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 instance, arise as early as this tender age; and that on these foundations it is neither difficult nor impossible for the whole superstructure of rhetoric to be laid, provided always that we act reasonably with reasonable creatures.

7. Almost the same may be said of poetry, which binds, and, as it were, entwines language in rhythm and measure. The principles of poetry arise with the beginning of speech; for as soon as the child begins to understand words, at the same time it begins to love melody and rhythm. Therefore nurses, when a child, from having fallen or injured itself, is wailing, are wont to solace it with these or similar rhymes: —

This pleases infants so much that they not only become immediately quiet, but even smile. The nurses also, pat-