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Exercises on the French Syntax.
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EXERCISESON THEFRENCH SYNTAX;OR,PRACTICE OF THE NEW PRACTICAL AND INTELLECTUALMETHOD FOR LEARNING FRENCH.WHEREINLEARNERS HAVE TO MAKE DIRECT APPLICATION OF FRENCH RULES,ANDRECTIFY THE DEVIATIONS MADE FROM THE FRENCH SYNTAX.BYPROFESSOR JEAN B. SUE.PHILADELPHIA:J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.1864.KD32914HARVARDUNIVERSITYLIBRARY0471721NOTICE.In translating these exercises the learner should be providedwith a dictionary; words the first elements of languages beingfound there. Should we inquire into the causes of failure inmethods promising to teach languages and teaching nothing, we have only to look at the shortness of their vocabularies, and wewill be convinced of the insincerity of their promise.3--EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.CHAPTER I.EXERCISES ON SOME REGULAR VERBS OF THE FOUR CONJUGATIONS, WHICH MAY PRESENT SOME DIFFICULTIES IN THEIRUSE.(See Grammar, from No. 106 to 178 inclusive. )1. It is by questioning (107) nature frequently that we will wrest from it its secrets.2. Let us not judge (107) hastily of any one, either for good or for evil.3. Heavenwould often be unjust did it grant(106) our prayers.4. Let us not strain (106) our talent,we will do (178) no- thing gracefully.5. Adulation always degenerates (109) into unthankfulness.6. He is not worthy to govern who does not govern (107)himself.7. We run the risk of being taken for fools, when we repeat (107) the foolish sayings of others.8. There is no secret that time does not reveal (107)9. Time overthrows all that it raises up (109) .10. Peace brings back (107) plenty.11. God in our deserts has sown light, as in our fields he sows (107) dust.12. What is called (108) ebb and flow, is but the alternate movement of the waters.13. Man projects (108) all his life, and dies without enjoying hisplans.14. God called forth (108) the waters of the flood to chastise the earth, covered with crimes.1* 56 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.15. Saint Louis rejected (108) the counsels of policy, when they were not in accordance with virtue.16. By his wishes man encroaches (108) on the future, as if to protract his existence.17. The maxims of men reveal (109) their hearts.18. We would know nature much better, did we study it (110-4) in its wonders and not in books.19. We rarely become reconciled (110-4) to a man who has wounded our self-love.20. The things for which we care (110-4) least, are often those which contribute most to our happiness. 21. We were coasting (111) the shores of rich Egypt, when a Phenician ship made us prisoners .22. The surest means we can employ (111) to insure our happiness, are those of which virtue approves.23. Try (111) all pleasures, and you will perceive that the most constant is a labor of choice and taste.24. Success pays (111) us for all our troubles.25. Minds which yield (111) readily sink in the samemanner.26. Nothing pleases, nothing is acceptable (112), on the part of one who is disliked.27. Neither wit nor routine will ever take the place (112) of good sense or learning.28. We look upon (107) nature from other stand-points than did the ancients .29. On the eve of the battle of Vouillé, the flags of Clovis were consecrated (146) by the bishop Saint-Remy.30. Blessed (145) be the kings who have been the fathers of theirpeople.31. Men sometimes hate (149) those who have obliged them,and cease to hate (149) those who have insulted them.32. I hate (149) those novels whose barren reading dries up mymind and leaves my heart void.33. How changeable (107) we are! Often what we hated (149) yesterday is what we prefer to-day.34. The sciences flourished (150) among the Chinese at a very remote epoch.35. Piety and justice, flourishing (150) under Saint Louis,added to the glory of his reign.36. Italy is the only country which has flourished (150) twice,under Augustus and under Leo X. 37. We reprove (178) with art those only whom we fear (178),or whom we love.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 738. How many men, like plants, vegetate (109), or have vegetated (109), on this earth!39. It is difficult to reconcile (110-4) one's duties with the taste for pleasures.40. He who sows (107) injustice, reaps hatred and revenge.41. It is in Racine's works that poetry displays (111) all its riches.42. You will recreate (112) your mind by the variety of ob- jects you will offer to it.43. History is but a chain of the same events renewed (108)and varied.44. It is by hating (149) vice that we strengthen (110) our- selves in the love of virtue.45. We heap up (108) riches as though we were to live forever.46. We can never replace (106) honor by glory, nor happi- ness by pleasure.47. There is nothing that we forget (110-4) more readily than past misfortunes.48. God requires that we should employ (111) in the relief of our fellow-creatures the riches he has bestowed on us.49. Ignorant men believe (111) they see every thing, and they see (111) nothing: at most they perceive but vain phantoms having no reality.50. Death reveals (109) the secrets of the heart.51. The man of sense hopes (107) little, and despairs (107)of nothing.52. Whenwe swim (107) in plenty, we do not think (107)of the wants of others.53. Guilty people tormented (109) by remorse have imagined atheism.54. There is no true slave but he who sells (178) himself.55. Death separates men, and reunites (178) them.56. Every thing recalls (108) man to his duty.57. The French monarchy began (106) under Pharamond.58. We repay (110) benefactions only by a lively gratitude.59. We increase our happiness in sharing (107) it with afriend.60. Afather loves his children in hating (149) their defects .61. They blessed (145) Heaven which granted them a king so worthy of their love.62. Religion requires that we should only use (111) good actions to revenge ourselves of our enemies.8 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTΑΧ.63. Our interest commands that we should trust (110-4) only men of tried virtue.64. Nature employs (111) only violence for destruction: she works (109) good with a tempered power.65. Nothing refreshes (112) the sight like the presence of those whom we have obliged. 66. There is nothing that an honest man hates (149) so much as flattery.67. The sensible man never replies (178) to insults .68. The consecration of the golden rose is a ceremony in which a rose of that metal is solemnly consecrated (146) by the Pope on the fourth Sunday of Lent.69. Surrounded by a crowd of prejudices, we seldom lookupon (107) things in their true aspect.70. When the will goes before (107) reflection, repentance comes after it.71. May the gods grant that we should envy (110-4) the rich only the power of making people happy.72. The smiling Dawn with rubies and with flowers bestuds (107) the east.73. An indiscreet man is an unsealed (108) letter: every- body may read it.74. The arts flourished (150) at Athens and at Rome under Pericles and Augustus.75. He who lives hated (149) by all cannot live long.76. God sends (111) to some the necessary help to live, and to others the consolations for a good death.77. Religion supplies (112) all the virtues that nature has refused us.78. Virtue alone can render a nation flourishing (149) .79. The luck of gamblers changes with the same promptness as do the dice which they throw.80. He who fears God fears (178) him alone.81. We hasten (106) by fear the evils which are to befall us.82. Racine is the greatest poet of whom we are proud (110-4).83. Fear, my lord, fear lest Heaven should hate (149) you sufficiently to grant your wishes. 84. We think (111) we lead things, but it is things that lead (107) us. 85. Nature does not create (112) men equal in faculties.REMARK. Whenever the words used by the learner will not meet the case in view, teachers will introduce the rule as a re- mark.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 9CHAPTER II .EXERCISES ON THE SYNTAX OF THE SUBSTANTIVE.