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 LINWOOD 
 
 REMARKS ON THE PRESENT 
 STATE OF CLASSICAL 
 SCHOLARSHIP
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 REMARKS 
 
 J. -hi 
 
 ^m: . I 
 
 Ju/y/t^x.p./irA^.- 
 
 ON 
 
 THE PRESENT STATE OF 
 
 CLASSICAL SCHOLARSHIP 
 
 DISTINCTIONS 
 
 IN TilK 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD. 
 
 i 
 
 y.x Tiii: 
 
 /^ 
 
 I^EV. WILLIA^L LTXAVOOD/M.A.. M. K.A.S., 
 
 srUDKNT <>T" IIIKIST CUITRCH. 
 
 Hinc Coriis l'",lriiri;i crcvil." 
 
 OXFORD: 
 
 J. II. PA UK HR. 
 
 1845.
 
 London: 
 pkinted by john wbrtheimer and co., j 
 
 CmCfS PLACE, FINSBUBY CIRCUS. i 
 
 I
 
 
 
 
 TO THOSE 
 
 WHO HAVE SHOAVN BY THEIR AFTER LIVES THAT 
 
 THE DISTINCTIONS ACQUIRED BY THEM 
 
 IN OUR 
 
 UNIVERSITIES AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS 
 
 HAVE BEEN THE 
 
 EARNEST OF THEIR FUTURE EMINENCE 
 
 AND 
 TO ALL WHO WOULD FOLLOW IN 
 
 THEIR STEPS 
 
 THESE PAGES ARE INSCRIBED. 
 
 1993228
 
 REMARKS/ 
 
 ETC. 
 
 We have occasionally seen publications, coming ap- 
 parently from Members of the University, bearing 
 such titles as, " The Student's Guide to University 
 Honours," and others equally imposing. We shall 
 not imitate their example, and if they succeed we 
 do not envy their success. They who think they 
 can point out a short way to University distinctions, 
 may do so if they can ; they are welcome to all 
 the credit which may result from the attempt. We 
 differ from all such persons for two reasons. We do 
 not think University honours ought to be thus put 
 forward as the main object for which men come up 
 to reside amongst us; and, in the next place, we 
 consider all such compendious methods as infinitely 
 more likely to defeat, than they can possibly be 
 calculated to promote, the object which they profess 
 to have in view. 
 
 But let it not be supposed that we undervalue 
 such distinctions. We never remember to have 
 heard any one do so except those, who, being unable 
 to obtain these honours for themselves, have found a 
 malignant satisfaction in the less illustrious office of 
 
 * We are aware that pamphlets have been written by some eminent 
 members of the University of Cambridge, on the subject of Private 
 Tuition. We have, however, not as yet read them, wishing- not to 
 mix our argument up with the affairs of the sister University. If any 
 coincidences of opinion, therefore, exist, tliey are independent ones.
 
 6 
 
 disiKinminu them in others. The names which stand 
 associated with this species of distinction are an ir- 
 rclVaiiable evidence of their value. Any one who will 
 examine the calendar of either University, will find 
 among- those who there first entered upon the path 
 of honourable ambition, a large number of such as, 
 beuinnin"- with the Prime Minister himself, have in 
 the Cabinet and in the Senate, on the Episcopal and 
 Judicial bench, or in other high situations of active 
 and official life, followed up the distinctions of their 
 youth in the enlarged arena opened by their maturer 
 years. Nor have those judged them unimportant, 
 whom no one can suppose to have been even partly ac- 
 tuated by any feeling of worldly interest or ambition. 
 Take for example the Missionary Martyn, a name 
 which with many persons will weigh more than any 
 of those to which we have referred. A man of 
 weaker mind would have scrupled to pursue his 
 former purpose of academical distinction, as incon- 
 sistent with the object to which he had resolved to 
 dedicate his life. But he acted more wisely and 
 better : and having secured the highest honour which 
 his University could bestow, went forth thus accre- 
 dited upon his generous errand. And all persons 
 who desire to devote themselves to the furtherance 
 of some special object in life, whether religious, poli- 
 tical, or literary, will do well to attach to their 
 naiues in the outset a ])roof of their ability which 
 the world cannot gainsay. It is a fallacy to affirm 
 that the studies and rewards of the University are 
 not analogous to the purposes of their future life. 
 The point of analogy lies in this — in the doing well 
 whatever legitimately claims their attention for the
 
 present, and thus, by their success in the one, proving 
 their capacity for the prosecution and attainment of 
 the other. 
 
 But besides this, University honours have another 
 and more immediate utility, inasmuch as they form 
 an encouragement to the pursuit of those studies which 
 the wisdom of ages immemorial has marked out as 
 the proper training for the future business of life, and 
 upon which experience has set the seal of its ap- 
 proval. " Quis enim," says the poet, " virtutem 
 amplectitur ipsam, Prtemia si tollas?" We do not 
 discuss the morality of the sentiment; we think, as re- 
 gards this question, the matter may fairly be treated 
 in this practical manner. It is true that there always 
 have been, and probably always will be, some few 
 burning and shining lights, who, without any in- 
 centive besides their own passionate desire for know- 
 ledge, nay frequently, thwarted, mortified, and kept 
 down, as far as genius can be kept down, by unfa- 
 vourable or opposing circumstances, have risen to the 
 highest point of eminence by their own unassisted 
 efforts. But these are the exceptions to the rule. 
 The many must be dealt with as the many, and for 
 these the distinctions offered by the University are 
 a legitimate inducement to pursue the object which 
 brought them to her walls ; namely, to acquire an 
 amount of knowledge of the best and soundest kind, 
 sufficient to fit them for playing their part upon the 
 stage of the world, as effective and accomplished 
 members of the conmiunity to which they belong. 
 For let it never be forgotten, that knowledge is to be 
 viewed (at least so we would desire to be considered 
 as viewing it) as a means towards an end. ^ApxiKov
 
 8 
 
 TO (j)povelv. The man who considers knowledge as 
 his iiltimatuni, and terminates his views in its acqui- 
 sition, stops just where he ought only to have begun. 
 We liave no feeling of respect for the selfish and 
 solitary student ; and have no desire to aid in the 
 foimation of any such character. The man who 
 spends Jiis whole time in acquiring that which he 
 never reproduces, and is content to accumulate 
 knowledge without making any attempt to impart 
 that knowledge to others, is an unsocial and useless 
 being; is worse, in fact, than the miser, for the 
 miser at least leaves his riches to his descendants ; 
 the other miyht as well never have been born. 
 
