Read two volumes of Libanius.[477] The author’s imaginary speeches,
written for the purpose of giving practice in oratory, are more
useful than the rest. The excessive elaboration and over-nicety of
the latter impair their native and so to say spontaneous grace and
charm, and destroy their clearness. Much obscurity is also caused by
parentheses, and sometimes by the omission of what is indispensable.
In other respects he is a canon and model of Attic style. His letters
also have a considerable reputation. Several other works of different
kinds are also ascribed to him.