This is the last passage in this play that has been altered by the learned French writer, whom I have already cited several times. He has varied the lines as follows,
“Dum licitum est illi, dumque ætas tulit,
Si vixit liberius, at cavit ne id sibi
Infamiæ esset, ut virum fortem decet.”
Altered from the following,
“Dum licitum est illi, dumque ætas tulit,
Amavit: tum id clam. Cavit ne unquam infamiæ
Ea res sibi esset, ut virum fortem decet.”
I have now completed my extracts of the alterations made by this very learned and judicious writer, of various passages in our author, which might sound somewhat harsh to a delicate ear. I cannot but think that these alterations are worthy of the attention of the editors of Latin classics, who might adopt them with advantage in those editions of Terence, which are intended to be introduced into schools. It is impossible to be too cautious respecting those writings which are placed in the hands of youth: that work, perhaps, has the greatest merit, which can be submitted to their perusal most unreservedly.
“Virtutem doctrina paret.”—Horace.