“Magic is genius most mysterious,
And poetry is genius passed to form,
And these allied give birth to Eloquence;
For never yet was there an orator
Who did not owe his best to Poetry.”—C. G. L.
There was once a young man named Cicero, who was a student with Virgil, and who, being poor, served the great magician in all things.
When Christmas came, with the New Year, Virgil, being well pleased with his fidelity, resolved to make a handsome gift to Cicero, and so said:
“Che vuoi? What wilt thou have?”
“I would like,” replied young Cicero, “to be master of the art of speech”—Il dono di parlar bene.
“Would you not prefer wealth?” asked Virgil.
“He who hath a ready tongue can have his will mid old or young,” answered Cicero; “and as the proverb says:
“Chi ha eloquenza,
Ad ogni cosa ha pretenza.”“He who hath but eloquence
Hath unto everything pretence.”
“But do not forget,” remarked Virgil, “that amiable speech is courteous and refined. And remember to always speak well of women—everywhere.”
“If it be false, or if it be true,
Speak gently of women, whatever you do.”