dications of simplicity of heart, and generosity of character. This is but a humble, though sincere, tribute to the memory of the benevolent Goldsmith, of whom it may be said in his own language, "Truth from his lips prevailed with double sway." Respecting the tale introduced, it may be observed, that its design was to paint a simple picture of rural life, and the influence of solitude in old age, sickness, and death. END OF THE NOTES ON THE FIRST PART. NOTES ON THE SECOND PART. NOTE I. In floating visions round your DARWIN's head. DR. Erasmus Darwin, the author of the Botanic Garden. Well may he exclaim with Lucretius 2 -Juvat integros accedere fonteis Atque haurire; juvatque novos decerpere flores; Insignemque meo capiti petere inde coronam; Unde prius nulli velârunt tempora musæ. LIB. I. 921. NOTE II. In domes, that reasoned, and in groves, that thought. The Stoa, or Porch was the school of the divine Zeno; and the academic grove, here alluded to, has ever been celebrated, as the nursery of Grecian glory. NOTE III. Thus when the host of warlike NICIAS bled, And SYRACUSE entombed the Grecian dead. "Amidst this dark, and dreadful scene of cruelty and revenge, we must not omit to mention one single example of humanity, which broke forth, like a meteor in the gloom of a nocturnal tempest. น The Syracusans, who could punish their helpless captives with unrelenting severity, had often melted into tears at the affecting strains of Euripides, an Athenian poet, who had learned in the Socratic school to adorn the lessons of philosophy with the charms of fancy. The pleasure, which the Syracusans had derived from his inimitable poetry, made them long to hear it rehearsed by the flexible voice and harmonious pronounciation of the Athenians, so unlike and so superior to the rudeness and asperity of their own Doric dialect. They desired their captives to repeat the plaintive strains of their favorite bard. The captives obeyed and affecting to represent the woes of ancient kings and heroes, they too faithfully expressed their own. Their taste and sensibility endeared them to the Syracusans, who released their bonds, received them with kindness into their families, and, after treating them with all the honorable distinctions of ancient hospitality, restored them to their longing and afflicted country." GILLIES' GREECE II. 412. Lond. Edit. 1792. O! sacer et magnus vatum labor : omnia fato |