(See Grammar No. 504 and following. )1. THOUGH the first organs (506) have a very remote origin,historians nevertheless agree that those heard for the first time in France were not anterior to the year 757; they had beengiven to Pepin by the emperor Constantine Copronymus.2. What enjoyments (506) can be compared with those re- sulting from good actions!3. God had ordered that happy nation to love him with amaternal love (504).4. On the side of Asia stood Venus, that is to say, effeminacy and senseless loves (505); on the side of Greece was Juno, that is to say, wisdom and all the delights (506) which it brings.5. Easier would it be to arrest the flight of the proud eagle (508), than to turn thy audacious steps from the path of glory and of perilous deeds.6. Close to the Roman eagle (507), a thousand strange banners gathered under its laws a thousand barbarous nations.7. Vertumnus presided over the gathering of fruits: there- fore poets sometimes take him for autumn (509) itself.8. Pygmalion was unacquainted with honest people; for such people (514) never seek a corrupt king.9. Acouple (510) of sheep, roasted by themselves, constituted the feasts of Homer's heroes.10. What a couple (510) were Philemon and Baucis!11. " Dear (511) child," said a mother to her daughter, " with- out thee there is no happiness for me."12. How can man profit by the example of the dead, if he be blind to that (512) of the living?13. The lightning (513) furrows the sky and strikes the highest trees.14. Turenne, that brilliant thunderbolt (513) of war, knew enemies as such no longer, from the moment that they were van- quished.15. Some people (514) study all their lives: at death they have learnt every thing, except how to think.10 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.16. All honest people (514-2) take an interest in a learned and modest young man.17. The ancient hymns (515) of the Church have the merit of simplicity: they were inspired by admiration and gratitude.18. The finest hymns (515) composed in praise of heroes and fabulous divinities are those of Callimachus, Pindar, and Horace.19. In Scipio Africanus there is something more estimable(516) than his victories, that is to say, his virtue.20. True literary men (514-3) seek neither honor nor riches.21. Whatever we may say in a moment of passion, it is very seldom that it (516) does not cause us regret.22. There is often more wit in a small volume than in large folios (524-2).23. The finest writings of the Italians abound in conceits (523); viz.: in thoughts which are brilliant, but devoid ofaccuracy.24. Perfidious applause (522) has ruined the unfortunate drama.25. Spain exults in having given birth to the two Senecas (518).26. If it be true that the fine arts are baneful to society, we might say that Louis XIV. imprinted a stain on his glory in giving rise to men like Praxiteles (520), Apelles, and Orpheus.27. There is something extremely useful about satire: thou- sands, by its aid, sometimes correct themselves of a failing which the flaming darts of a Bourdaloue (521) , a Massillon, or a Bos- suet (521) would perhaps have but half reformed.28. We cannot question that in the remotest antiquity there have been Alexanders (520) and Cæsars whose exploits time has caused to be forgotten.29. It is only on the Atlantic Ocean that we witness the curious spectacle of flying fishes (528) . 30. What strange people (514) are misers, who spend their lives in counting the money piled up in their strong boxes (528)!31. Blank signatures (528 exception) are a perfidious weapon in the hands of a rogue.32. Bugbears (529) frighten only old women and children.33. There are in France eighty-six head-quarters (530) ofprefecture.34. Misconduct, rather than misfortune, fills hospitals (530 exception).35. The Cid, Athalie, and Alzire are dramatic master-pieces (531). 36. How many people, witty (514) in society, show themEXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 11selves to be fools after two or three private conversations (531 exception)!37. In warm countries, under genial skies, silkworms (531)are raised on mulberry-trees.38. The snowdrop (532) blossoms amidst the rigors ofwinter.39. Laziness and sloth are the forerunners (532) of misery.40. Duelling is a perfidious means by whose aid a knave (532)may with safety assassinate an honest man.41. Our actions are like rhyming ends [bouts-rimés] (528):every one can make them refer to whatever he pleases.42. Coxcombs (528) are bold, arrogant, and domineering in their manners.43. Our descendants (532) will imitate us if we perform good deeds.44. What are the greater part of praises after the manner of the world? ironies (532) concealed under the veil of politeness .45. The concertos (522) of Mozart and Viotti (518) are per- haps the most beautiful pieces that modern music has produced.46. In time of war, the savages of America are armed with tomahawks (532) . 47. Coquettes are peacocks in society, and shrews (529) at home.48. Let a Molière appear, and men like Baron (520) will rise.49. Similarity of sentiment will often bring together men ofvery different conditions. That is the reason that Augustus,Mæcenas, Scipio, Richelieu, and Condé (521), were on terms of familiarity with men of genius.50. In deliberative assemblies, the ciphers (522) form the tens and the hundreds.51. Time does not spare the monuments of art any more than it does the master-pieces (530) of nature.52. It is only rogues who make leagues; honest people (514)keep aloof from them.53. Whatever may be the beauty of Virgil's verses, Christian poetry offers to us something (516) far superior.54. Those who have written history in modern times were not men like Tacitus (520) .55. In the Elysian Fields, kings tread under foot all the de- lights (506) of their mortal condition.56. That organ (506) is among the best I ever heard: it far surpasses that of Harlem, known to be one of the best and largest inEurope.57. God has created man with two loves: one (504) for God,the other for himself.12 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.58. The same king who could employ Condé, Turenne, and Catinat (521) in his armies; Colbert and Louvois in his cabinet;chose Racine and Boileau (521) to write his history; Bossuet and Fenélon (521) to educate his children; Fléchier and Massil- Vn (521) to instruct himself.59. It is only in the woods that screech-owls (529) are to be found.60. There are certain societies whose frequentation is more dangerous than that of a cut-throat's resort (532) .61. I stifled my maternal (504) love for my son.62. Ex-votos (524) are pictures or images placed in a church in remembrance of a vow.63. It is men like Molière, Boileau, Racine (518), etc. who spread the glory of our language among all nations.64. Some authors have written history as operas (522) are made: all that is written is with a view to effect.65. The answers of heedless persons are often mere cock-and- bull stories (531 exception) .CHAPTER III.EXERCISES ON THE USE OF THE ARTICLE .(See Grammar No. 535 andfollowing. )1. THOSE who give good (538) advice without themselves setting the example, resemble those posts which point out roads without travelling them.2. The most ridiculous (535) persons in society (314) are those who are called (108) coxcombs (540).3. How many appropriate (543) episodes are found in Homer and Virgil!4. Hatred (535) is so blind that it does not seek even (547)pretexts for satisfying itself. 5. Should not a single day lost cause us (547) regrets a thou- sand times more poignant thanwould the loss of a large fortune?6. The (548) most sublime thoughts are nothing if badly ex- pressed.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 137. In translations (552) it is hardly possible to translate verse for verse, even when such precision is (548) most desirable.8. Flatterers (535) are those who suffer themselves to be the (549) most easily duped by (314) flattery.9. It is said that the (552) mountains which traverse the Old (313) and the (550) New World, were formerly plains covered by the (535, 552) sea.10. Great (552) and (551) vigorous thoughts come from the heart.11. In the time of Philip the Handsome (337), it was only dukes (550), counts, and barons, whose wives had the right to getfour gowns a year.12. Amagnanimous heart, said a Persian king, receives (548)small presents with one hand, and gives (538, 833) large ones with the other.13. The truths (535) which we love least (548) to hear, are those which we have the greatest interest in knowing.14. Lycurgus said to the (315) Spartans: Do you wish to be always free and respected? be always poor, and never (547)undertake conquests.15. Whoever has numerous (538) witnesses of his death,always dies with courage.16. He is always to be seen (84) with (540) wits or great lords.17. The nations (535)whose (552) duration seemed as though it would be eternal, have each in their turn disappeared from the (315) globe: witness the Assyrians (550), the Medes, the Per- sians, the Greeks, and the Romans.18. Great minds (535) are most (548) susceptible (876) to systematic illusions.19. The more (839) we fathom mankind (313), the more of weakness and (543) of greatness do we discern in them.20. Nature (535) being the (552) same everywhere, men (535) have necessarily adopted the same truths and (550) the same errors in things (548) which strike the senses and impress (548) the imagination the most.21. Handsome and (551) memorable deeds cannot render illustrious, if they have not virtue for their cause.22. If the (552) body is strengthened by moderate labor, it is by (538) wise instruction that the (313,592) mind is per- fected.
