Page:Notices by the Rev. T. Surridge ...of Roman inscriptions discovered at High Rochester, Risingham and Rudchester, in Northumberland ... (IA noticesbyrevtsur00surr).pdf/19

 wholly unworthy of notice did it not attempt to shelter the ignorance of the writer by the highly respectable names of Clayton and Bruce, gentlemen than whom none can be more deservedly esteemed nor more zealous in their desire to discover and promulgate truth, and who, I am convinced, would not only be the last persons in the world to smother inquiry after it, but the first to discourage the dissemination of any mistake which may have inadvertently arisen in its pursuit—from the frequently intentional and enigmatical difficulties of Heathen inscriptions on the Shrines and Altars of their imaginary Gods—aided by the further impediments thrown in the way by the prejudices of preconceived fancies and theories, which naturally warp and incline us to square our explanations by them. From these (though in the embryo critic's opinion it may be considered as a great defect) I was happily free, which probably was the cause of my being able to decipher the true meaning of the Altar inscription. To criticise the translation of a gentleman admitted (though reluctantly) to be a scholar, requires scholarship in my critic, who however he may be qualified to act as a pioneer, to wield the mattock and the spade for Archæological researches, should be cautious of wielding his pen, until he can show better credentials for the office he assumes, than rank nonsense attempted to be clothed in Dog-Latin.

The most illiterate sentinel that ever paced the Roman Wall would scorn to accept it as the language of his country, and resent it as an insult to his Quæstor and Tribune, (holding offices of high rank, similar to those of our Chancellor of the Exchequer and Commander-in-Chief,) who, I rather think, would not feel themselves flattered by seeing their despatches written in Cockney. If you will be kind enough to find room in your paper for this letter, and my full explanation of the Roman inscription herewith sent, you will do justice to your Roman Altar Correspondents, and greatly oblige,

THOMAS SURRIDGE