Practical understanding 113 Estimate in ancient times 115 Disparaging criticism of Niebuhr 117 Conclusion 118 CHAPTER V. EARLY ROMAN TRAGEDY. M. PACUVIUS, 219-129 B.C. L. ACCIUS, 170-ABOUT 90 B.C. Popularity of early Roman Tragedy 120 Partial adaptation of Athenian drama 121 Inability to reproduce its pure Hellenic character 123 Nearer approach to the spirit of Euripides than of Sophocles 125 Grounds of popularity of Roman Tragedy 127 Moral tone and oratorical spirit 129 Causes of its decline 132 M. Pacuvius, notices of his life 134 Ancient testimonies 135 His dramas 136 Passages illustrative of his thought 137 Of his moral and oratorical spirit 139 Descriptive passages 141 Drama on a Roman subject 142 Character 142 L. Accius, notices of his life 143 His various works 145 Fragments illustrative of his oratorical spirit 147 " " of his moral fervour 148 " " of his sense of natural beauty 149 Conclusion as to character of Roman Tragedy 150 CHAPTER VI. ROMAN COMEDY. T. MACCIUS PLAUTUS, ABOUT 254 TO 184 B.C.