It is by defect, and not in excess that we now err. Let those then who would introduce reform, apply the remedy where it is really wanted; by improvements in the methods of instruction now in use; by devising means to render effective, and more fruitful of advantage, the portion of time even now given to classical pursuits; by exciting and sustaining the ardor of the young in a study, which is at first sufficiently repulsive of itself, but becomes completely so when they hear it decried by all around them, and discover that they are permitted rather than encouraged to engage in it, from a reluctant compliance, merely, with established modes.

LECTURE II.

GENERAL REVIEW OF

GRECIAN

LITERATURE.

IN a preceding lecture I endeavored to recommend classical studies to greater favor than they now enjoy, by showing the relation which they hold to physical science; and that their results, though not tangible, nor practical, (to use a favorite term) are not, therefore, less real and important; inasmuch as they concern man in his superior nature of a rational and immortal being. I labored to remove unfounded prejudices that exist against such studies; and to place them in their true light, as a fruitful source of pleasure and instruction; as laying the most solid foundation for every other part of learning; as calculated to refine our taste, strengthen our mental faculties, humanize our manners and conversation, grace and adorn all our other acquirements.

I sought to show that the value of academic studies consists less in the amount of knowledge gained, than in the cultivation bestowed upon the powers of the mind; the intellectual vigor and activity imparted by the discipline of his youth, enabling the man to explore successfully, himself, the rich mines of learning into which while under training he had been only introduced.

An eulogy of ancient literature, and labored vindication of the study of it, might appear superfluous, addressed to you; but I am aware that while some amongst you are ready to admit the claims, which you own experience convinces you are just; others, again, turn to these studies with distaste, from sense of duty only, and may either be roused to greater zeal in their pursuit of them; or, at the least, be brought to such a right mind, as to believe that what has continued, notwithstanding man's love of novelty, to be admired for above two thousand years, by the wisest and most learned amongst every polished people, must needs possess merit of a superior kind.

The present lecture will exhibit a general view of that literature, to the study of which you are invited; a survey, though hasty and imperfect, of that vast field on which we are about to enter; and upon parts of which we shall hereafter dwell for a sufficient time to examine them with more attention.

For reasons that shall by and by be stated, I confine myself to Grecian literature; the historian of which may be expected to comprehend in his wide survey, from Orpheus to the fall of Constantinople, a period of above twenty-seven hundred years.

During this long lapse of ages there occur several epochs, at which political or other causes influenced powerfully the state of letters; and these eras have been adopted variously by different authors, in their subdivision of the subject, according to their varying views of it, and the extent to which they have carried their remarks.

The principal events, or dates, that serve to subdivide this extensive period, are the Capture of Troy-the Age of Homer-the Legislation of Solon-the Conclusion of the Persian War-the Accession of Alexander to the throne of Macedon-the Capture of Corinth, and establishment of the Roman power and influence in Greece-and the Removal of the seat of empire to Byzantium.

The period terminating with the first of these epochs has been called the Fabulous-that from the fall of Troy until the archonship of Solon, the Poetical-the next, which ends with the accession of Alexander, is denominated the Athenian -then succeeds the Alexandrian age; and from the capture of Corinth to the removal of the seat