost, till all were finished. At length, coming to a final contest with Thucydides, which of the two should ostracize the other out of the country, and having gone through this peril, he threw his antagonist out, and broke up the confederacy that had been organized against him. So that now al…
Plutarch describes Alcibiades’ eloquence, high spending and chariot victories at Olympia, gifts from states like Ephesus, Chios, and Lesbos, and the controversy over a chariot involving Diomedes and an Isocrates-written speech that names Tisias as plaintiff.
of them started up to pursue the bird; and one Antiochus, a pilot, caught it and restored it to him, for which he was ever after a favorite with Alcibiades. He had great advantages for entering public life; his noble birth, his riches, the personal courage he had shown in divers battles, and the multitude of his friends and dependents, threw open, so to say, folding doors for his admittance. But he did not consent …
Plutarch continues the comparison: Antipater praises Aristotle’s persuasiveness, and Plutarch claims Marcius lacked it, making his virtues unacceptable; Alcibiades’ agreeable manner brought favor, while Coriolanus could not become beloved despite admiration.
the odium he incurred with the populace in the discussions about their debts was, that he trampled upon the poor, not for money's sake, but out of pride and insolence. Antipater, in a letter written upon the death of Aristotle the philosopher, observes, "Amongst his other gifts he had that of persuasiveness;" and the absence of this in the character of Marcius made all his great actions and noble qualities unaccepta…
Cato argues in the Forum over the pillar in the Porcian Hall, impressing with powerful, unadorned speech; he then hardens his body, practices severe self-discipline, and speaks in moderation while managing drink and gambling.
him, men blamed his silence, "But I hope not my life," he replied, "I will begin to speak, when I have that to say which had not better be unsaid." The great Porcian Hall, as it was called, had been built and dedicated to the public use by the old Cato, when aedile. Here the tribunes of the people used to transact their business, and because one of the pillars was thought to interfere with the convenience of their …
Plutarch compares Tiberius and Caius Gracchus, contrasting their temperaments, speech styles, domestic frugality versus fashion, and Caius’s vocal rage managed by an attendant’s pitch-pipe.
of mind, yet in their actions and administrations of public affairs, a considerable variation showed itself. It will not be amiss, before we proceed, to mark the difference between them. Tiberius, in the form and expression of his countenance, and in his gesture and motion, was gentle and composed; but Caius, earnest and vehement. And so, in their public speeches to the people, the one spoke in a quiet orderly mann…
Plutarch recounts how Demosthenes became a skilled orator after secretly attending Callistratus’s court case for Oropus, then choosing declamation under Isaeus rather than other teachers.
a snake; or for his disagreeable way of speaking, Argas being the name of a poet, who composed very harshly and disagreeably. So much, as Plato says, for such matters. The first occasion of his eager inclination to oratory they say, was this. Callistratus, the orator, being to plead in open court for Oropus, the expectation of the issue of that cause was very great, as well for the ability of the orator, who was th…
Plutarch weighs claims about Demosthenes’s boldness: despite ridicule and doubts, sources credit him with confidence, inspired delivery, and effectiveness, contrasting him with Demades and others’ natural gifts.
when he was at a loss, and discomposed, Demades would often rise up on the sudden to support him, but he was never observed to do the same for Demades. Whence then, may some say, was it, that Aeschines speaks of him as a person so much to be wondered at for his boldness in speaking? Or, how could it be, when Python, the Byzantine, "with so much confidence and such a torrent of words inveighed against" the Athenians…
Plutarch describes young Cicero’s schooling, talent in learning and poetry, his reputation as best orator and poet, study under Philo the Academic, army service under Sulla, and his early defense of Roscius after proscription-linked accusations.
names, Marcus and Tullius, instead of the third he jestingly told the artificer to engrave the figure of a vetch by them. Thus much is told us about his name. Of his birth it is reported, that his mother was delivered without pain or labor, on the third of the new Calends, the same day on which now the magistrates of Rome pray and sacrifice for the emperor. It is said, also, that a vision appeared to his nurse, and…
The passage describes Cicero’s early public career: fearing Sulla, he travels to Greece, studies with Antiochus of Ascalon, improves his rhetoric, and sails via Asia and Rhodes, where Apollonius predicts his eloquence will go from Greece to Rome.
