DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.15097#0037
35
encouraged, and how intimately they are connected
with the advancement of every thing valuable in
science, literature, and philosophy. In contemplating
the importance and splendour to which so small a
republic as Athens rose, by the genius and energy of
her citizens, exerted in the paths of such studies, it is
impossible to overlook how transient the memory
and fame of extended empires and of mighty con-
querors are, in comparison of those who have rendered
inconsiderable states eminent, and immortalized 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 admi-
nistration of Pericles; where, secure from further
injury and degradation, they may receive that admira-
tion and homage to which they are entitled, and serve
in return as models and examples to those who, know-
ing how to revere and appreciate them, may learn first
to imitate, and ultimately to rival them."
encouraged, and how intimately they are connected
with the advancement of every thing valuable in
science, literature, and philosophy. In contemplating
the importance and splendour to which so small a
republic as Athens rose, by the genius and energy of
her citizens, exerted in the paths of such studies, it is
impossible to overlook how transient the memory
and fame of extended empires and of mighty con-
querors are, in comparison of those who have rendered
inconsiderable states eminent, and immortalized 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 admi-
nistration of Pericles; where, secure from further
injury and degradation, they may receive that admira-
tion and homage to which they are entitled, and serve
in return as models and examples to those who, know-
ing how to revere and appreciate them, may learn first
to imitate, and ultimately to rival them."