 We have said that the studies which are chietly 
 ])ursued at our University, are those which the wis- 
 dom of ages has stamped with its approval. We say 
 this with the fullest conviction of its truth. We can- 
 not profess ourselves of the number of those who 
 regard things as valuable in proportion as they are 
 antiquated. We think but little would be gained 
 in most mstances, and that much would be lost, by 
 returning to the exploded notions and practices of 
 our fathers. We have no sympathy with the revival 
 of black-letter type, oaken bindings, and brazen 
 V clasps; indeed, we cannot but think the antiquarian 
 passion exhibited by some (w^e mean no offence) to 
 approach very nearly to the ridiculous. But when 
 the fiat of bygone ages and the verdict of our own 
 experience go hand in hand — when it may be clearly 
 shown that succeeding years have suggested nothing 
 better than those which have gone before- — the evi- 
 dence is of a nature not to be resisted. And this is 
 decidedly the case with respect to the classics, con-
 
 sidered as forming the best vehicle for the instruction 
 and education of the higher classes of our youth. We 
 may have men of equal wit and genius in these later 
 times. We may be far beyond the ancients in many 
 things which we do. There may be works abound- 
 ing with as much political wisdom, with as high a 
 strain of eloquence, with as sublime flights of imagi- 
 nation, in the various languages of modern Europe — 
 it may be, within the compass of English literature 
 itself. All which the classics convey might, essen- 
 tially, be taught without spending so much time in 
 seeking it through a medium which requires a some- 
 what tedious process itself to be understood. Why 
 then, it may be asked, are we to dig among the ruins 
 of antiquity for that which lies at our very door, and 
 employ this apparatus and parade of labour for that 
 which, after all, may be so much more readily and 
 easily acquired ? 
 
 The answer to be given to this question must de- 
 pend much upon the character of the person by whom 
 it is put. To the low and vulgar utilitarian, who 
 demands an immediate result for every expenditure 
 of time and labour, and refers all his ideas of value 
 to the standard of a mean and sordid arithmetic — it 
 may be sufficient to reply that the classics have 
 always formed the education of the gentleman^ and 
 that they who have such feelings alone can duly 
 appreciate their importance. It is enough to say, 
 that this system has formed the education of those 
 whose names are the brightest ornament to our annals, 
 and their deeds the noblest example to their posterity. 
 To those, however, who admitting the truth of this, 
 would wish reasons to be given why it has been
 
 10 
 
 so, a different answer is due; hut it does not form 
 part of our design to enter upon the subject. It has 
 often enough been treated, and need not be discussed 
 again. The intrinsic beauty and excellence of the 
 classical authors — the splendid deeds, the illustrious 
 sacrifices, the thriHing and lohy sentiments with 
 which their pages are so richly studded — the remote- 
 ness of the times in which these authors lived, setting 
 aside, or at any rate greatly diminishing-, those party 
 feelings which make us so often unwilling to learn 
 wisdom from those nearer to, or contemporary with, 
 ourselves — the greater flicility with which facts and 
 truths conveyed in another language, and, therefore, 
 requiring an effort of the mind to comprehend them, 
 are permanently retained by the memory — the 
 advantage of limiting as far as possible the circle 
 o( education, by which term we understand, not the 
 acquisition of every kind of knowledge, but a training 
 system intended, by a process of mental concentra- 
 tion, to prepare the understanding to grasp whatever 
 subject it may afterwards desire to investigate* — 
 these form ample subjects for discussion, and admit 
 of a most satisfactory demonstration. But our ob- 
 servations are directed to those who admit substan- 
 tially the truth of all these positions — and we are 
 concerned not to undertake an apology for classical 
 education, but to shew reasons why, amongst our- 
 selves, that education is not more efficiently per- 
 formed. 
 
 * When these remarks were ready for press, we were pleased, on 
 casnally taking up the Life of Dr. Arnold, at pp. 121-2, to see much 
 the same sentiments expressed ; indeed, so nuicli so, that we might 
 almost be suspected of plagiarism, could we not state that we had not 
 previously seen the passage referred to.
 
 11 
 
 That this is no idle or affected ground of com- 
 plaint must be felt by all who take an interest in 
 the welfare of these studies, and who desire to see 
 the means at the disposal of the University for their 
 furtherance, energetically directed towards the at- 
 tainment of so excellent an object. The experience 
 of those who are engaged, whether publicly or pri- 
 vately, in the business of University instruction, as 
 well as of those who are official witnesses of the 
 respective attainments of the Candidates in our 
 Examinations, will amply bear us out in affirming 
 that the condition of classical scholarship among us 
 is at present most unsatisfactory. In the assurance 
 that our observation will be felt to be just by all 
 who are competent to give an opinion on the subject, 
 we shall avoid the invidious task of giving any 
 detailed proof of our assertion, and proceed at once 
 to the causes which may tend, as we think, to pro- 
 duce this result. 
 
 We are not disposed to assent to an opinion, which 
 we know is entertained by some, that any recent or 
 existing circumstances either have, or will have, a 
 material effect on the studies of the University. 
 The causes which depress the tone of our studies 
 are of much longer continuance ; and, although 
 others may affect us for a time, they are not mainly 
 to be sought for in any such circumstances. We 
 allude to that excitement on controversial subjects, 
 which has latterly been so much the object of public 
 interest and curiosity. Of course we may be mis- 
 taken, but we do not apprehend that any very impor- 
 tant results will follow. When every one shall have 
 said and written all that he may have to say and write
 
 12 
 
 on the matter, the subject will, we trust, exhaust 
 itself and drop. Ikit, be this as it may, we do not 
 wish to mix up ourselves, or our argument, with it. 
 There is, doubtless, much to be said on both '* sides" 
 of the question, and a great deal on neither side : but 
 even should the strife of theologians continue, there 
 is room enough for us and for them. Nor do we 
 think the partizans on either side can complain, 
 pending the adjustment of their differences, if we 
 wish to call the attention of our younger members to 
 more interesting and instructive objects than the 
 spectacle of their disputes. They, at least, can do 
 no good in the vieUe, and may injure themselves 
 without benefiting others. Even should theology be 
 intended to form the chief business of their after 
 lives, we will venture to affirm that an early atten- 
 tion to controverted topics is not the best prepara- 
 tion for future excellence. It was well remarked by 
 Lord Brougham, to one who asked him his opinion 
 as to the best method for forming a consummate 
 lawyer, " Let him begin with Juvenal and Demos- 
 thenes." We can certainly understand the feeling 
 which may prompt persons of an ardent tempera- 
 ment to rush prematurely into the field of polemics : 
 eV TOVTcp KeKcoXuaOaL [we quote from memory] idoKet 
 €KaaTcp ra Trpayfiara, co fxr] tl9 kolI avTOS ^py^p nap- 
 ea-rai, but it is assuredly not the way to make an 
 " end of controversy." We apprehend that an ac- 
 curate study of the classics is a far better means for 
 doing so, inasmuch as it must prepare the student for 
 an accurate use of the legitimate sources of all real theo- 
 logical information, viz. the original ^Scriptures and
 