he was not likely ever to have a fairer and more honorable introduction to public life; he therefore undertook the defense, carried the cause, and got much renown for it. But fearing Sylla, he traveled into Greece, and gave it out that he did so for the benefit of his health. And indeed he was lean and meager, and had such a weakness in his stomach, that he could take nothing but a spare and thin diet, and that not…
After hearing the Delphic oracle, Cicero cautiously avoids offices at first, then rises in Roman legal life, improves delivery with performers like Roscius and Aesop, and becomes celebrated but criticized for excessive sarcasm.
Cicero, and Greece my pity and commiseration, since those arts and that eloquence which are the only glories that remain to her, will now be transferred by you to Rome." And now when Cicero, full of expectation, was again bent upon political affairs, a certain oracle blunted the edge of his inclination; for consulting the god of Delphi how he should attain most glory, the Pythoness answered, by making his own genius…
The narrative criticizes Cicero’s habit of praising himself excessively while also noting his generosity toward others and recounting anecdotes about his sharp wit and rhetorical tactics, including compliments and insults toward figures like Crassus.
declared the Father of his Country, which title he seems to have obtained, the first man who did so, when Cato gave it him in this address to the people. At this time, therefore, his authority was very great in the city; but he created himself much envy, and offended very many, not by any evil action, but because he was always lauding and magnifying himself. For neither senate, nor assembly of the people, nor court…
More examples show Cicero’s habit of rhetorical reversals and joking attacks in courts and politics, then shift to Clodius’s affair with Pompeia and the resulting prosecution for profaning sacred rites.
a dissolute and profligate character; but in the other, he rather meanly expostulates and complains with Pelops, for neglecting to procure him a decree of certain honors from the Byzantines. Another illustration of his love of praise is the way in which sometimes, to make his orations more striking, he neglected decorum and dignity. When Munatius, who had escaped conviction by his advocacy, immediately prosecuted h…
Plutarch compares Demosthenes and Cicero’s rhetoric and character, praising Demosthenes’ seriousness while criticizing Cicero’s mockery, self-boasting, and occasional impropriety in court speeches.
COMPARISON OF DEMOSTHENES AND CICERO These are the most memorable circumstances recorded in history of Demosthenes and Cicero which have come to our knowledge. But omitting an exact comparison of their respective faculties in speaking, yet thus much seems fit to be said; that Demosthenes, to make himself a master in rhetoric, applied all the faculties he had, natural or acquired, wholly that way; that he far surpas…
The passage argues that a political leader must speak well but should not relish praise for eloquence; it contrasts Demosthenes’ lack of office with Cicero’s proofs of justice, wisdom, and contempt for riches.
Soldier full-armed, terrific to the foe. It is necessary, indeed, for a political leader to be an able speaker; but it is an ignoble thing for any man to admire and relish the glory of his own eloquence. And, in this matter, Demosthenes had a more than ordinary gravity and magnificence of mind, accounting his talent in speaking nothing more than a mere accomplishment and matter of practice, the success of which mus…
Cleopatra and Antony surpass each other in supper magnificence; their banter turns satirical, and Plutarch stresses Cleopatra’s irresistible presence, multilingual skill, and cosmopolitan audience.
of branches with lights in them so ingeniously disposed, some in squares, and some in circles, that the whole thing was a spectacle that has seldom been equaled for beauty. The next day, Antony invited her to supper, and was very desirous to outdo her as well in magnificence as contrivance; but he found he was altogether beaten in both, and was so well convinced of it, that he was himself the first to jest and mock …
The curate and barber continue judging books one by one—sending many into the yard to burn, banishing or preserving others—while debating authors and even comparing translated works to originals.
