'For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to
the search of their fathers: (for we are but of yesterday, and know
nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:) shall not they
teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart?'--_Job_
viii. 8-10.
'Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us. The
Lord hath wrought great glory by them through His great power from
the beginning. Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, men renowned
for their power, giving counsel by their understanding, and declaring
prophecies: leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their
knowledge of learning meet for the people: wise and eloquent in their
instructions: such as found out musical tunes, and recited verses in
writing: rich men furnished with ability, living peaceably in their
habitations: all these were honoured in their generations, and were
the glory of their times. There be of them, that have left a name
behind them, that their praises might be reported. And some there be,
which have no memorial; who are perished, as though they had never
been; and are become as though they had never been born; and their
children after them. But these were merciful men, whose righteousness
hath not been forgotten.'--_Ecclesiasticus_ xliv. 1-10.
'Hic manus, ob patriam pugnando vulnera passi:
Quique sacerdotes casti, dum vita manebat:
Quique pii vates et Phœbo digna locuti:
Inventas aut qui vitam excoluere per artes:
Quique sui memores alios fecere merendo:
Omnibus his nivea cinguntur tempora vitta.'
_Æneid_, vi.
'Patriots who perished for their country's right,
Or nobly triumphed in the field of fight:
There holy priests and sacred poets stood,
Who sung with all the raptures of a god:
Worthies, who life by useful arts refined,
With those who leave a deathless name behind,
Friends of the world, and fathers of mankind.'
PITT'S _Translation_.
'* * yf I have sayed a misse, I am content that any man amende it, or
if I have sayd to lytle, any man that wyl to adde what hym pleaseth
to it. My mind is, in profitynge and pleasynge every man, to hurte or
displease no man.'
_Introduction to_ ROGER ASCHAM'S '_Toxophilus_.'
''Tis opportune to look back upon old times, and contemplate our
forefathers. Great examples grow thin, and to be fetched from the
passed world.'
SIR THOMAS BROWNE _to_ THOMAS LE GROS,
_in the Epistle Dedicatory to the 'Hydriotaphia_.'
'It is a reverend thing to see an ancient castle or building not in
decay; or to see a fair timber-tree sound and perfect;--how much more
to behold an ancient noble family, which hath stood against the waves
and weathers of time?'