"Costly thy habit, as thy purse can buy."
Although it does not prove that "the English language admits of the formation of a perfect sentence without a verb," yet it does show that the verb need not always be expressed; but may be left to the hearer, or reader, to supply, according to the requirements of the context.
The line just quoted is found amongst a number of imperative precepts—the verb to be supplied is therefore the imperative of "to be"—
"Costly (let) thy habit (be)," &c.
Similarly, the line to which MR. HICKSON takes exception is found amongst a number of described appearances—the verb, therefore, must be in accordance:
"Asters with trains of fire (appeared)," &c.
Many better examples of this most common license might doubtless be adduced; but I always like to take the nearest at hand.
A. E. B.
Leeds.
P. S.—MR. HICKSON will find it difficult to confine the portents of Cæsar's death to the night time. All authorities mention the obscuration of the sun—necessarily from spots, if the moon were eclipsed since sun and moon could not both be eclipsed about the same time.