DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.683#0169
151
and of mighty conquerors are, in comparison of those who
have rendered inconsiderable states eminent, and immorta-
lized their own names, by these pursuits. But if it be true,
as we learn from history and experience, that free govern-
ments afford a soil most suitable to the production of native
talent, to the maturing of the powers of the human mind,
and to the growth of every species of excellence, by opening
to merit the prospect of reward and distinction, no country
can be better adapted than our own to afford an honourable
asylum to these monuments of the school of Phidias, and of
the administration of Pericles; where, secure from further in-
jury and degradation, they may receive that admiration and
homage to which they are entitled, and serve in return as
models and examples to those who, by knowing how to re-
vere and appreciate them, may learn first to imitate and
ultimately to rival them.
March 25,1816,
and of mighty conquerors are, in comparison of those who
have rendered inconsiderable states eminent, and immorta-
lized their own names, by these pursuits. But if it be true,
as we learn from history and experience, that free govern-
ments afford a soil most suitable to the production of native
talent, to the maturing of the powers of the human mind,
and to the growth of every species of excellence, by opening
to merit the prospect of reward and distinction, no country
can be better adapted than our own to afford an honourable
asylum to these monuments of the school of Phidias, and of
the administration of Pericles; where, secure from further in-
jury and degradation, they may receive that admiration and
homage to which they are entitled, and serve in return as
models and examples to those who, by knowing how to re-
vere and appreciate them, may learn first to imitate and
ultimately to rival them.
March 25,1816,