ANCIENT RHETORIC AND POETIC ANCIENT RHETORIC AND POETIC INTERPRETED FROM REPRESENTATIVE WORKS BY CHARLES SEARS BALDWIN PROFESSOR OF RHETORIC IN COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ΤΟ ΜΕΝ ΔΗ ΠΟΙΗΤΙΚΟΝ ΦΥΛΟΝ ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΝ _Lucian_ GLOUCESTER, MASS. PETER SMITH 1959 COPYRIGHT, 1924 BY THE MACMILLAN COMPANY REPRINTED, 1959 BY PERMISSION OF MARSHALL W. BALDWIN NELSON GLENN MCCREA ARTIS VTRIVSQVE LITTERATE PERITO HVNC LIBRVM COLLEGA AMICVS D. D. D. PREFACE To interpret ancient rhetoric and poetic afresh from typical theory and practise is the first step toward interpreting those traditions of criticism which were most influential in the middle age. Medieval rhetoric and poetic in turn, besides illuminating medieval literature, prepare for clearer comprehension of the Renaissance renewal of allegiance to antiquity. Thus the historical survey needed to focus many important detached studies itself needs a preliminary volume of exposition. The influences of ancient oratory, drama, and story cannot be measured surely without more specific knowledge of ancient precept and practise, firmer grasp of ancient conceptions, than has been offered by any synthesis in English. Even in other languages the available compends are generally rather digests, or dictionaries of terms, than interpretations of leading ideas. Instead of risking once more the inadequacy and the forced emphasis that beset such a method, I have tried to make the most representative ancients speak for themselves.