23. How could aman, who has not clear ideas (544 exception)ofjustice, possess the conciousness of having committed an un- just act?214 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.24. Astriking and happy feature in our literary history, is that those of our dramatists who have written best (548) are also those who have pleased most (548).25. Those who make antitheses by straining the meaning of words, are like those who make (538) false windows for the sake of symmetry.26. Père du Tertre affirms that if almost all negroes are flat- nosed, it is because the fathers and (550) mothers crush the noses of their children.27. In the eyes of envy (552) the most firmly established (548) reputation is but apublic error.28. Greece and Italy (313) produced (540) great men in all departments.29. We must mistrust the passions (535), even when they appear least (548) unreasonable.CHAPTER IV.EXERCISES ON THE USE OF THE QUALIFYING ADJECTIVE .(See Grammar No. 555 ter andfollowing.)1. WHETHER you were (or, whether he was) indulgent or severe (555 ter), he has always felt for you that tender friend- ship which nothing could weaken in his heart.2. Whenwe are masters of our own passions (555 ter), it is easier to conquer those of others.3. The temperate climate produces only temperate (556)things: the sweetest herbs, the most wholesome vegetables, the most delectable fruits, the quietest animals, the most polished men (556), are the concomitants of this happy climate.4. The wisdom and the power of our Maker, as (557) evident in the structure of the snail as in that of the lion, are manifested throughout all nature.5. Philip showed throughout a prudence and acourage supe- rior (557) to his age.6. For sensible souls (535), nature has always new beauties (558) and new attractions.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 157. Calypso found awonderful (560) nobleness and magnani- mity in that young man's accusing himself.8. The surface of the earth is composed of vegetable and animal matter, undergoing a continual (561) change or motion.9. The great (556) lords of Tonquin are not admitted at court unless barefooted (562) .10. They were bareheaded (562) and barelegged (563), their feet shod with small (556) sandals.11. Undisguised (562), wickedness would not be dangerous:therefore, wicked men are hypocrites.12. The demi-gods (564) of the ancients were merely men who had distinguished themselves by an extraordinary valor or virtue (561) .13. The late (567) queen was universally adored.14. Your late (567) mother combined the attractions of mind with goodness of heart.15. Honors would appear dearly bought (568) to the honest man, had they cost him any mean action.16. The depression which follows great (556) passions, makes men appear dead-drunk (570) .17. The Chinese have been for many centuries a semi-barba- rous (571) nation. 18. The new-born children (572) of negroes are more sensi- tive than ours to the impressions of (535) the air.19. Light and short-dressed (572), she was stalking along.20. Almighty deities (572 bis), let our tears appease you.21. The second, fourth, and sixth books of the Æneid (576)are regarded as the finest pieces of epic poetry produced by any nation.22. The souls of Stoics were as unalterable (578) in joy as insorrow.23. By happy imitations, Corneille has remodelled the tragic (575) and the comic stage.24. Some mythologists describe Apollo with auburn (577)hair; others, with light chestnut- (577) colored hair.25. We are hardly born (555) when sorrow and pain take possession of us, and do not abandon us until death.26. However guilty men may be,God is so kind that they are seldom inexcusable (578) in his eyes.27. After having proceeded some steps, they stopped abruptly (568), dreading to fall into a snare.28. Among the sorrows and afflictions of this life there are few for which we could not be consoled (578) if we turned our eyes to heaven.16 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.29. The man who is best fitted for a situation and who is themost worthy of it (578) is not always he who obtains it.30. Familiar (555) with the sight of beauties surrounding us, we often feel but little admiration for the wisdom whose impress they bear.31. Frenchmen speak fast (568) , and sometimes act slowly.32. In great (538) evils we must avoid half remedies (564)almost as much as the evil itself.33. The man who is truly attached to his country, sacrifices his quiet and freedom for the sake of the public (557) liberty and felicity.34. In De La Fontaine's fables is to be found (84) an admi- rable (560) simplicity and artlessness.35. The Samoiedes live long, though feeding only upon raw (561) meat or raw fish . 36. The aim of ancient and modern philosophers (575) is to encouragemen to virtue (535).37. Birds build their nests with a marvellous (560) art andskill.38. Religion watches over private (556) crimes; laws watch over public ones (556) .39. The least excusable (578) man is he who refuses to amend.40. Thibaut, Count of Champagne, was helped by the com- mons, because he was good to the burghers and favorable to them (582) .. 41. Our triumphant ships have scoured both hemispheres (576).42. The reason which is limited to adapting itself to reasonable things, and is only offended bywhat is false, is but ahalf reason (564).43. How could ambitious men use victory prudently, so capable of intoxicating with pride the most moderate of men (582)?44. The people always have their ears and eyes open (558) to discover the defects of the great.45. The good taste of the Egyptians caused them to prefer (563) solidity and regularity unadorned.46. Sensible and generous (555 ter), his sweetest satisfaction is in consoling and helping the unfortunate.47. The taste for gambling, the offspring of avarice and sloth,enters only an empty (561) mind or heart.48. The animals of the torrid zone and of the warm countriesEXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 17of temperate zones, have, for the greater part, the leg and neck greatly lengthened (558).49. Avolcano is a cannon of immense size, whose mouth is often more than half a league (564) in width.50. The bodies of birds, in all their parts, are arranged with charming (557) harmony and art.51. Victor or vanquished (555 ter), that warrior has always esteemed his adversary.52. In spite of their power, kings are subject to God and (582)dependent on him (377).53. The most inexcusable (578) people are those who are vain of their failings.54. Louis XI. showed himself formidable to the lords and wascruel to them (582); whilst he endeavored to be agreeable to the people and be beloved by them (582).?CHAPTER V.EXERCISES ON THE USE OF DETERMINATIVE ADJECTIVES.(See Grammar No. 583 and following).1. OUT of one hundred (583) persons, ninety (584, 22)would sacrifice to the enjoyment of the present all the hopes of the future.2. One of the most celebrated buildings of China is the por- celain tower (534), two hundred and eighty (583) feet high, and whose top is reached by a staircase of four hundred (583, 84)steps.3. Charlemagne was elected emperor in the year eight hun- dred (585).4. The invention of railroads dates from the year (586, 584)eighteen hundred and twenty-eight.5. Xerxes came to attack Greece with eleven hundred thousand (584, 586) men; others say, seventeen hundred thousand.6. The Ganges, one of the largest rivers of Asia, empties (108) into the sea, after a course of more than eighteen hun- dred (583, 589) miles.2*18 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.7. Of all living creatures, man is the only one whose (592)face is not turned towards the earth. He walks with his (592)eyes raised towards heaven, as though to indicate the superiority of his origin.8. Give to mysuspicions connections and features, which mayforce their (594) countenances to betray their misdeeds.9. Effeminacy is sweet, and its (596) consequences are bitter.10. Pleasures are flowers sown among on the thorns of life; but they must be gathered with care, for their (596) fleeting beauty is easily tarnished. 