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extraordinary circumstance, in the histoiy of literature, 

 that a state so small, and a population so confined, as 

 those of Athens, should, within a very small space of time, 

 have produced three such dramatic poets, as ^schylus, 

 Sophocles, and Euripidiss. The temper of the people is 

 marked, particularly, by the purity, the gravity and dig- 

 nity of sentiment, which appear in these authors; and the 

 number of important maxims and reflexions, in morals and 

 politics, which are introduced in their Avritings. 



Though simplicity of manners, and frugality, are re- 

 quired, by the republican spirit, in the individual, repub- 

 lics exult in their riches,, and acts of magnificence: they 

 contrast the great works, and splendid expenditure of the 

 community; their vast monuments, their sumptuous public 

 buildings, their pompous shows, and magnificent scenic 

 representation, with the humble dwellings, and simple 

 lives, of the private citizens. It i& here, in this noble 

 republican pride, ever grasping futurity in its elated ideas, 

 we see the lofty, character, the generous disinterested ge- 

 nius of the free state, in all its productions. This was the 

 case, in an eminent degree, with respect to the Athenian 

 republic. She expended, on the most solid and magnifi- 

 cent public structures, on. the theatrical exhibitions, on 

 unrivalled productions of the poetic art, on pictures and 

 statues, immense sums. This she was enabled to, do, by 

 the rich treasures which flowed into her from various quar- 

 ters; the vast wealth, which had. been, brought from the 



treasury 



