Page:An Enquiry into the Present State of Polite Learning in Europe.djvu/95

 to leave this subject, let us proceed to consider those corruptions which admit of correction. Let us examine the merits of modern learning in England and in France; where, though it may be on the decline, yet it is still capable of retrieving much of its former splendor. In other places, a decay has already taken place, here it is only beginning. To attempt the amendment of Italy or Germany, would be only like the application of remedies to a part mortified, but here, still there is life, and there is hope.