11. We forgive men for not possessing talent (547); but we despise them when they have not (598) a single virtue.12. It is a great evil not to be able to bear any (598) mis- fortune.13. Why should we in adversity abandon ourselves to sorrow,since no tears (288, 599) can change the course of events?14. No (599) troops ever showed more courage than ours at the battle of Pavia, fought in fifteen hundred (586) and twenty- five (585).15. It is stated (84) that Solomon had two thousand (586)stables, with ten horses in each (600) .16. The same (601-1°) dangers which prove stumbling-blocks to the wicked, become occasions of merit to the just.17. He is one of those mortals favored by the gods, who are every thing by themselves (601-2°) and nothing by their ancestors .18. There is an infinite wisdom and goodness (557) even(601-2°) in things, where the weakness of our knowledge pre- vents us from discovering it.19. The most ferocious beasts, the very rocks (603-2°) , seem sensible to my sorrow.20. Vanity is the lot of every sex and age: we are vain even (603-1 °) in misery and abjection.21. Whatever (604-1°) be the laws, they must be respected.22. Certain crimes (604-2°) always precede great crimes.23. However (604-1°) our morals may be, vice with us has not lost all its shame.24. Whatever (604 bis) be the glorious rewards reserved for me, what laurels can please me when stained with his blood?25. Whatever (604-1 °) your birth, however (604 bis) great your riches, whatever dignities you may possess, remember (921)that you frustrate the designs of Providence if you do not make use of them for the benefit of mankind.26. All (606) the kings who have governed Rome distinEXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 19guished themselves by (538) great virtues, or by (538) great talents.27. Every (606) ambitious soul is incapable of control.28. Every one (606) of us springs from the same source.29. Nature, with all its parts (606), is found in great epicpoems.30. Virtue (607), rigid though it is, procures many pleasures.31. Our ships are all ready (607), and the wind calls us.32. Profound as are (607) our philosophers (608), they are ignorant of the causes of many effects.33. Hope, fallacious though it be (608), at least serves to lead us to the end of life by an agreeable road.34. Torpid as it is (607), laziness does more mischief among us than all the other passions put together.35. There are no absurdities which do not find heads quite disposed (608) to give them admittance.36. How could two persons have one and the same (609-2°)will, when each has several?37. Empires can only be maintained by the equity of the (601-1°) laws which founded them.38. Praises are like riches: it is for want of knowing their (596) value that we are so lavish of them.39. Awoman can be handsome in only one way, but she may be amiable in a hundred thousand ways (586).40. Cyrus was acquainted with every soldier of his army, and could call each by his (597) name.41. It is unfortunate that men cannot possess any (598) one talent without excluding all others.42. The love for father and (609) mother is the basis of allthe virtues.43. It costs us much less to win victories than to conquer ourselves (601-2°).44. The court of Louis XIV. was brilliant: foreigners all praised its (596) splendor.45. Whatever (604-1°) be on earth (535) the glory of the great (552), it has always to dread envy which seeks to tar- nish it.46. Merit (535), even virtue (550, 603-2°), are much in- debted to the modesty which enhances their (596) brightness.47. Rich men, however (604-3°) foolish they may be, always carry the votes, and jesters side with them.48. Military prosperities (535) leave in the soul something unspeakable which fills it entirely (607) .20 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.49. True (535) courage has always some (604) resources.50. The highest among the pyramids of Egypt is (1004) two thousand (856) six hundred and forty (584) feet in circum- ference, and at least five hundred (583) feet in height.51. Witty people themselves (601-2°) never have less wit than when endeavoring to be witty.52. Our ideas must be made an exact image of things, and our speech a clear and bright (609) image of our ideas.53. There is no (598) condition in life without its troubles.54. Queen, the great evils from which France is now suffering are the more to be dreaded that they spring from (596) a sacredsource.55. Whatever (604-1°) the moderation of our wishes, let us not believe (124) ourselves secure from reverses .56. It is asserted that the street-porters of Constantinople(532) carry burdens of nine hundred (583) pounds' weight.57. Truth (535) does not belong to us; we are only its (596)witnesses and trustees.58. The same (601-1°) virtues which serve to conquer an empire serve also to preserve it.59. However (604 bis) great the advantages which nature confers, it is not she alone, but virtue with her, that gives rise toheroes.60. The first voyage round the world was performed by Fran- cis Drake, in the year one thousand (586) five hundred and eighty (585).61. If you do not repay the enormous debt contracted dur- ing your childhood towards your father and (609) mother, you will incur the blame of all the honest among fathers, mothers,and children (550) . 62. I am all that has been, is, and will be; no (598) mortal has ever raised the veil which covers me.63. The hardest and most perverse men have frequently in their (592) mouths the words of humanity and morality.64. Whatever (604-1°) be the hand that takes my life, he who dies virtuous dies without shame.65. The life of the useful man, however (604-3°) short its (596) duration, resembles the most precious of metals, which weighs much in little bulk.66. No (598) pleasure equals that resulting from the per- formance of a good action.67. It is from wisdom, said ayoung monarch, that the kings,my neighbors, however (604-3°) formidable they be, will dreadme.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 2168. Jesus Christ (977) died only as a witness of truth: he was the first martyr of it (596). 69. How many men seem born only for themselves (601-2°)!70. Beauty (535), whatever (604-1°) it may be, is not so valuable as a good mind.71. Magistrates owe equal justice to every one, even (603-2°)to their enemies.72. The possession of a fallacious worldly wealth can give only a false and vain (609) happiness.73. Just men do not dread the vain power of men: however (604-3°) exalted they may be, they are what we are ourselves.CHAPTER VI.EXERCISES ON THE GENERAL USE OF PRONOUNS.(See Grammar No. 610 andfollowing).1. WE seldom listen to reason at an age when we sometimes make a merit of not consulting it (610).2. Men like to be just towards the dead, either because they flatter themselves with the hope of being justly dealt with (610)after life, or because they are naturally fond of truth.3. Politeness (535) requires that we pay attention (1040) to what is told us (616).4. In those places where he is most eloquent (618), Hyperides has imitated Demosthenes; or: Hyperides has imitated Demosthenes in the places where the latter is most eloquent.5. We almost always get tired (111) in the company of those with whom (619) it is not allowable to be wearied (1162) .6. There are in God an infinite (557) wisdom and an infinite power, without which (619) we cannot understand him.7. Condé possessed a courage, an intrepidity, which (619)nothing could resist.8. In every thing we must make allowance for time or chance,to which (619) it is right to attribute the greater part of oursuccesses .9. A prudent man knows when to ask advice, and how to fol- low it (610) .22 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.10. The man who is prompted by the fear of God, who (516)knows the inmost secrets of our hearts (592), does nothing con- trary to virtue (535).11. The emperor Theodosius was subjected to a public (610)penance by St. Ambrose, which lasted till he had humbled him- self before God and men.12. We (616) value highly only those qualities which people admire in us.13. Francis I. erected Vendome into a dukedom and bestowedit on Charles de Bourbon; he afterwards took him to Italy,where the duke (616) behaved gallantly. When the king was taken prisoner at the battle of Pavia, Charles de Bourbon (616)refused to accept the regency: nevertheless, he never ceased to work for the king's deliverance, and when Francis I. (616) was returned to his subjects, the duke continued to serve him faithfully.14. It is not enough to be right; it dishonors reason (610) to maintain it in a rough and haughty manner.15. The honest man owes his help to the unfortunate, even when the latter (618) is his enemy.16. We (616) dislike to give praises which appear like con- fessions of the superiority of others to ourselves.17. Ashort time after the death of Augustus (616), which deeply afflicted the Roman people, poetry (535), which had shone with such splendor under the reign of that prince, the promoter of literature, was eclipsed under his successors. Thesemostly abandoned themselves to effeminacy and to every kind of crime, which led to the fall of the empire.18. For that audacious carrying off you ask satisfaction; very well! it (610) shall be given.CHAPTER VII.EXERCISES ON PERSONAL PRONOUNS.(See Grammar No. 620 andfollowing.)1. MEN must help each other (438-3°): such is nature's law (623).2. Hewho cherishes his error is unwilling to know it (623-2°) .EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTΑΧ. 233. Forgive the wrongs of which I am guilty (69), and restore me your friendship (624-1 °) .4. OGod! let virtue guide all our actions, or take away our existence (624-1°)!5. My innocence is the only possession left me; leave me that (625-2°) . 