The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. I., No. 8, April, 1835Various
General
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. I., No. 8, April, 1835
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
What says biography of those superior minds that have shone as lights
to the world. Did they grow to their full power and greatness under
the influence of monarchical institutions? Did they arouse the mind of
Homer, the immortal bard of antiquity? Or the eloquence and moral
sublimity of Cicero? Or the unrivalled philosophy of Socrates? Who has
not lamented over the severe fate of modern genius? Danté, Petrarch
and Ariosto, minds resplendent in imagery and conception, wrote their
best works when friendless exiles on a foreign shore. Cervantes wrote
his Don Quixotte of undying fame, in a dungeon. Shakspeare, rightly
styled the great magician of human nature, was often obliged to act
parts in his own plays. Milton, who in thought and conception dwelt in
the home of angels, sold his Paradise Lost for five pounds; lived the
disgrace and glory of his age. These minds were the subjects of
monarchies. Others might be mentioned. Surely then this patronage of
kingly governments is but an empty name. It will not stimulate the
noble mind, for such a mind creates its own stimulus. Let no one say
then that the mind cannot ascend to lofty heights without its aid. But
rather let us exclaim with the poet,
"'Tis immortality should fire the mind."
In looking over the pages of history, no fact strikes us more
perceptibly than that all greatness of mind has ever been
proportionate to its enjoyment of civil liberty. In vain do we look
for universal education, either in ancient or modern times, among the
numerous kingdoms of the East; in vain for a philosopher, poet or
historian. The story of Grecian mind in its full maturity and
superiority is known to every scholar. He there beholds mind in its
real glory and power, shining under diversified forms; in imaginative
brilliancy; in philosophic research; in the highest spheres of
literature and science. But her freedom departed. The voice of
eloquence was no longer heard in her forums, or in her beautiful fanes
and groves; her Muses were cold to the embraces of her poets; in
short, her intellectual greatness was gone. Behold her now! How
striking the contrast of her former and present condition! And how
appropriate the line of Byron--
"'Tis Greece, but living Greece no more."
The history of Roman mind does not differ from that of Grecian mind.
Who would ask for stronger illustrations of the argument in favor of
free principles on the mind.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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