 13 
 
 the early Fatliers of" the church. Apart from all 
 consideration of the relative importance of the sub- 
 ject matter, the theologian, with the Fathers for his 
 guides, occupies the same vantage ground as the 
 scholar, backed by the ancient lexicographers, gram- 
 marians, and scholiasts. It stands to common sense 
 that they who lived so much nearer the original 
 sources of information must know much more about 
 these things than we do ; it stands to common 
 sense also, that the Fathers, being mortals like 
 ourselves, cannot always have been right, or have 
 agreed among themselves, and that discretion is 
 required to use and benefit by their works. But 
 this does not diminish their value ; even if it 
 be true that our views in some respects may 
 be clearer than theirs, we are not to conclude 
 that we can dispense with their assistance. A 
 pigmy, as some one has remarked, on a giant*s 
 shoulders will see a little farther than a giant ; but 
 the giant is still a giant, and the pigmy is a pigmy. 
 As for the objections urged by prejudiced ignorance 
 against the Fathers (we remember reading of an old 
 lady, for instance, who believed them to have been 
 all "papists"), they are absurd — they lived before 
 Popery was so much as heard of. A man may of 
 course go wrong- in the study of the Fathers, just as 
 he may swim in the water and be drowned; but the 
 fault is in himself and his own mismanagement, not 
 in the water. Of two things we are well assured ; 
 they who reAilUj study such writers as the Fathers 
 must be really learned men. No editions of them 
 have as yet appeared to make the task of reading 
 them a sinecure. No Mr. Mitchell has yet found a
 
 14 
 
 relief from being- *' entirely idle"* in explaining away 
 the asperities of their style. And next, we feel 
 assured that all persons who really are acquainted 
 with them, will not depreciate the study of those 
 authors from which these ancient men have so largely 
 borrowed in the way of illustration ; and which 
 evidently must, to them, have formed a prominent 
 object of their pursuit. 
 
 But to proceed : we do not think the study of 
 theology, pursued at the right time and in the right 
 manner,-!- need interfere with the classical studies of 
 the University. Still less can we think that any pre- 
 sent excitement will have the effect upon us which 
 some persons anticipate. The real causes of the 
 unsatisfactory condition of classical literature are, 
 we think, of much longer standing. They are, a 
 want of a more efficient system of classical instruc- 
 tion — a better plan of encouragement in the way 
 of classical distinctions ; and better directed efforts 
 on the part of students themselves. We will venture 
 to offer a few remarks on each of these particulars. 
 
 Every one in the least acquainted with the Uni- 
 versity is aware what are the means which exist at 
 present for classical instruction amongst us. There 
 is the Greek Professor; there are the College lec- 
 
 * Preface to Oidipus Tyrannus. 
 
 f Of course, in objecting to the too early pursuit of theologj, 
 we do not refer to ordinary religious knowledge : we allude to reli- 
 gious controversy . 
 
 With a view to assist such among us as might wish to make 
 theology their future study, we had thought of a selection from the 
 best parts of the ancient Fathers, illustrated with critical notes, after 
 the manner of the best editions of the classics. But the scheme was 
 declined by the booksellers.
 
 15 
 
 tures ; and there is a system of Private Tuition, in- 
 tended to supply the real or supposed deficiencies of 
 these. 
 
 As regards the first, it is notorious that no instruc- 
 tion whatever emanates from the Greek chair which 
 is available to the younger members of the Univer- 
 sity. What the benefit is which the labours of its 
 present occupant have conferred upon classical lite- 
 rature in general is known to all the world, and 
 needs no testimony of ours. But this is not the 
 point. The fact is admitted, that no lectures are 
 given, and no benefit immediately derived to our 
 younger students by the circumstance of our pos- 
 sessing, in the person of our Professor, the most 
 accomplished scholar and critic in the country. 
 
 Nor does the system of college tuition remedy this 
 deficiency. In the first place, it would be unrea- 
 sonable to expect of so numerous a body of men, 
 selected in many instances, where the power of 
 choice is small, by the necessity of the case, that 
 every one of them should be a man of first-rate 
 eminence, and competent to give to his pupils that 
 instruction which might lead them to distinguished 
 excellence, and to the attainment of the highest 
 honours. And even if it could be supposed that 
 every college tutor might be a man of the highest 
 eminence in himself, still the plan of college tuition 
 is the worst possible for the full development of his 
 powers. Subjects the most various, e. g. Divinity, 
 Ethics, Logic, Rhetoric, History, and the ordinary 
 topics of classical literature, occupy by turns the 
 mind of the college lecturer; and the man must be 
 possessed of a peculiarly phlegmatic and self-com-
 
 IG 
 
 niaiuling- temperament, who does not feel too mueh 
 wearied with all these subjects in succession, when 
 his lecture time is over, to apply himself to the 
 further prosecution of any one with that degree of 
 vigour which is necessary to infuse continued ani- 
 mation into his subject. 
 
 In some cases the attempt is made, we believe, 
 partly to remedy this. But, as a general rule, all 
 college tutors are, more or less, subjected to tlie 
 disadvantage of giving lectures on a variety of sub- 
 jects ; and, as no one can be expected to excel in 
 all, so few have the opportunity and inclination for 
 prosecuting any one branch to a further extent than 
 the exigencies of their position may require. At 
 Christ Church, indeed, there is a Greek Lecturer, who 
 gives to the men of the whole college of at certain 
 standing, lectures on a Greek and Latin subject 
 alternately. Iliis is a type of what might be done as 
 regards the whole University : and the character of 
 the gentlemen who occupy this post, is a sufficient 
 warrant that the work is done in the best way which 
 circumstances admit. But even in this case the 
 lecturer is burdened by the additional duties of 
 college lectures, examinations, etc., etc. ; and is 
 therefore subject, even more than the rest, to the 
 disadvantages to which we have alluded. 
 
 • But again: college lectures must necessarily be 
 inefficient for the purposes of first-rate classical in- 
 struction, inasmuch as they are given to a mixed 
 audience, wdiose intellectual capacities vary from 
 the summit to the base of the scale. All these, how- 
 ever, must be included in the business of the lec- 
 ture ; and the lecturer must accommod^.te his re-
 
 17 
 
 marks in due proportion to all. They have a full 
 right to expect this if they have paid the fees for 
 tuition; and a lecturer would not be doing his duty 
 did he apply himself exclusively, or even princi- 
 pally, to the task of giving instruction of a higher 
 kind to the minority capable of receiving it. Hence 
 It comes to pass, that to a snan of superior abilities, 
 without implying any inefficiency or backwardness 
 on the tutor's part, college lectures on classical sub- 
 jects must not only be absolutely inadequate to 
 his wants, but often a positive waste of time. 
 Men, therefore, of this class, who either do not 
 feel competent to carry forward their studies for 
 themselves, or who are anxious not to omit se- 
 curing any advantage which is open to others, 
 have recourse to another expedient for satisfying 
 their demands. 
 
