Page:The Journal of Classical and Sacred Philology, Volume 1, 1854.djvu/30

20 sented by the Baron, again described in the character of Ariel, it being a common way with authors, in this fabulous manner, to take such a liberty. As for instance, I have read in St. Evremont, that all the different characters in Petronius are but Nero in so many different appearances. And in the key to the curious romance of Barclay's Argenis, both Poliarchus and Archombrotus mean only the king of Navarre." (Pope's Works, Vol. v. p. 364, Ed. Roscoe).

Now let us take any real allegory—"The tale of a Tub" for instance—how careful the author is to make its application as clear and the details as consistent as possible! No incongruous and inapplicable circumstances are thrown in to "heighten the effect" by perplexing the reader. And if all allegories must be unambiguous in order to produce their effect upon the mind of the reader, and obtain popularity in the closet, much more clear must they be made to the spectator, if they are to succeed on the stage. It is only in the very simplest form, as for instance in the old Moralites, where all is explained and nothing left to be inferred, that Allegory has ever been presented under the guise of Drama. Prof. Süvern may ransack the dramatic history of every people, ancient and modern, without finding a parallel to the plot of the "Birds," as conceived by him. Some idea of its absurdity may be formed by supposing an extravaganza to be produced next Easter at Drury Lane, of which the principal character should be a combination of Mr Disraeli and M. Kossuth, and the second personification of Young England with the attributes of Ledru Rollin.

 

Niebuhr on Fronto, Walther, Ritter, and Orelli on Tacitus, have omitted to compare H. 6:  with Fronto, ad M. Cæs. de eloquent. 1 § 7 (p. 78 Nieb.):. Still greater is the resemblance between this passage of Fronto and those of Athen. and Simplic. cited by Orelli (after Lipsius and Boxhorn.) Milton has followed Tacitus. Lycidas 71: Fame…That last infirmity of noble minds.