6. Look at me during this conversation, and, even to the smallest word, remember it well (625-2°) .7. I am going to visit the country of Themistocles; accom- pany me thither (626 exception), and nothing shall be wanting tomypleasure.8. The impulses of the heart are rarely deceptive; follow them (626 exception) if you wish to be happy.9. Great prosperity (535)blinds us, excites our passions, leads us astray (630).10. When aman is innocent, the thought that he is believed.to be guilty follows, torments, and crushes him (630) .11. Moses said to the Hebrews: " Bless the Lord, who guided you, and who gave (632) you manna in the desert."12. Anhonest man feels shame, even when he has but himself for a witness (635).13. Howsoever modest an honest manmaybe, he cannot pre- vent others from saying of him all the good that a dishonest man will speak of himself (636). 14. Passions (535), so strong inthemselves (634), all yield to ambition.15. Wedid not think ourselves capable (633), says an author in his preface, of giving more development to the subject ofwhichwetreat.16. Aman of talent is like a sun, whose rays warm, shine,and dazzle as we approach it (637) .17. Think before acting, and when thou hast taken a resolu- tion, stick to it (627) with pertinacity.18. Naturally fruitful, the earth would be still more so (638)if it were better tilled.19. Many things are impossible only because we have been used to consider them so (639) .20. An inconstant man never resembles himself (635).21. The expedients of virtue are inexhaustible; the more (839 bis) we practise it (637), the more they multiply.22. Are you the owner of this house? I am (638). Are you the arbiter of your actions? I am not (639).23. The wise man who hears a sensible remark, praises it, and applies it to himself (635) .24 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTΑΧ.24. No one is as contented with his position as with himself(635) .25. "In calling you together and asking your (632) advice,"said Henry IV. to the notables of Rouen, " it is not to have you approve of all my wishes."26. But who can so change your paternal goodness?-You alone, my daughter, because you abuse it (637) .27. If, generally, we are affected by rare things, why are we so (639) little affected by virtue?28. Vices (535) include in themselves (634) all that can render them hateful.29. Had Pompey attacked us and offered battle (632) at the proper time, said Cæsar, we had been lost.30. You are not my daughter; but, even if you were (638),Icould not take a more lively interest in your welfare.31. The perfection of the senses is a gift of nature (535), but art and (550) nature may add to it (637) a greater degree of excellency.32. How unfortunate I am! O heaven! how unfortunate(639)!33. Avain man finds it to his interest to speak well and ill of himself (635); a modest man does not speak of himself at all(635).34. We, the undersigned (633), brigadier of gendarmerie,declare that the within-named L *** was arrested with arms inhis hands.35. We take less trouble to become happy, than to make others believe that we are so (639).36. Aman who has been able to subdue his passions and put a curb on them (637), has gained the most glorious of all victories.37. Am I not mistaken in believing you to be my niece?Yes, sir; I am your niece (638).38. If we have not forfeited your friendship, grant it to us(625).EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 25CHAPTER VIII.EXERCISES ON DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS.(See Grammar No. 640 and following.)1. READ Demosthenes and Cicero: they are (640) the greatest orators whom antiquity has produced.2. What excites my anger is (642) to see the rich pride them- selves on their riches, as though a gilded couch would relieve asick man, or as if a brilliant fortune would render a fool moreestimable.3. The reason that the rich are hardly ever happy, is (642)that some do not use their riches, and that others misuse them.4. What sustains man under the greatest reverses (643) , is hope.5. The first homage that the man of superior talents receives (644) is the hatred of fools.6. To esteem a person and grant him our confidence, is (648)to place him on a level with us.7. To remark the defects of others without noticing their good qualities, is unjust (648).8. Philosophy triumphs easily over past and future evils, but present evils often triumph over it (649).9. Opulence and quiet are at so great a distance from each other, that the nearer (839 bis) we approach the former (651)the farther we get from the latter (652).10. The greatest poet and perhaps the most profound moralist of antiquity is (644) Homer, whose genius is as vast and sublimeas nature.11. What is with justice admired in Racine, is that (649)the characters are always well sustained and always natural.12. There is no real superiority but that (649) which is con- ferred (800) by genius and virtue.13. To be silent respecting a service we have rendered, is (648) to add to the benefit.14. Such is the advantage that talents have over beauty: the latter (651) pleases for a moment, the former pleases at alltimes.15. What is pleasing in ancient writers, is (642) that they have described nature (535) with a noble simplicity.326 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.16. The most agreeable pleasure is (645) that (649) which is shared with friends .17. Mildness, affability, and acertain urbanity characterize the well-bred man: they are (640) the marks by which he is recognized.18. The best way to revenge ourselves is (644) not to resemble him who has injured us.19. To adorn the minds of young people and cause them to love virtue, is (646) the principal end which we should have in view in their education.20. We often admire in a man his less valuable qualities,while we pay no attention (1040) tothose (649) which are really worthy our esteem.21. The sign of agood expression, is (644) that it can have but one meaning.22. Flatterers find their interest with the great, as do phy- sicians with those who imagine themselves ill: the latter (651)pay (111) for diseases which they have not; the former (651),for virtues which they ought to have.23. To be vain of having performed a good action, is (648) to lose all the merit of it.CHAPTER IX.EXERCISE ON POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS.(See Grammar No. 653 and following. )1. I WILL answer you as soon as I shall have received your letter (653).2. According to what you write me, I fear you have not received my letter (653), giving you all the details you ask ofme.3. Please tell your friend that I have received his letter (653),and that I am awaiting amoment of leisure to answer it.4. To convince yourself that I have not been lacking in zeal,refer to your letter (653) dated 10th instant, in which you directme to await new orders.5. The object of my letter (653) is to acquaint you with the issue of that suit.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 27CHAPTER X.EXERCISES ON RELATIVE PRONOUNS.(See Grammar No. 655 andfollowing.)1. THERE is in that author an air of affectation which (657)spoils his writings.2. There are (103) two things to which (660) we must get accustomed, lest we should find life insupportable: the ravages of time, and the injustice of men.3. How thankful we must be for the goodness of God, who (662) has graven in our hearts the love of virtue and the hatred of vice!4. The highest mountains are reservoirs whence (663) flow the largest rivers.5. Arnaud, who was fond of Racine, and who esteemed Atha- lie, placed it nevertheless below Esther, to which (660) it is so far superior.6. Tasso (1186) was born at Sorrento; the family he sprung from (663) was one of the most illustrious of Italy (535).7. When young, life appears endless: it is a treasure which (664) is believed to be inexhaustible.8. The love of country must be ranked among those sublime virtues from which (663) flow all the advantages of society.9. Whence comes that languor which seems (664) to consume you (880)?10. There is nothing, even to truth itself, which (660) does not require some embellishment.11. It is a pleasing error that I want (664) to suppress.12. The species of cane from which (663) sugar is extracted (84) is a native of China and the East Indies, and was brought toAmerica about the year (586) fifteen hundred (585) .13. Of all the attributes of the Divinity, goodness is the one which (660) we can least conceive him to be without.14. The Japanese bear with admirable constancy all the incon- veniences of life, of which (662) they do not seem to make muchaccount.15. Our welfare sometimes arises from (663) the very causes (602-2) which (663) might have worked our ruin.28 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.16. In the language of a hypocrite there is a certain softness (1223, 657) which truth does not possess.17. Regulus, during his expedition against Carthage, had to fight an enormous serpent, against which (659) the whole of the Roman army had to be employed.CHAPTER XI.EXERCISES ON INDEFINITE PRONOUNS.