 This is Private Tuition : a thing not originally con- 
 templated in the University system, and which has 
 grown up beside it as a tacit acknowledgment of its 
 defects. Private tutors may be divided into two 
 classes.* The first is of those who labour with such 
 men as, without their assistance, wou'd (to use a 
 technical term) infallibly be plucked, and who not 
 unfrequently are so, notwithstanding the most 
 strenuous and unremitting efforts on the part both 
 of tutor and pupil to avoid the catastrophe, A 
 
 * The private tutors at Christ Church form an exception to the 
 general bodv, as they are appointed by the Dean, and not permitted 
 to receive any men except of their own college; and these, in their turn, 
 are required to seek no other instruction (as supplementary to college 
 lectures) than what the resident non-official graduates of their college 
 can afford them. But these being an exception do not affect the 
 general argurf nt. 
 
 B
 
 18 
 
 species of this genus are those, who having wasted 
 three-fourths of their time at college in various 
 excesses, or in indiflerence to the object which 
 brought them tliither, fly to a private tutor in the 
 remnant which is left, as to a kind of supernatural as- 
 sistance, which they trust nray save them from the 
 disgrace which they have deserved. But we shall 
 not draw invidious distinctions, and shall dismiss 
 these for the present. 
 
 Private Tutor class No. 2. boasts a more select 
 audience for his disciples. He is sought by those 
 who. being ambitious of literary distinction, apply 
 for assistance to such as they may consider eminently 
 qualified to promote their success. The defects of 
 this part of the system are these : — First, a young 
 man who can afford to pay a private tutor of 
 eminence for first-rate instruction, has an advantage 
 ove rthe man who cannot afford this. Either, there- 
 fore, the latter must be placed at a disadvantage for 
 the attainment of contested honours (for, although a 
 man of high powers may, nay, not unfrequently 
 does, work out for himself all that a private tutor 
 can teach him, still the rapidity with which the 
 other acquires his knowledge, must give him, to a 
 certain degree, the superiority), or he must encroach 
 too much upon the purse of his friends, already, 
 perhaps, over-strained by the expenses of sending 
 him to the University. 
 
 But another defect, of a different character, is 
 this : — By a sort of double error, such assistance is 
 regarded at once as of too much and of too little 
 value. Men seek it just when they should have 
 been able to dispense with it, and hence the result
 
 19 
 
 is rarely satisfactory. Instead of seeking- it in the 
 first instance, they usually defer it till the very last; 
 and hence that despicable system of " cramming," 
 so humiliating to the tutor who will condescend to 
 employ it, and so destructive to the pupil who de- 
 mands it. By " cramming" is meant, the crowding 
 into the smallest possible space of time the largest 
 possible amount of matter likely to be " set" in 
 the approaching examination. It is sought upon 
 the supposition, that the work of many years may 
 be compressed into a single term — and, no doubt, 
 instances of felicitous " cratnming" are on record, 
 emanating from tutors who are more anxious for 
 the reputation of successful tuition, by whatever 
 means acquired, than sensible of the dignity of 
 their profession, and the extreme evils with which 
 such a system is fraught. But all things find their 
 level eventually ; and amongst others the success- 
 ful prizeman, who dressed out in honours not his 
 own, carries off the tribute of transitory applause. 
 Movent cornicula riswn furtivis nudata coloribiis. In 
 the term which precedes the examination for Univer- 
 sity scholarships, or in that in which the Degree Ex- 
 amination comes on, men will crowd to a private tutor 
 of reputation for that kind of instruction, which, had 
 they sought it at the outset instead of at the termi- 
 nation of their probation, and then patiently worked 
 out for themselves the principles they had imbibed, 
 would probably, with the same amount of outlay, 
 have secured a very different result. The remarks 
 and criticisms of Porson and Elmsley, of Monk, Blom- 
 field and Dindorf, the Eleven Canons of Dawes, the 
 Notes of Hermann on Vioer, the Dissertations of
 
 20 
 
 Bentley on Phalaris, of Wolf on the Leptines, of 
 Buttmann on the Midias, and a number of treatises 
 of a similar description, are all devoured with an 
 avidit}^ inspired by the shortness of the time allowed 
 lor the repast; and the tutor is required to present 
 all these to his pupils in a state the most convenient for 
 immediate deglutition. To these are added a number 
 of what are called " hard passages," picked out from 
 the whole range of authors likely to be selected by 
 the examiners, and which, with an utter disregard of 
 subject matter and context, an attention to which 
 would often have removed the difficulty, the tutor is 
 expected to explain off-hand to the pupil, to enable 
 liim to write off the explanation by rote at the en- 
 suing contest. What amount of digestive process 
 can have taken place meanwhile, we leave to those 
 versed in mental phenomena to decide. For our- 
 selves we do not hesitate to condemn the whole 
 system in the strongest and most unmeasured terms, 
 and to declare our contempt for any such prac- 
 tices. We may state for the information of those 
 whom it may concern to know, that we never our- 
 selves remember an instance where the plan suc- 
 ceeded. Indeed, any thing more ludicrously absurd 
 than the attempts made under a plan like this, the 
 purpurei assuti panni, which by the utter want of 
 uniformity exhibited in the rest of the examination, 
 display so unequivocally the source whence they are 
 derived, it would hardly be possible for any one who 
 did not know it from experience to conceive. They 
 remind us of the remark which Porson used to make 
 upon some of the Cambridge prize poems. ** There 
 is in them," said the Professor, " a great deal of
 
 21 
 
 Horace, and a great deal of Virgil, but nothing 
 Horat'ian, and nothing Virg'iliany 
 
 To those however, who, having more wisdom and 
 forethought, seek instruction of this kind at the right 
 time, and apply it in the right manner, there can be 
 no doubt but that great advantage must, in most 
 cases, arise from their so doing. And this remark 
 will bring us to the suggestion with which we pur- 
 pose to close this portion of our observations ; 
 namely, that a better system of classical instruction 
 should be devised. 
 
 We think it can scarcely be doubted that the 
 classical instruction of the University, so far as Gretk 
 is concerned, should be superintended by the Greek 
 Professor. Why this is not the case at present, a 
 reason may be given which must immediately come 
 home to every body's feelings. The salary is forty 
 pounds a year. So long as this continues to be 
 the case, no one can reasonably complain that the 
 active duties of the office have fallen into abeyance. 
 
