Page:The Classical Heritage of the Middle Ages.djvu/37

 CHAP, n] THE PASSING OF THE ANTIQUE MAN 19 semi-antique or transitional types of the fourth and fifth centuries. These pass into the mediaeval through gradual modifications arising from the mingled prog- ress and decay of the succeeding centuries, during which the bai'barian peoples are wrought upon and changed by the authoritative Christian religion and the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Empire. The pres- ent chapter will be devoted to the change from the classic to the transitional pagan types of the fourth century. The Greek, as well as the Roman, was self-reliant ; he looked to himself for his own strength. The gods might provide opportunity, or they might thwart men or enmesh the self-reliant doer in nets of fate. But the man himself and the quality of his accomplishment were the work of his own strength — of his dpcrij (virtus) and Triwrrj (prudentia), his valiant energies and the mind which informed and guided them. Re- specting this quality of self-reliance, and the fears which come to shake it, the Greek was loftily and constructively imaginative ; the Roman was practi- cally apprehensive, and cautious with utmost forti- tude. The Greek reasoned upon human limitations and man's position in the world. He coordinated these limitations in philosophies, and drew broad de- ductions as to Fate and the gods, conceived as favorar ble or untoward powers outside of man. Also the Greek imagines with his entire nature — heart and mind ; from out of life's limitations he visualizes mor- tality, and creates epic and dramatic instances of its types or carves them in statues, and shows man's spiritoal greatness in spite of Fate. The Roman has