We understand that the classical educators interested themselves in giving children a synthetic picture of virtuous heroes to emulate, and presented an ideal to strive for. Their earliest efforts in education were meant to inspire. And therefore it is an eminently sound practice to begin reading with Homer and Virgil, though maturer judgement is required for a full understanding of their merits. But for that there is time enough, for they will be read more than once. Meanwhile, let the pupil’s mind soar to the sublime levels of epic song, and draw the breath of inspiration from the majesty of
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