“This,” said the barber, “is ‘Don Olivante de Laura.’” “The author of that book,” said the curate, “was the same that wrote ‘The Garden of Flowers,’ and truly there is no deciding which of the two books is the more truthful, or, to put it better, the less lying; all I can say is, send this one into the yard for a swaggering fool.” “This that follows is ‘Florismarte of Hircania,’” said the barber. “Señor Florismart…
The narrator claims to have translated the “Second Part” and describes a pamphlet illustration of Don Quixote’s fight with a Biscayan, including labels for Don Sancho de Azpeitia and Sancho Panza.
of my hands, I took him to my house, where in little more than a month and a half he translated the whole just as it is set down here. In the first pamphlet the battle between Don Quixote and the Biscayan was drawn to the very life, they planted in the same attitude as the history describes, their swords raised, and the one protected by his buckler, the other by his cushion, and the Biscayan’s mule so true to nature…
Sancho defines a knight-adventurer as someone drubbed today and an emperor tomorrow, then Don Quixote praises the hostess’s kindness and muses on Dulcinea, leaving the inn staff bewildered by his flowery speech.
“What is a knight-adventurer?” said the lass. “Are you so new in the world as not to know?” answered Sancho Panza. “Well, then, you must know, sister, that a knight-adventurer is a thing that in two words is seen drubbed and emperor, that is to-day the most miserable and needy being in the world, and to-morrow will have two or three crowns of kingdoms to give his squire.” “Then how is it,” said the hostess, “that b…
Sancho Panza reports Don Quixote is starving and begging for Dulcinea, so Dorothea disguises as the Princess Micomicona to stage a chivalric scheme, and the curate explains the “Micomicon” kingdom task to Sancho.
Full Size At this moment they heard a shout, and recognised it as coming from Sancho Panza, who, not finding them where he had left them, was calling aloud to them. They went to meet him, and in answer to their inquiries about Don Quixote, he told them how he had found him stripped to his shirt, lank, yellow, half dead with hunger, and sighing for his lady Dulcinea; and although he had told him that she commanded hi…
Don Quixote argues knights must aid oppressed people regardless of faults, then Dorothea (posing as a princess) begins to set up her story while the group talks and waits for her troubles.
WHICH TREATS OF ADDRESS DISPLAYED BY THE FAIR DOROTHEA, WITH OTHER MATTERS PLEASANT AND AMUSING c30a.jpg (147K) Full Size The curate had hardly ceased speaking, when Sancho said, “In faith, then, señor licentiate, he who did that deed was my master; and it was not for want of my telling him beforehand and warning him to mind what he was about, and that it was a sin to set them at liberty, as they were all on the m…
The curate and Cardenio comment that Don Quixote believes absurd chivalric stories because of their style, then Quixote demands a detailed report of Sancho’s meeting with Dulcinea.
amused herself reading them; but that she did not know the situation of the provinces or seaports, and so she had said at haphazard that she had landed at Osuna. “So I saw,” said the curate, “and for that reason I made haste to say what I did, by which it was all set right. But is it not a strange thing to see how readily this unhappy gentleman believes all these figments and lies, simply because they are in the sty…
On the road, Don Quixote questions a humanist cousin who writes books for publication, then discusses his absurdly detailed works, while Sancho jokes about authorship of world firsts like head-scratching and tumbling.
those of the cousin, likewise well filled; and so, commending themselves to God and bidding farewell to all, they set out, taking the road for the famous cave of Montesinos. On the way Don Quixote asked the cousin of what sort and character his pursuits, avocations, and studies were, to which he replied that he was by profession a humanist, and that his pursuits and studies were making books for the press, all of gr…
During the show Don Quixote corrects details about Moorish bells, and the interpreter continues the tale of Melisendra’s balcony escape attempt and the chase, while the show’s narrative is repeatedly “corrected” onstage.
here you see them come out to execute the sentence, although the offence has been scarcely committed; for among the Moors there are no indictments nor remands as with us.” Here Don Quixote called out, “Child, child, go straight on with your story, and don’t run into curves and slants, for to establish a fact clearly there is need of a great deal of proof and confirmation;” and said Master Pedro from within, “Boy, st…
The narrator claims Cide Hamete’s interpreter complained about writing too dryly, then explains the duke’s prank: Don Quixote’s written counsels are dropped, the duke and duchess scheme, and Sancho is sent with a majordomo to rule his island.
