Latin Aphorisms and Proverbs

Extract

Of Latin aphorisms and proverbs versified by our English poets, Shakespere's dramas exhibit the largest display, and in looking over the list—though far from complete—of the manner in which the greatest of our poets availed himself of the knowledge of theancients, one cannot but be struck with the fact either that his knowledge of Latin must have been very considerable—though it was said of him that he knew little of Latin and less of Greek,—or that Latin aphorisms and proverbs had penetrated and enriched the vulgar tongue. But what is still more striking is the adorning which the proverb frequently receives from his masterly touches. He does gild the refined gold; he does give a sweeter perfume to the violet. If many of our best known poets have adopted and sometimes vulgarized the sententious outpourings of the sages of old, Shakespere seldom fails to bring them into the higher regions of song, and to ornament the naked natural beauty with wreaths and robes of honour.