 But althoutdi we have a Professor of Greek, we 
 have no Professor of Latin. It cannot be supposed 
 that the duties of both these offices can be united 
 in one individual ; and the non-existence of a Chair 
 of Latin is a discredit to both our Universities. 
 Latin is a language, if properly considered, of equal 
 importance and difficulty with Greek: affording 
 equal matter for illustration and criticism ; and 
 abounding with authors, if not so interesting, yet of 
 equal moment with the other ; a provision for this, 
 therefore, it should be equally the object of our au- 
 thorities to secure. 
 
 We do not |)rcsume to (.Ucide what course it
 
 22 
 
 would, under all circumstances, and with due regard 
 to the convenience of parties holding office at the 
 present time, be advisable to adopt — supposing that 
 the authorities of the University should think this 
 subject worth taking into their consideration. We 
 are aware of the difficulty of speaking without 
 offence on any point which concerns our superiors in 
 office ; and we wish to avoid all possible appearance 
 of legislating for them. Moreover, it is one thing 
 to suggest, and another thing to decide how far it 
 may be expedient to carry suggestions into practice. 
 We will venture, however, to offer a few remarks as 
 to the advantages which we conceive might arise, 
 upon the hypothesis of an alteration being made in 
 the existing system. 
 
 Our ideal* is a very simple one : the appointment 
 by the University of a Professor of Latin as well as 
 one of Greek — to be elected like the other, upon 
 the sole ground of his acknowledged ability for the 
 office ; and that both should be remunerated in a 
 manner sufficient to justify the expectation that they 
 would efficiently discharge the duties which would 
 be assigned to their respective posts. 
 
 The advantages which we conceive would result 
 are as follows: — 
 
 1. Regular lectures would be delivered, through- 
 out the term, on all subjects connected vvith Greek 
 and Latin criticism and philology, to all Members 
 of the University alike who might be desirous of 
 
 * If any one should feel disposed to insinuate that we are wishing 
 for such an appointment ourselves, and that it is with a view to this 
 that our remarks are written, we recommend them not to judge 
 harshly the motives of others.
 
 23 
 
 attending them. The attendance need not be com-- 
 jDuIsory : in fact it would be expedient that it should 
 not be so. The fee paid by each member should be 
 small,* and levied from all persons alike (servitors 
 excepted), as a part of their University expenses. 
 A division into a senior and junior class would 
 enable the Professor to adapt liis instructions, as far 
 as necessary, to different stages of progress :t and 
 the two Professors might be attended, on alternate 
 days, according to a plan which might easily be 
 arranged. A convenient hour might be fixed for the 
 delivery of these lectures, not interfering with other 
 university or college duties, nor vexatiously in- 
 truding upon the time which is usually devoied to 
 purposes of relaxation. 
 
 These Lectures should embrace every thing which 
 is necessary to the full and critical understanding of 
 the Greek and Latin classics, and should omit no- 
 thing which the student, ambitious of the highest 
 distinction, could possibly desire. They should be 
 
 * A terminal fee of 1/., levied from each undergraduate, might 
 be suggested as a proper way of providing salaries for the Professors. 
 VVe have no wish to see the stipend of such Professorships increased 
 by the annexation of livings or canonries, as has been the case witli 
 those of Hebrew and Divinity. It would be but a sorry expedient 
 to take the proceeds of ecclesiastical benefices to pay Professors who 
 are not Theological : it would be fulfilling the old adage of " robbing- 
 Peter to pay Paul." 
 
 t Of course a certain amount of previous knowledge is supposed 
 in all who would attend these lectures. This can only be looked 
 to by those who send sons or pupils to college. If men cannot come 
 tolerably well prepared, they had far better not come at all. It would 
 be well if the standard of admission were so raised, and such a 
 previous examination insisted upon, as to exclude Jlagrunt ifjnorance 
 in any case from entering the University.
 
 24 
 
 iniiforni and systematic in their method, addressed 
 as to those who would be expected regularly to 
 attend the whole series, and were prepared to admit 
 the principle, that all real excellence in such studies 
 must be the work of time and diligent application. 
 The suhject-s of the Lectures should be the oi^clinary 
 range of classics, including none but those which are 
 strictly termed such : and avoiding such portions 
 even of these as are peculiarly disfigured by cor- 
 ruptions in the text. These subjects would be ex- 
 plained and interpreted to the class by the Professor, 
 accompanied by as much of collateral and illustrative 
 matter as should flow naturally from the subject, 
 and be calculated to benefit the pupil, without being 
 a mere exhibition of the learning of the Professor 
 himself.* By this plan, and by a judicious variation 
 of the subjects throughout the entire course, we not 
 onlv conceive that an amount of classical instruction, 
 upon the whole, would be given, fully adequate to 
 every possible want, but that each individual Lec- 
 ture would be far superior to those which the best 
 private tutor, wearied and impatient by a succession 
 of pupils, and by the necessity of reiterating the 
 same topics from hour to hour, can possibly be ex- 
 pected to furnish. Nay, we doubt not but that Lec- 
 tures might thus be given worthy to stand a com- 
 parison with those of such men as Ruhnken and 
 Wyttenbach, and which would reflect honour, not 
 only on the Professor, but upon the University and 
 country at large. 
 
 2. But another and very important duty of these 
 
 * Some admirable remarks on the proper method to be adopted, 
 will be found in Wyttenbach's Life of Ruhnken, p. 73 seqq.
 
 '25 
 
 two Professors should be to conduct the examina- 
 tions, which are held from time to time in the 
 University, of candidates for classical honours. We 
 do really think this to be a matter of the very highest 
 moment. It is but a simple act of justice towards 
 the candidates, and it is one which they have an 
 undoubted right to claim at the hands of the Uni- 
 versity, that the persons appointed to decide upon 
 their respective merits, should be persons concerning 
 whose pre-eminent capacity to judge in such matters 
 there can be no shadow of doubt. If it be not 
 so, the examination passes into a mere judicial farce : 
 and it cannot be expected but that complaints will 
 be made, and much dissatisfaction expressed. Under 
 the arrangement which we suggest, this could not 
 be the case : and we really see no other way so 
 effectual for securing the interests of the competitors. 
 As the instruction given by the Professors would be 
 given equally to all, no objection could be made on 
 the score of some of the candidates being pupils of 
 the examiner ; an objection which, when it occurs, 
 as it does sometimes, under the present system, is 
 certainly a most serious one. In such matters, the 
 possibility, nay, even the appearance of the possibility 
 of partiality should be avoided. It would, however, 
 be right, with a view to any cases of difference of 
 opinion, as well as on some other grounds, that one 
 more examiner should be added as a coadjutor to 
 the Professors : and if this person also could be 
 permanent in his appointment, it would conduce 
 greatly to the efficiency and convenience of the 
 arrangement. The public Orator, a handsome fee 
 being paid him for the duty, would perhaps not be 
 an unfit person to be selected for this office.
 