HOW SANCHO PANZA WAS CONDUCTED TO HIS GOVERNMENT, AND OF THE STRANGE ADVENTURE THAT BEFELL DON QUIXOTE IN THE CASTLE p44a.jpg (140K) Full Size It is stated, they say, in the true original of this history, that when Cide Hamete came to write this chapter, his interpreter did not translate it as he wrote it—that is, as a kind of complaint the Moor made against himself for having taken in hand a story so dry and of s…
After Altisidora’s serenade the next morning, Don Quixote dresses and goes to the duchess, is teased with staged arrangements involving a lute, and then at night sings a moral song against idleness and for modesty and constancy.
OF THE TERRIBLE BELL AND CAT FRIGHT THAT DON QUIXOTE GOT IN THE COURSE OF THE ENAMOURED ALTISIDORA’S WOOING p46a.jpg (58K) Full Size We left Don Quixote wrapped up in the reflections which the music of the enamourned maid Altisidora had given rise to. He went to bed with them, and just like fleas they would not let him sleep or get a moment’s rest, and the broken stitches of his stockings helped them. But as Time …
The translator continues by defending Charles Jervas’s Don Quixote as faithful and painstaking, while criticizing its “wooden” stiffness, and contrasting it with later abridgments, patchwork versions, and an “impudent imposture.”
Spanish. He was, in fact, an honest, faithful, and painstaking translator, and he has left a version which, whatever its shortcomings may be, is singularly free from errors and mistranslations. The charge against it is that it is stiff, dry--"wooden" in a word,-and no one can deny that there is a foundation for it. But it may be pleaded for Jervas that a good deal of this rigidity is due to his abhorrence of the lig…
The translator argues there is no real conflict between readers who want only plot and those who want Cervantes’ exact manner, and sets principles for their own translation: avoid affectation, keep familiar names, and be faithful to the spirit and letter.
so far at least as differences of idiom and circumstances permit, and who will give a preference to the conscientious translator, even though he may have acquitted himself somewhat awkwardly. But after all there is no real antagonism between the two classes; there is no reason why what pleases the one should not please the other, or why a translator who makes it his aim to treat "Don Quixote" with the respect due to…
A moral critique explains how domestic corruption in Valens’ circle targets judges and encourages inequitable court practice, describing lawyers’ manipulation, bribery-by-eloquence, and litigation predation in the East.
limited time for speaking.[184] Therefore, after saying a few words about its unworthy character, as I found by experience while in those countries, I will return to my original subject. 5. The tribunals, in former times, when good taste prevailed, were greatly adorned by our advocates, when orators of spirited eloquence--laborious and accomplished scholars--shone pre-eminent in genius, honesty, fluency, and every k…
He argues that games and arts grew from religion because cult practices express society’s effervescence and leave a surplus of energy used for art; hence rites can include motions with meanings that may be elusive.
changed. In fact, the distinction between these two sorts of ceremonies is so variable that it is impossible to state with precision to which of the two kinds they belong.[1218] It is a well-known fact that games and the principal forms of art seem to have been born of religion and that for a long time they retained a religious character.[1219] We now see what the reasons for this are: it is because the cult, though…
Herodes Atticus’s education and career are summarized: he becomes a celebrated orator but practices rhetoric without visiting Forum or Senate, later receives the consulship, retires in Athens, and builds a white-marble stadium and an Odeum.
Their pupil soon became a celebrated orator, according to the useless rhetoric of that age, which, confining itself to the schools, disdained to visit either the Forum or the Senate. He was honored with the consulship at Rome: but the greatest part of his life was spent in a philosophic retirement at Athens, and his adjacent villas; perpetually surrounded by sophists, who acknowledged, without relu…
He continues by portraying how dream and miracle accounts multiply and persuade, contrasting pagan and Christian versions (Nazarius’ angelic warriors; Eusebius’ luminous cross and Christ’s instructions) and criticizes Eusebius’ weak evidence.
