History of Famous Orators

iend Brutus, in my hearing, with the greatest elegance and dignity."--"True," replied he, "and you took occasion from the ill success of Brutus, to lament the loss of a fair administration of justice in the Forum."--"I did so," answered I, "as indeed I frequently do: and whenever I see you, my Brutus, I am concerned to think where your wonderful genius, your finished erudition, and unparalleled industry will find a theatre to display themselves. For after you had thoroughly improved your abilities, by pleading a variety of important causes; and when my declining vigour was just giving way, and lowering the ensigns of dignity to your more active talents; the liberty of the State received a fatal overthrow, and that Eloquence, of which we are now to give the History, was condemned to perpetual silence."--"Our other misfortunes," replied Brutus, "I lament sincerely; and I think I ought to lament them:-- but as to Eloquence, I am not so fond of the influence and the glory it bestows, as of the study and the pract