 26 
 
 Me do not know liow far the existing Statute, 
 as regards tlie examiners appointed to decide the 
 Craven Schohirship, and University Latin Prize 
 Poem could be dispensed with, but if these two 
 could be brought under the same regulations as the 
 others, it would be highly expedient that it should 
 be so. Some of the present examiners, who have 
 their appointment in virtue of offices wholly irre- 
 levant to the adjudication of classical honours, must 
 occasionally feel themselves placed in a painful po- 
 sition by the duty which is thus assigned them. We 
 mean nothing personal, nor have we any individuals 
 in our eye, when we remark, that a man may be an 
 admirable Proctor, and yet a very bad classical ex- 
 aminer: and we have no doubt all such would wil- 
 lingly feel themselves released from a responsibility, 
 which must either be not fulfilled at all, or else 
 under a consciousness of inability : an alternative 
 equally unpleasant to the parties concerned. This 
 remark will of course no less apply to all e.v officio 
 appointments of examiners,* than to an e.v officio right 
 on the part of such persons to be examiners them- 
 selves. 
 
 It would also be highly expedient that the Greek 
 and Latin Professors should superintend the classical 
 portion of the examination for degrees. This would 
 secure at once a proper share of classical scholarship 
 in the examination, and a certainty that so far at 
 least the exact amount of merit due to each indi- 
 vidual would be assigned him. And if the principle 
 could be still further extended, so as to make the 
 
 * The ratification of such appointments by convocation is in effect 
 nugatory : as few members of convocation will concern themselves in
 
 27 
 
 Professors of other departments respectively the 
 judges of these departments in the examination, it 
 would make our system of examinations, in our 
 judgment at least, as complete and efficient as the 
 nature of the thing permits.* 
 
 3. Another advantage M'hich would naturally re- 
 sult from the establishment of two active classical 
 Professorships would be, the production of edi- 
 tions of the classical authors more suited for the 
 exigencies of academical study than the great ma- 
 jority of those which exist at present, lilspecially 
 the Professor would api)ly himself to the preparation 
 of correct texts, in a cheap and accessible form, of 
 the authors umaUu studied in the University. He 
 would be assured of a compensation for his labour, 
 and would not be scared and dispirited towards such 
 undertakings by the humiliating pittance which mo- 
 dern publishers offer to the English scholar for the 
 fruits of his industry and ability. It reflects no 
 credit on our Universities that our younger students 
 should be compeiled to seek the labours of German 
 scholars because no editions of equal excellence 
 have emanated from ourselves : and the works of 
 foreign editors, printed at our press for the use of 
 the University, do not place our own capacity as 
 editors in the highest possible point of view. But 
 it can scarcely be otherwise. Enthusiasm itself 
 grows cold when it feels that it is not appreciated ; 
 and a few negociations with the bookseller are 
 
 * It will of course be understood that we fully admit that more 
 competent men than some of our examiners, appointed under the pre- 
 sent system, could not be found. Our objections lie against the un- 
 certainty of the system, we have nothing to do with individual cases.
 
 28 
 
 enough to chill tiie wannest aspirations after literary 
 lame. 
 
 We will now allude to some objections which 
 might be offered to the plan which we have pro- 
 posed. 
 
 It may be imagined that the number of those who 
 would resort to the Professors' lectures, would di- 
 minish their efficiency. We wish we could believe 
 that there were any real cause for such an appre- 
 hension. But the fact of the attendance not being 
 compulsory, and the fee paid being so small, there 
 would probably be no lack of defaulters among men 
 who either do not care for this kind of instruction, 
 or who would be too indolent regularly to seek it. 
 We do not fear that the lecture room would be over- 
 crowded ; and the division into a senior and junior 
 class, would, we have no doubt, be amply sufficient 
 to bring the audience, on an average, into a manage- 
 able compass. The only difficulty which we appre- 
 hend might arise would be in the department of 
 composition, in so far as the practice of it is con- 
 cerned. But even this might be arranged. The 
 prineipks of correct and elegant composition may be 
 delivered to ever so large an auditory : and we do 
 not doubt that arrangements might be devised for 
 superintending the practice also of such as might 
 desire it, without being inconvenient to the pupil, 
 or needlessly burdensome to the Professor. 
 
 It might possibly also be imagined, on the part of 
 the students themselves, that, as the plan which we 
 propose would place all in an equally favourable 
 position as regards opportunity for improvement, 
 there would not be sufficient room for competi-
 
 ► 
 
 •29 
 
 tion. We regard this as the essential excellence 
 of the plan. But there would, in fact, be exactly 
 the same room for variety of ability to display itself. 
 The advantage, although virtually offered to all 
 alike, would be really felt in exact proportion to 
 the amount of diligence and capacity on the part of 
 each pupil to appropriate it to himself. And as for 
 any advantage which wealth may secure in respect 
 of the attainment of University rewards, we hope no 
 one will differ from us in consideiing that all such 
 timocratical distinctions, in a case where ability alone 
 should be the stepping-stone to honour, ought, if 
 possible, to be at once and for ever done away. 
 
 A more serious objection, if true, would be, that 
 the proposed plan might interfere with the interests 
 of private tutors, and deprive them of their present 
 sources of emolument. We have such an opinion of 
 the sacredness of existing rights, that we should be 
 the last to recommend any scheme of improvement 
 which could be shown to militate against them. 
 No person has a right to suggest anything by which 
 another would be deprived of an existing privilege, 
 unless at the same time he proposes an equivalent 
 compensation. Even the fact of the present system 
 being bad, would be no reason why w^e should com- 
 mit an act of injustice towards individuals to remove 
 it. But we do not think this objection will be found 
 to be a valid one. 
 
 It would interfere with those private tutors alone 
 whose pupils read with them for the highest Univer- 
 sity honours. These, of course, under the plan 
 suggested, would find all necessary assistance in the 
 public lectures of the Professors ; aided by those
 
 :J0 
 
 private suggestions which they would readily give to 
 any who might, under proper circumstances, solicit 
 their advice. But the number of tutor swho receive 
 such pupils, is exceedingly small :* and very few 
 among the whole range of tutors would find their 
 occupations or interests in any way interfered with 
 by the proposed alteration. 
 
