Medulla Poetarum Romanorum Or, the Most Beautiful and Instructive Passages of the Roman Poets. Being a Collection, (Disposed under proper Heads,) Of such Descriptions, Allusions, Comparisons, Characters, and Sentiments, as may best serve to shew the Religion, Learning, Politicks, Arts, Customs, Opinions, Manners, and Circumstances of the Antients. With Translations of the same in English Verse. By Mr. Henry Baker |
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
385
Speech.
Nature the Power of framing Sounds affords
To Man, but 'twas Convenience taught us Words.
As Infants now for Want of Words devise
Expressive Signs, and speak with Hands and Eyes:
Their speaking Hand the Want of Words supplies.
To Man, but 'twas Convenience taught us Words.
As Infants now for Want of Words devise
Expressive Signs, and speak with Hands and Eyes:
Their speaking Hand the Want of Words supplies.
But, that one Man the Names of Things contriv'd,
And that from him their Knowledge all deriv'd,
'Tis fond to think: for how could that Man tell
The Names of Things, or speak a Syllable,
And not another Man do so as well?
And that from him their Knowledge all deriv'd,
'Tis fond to think: for how could that Man tell
The Names of Things, or speak a Syllable,
And not another Man do so as well?
Besides, if Others us'd not Words as soon,
How was their Profit and Convenience known?
Or how could he instruct the Other's Mind?
Or make them understand what he design'd?
Since being single, neither Force nor Wit
Could conquer many, or make them submit
To learn his Words, or e'en with Patience bear
A meanless Jargon rattling in their Ear?—
Therefore since proper Parts, since Voice, and Tongue,
How was their Profit and Convenience known?
Or how could he instruct the Other's Mind?
Or make them understand what he design'd?
Since being single, neither Force nor Wit
Could conquer many, or make them submit
To learn his Words, or e'en with Patience bear
A meanless Jargon rattling in their Ear?—
By Nature's Gift bestow'd, to Man belong,
Where lies the Wonder, that Mankind should frame
For ev'ry diff'rent Thing a diff'rent Name?
Since even brute Creatures make a diff'rent Noise,
Oppress'd by Pains, or Fears, or fill'd with Joys.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |