Page:Mexico, picturesque, political, progressive.djvu/159

Rh political or social importance, one finds the names of Zarco, Prieto, Baranda, Siliceo, Arriaga, Ocampo, Alcaráz, Lerdo, Montes, Zamacono, Yañes, Mariscal, and many others, who have contributed largely to the education of the people. As poets, a still greater number of popular and celebrated men and women find honorable place in the ranks. Guillermo Prieto is probably best known in what might be called national songs, full of originality and patriotism. José Maria Esteva follows him closely in giving expression to the natural traits and habits of the country. Acuña, Luis G. Ortiz, Silva, Gutierrez-Najera, Dias-Miron, Covarrubias, Juan Valle, Eduardo Zárate, Francisco Colina, Firso de Córdova, Apapite Silva, Manuel Romero, Esther Fapia, Rosa Carreto, Refugio Argumeda de Ortiz, and Miguel Ulloa. Justo Sierra, one of the most virile and forceful singers, and Manuel Flores, by his tenderness and sweetness, have taken high rank among Spanish poets, even outside their own country. In view of the impression which is now gaining ground among literary people, that the writing of poetry is the best school for the formation of purity of style in prose, it may be interesting to