 The ordinary body of private tutors would not be 
 injured at all. There would still remain that very 
 numerous class of men who cannot obtain their 
 degrees without the continual assistance of a tutor. 
 There is no fear of their number diminishing: and 
 the private tutors may look for the fullest employ- 
 ment, according to their respective rates of speed in 
 instilling the necessary amount of knowledge, as 
 long as the University has an existence. Nor do we 
 see any objection to the system of Private tutorship, 
 as far as these men are concerned. No conceivable 
 plan of public instruction would adequately meet 
 the necessity of their case. Whatever they acquire 
 must be through the reiterated efforts of the tutor to 
 impress it, step by step, upon their minds. These, 
 therefore, would still remain for the benefit of those 
 who wish to derive their income from this source. 
 Nor can any objection be made on the ground of the 
 advantage which money would give for enabling 
 those who could afford it to obtain this private in- 
 
 * Of course this observation applies to those who read with men 
 the higher classics alone. Were the principle of profess^^^ In- 
 struction extended to the department of " Science," as it is called, 
 the interests of more might be affected. We cannot, however, but 
 think the principle of private tuition, as now carried on, equally bad 
 as regards all reading for honours.
 
 31 
 
 structioD. Few men of less than ordinary ability 
 come up to college, who cannot well afford to pay 
 for such instruction ; they would otherwise scarcely 
 think of coming hither, as they would be out of 
 their element altogether. Besides, these are not con- 
 tending for any prize open to competition, but merely 
 for an ordinary degree. But, on the contrary, there 
 are many men of excellent capacity, and fully equal, 
 under equal advantages, to others for the attainment 
 of distinction, who may yet, from their inability to 
 pay a private tutor, be placed at a disadvantage as 
 regards the rest. And such men are especially the 
 objects of our solicitude. 
 
 Lastly, we do not suppose that any College Tutors 
 would object to the scheme which we propose. 
 Even those (and we know there are many such 
 among them) who are competent to give first-rate 
 classical instruction, would willingly abandon a 
 system which does not allow of their effectually 
 doing so ; and would be glad to be relieved of a 
 portion of the responsibility, far too nmch multiplied, 
 which they have at present. And we are sure that 
 the general feeling of all unprejudiced j^ersons would 
 be in favour of any suitable plan for securing to the 
 higher classes of our youth, through the most proper 
 medium, that kind of instruction, which it is un- 
 doubtedly the duty, and which it ought to be the 
 pride and endeavour, of a great University to bestow. 
 
 We proceed now to the second suggestion which 
 we had to offer ; — a more effectual system of classical 
 encouragements and rewards. 
 
 The University distinctions open to classical stu-
 
 32 
 
 dents are at present as follows:— The Ireland 
 Scholarship, which claims the highest place of all, 
 inasmuch as it is open to all classes of under- 
 graduates, of whatever standing they may be, and 
 in which, as hardest to achieve, the victory is con- 
 sequently the greatest; the Hertford Latin Scholar- 
 ship, which differs from the former, in being con- 
 fined to candidates of two years' standing only ; 
 the Craven Scholarship, which occurs as vacancies 
 arise, but which, as excluding candidates who are on 
 the Foundations of colleges, does not present so 
 large a field for competition ; the University Latin 
 Prize Poem ; and the Examination for Deorees. 
 We include this last because we feel assured, that 
 no classic of first rate eminence will fail to attain 
 the highest place, who will take the trouble to 
 satisfy the examiners, by an ordinary amount of 
 diligence in the other departments involved in the 
 examination. This requires no great deal of la- 
 bour, and need not be regarded as a hardship. 
 With the exception of a prize for Greek verse, 
 analogous to the Porson Prize at Cambridge, which, 
 we believe, has been offered to the University, and, 
 we cannot conceive on what sufficient grounds 
 refused, we think these honours amply enough for 
 all purposes. More would only create confusion. 
 One thing, however, we would earnestly urge upon 
 examiners for University scholarships (whether ap- 
 pointed under the present, or under a different 
 system), namely, to mention, after the name of the 
 successful candidate, the names also of the next 
 four, five, or six, according as the case might be, 
 deserving of an honourable distinction. We are
 
 33 
 
 aware that this has occasionally been acted upon : 
 but it should be acted upon regularly, and it should 
 be understood beforehand that this would be the 
 case. The names should be, if possible, arranged 
 in order of their respective merit, or if any were 
 nearly equal, they might be mentioned as such. 
 Should the difference between the successful can- 
 didate and the next man be very marked, this should, 
 injustice to the former, be signified ; and this might 
 be done, either by intimation to that effect, or by 
 omitting the mention of any others altogether. 
 
 It is not reasonable to suppose, that men will 
 work with proper zeal, if they have no nearer and 
 surer prospect of distinguishing themselves than 
 the examination for degrees. Distance certainly 
 lends no enchantment to the view of such distinc- 
 tions ; they are felt move in proportion as they 
 are nearer. This would also be but fair towards 
 the candidates themselves. A man may not be 
 the first, yet he may be so near to the first place 
 that it may reasonably be conjectured that a mere 
 accidental difference might have placed him there, 
 and it is unfair to pass such a man over altogether. 
 One, of course, only can obtain the prize, when one 
 only is open to competition ; but it is possible that 
 several candidates, each highly worthy of distinc- 
 tion, may, at one and the same time, be in the field ; 
 and the mention we have suggested would be a 
 sufficient inducement and compensation, whilst want 
 of success could not possibly be considered as a 
 disgrace. The Prize Poem, as a matter of taste 
 rather than scholarship, need not, we think, be in- 
 cluded in this arrangement. 
 
 c
 
 34 
 
 But besides these University distinctions, we would 
 further recommend, that, at the close of each term, 
 an examination, under the combined superintendence 
 of the Professors, should be held of all such, among" 
 those who had attended their Lectures, as might be 
 willing to offer themselves for distinction. Three 
 days would be amply sufficient for the purpose. A 
 list of these, the names being arranged in order of 
 respective merit, and divided into the senior and 
 junior classes, might be prepared by the Professors 
 during the vacation ; and, at the commencement of 
 the ensuing term, be suspended in some public 
 place for inspection. We do not doubt that candi- 
 dates enough would present themselves each time 
 to make the first place on the list a distinction well 
 worthy of attainment. A certificate of having at- 
 tended this examination might dispense with that 
 portion of " collections" which refers to this depart- 
 ment, and thus lighten the labours of the college 
 tutor. And the examination itself might be properly 
 omitted in the term in which a University scholarship 
 is offered for competition ; and also, individually, in 
 the case of those who should be about to present 
 themselves for final examination. 
 
