I shall conclude this subject with an extract from that inestimable Tractate of Education, addressed by Milton to Mr. Samuel Hartlib: after various instructions to those who superintend the studies of youth, he observes, “Either now, or before this, they may have easily learnt, at any odd hour, the Italian tongue; and soon after, but with wariness and good antidote, it would be wholesome enough to let them taste some choice comedies, Greek, Latin, or Italian. Those tragedies, also, that treat of household matters, as Trachiniæ, Alcestis, and the like.”
[NOTE 134.]
He was cautious as a gentleman should be.
Cavit——ut virum fortem decet.
The words virum fortem in this passage do not mean a brave man, but a noble, well-bred, or honourable man. Latin authors sometimes used fortis in that sense. Thus, Ovid, speaking of Polyxena, says,
“Rapta sinu matris, quam jam propè sola fovebat,
Fortis, et infelix, et plusquam fœmina, virgo
Ducitur ad tumulum; diroque fit hostia busto.”
The noble maid, her mother’s only hope,
Torn from her fostering arms by barbarous force,
Was led a victim to Achilles’ tomb:
Where, to appease the hero’s angry shade,