Tell me, slave, Is’t possible that truth can pass thy lips, And be for once unsullied in its passage. NOTE 133. _Davus. While circumstances allowed him, and while his youth, in some measure, excused him, I confess he did._ This is the last passage in this play that has been altered by the learned French writer, whom I have already cited several times. He has varied the lines as follows, “Dum licitum est illi, dumque ætas tulit, Si vixit liberius, at cavit ne id sibi Infamiæ esset, ut virum fortem decet.” Altered from the following, “Dum licitum est illi, dumque ætas tulit, Amavit: tum id clam. Cavit ne unquam infamiæ Ea res sibi esset, ut virum fortem decet.” I have now completed my extracts of the alterations made by this very learned and judicious writer, of various passages in our author, which might sound somewhat harsh to a delicate ear. I cannot but think that these alterations are worthy of the attention of the editors of Latin classics, who might adopt them with advantage in those editions of Terence, which are intended to be introduced into schools. It is impossible to be too cautious respecting those writings which are placed in the hands of youth: that work, perhaps, has the greatest merit, which can be submitted to their perusal most unreservedly. “Virtutem doctrina paret.”――HORACE. I shall conclude this subject with an extract from that inestimable Tractate of Education, addressed by Milton to Mr. Samuel Hartlib: after various instructions to those who superintend the studies of youth, he observes, “Either now, or before this, they may have easily learnt, at any odd hour, the _Italian_ tongue; and soon after, but with _wariness and good antidote_, it would be wholesome enough to let them taste some choice comedies, _Greek_, _Latin_, or _Italian_. Those tragedies, also, that treat of household matters, as _Trachiniæ_, _Alcestis_, and the like.” NOTE 134. _He was cautious as a gentleman should be._ Cavit――――ut _virum fortem_ decet. The words virum fortem in this passage do not mean a brave man, but a noble, well-bred, or honourable man. Latin authors sometimes used fortis in that sense. Thus, Ovid, speaking of Polyxena, says, “Rapta sinu matris, quam jam propè sola fovebat, Fortis, et infelix, et plusquam fœmina, virgo Ducitur ad tumulum; diroque fit hostia busto.” The noble maid, her mother’s only hope, Torn from her fostering arms by barbarous force, Was led a victim to Achilles’ tomb: Where, to appease the hero’s angry shade, They offered up the life of her he loved.