For instance, in Southey's
Don Roderick there is a cast of sentiment in the Gothic king's remorse and
contrition of heart, which has struck many readers as utterly unsuitable
to the social and moral development of that age, and redolent of modern
methodism. This, however, we mention only as an illustration, without
wishing to hazard an opinion upon the justice of that criticism. But even
such an anachronism is less startling and extravagant when it is confined
to an ideal representation of things, than where it is practically
embodied and brought into play amongst the realities of life. What would
be thought of a man who should attempt, in 1833, to revive the ancient
office of _Fool_, as it existed down to the reign, suppose, of our
Henry VIII. in England? Yet the error of the Emperor Decius was far
greater, if he did in sincerity and good faith believe that the Rome of
his times was amenable to that license of unlimited correction, and of
interference with private affairs, which republican freedom and simplicity
had once conceded to the censor. In reality, the ancient censor, in some
parts of his office, was neither more nor less than a compendious
legislator.
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