of mortals to his subordinate deities; and thus assigns a very plausible reason why the subjects of Constantine should not presume to embrace the new religion of their sovereign. 44 39 (return) [ Tertullian de Corona, c. 3. Athanasius, tom. i. p. 101. The learned Jesuit Petavius (Dogmata Theolog. l. xv. c. 9, 10) has collected many similar passages on the virtues of the cross, which in the last age embarrassed our P…
Gibbon discusses Constantine’s conversion narrative, criticizing a poem that depicts Constantine’s ambition and self-interest disguised as devotion to Christianity.
specious interpretation of the fourth eclogue contributed to the conversion of the first Christian emperor, Virgil may deserve to be ranked among the most successful missionaries of the gospel. 62 54 (return) [ Lors Constantin dit ces propres paroles: J’ai renversé le culte des idoles: Sur les debris de leurs temples fumans Au Dieu du Ciel j’ai prodigue l’encens. Mais tous mes soins pour sa …
Gibbon critiques Christian preaching as a tool of mass emotion: bishops and presbyters address crowds, coordinated pulpit rhetoric spreads church doctrine and monastic ideals, and preaching can inflame heresy and sedition.
observes, that ancient Greece might perhaps contain fifteen or twenty *azyla* or sanctuaries; a number which at present may be found in Italy within the walls of a single city.] V. The bishop was the perpetual censor of the morals of his people The discipline of penance was digested into a system of canonical jurisprudence, 114 which accurately defined the duty of private or public confession, the rules of evidence,…
Gibbon describes Julian’s satire on the “Cæsars,” set as a Saturnalia feast judged by gods, where the vices of past emperors are exposed and Marcus Aurelius is praised for Stoic virtue.
Residence Of Julian At Antioch.—His Successful Expedition Against The Persians.—Passage Of The Tigris—The Retreat And Death Of Julian.—Election Of Jovian.—He Saves The Roman Army By A Disgraceful Treaty. The philosophical fable which Julian composed under the name of the Cæsars, 1 is one of the most agreeable and instructive productions of ancient wit. 2 During the freedom and equality of …
Gibbon highlights the sophist Libanius as a rare civic virtue in Antioch: rhetorician’s school, his relationship with Julian, and his indifference to Christianity’s triumph under Julian.
[ Julian, in Misopogon, p. 364. Ammian. xxiii. 2, and Valesius, ad loc. Libanius, in a professed oration, invites him to return to his loyal and penitent city of Antioch.] Yet Antioch possessed one citizen, whose genius and virtues might atone, in the opinion of Julian, for the vice and folly of his country. The sophist Libanius was born in the capital of the East; he publicly professed the arts of…
Gibbon describes funerary satire of Julian at his funeral, with comedians mocking his habits and superstition; Julian’s body is interred at Tarsus, and debate over his burial reflects political and philosophical rivalry.
orator faintly mutters some exhortations to modesty and forgiveness; but he is well satisfied, that the real sufferings of Julian will far exceed the fabulous torments of Ixion or Tantalus.] 131 (return) [ Tillemont (Hist. des Empereurs, tom. iv. p. 549) has collected these visions. Some saint or angel was observed to be absent in the night, on a secret expedition, &c.] 132 (return) [ Sozomen (l. vi. 2)…
Gibbon digresses on the mixed reception of sermons and uses Gregory Nazianzen’s biography to discuss Christian disputes, chronology, and personal quarrels involving figures like Maximus.
greater part of his numerous audience retired from his sermons satisfied with the eloquence of the preacher, 35 or dissatisfied with the manifold imperfections of their faith and practice. 36 24 (return) [ Sozomen, l. vii. c. v. Socrates, l. v. c. 7. Marcellin. in Chron. The account of forty years must be dated from the election or intrusion of Eusebius, who wisely exchanged the bishopric of Nicome…
Ambrose’s fiery preaching in Milan inflames Arian tensions; court measures include a gold fine and restrictions on officials, and Justina’s policy shifts toward leaving Catholic churches to dissemble until revenge.
852-880) is one of the curious monuments of ecclesiastical antiquity. It contains two letters to his sister Marcellina, with a petition to Valentinian and the sermon de Basilicis non madendis.] But while he labored to restrain the effects of their zeal, the pathetic vehemence of his sermons continually inflamed the angry and seditious temper of the people of Milan. The characters of Eve, of the wif…