Page:The Journal of Classical and Sacred Philology, Volume 1, 1854.djvu/155

 THE JOURNAL OF CLASSICAL AND SACRED PHILOLOGY. The Sophists. " Nescio quomodo dum lego assentior : quum posui libram et mecum ipse cogi- tare ccepi, assensio omnis ilia elabitur." Cic. Tusc. Disp. The 67th chapter of Mr Grote's History of Greece, which is chiefly occupied with a discussion of the position and character social and philosophical of the class of men commonly known by the name of " Sophists," is probably the most universally popular portion of that brilliant work. In it the application of modern notions and modern usages to the elucidation of Greek history and the peculiar phenomena of Greek social life is carried perhaps to its highest point. Nowhere in the whole work is a greater array of various learning brought to bear upon the solu- tion of a difficult problem, or a more comprehensive survey taken of a question from all its different points of view. Nowhere is greater ingenuity shown in giving a novel aspect to a trite and worn-out subject, and the new conclusions invested with a more specious plausibility. It is I presume owing principally to these causes that the Reviews and other periodical arbiters of public taste and opinion have singled out this particular chapter for especial commendation. I cannot but feel that it is somewhat presumptuous in me to raise my solitary and feeble voice in opposition to this universal chorus of praise: but if the views which have called forth this applause be erroneous, the novelty and ingenuity by which they are recommended furnish only an additional reason for attempting to expose their error; and the approbation with which they have been received renders it additionally incumbent upon all who are interested in the Vol. I. June, 1854. 10