(See Grammar No. 665 and following.)1. AWOMAN is happy when she is a mother and is adored (665) by her children.2. Persons who are continually in the whirlpool of society are liable to strange distractions, and, though long acquaintances,they are almost astonished (665), after a short absence, at recog- nizing one another.3. We may be fools with much wit, and we (666) may not be fools with but little.4. We would have very little pleasure if we (666) never flattered ourselves .5. We value life above all else, and we (666) squander it as if it were to last forever.6. Style is but the order and movement given to our thoughts:if we (666) hurry them, the style becomes firm, vigorous, and concise; if we (666) allow them to follow each other slowly, and to be connected by words alone, however (604-2) elegant they may be, the style will be diffuse, loose, and heavy.7. We (667) sometimes amend more easily by the sight of evil than by the example of good. 8. Each (668) of the two kings caused Te Deums (524) to be sung inhis camp.9. The Eneid of Virgil and the Art of Poetry of Horace are perfect performances, each (668) in its department.10. Nature (535) seems to have bestowed different talents onmen, in order to give to each (670) his employment.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 2911. Sensible people have within them (673) the germs of all the generous sentiments.12. Nobody was ever comparable (672) to La Fontaine for sim- plicity, nor to Racine for elegance.13. Newton and Galileo have both (674) contributed infinitely to the progress of the physical sciences.14. Far from considering themselves as constituting but one and the same (601) family, men form connections only to deceive each other (674). 15. Enemies of each other (675), the passions are in a per- petual state of war.16. What do I say? We reign, and, above all, if we (666) be handsome, we (665) are beloved by a faithful nation.17. What a tribute of admiration do we not owe to Bossuet,Racine, and Boileau (521), each of whom (669) contributed to the glory of France (669) by his immortal works!18. Is it not to be feared that indifference will succeed toexaggerated sentiments, when we begin to see each other as we (665) are?19. How cruel and absurd is that glory which incites men to destroy each other (675)!20. There is never any thing to be gained by confounding the character of writings; since talent is the master to treat themall, leaving each (669) to its proper place.21. The heavenly bodies attract each other (674) in the ratio of their bulk and distance.22. We (667) shelter from chance what we bestow on friends.23. All the dignities which distinguish men disappear with life; and we (666) might place this inscription on the gate of acemetery: Here people (665) are equal.24. We (665) use several names to express the same thing;yet, if we (666) examine those names separately (675) , we will find that they have each (670) their special signification.25. We admire people of wit, but we love only those (673)inwhom wit is allied to goodness.26. Racine and Fenélon each possessed (674), in the highest degree, the art of exciting the tenderest and liveliest emotions.27. Ronsard and Balzac had, each (670) in his way, talent enough to form after them (634) a great writer in verse and inprose.28. People (667) are happy at home when perfectly united(665) . 29. Men, after having occupied some a little more room than3*30 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.others (675) , are going together into an abyss, where (666)the ranks which distinguish them will no longer be recognized.30. Cæsar and Pompey had each (670) his merit; but those merits were different.31. One (665) is only cherished the more on becoming amother.32. The two Rousseaus (518) have distinguished themselves,each (669) in his sphere.33. We (667) condole with those for whom we care little; we (666) share the affliction of our friend. 34. Are men placed on earth only to tear each other to pieces (674)?35. Is there any one (672) who can flatter himself that he will always be loved?CHAPTER XII.EXERCISES ON THE SUBJECT AND AGREEMENT OF VERBS.(See Grammar No. 676 and following. )1. SMALL minds are like narrow- necked bottles (677): the less liquor they contain, the (839 bis) more noise they make when being emptied.2. Alexander, having caused (1039) the mother, wife, and children (550) of Darius to be brought before him (678), spoke kindly to them.3. From the centre of the flower rise (679) several small columns, smooth, or grooved, rounded at top, or ending in apoint: these are the pistils, generally surrounded (678) by other columns, smaller still, called stamens.4. Thehonest man is too confiding: his candor or innocencemakes him (682) the dupe of the wicked.5. There is nothing that fear or hope (683) will not persuade men to believe.6. You or I will perhaps be (684) happy enough some day to acknowledge so many benefits.7. It costs the great neither effort nor study to win hearts: asingle word, a gracious smile, a look, is enough (685) .EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNΝΤΑΧ. 318. Old men, women, children, nobody (554) escaped (688)the slaughter.9. Death (535), like birth (550), is (688) a mystery of nature(550).10. Fortune, like dignities, generally makes (688) men proud;but adversity (535) makes them wise.11. Merit in men, like fruit, has (688) its season.12. The morning of life, like the morning of the day, is (688) full (688 bis) of purity and harmony.13. Study (110 bis) the court, and be acquainted with the town: both are (689) always fruitful in models.14. The virtuous man is he whom neither the allurements ofriches nor the fear of death can constrain (690) to commit acriminal action.15. Cincinnatus and Fabius honored the gods. Neither the one nor the other undertook (690) any thing without consultingthem.16. Neither the one nor the other is (691) the author whose works equal the finest production of antiquity.17. To be able to live with ourselves, and to know how to livewith others, is (692, 694) the science of life.18. To see things as they are, and to value them at what they are worth, is (694) the way to avoid being disappointed.19. The gods decide every thing. It is (695) the gods, there-*fore, and not men, whom we should fear.20. We have within us two faculties rarely united (695):imagination and judgment.21. It is on account of the crowd of men that surrounds (696,698) princes, (696, 698) that few of the former produce (700)adeep impression on the latter.22. The wicked serve the purpose of proving a small number of just men (696, 698) scattered over the earth (802).23. Many people would be willing to (700) have knowledge,but few wish (701) to learn.24. Speaking of poets, Boileau says: Most of them, hurried away (773, 801) by a senseless ardor, seek their thoughts farfrom the right sense.25. The bill of the peacock, as well as its feet, is black (688 bis).26. Britannicus is alone: whatever cares oppress him, he sees me alone interested in his fate (703) .27. It is intemperance (535), as well as idleness, which ruins (703, 688) men.32 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.28. It is kindness and affability which make (703, 682) the intercourse of life easy and agreeable.29. The great number of friends possessed (777, 801) by Henry IV. , proves (703, 696, 698) how well he deserved to beloved.30. Extreme smallness, and extreme (535, 550) greatness,equally go beyond (680) our imagination. 