Page:History of the Royal Society.djvu/63

Rh this, I understand well enough, that they have one great Assistance to the Growth of Oratory, which to us is wanting: that is. that their Nobility live commonly close together in their Cities, and ours for the most part scattered in their Country Houses. For the same reason, why our Streets are not so well built as theirs, will hold also, for their exceeding us in the Arts of Speech: They prefer the Pleasures of the Town, we those of the Field; whereas it is from the frequent Conversations in Cities, that the Humour, and Wit, and Variety, and Elegance of Language, are chiefly to be fetch'd. But yet, notwithstanding these Discouragements, I shall not stick to say, that such a Project is now seasonable to be set on foot, and may make a great Reformation in the manner of our Speaking and Writing. First, the Thing itself is no way contemptible: For the Purity of Speech, and Greatness of Empire have, in all Countries, still met together. The Greeks spake best, when they were in their Glory of Conquest. The Romans made those Times the Standard of their Wit, when they subdued, and gave Laws to the World: And from thence, by degrees, they declin'd to Corruption, as their Valour, their Prudence, and the Honour of their Arms did decay; and at last, did even meet the Northern Nations halfway in Barbarism, a little before they were overrun by their Armies.

But besides, if we observe well the English Language, we shall find, that it seems at this time, more than others, to require some such Aid, to bring it to its last Perfection. The Truth is, it has been hitherto a little too carelessy handled; and, I think, has had less Labour spent about its polishing than it Rh