Who wisely council’d, or who bravely war’d:
Hence Greece her Mars and Pallas deify’d;
Made him the heroe’s, her the patriot’s guide.
Ancients, within this urn a mortal lies
Shew me his peer among your deities.
It is very good.
Cleo. Very lively; and what is aimed at in the Latin, is rather more clearly expressed in the English.
Hor. You know I am fond of no English verse but Milton’s. But do not let this hinder our conversation.
Cleo. I was speaking of the partiality of mankind in general, and putting you in mind how differently men judged of actions, according as they liked or disliked the persons that performed them.
Hor. But before that you was arguing against the necessity, which I think there is, for men of great accomplishments and extraordinary qualifications in the administration of public affairs. Had you any thing to add?