31. Envy, like the other passions, is (688) incompatible with happiness.32. The cloud of grasshoppers which ravaged (698) Egypt was so great (698), that the ground was covered with them .33. The happiness or misfortune of a people (683) is in the hands of those who govern them (701).34. Though there are a crowd of passions dividing (703, 696,698) men, they all agree when their interest is in question.35. He who stops on the road to virtue, has already gone back(678) without being aware of it.36. No one has been more liberally endowed (672) than Fenélon with that goodness and forbearance which captivate (682, 767) the mind and the heart.37. Man must not reckon on life (535, 414); a vapor, a grain of sand, suffices (685) to put an end to it.38. Ignorance and folly (535, 550) believe (111) they know every thing: both are (689) proud (557); true merit alone is modest.39. The stars are at least thirty hundred millions of leagues from us: that infinite distance, and the brilliancy with whichthey shine (680), lead us (680) to believe that they are (695) so.many suns, each with its (670) planets and its comets.40. Such was the terror that had taken possession of all minds,that among so many honest people there were but two of us who (703, 656) dared to raise our (592) voice in defence of oppressed innocence.41. A crowd of Cossacks half civilized (701) and without dis- cipline (773, 801) harassed (698, 108) our rear-guard.42. It is difficult to know men: most of them, like plants, have (701) hidden virtues which chance brings to light.43. Inscriptions (535) should be simple, short, and easy: in them neither pomposity nor verbose expressions are (690) worth any thing.44. Iwill not say to you what effects genius and noble characters may produce (680) on vulgar minds.45. We find in society a small number of men and womenEXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTΑΧ. 33who think (696, 698) for all the others, and through whom all the others speak and act.46. Human life, like the most beautiful flowers, lasts (688)but an instant.47. Our physical evils destroy each other or destroy us: time (535, 550) or death is (683) our remedy.48. At Athens, as at Rome, a statue, a laurel crown, a eulo- gium, was (685) an immense reward for winning a battle.49. The past is an abyss wherein are precipitated the present and the future (680) .50. Men readily give advice, but there are but few of them (610, 701) disposed to follow it.51. That very Agamemnon whom you outrage (678), com- mands Greece: he is my father, he loves me.52. The authority usurped by the passions is the source of the multitude of errors which inundate society (703, 696, 698)53. The walk of the swan, like its flight, is very slow (688 bis) . 54. Neither time nor misfortune (836),should erase (690)from our hearts the memory of a friend.55. Many people despise (700) worldly goods; few know how to grant them (701). 56. What new emotion excites in me (84, 680) the father's blood, O heaven! and the tears of the son.57. It is not (695) years, but long practice, which will giveyou assurance.58. Luxury, like a torrent, throws down and sweeps away every thing (688) .59. Balzac said: It was only the first death, like the first night, that (688) excited astonishment.60. At last, after a year, you see me again, Arbates, not, as formerly, that fortunate Mithridates who, always holding in the balance the destinies of Rome, kept (657, 703), in conjunction with that power, the world in suspense.61. Laziness or inconstancy causes (683) the loss of the fruit of the best beginnings.62. A word, a surprise, a glance, betrays us (623, 688) .63. Very few men have (700) the calmness and coolness which make them (703, 682) capable (556) of foreseeing and weighing the consequences of their acts.64. A great number of families living (698) between the tropics, subsist upon bananas alone.65. Too great length, like too great brevity, makes (688) aspeech obscure.34 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.66. Nothing is so estimable as good sense and virtue: both cause (689) disgust and weariness to be regarded as the failings of a diseased mind.67. Neither you nor I have gone (691, 680) through the great trials of envy and ambition; perhaps we might have been,like so many others, false (538) friends and base (538) flatterers.68. We come into the world surrounded by a cloud of errors ,which is increased (703, 696, 698) by the false notions of a bad education.69. The belly of the plover is white (688 bis), as also the edges of its wings.70. Few persons realize (700) that time, like money, may (688) be lost by untimely economy.71. Whatever reasons we may give for our afflictions, it is (695) almost always interest and vanity which cause them.72. Most orators give us (623, 700) in length what they lack in depth.73. I am, it is said, an orphan, thrown from his youth upon the mercies of God, and who (703) has never had any know- ledge of his parents.74. The rattlesnake has at the end of its (592) tail a set of movable rings, which make (696, 698) sufficient noise to give warning of its approach.75. To abstain (547) from injuring men, and to do them all the good we can, is the way to make ourselves beloved of them(692, 694) . 76. The variety in the productions of genius, as in the works of nature, is (688) boundless.77. It is (695) ambition (535, 550) or avarice, disguised (773 ,801) under the name of false glory, which alone can (703, 685)incite men to be conquerors.78. It is the love of gold or the desire for revenge that leads (760, 703, 683) men to the commission of so many bad actions. 79. Mildness, affability, is (682) the characteristic of truegreatness.80. Death (535) is as natural as life: (689) both come to us without our being aware of their coming.81. When unfortunate, we have few friends, but the small number that we have is (698, 799) all the more precious.82. It was (695) the Egyptians who first observed the course of the heavenly bodies, fixed the number of days in the year, and invented arithmetic.83. It is (695) the pride and effeminacy of certain (605 bis)menwhich plunges many others into squalid poverty.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 3584. One of the principal charms in the character of a woman,is (695) that prudence, that modest reserve, which leads her (703,682) to avoid praises.85. Strength of mind, like that of body, is (688) the fruit of temperance.86. The wicked are like flies, which run (703) over a man's body, and linger only (703) on his sores.87. I have the father and master of the gods for an ancestor (299). Heaven, the whole universe, is filled with my progeni- tors (685).88. Happiness or merit may have produced (683) heroes;but virtue alone has made great (540) men.89. A crowd of Crusaders left (698) Jerusalem, impatient (556, 702) to see their native land again.90. The natural philosopher and the poet deserve to be com- pared: both date (689) beyond traditional records.91. Neither blind chance nor blind matter could have (690)created my soul, the essence of light.92. With James I. commences (696, 698) that chain of dis- asters which has given (696, 698, 1039) to the house of Stuart the title of unfortunate.93. Nature has for every eye two attractions, which are all powerful when they are conjoined (695): youth and beauty (535). 94. The population of the earth, like that of the ocean, is re- moved (688) in the course of centuries.95. It was neither hatred nor revenge which armed the hand of Brutus (703, 690) . 96. What charm and almighty power command (680) my anger and tear me from myself!97. Reason, like religion, discloses to us (623, 688, 108) the existence of a future life .98. Indecision, uncertainty (682), lead always to prejudices and wonder.99. There are (103, 695) two things which ruin mankind: the abundance of riches and the abundance of words.100. Yes, Cæsar, you are the hero who have gained the greatest number of victories over yourself, and the most worthy to give laws to the world (703) .101. Seldom does the heart agree with the mind: hence most men think (700) reasonably and live (700) badly.102. Gelo, king of Syracuse, having forced the Carthaginians to conclude a peace (678), imposed upon them, as the principal condition, the abolishing of human sacrifices.•36 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTΑΧ.103. Ignorance (535, 550) or partiality disguises (683) every thing.104. Few people reason (700), but the greater number adopt (701) their opinions according to the bias of their heart.105. We carry within ourselves (601-2) our greatest enemies (695): our passions.106. In New Holland, Persart saw a band of negroes who came (696, 698) towards him, creeping on their (592) hands and feet.107. The noble pride of Duguay-Trouin never shone brighter in society than when injustice (535) or envy dared (683) to questionhis glory.108. In every stage of life, the love of labor, the taste for study, is (682 ) a benefit.109. Your husband with him terminates his life; soon both will reach (689) their last moment.110. The totality of men judge (696, 698) of the conduct of others only by their success .111. Riches, like luxury, breed (688) effeminacy.112. It was neither Theophrastus nor La Bruyère who said (703, 690) that life is a river whose course is irregular.CHAPTER XIII.EXERCISES ON COMPLEMENTS OF VERBS.(See Grammar No. 704 and following. )1. Do not trouble yourself about (704) what slanderers say of you: not to notice it is to punish them (799) .2. We must dearly love our parents, since it is from them we receive (705) life, fortune, and country (535, 550) . 3. It is in the crucible that gold (705) is tried; it is in ad- versity that you perceive (705) the true friend.4. We often forgive (706) those who weary us (111, 623),but we do not forgive those (706) whom we weary (111).5. Instead of raising them (707), splendor lowers those who are unable to sustain it.