University of Virginia Library

Search this document 

4449. LANGUAGE (Latin), Models of composition.—

I think the Greeks and Romans
have left us the present[purest?] models
which exist of fine composition, whether we examine
them as works of reason, or of style and
fancy; and to them we probably owe these
characteristics of modern composition. I
know of no composition of any other ancient
people, which merits the least regard as a model
for its matter or style.—
To Joseph Priestley. Washington ed. iv, 316. Ford ed., vii, 414.
(Pa., 1800)