cydides. His style is dignified, manly, studiously devoid of everything feminine and merely ornamental; it is so brief and concise, as to be often obscure. Jouvancy says most appropriately: "His sentiments are striking and profound, so that only deep reflection can fathom them, and mere reading is not sufficient."[1] For these reasons his Annales and Historiae are the proper reading only for the highest classes and for mature men.
Of other Latin prose authors not much need be said. Cornelius Nepos' Biographies of Great Generals, written in a simple style, form easy and instructive reading for the lowest classes. – During the Middle Ages, as well as in the first centuries of the Christian era, one of the favorite authors was Seneca. The reason is obvious. No philosopher of antiquity has approached the Christian view of life as closely as Seneca, so that a legend sprang up that the Roman had become acquainted with St. Paul and Christianity. Tertullian says: Seneca saepe noster, and Augustine, Jerome, and Lactantius appeal to his testimony. His letters contain the loftiest moral sentiments, – in sharp contrast with the author's life –; "whole letters, with few changes, might have been delivered in the pulpit by Bourdaloue and Massillon."[2] However, it is questionable whether Seneca's works are suitable reading for young pupils. A distinguished critic says: "Seneca is not to be read. His every sentence must have a sharp
