X
SCRIPTIO—Writing
Manricus, Mendoza, the Teacher
As, above, in the fifth dialogue, Vives taught the method of reading, so here he explains in an elegant manner the method of writing. For it is no small honour for a learned man to form his letters skilfully. But he adds the praise of correct writing and various kinds of writing, also he writes somewhat on pens and their preparation, and concerning different kinds of paper and other adjuncts of writing.
Manr. Were you present to-day when the oration on the usefulness of writing was delivered?
Mend. Where?
Manr. In the lecture-room of Antonius Nebrissensis.
Mend. No, but do you recount what took place, if anything of it remains in your memory.
Manr. What am I to recount? He said so many things that almost everything has fallen from my mind.
Mend. Then it has happened to you what Quintilian said of the vessels with narrow neck, viz., that they spit out the supply of liquid when it is poured down on them; but if it is instilled slowly they receive it. But haven’t you retained anything of it exactly?
Manr. Almost nothing.