 Our last observation has reference to the want of 
 a better system of reading, on the part of the 
 students themselves. We shall be brief on this 
 head ; for our remarks are not addressed directly to 
 them, although especially intended for their benefit. 
 Anything more unsystematic, desultory, and in- 
 effective than the methods usually adopted even by 
 those who come fresh from the best instruction
 
 35 
 
 which the country affords, it would be difficult to 
 conceive. When delivered from the restrictions of 
 school business and hours (we allude now to those 
 who profess to be really desirous of improvement and 
 distinction), they seem to be entirely out at sea, and 
 to have little idea how to manage for themselves. Of 
 course there are exceptions ; but we state the gene- 
 ral result of our experience. We have also been 
 forcibly struck by the fragmcntarij nature of their 
 attainments. This must, of course, in some degree, 
 be the case with every plan of school instruction ; 
 but they who would desire real advancement, must 
 learn early to supply this deficiency for themselves. 
 We scarcely remember to have known any instance 
 of a pupil coming up to college, who had read 
 thoroughly the iv/ioie of any one Greek or Latin 
 author. Yet the doing so is absolutely indispensable 
 to that sound and accurate knowledge which alone 
 deserves the name of scholarship ; and which con- 
 sists in the full sense and perception of those cha- 
 racteristic differences of style which belong essen- 
 tially to each. And this can only be acquired by 
 that systematic method which Wyttenbach well 
 speaks of, in his life of Ruhnken,* as "regiam illam 
 viam gravissimorum et antiquissimorum quorumque 
 deinceps scriptorum ex ordine legendorum." Indeed 
 there is no other way : and they who would make 
 good scholars must make them so by insisting, in 
 the first instance, on its necessity. 
 
 This would be one essential part of the office of 
 the two Professors whose appointment we have sug- 
 
 * We cannot too strongly rfcommend the reading of this admir- 
 able work to all young- students who may see these runiarks.
 
 3C 
 
 gested, namely, to direct the attention of their audi- 
 tory to the best and most systematic method of 
 occupying- their time. Were this done, we should 
 have no absurd inquiries made of the Tutor as to 
 what is likely to be *' set" in the examination. 
 Prepared gradually but surely at all points — and 
 strengthened by the discipline of continual exami- 
 nations in the lecture-room — the trials for University 
 honours would be regarded in the light, not of a 
 toil, but of a relaxation. Like the Roman soldiers, 
 accustomed to carry double armour in time of peace, 
 they would find their previous preparations more 
 than adequate to the exigencies of the contest. 
 The flower of the University would then ofi'er 
 themselves for the competition as men trained and 
 ready for the battle. It would be really a contest 
 of mind with mind ; not, as is now too often the 
 case, of a more powerful with a less retentive me- 
 mory : and the value of the honour would be raised 
 in proportion to the increased number of the candi- 
 dates and to the acknowledged eminence of those 
 who were to be the judges of their success. 
 
 We are no advocates for any excessive degree of 
 study, especially in early years: indeed it seldom 
 succeeds. He who can either mark out for himself, 
 or who will accept at the suggestion of another, an 
 effective scheme of study, needs not to consume the 
 midnight oil. He may, as lie ought to do, engage 
 in everything which is a proper means of health, 
 relaxation, and enjoyment. The body has its claims 
 upon our attention, no less than the mind; and the 
 neglect of the one will assuredly interfere with the 
 business of the other. But he who has thoroughly
 
 37 
 
 imbued himself with the spirit of antiquity, will not 
 be content to wear away his life as a mere ex- 
 j30under of words and phrases. These he will study 
 and that accurately, but he will not terminate his ef- 
 forts here ; and herein he will differ from some who in 
 disparaging what they call ** verbal criticism," decry 
 that which they themselves have been unable to 
 attain. There are two kinds of knowledge, says 
 Erasmus,* '' verborum prior, rerum potior^' and we 
 must proceed through the former to the latter. 
 If however there be any who rest satisfied with the 
 former alone, they merely shew, that although they 
 may understand the language, they have failed to 
 imbibe any portion of the spirit of those whose disci- 
 ples they profess themselves to be. 
 
 We now bring our observations to a close, not 
 without an anticipation that we may incur the dis- 
 approbation of some, who may think that any pro- 
 posal for alteration in existing arrangements should 
 proceed from those in authority alone ; and also the 
 commiseration of some others, who may think the 
 subject which we have treated to be one, especially 
 at the present time, of too little importance to deserve 
 any formal notice. To the displeasure of our supe- 
 riors, if justly incurred by any thing which we have 
 said, we should be keenly sensible : we can honestly 
 affirm, that we are not among those who like to waste 
 their time by offering them advice which they do not 
 ask, and to which, consequently, they seldom attend. 
 But the subject seems to be so overlooked by those 
 in authority, that one who can, at least, allege some 
 experience of facts, and who certainly is conscious 
 
 * De Studiorum Katione, chap. ii.
 
 38 
 
 of no interested feeling in the matter, may, perhaps, 
 be excused for coming forward. It is due to the 
 memory of our departed benefactors, who founded 
 our scholarships and prizes, to maintain the dignity 
 of their benefactions, and to secure the best adminis- 
 tration of the provisions which they have made in our 
 behalf. As for those, if any such there be, who may 
 despise the classics as a pursuit, and pity those who 
 still identify themselves with studies which they re- 
 gard as trivial and unimportant, we can only reci- 
 procate the feeling towards themselves, if they think 
 they can build any solid superstructure, except on 
 the basis of a profound knowledge of those languages 
 through which the learning of the ancient world has 
 been transmitted to our hands. Let them pardon us 
 if we remind them of the answer made by Ruhnken 
 to Alberti, when advised by him to turn his thoughts 
 to theological criticism: — "Hoc tum faciam," said 
 he, " quum satis percepero antiquas et germanas 
 Grsecas literas ; sine quibus novitiag istae ac peregrinse 
 percipi non possunt." And we may add the answer 
 of Alberti, " Enim vero recte mones : et vellem ipse 
 mature banc viam ingressus essem: nunc quidem 
 sero est." 
 
 We have no wish to obtain the credit of origina- 
 tors; we would willingly support any fair proposal 
 which might lead to the better cultivation of a field 
 where the harvest indeed is plenteous, though the 
 labourers are few. What we have suggested involves, 
 we hope, nothing monstrous ; it is not an infringe- 
 ment upon, it is only the carrying out of, that which 
 above all things we admire, the University system. 
 And we hope there will be some, at least, who will
 
 39 
 
 not think the subject unworthy of notice. Every 
 pursuit has doubtless its own fascinations and re- 
 wards. Modern science may have its claims upon 
 us, and open many sublime and more interesting- 
 objects of investigation. Astronomy may ascend 
 into the heavens, and find its occupation among the 
 stars ; and Geology may go down into the depths, 
 and explore the inmost recesses of Nature's mysteries. 
 But in the study of the classics there is something 
 which comes home even nearer still to our sympathies 
 and feelings; a something which invigorates the un- 
 derstanding, whilst at the same time it enlivens the 
 imagination and warms the heart ; and which makes 
 us forget awhile the cares and anxieties of the pre- 
 sent, in the contemplation of the glories of a former 
 age. 
 
 J Wfrtlieimer & Co., Printers, CirciH IMrtce, Finslxiry Circus.
 
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