42 



and ejoquence. In Athens, the perfection and graces of 

 the language were generally understood, and highly appre- 

 ciated. If a public speaker happened to misplace a word, 

 or employ a faulty or inelegant expression or phrase, it 

 was immediately perceived by the avidience, and followed 

 fey general marks of disapprobation. Thus the Attic style 

 of writing and speaking, became the model of elegance, 

 tefinement, purity and grace. tVhen we wish, even at this 

 day, to describe a peculiar delicacy and happiness of wit, 

 attdi a correct neatness, and classical beauty of style, we 

 call them Attic. Something similar was produced, by the 

 influence; of a'^fvee government, at Florence.* The lingua 

 ^Colgate Y^as 'there refined and polished, to an extraordinary 

 'degree; iaiid was written and spoken by the Florentines, 

 With so mvich purity, that '♦' lingua Toscana in bocca Ro- 

 mmm," " the Tuscan tongue, the Roman accent," i§ a well 

 known proverb. 



-i'The frugality,' resulting from simplicity of manners, and 

 ttie spirit of equality, which prevails in a republic, is 

 highly favourable to commerce; which, while it ministers 

 to the luxury of others, is sparing and severe in itself. 

 It is true, that the state of society, in the ancient world, 

 '>'■'■■-. . '■■■-■ -vvas 



a;>* The government of Florence underwent various changes, from time to 

 time; but still the spirit of democracy predominated. By the ancient go- 

 vernment, twelve citizens, with the name of Anziane, were elected to pre- 

 side ovef thfe government. Their office Was annual, and two foreigners were 

 appointed judges: one was stiled Capitarto del Popolo. 