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTΤΑΧ. 376. The army is set in motion, and soon the warlike trumpet (517) fills the air with brilliant flourishes (709).7. Ambition, always cautious, sacrifices the present to the future; but blind pleasure sacrifices the future to the present (710).8. The first fault of man was to revolt (93) against his Maker,and to use (711) to offend him all the advantages he had received at his hands.9. Charlemagne loved literature (712) and the society ofliterary men.10. Aman given up to ambition is never disheartened by (713)the difficulties which he meets in his path.11. It is in solitude that (705) every hour leaves traces, and that (705, 535) time belongs to the wise man, and the wise man to himself (635) .12. O my dear Aristias, if you love (679) your country, may the gods preserve you from wishing it successes which would contribute to (707) and hasten its decay and ruin.13. The man who loves to do good only to be praised for it (712) is not truly virtuous.14. The second Crusade was announced by Foulques, curate of Neuilly; to preach it (711), he chose the moment when the great and the nobles were assembled at a tournament.15. What unites men to each other (706) is a perfect agree- ment in their manner of judging things.16. O Telemachus, love your people as you would your own children; partake of the pleasure of being loved by them (713) ,and never let them taste peace or joy without remembering that it is to a good king they owe (705) those precious advantages.17. In our intercourse with the world, politeness is like thegirdle of Venus; it adorns the bearers and makes them amiable (707).18. It is only by the practice of domestic virtues that (705)anation is prepared for the practice of public virtues.19. Agood man fears neither the attacks of calumny, nor the blows it may aim at his reputation (712): the testimony of his conscience is enough for him.20. To Jenner (641, 705) we owe the discovery of vaccina- tion, first tried in Scotland in the year seventeen hundred (586)and ninety-six (585) .21. Let Eneas and his ships, scattered by the winds, be carried (713) by the storm to the African shores (713).22. When we have deviated from correct principles through438 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.weakness, we want to be justified through vanity, and so (707,906) we seek for satisfaction.23. Asclepiades and Menedemes were two philosophers cele- brated for their virtues, and for the friendship which bound them to each (706) other.24. Believe virtue to be preferable to riches (535), and that God rewards those who practise it (712) .25. Sennamor, an Arabian architect, flourished (150) about the year fifteen hundred (585): to him (705) the Arabians are indebted for two palaces which they rank among the wonders of the world.26. It is in the bosom of our family (705) that we find ashelter from the blows of fortune.27. Every thing that contributes to happiness, or that is be- lieved to insure it (707), will always be cherished by men (713).28. See with what vigilance Plato seeks to subdue his passions,and to (712, 854) what a severe rule he subjects virtue.CHAPTER XIV.EXERCISES ON THE USE OF AUXILIARIES .(See Grammar No. 715 andfollowing. )1. MOLIÈRE is the greatest comic poet who has appeared (716) in France.2. Republics have almost always passed (717) from liberty to bondage.3. He who has often broken (717) his word ceases to inspire confidence.4. The French have always stood (718) on the side of danger,because they are certain (605 bis) to find glory there.5. Let every heart be open to hope: the reign of injustice is over (718).6. Since the founding of Constantinople, the glory of the Roman Empire has faded (718) daily.7. Monarchs of the earth, show, by making your subjects happy, that you are worthy of the throne you have ascended (718).EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 398. The waters of the Loire having risen (718) rapidly, they overflowed the fruitful fields of Touraine.9. The Egyptians and Greeks are but the shadow of them- selves (601-2): their glory is much decayed (718) .10. In the year 79, the town of Herculaneum disappeared (718) , buried under the lava of Vesuvius.11. Every day public criers, in Egypt, announce how much the Nile has risen (718) . 12. The allied generals had agreed (720) not to give battle before receiving reinforcements.13. This vast plain would have been suitable (720) for the establishment of our camp, had not the ground been marshy.14. Though the Chinese pride themselves on being the oldest nation, they are far from being the most enlightened: they have remained (721) stationary in the majority of the sciences.15. We have been living (721) some time in Switzerland to admire the wonders of nature.16. Perhaps (1016), if I had not been interrupted, the dread- ful truth might have escaped me (722) .17. How many delicate shades have escaped (722) the trans- lators of Horace and Virgil!18. Sleep is a truce with pain: when it is over (723), sorrows return to renew the fight.19. Micipsa had no sooner expired (723) than Jugurtha showed that policy does not reckon gratefulness among the virtues.20. I bring hither the last will and farewell of a father just dead (724) .21. After having collected on the sea-shore and spent (725)a few days there, woodcocks fly to more temperate climes.22. The English remained (725) masters of Calais till the year one thousand (586) five hundred (585) and fifty-eight.23. The consul P. Cornelius Scipio would have fallen (717)into the hands of the enemy, had not Publius Scipio, his son,gone to his assistance .24. The word which has escaped you (722) is your master;that which you keep back is your slave.25. When Charlemagne had expired (723), France witnessedthe rapid decline of its power.26. The overflows of the Nile fertilize Egypt, especially when the waters have risen (728) gradually.27. One mourns his son slaughtered before his eyes; the other,his absent father, and Patrocles who has expired (724) . 28. Only those men who have gone (718) through the trials of adversity can appreciate happiness.40 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.29. The armistice having expired (723), the governor came to lay the keys of the city on the grave of Duguesclin (974) .30 It is through the Phœnicians that the sea has become (717) the means of communication between the nations of the earth.31. Among the planets known at this day, many had escaped(722) the notice of ancient astronomers.32. Medes, Assyrians, you have vanished (718)! Parthians,Carthaginians, Romans, you are no more!33. The Council of Trent remained (725) in session for eighteen years.CHAPTER XV.EXERCISES ON THE MODES AND TENSES PRESENTING SOMEDIFFICULTIES .(See Grammar No. 726 and following.)1. He springs at the enemy, seizes him with a strong hand,and overthrows (726, 727) him as the wind beats down the tender harvests which gild our fields .2. Prince, I have not forgotten that my victory owes (728-1)the half of its glory to your exploits .3. La Motte used to say that envy is (728-2) an untoward tribute paid (728-2) to merit by inferiority.4. This morning I have read (729) the maxim where Plato says that hope is the dream of a man awake.5. Certain historians have blamed Henry IV. for the excessive lenity with which he treated (773) some of his enemies.6. Astronomers have announced that there will be (734) an annular eclipse of the sun this year.7. Turenne was of opinion that a skilful captain may (728-2)be vanquished, but must not allow himself (728-2) to be sur- prised.8. I wrote (729) this week to Madame de Coulange to inform her of the death of M. de Turenne.9. Suddenly a black storm shrouds the sky, and infuriates (726, 727) the waves of the sea; the day becomes night, andEXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 41death stares at us (726, 727); confused, the pilot exclaims that he cannot resist the waves; a gust of wind breaks our mast, and a moment afterwards we hear (726, 727) the points of rocks breaking through (438-3, 726, 727) the bottom of the (592)ship.10. Woe to the rich who have been able to forget that they owe (728-2°) to the poor a portion of their fortune!11. The mechanic arts in France have made (731) more pro- gress since the beginning of this century, than they did in some countries during the preceding century.12. Antisthenes said that the attribute of the gods is to feel no want, and that the people who have (728-2) fewest wants are (728-2) those who come (728-2) nearest to divinity.13. At the beginning of the present century we have seen(729) so many extraordinary things, that posterity will hardly believe them.14. Bion said, also, that riches have (733) almost always the advantage over merit.USE OF THE SUBJUNCTIVE MODE.15. Religion requires that we should sacrifice (736 bis, 111)our resentment.16. Though the wicked prosper sometimes, do not think that they are (736 bis) happy.17. Do you think that, in forming the republic of bees, God did not have in view (737) to teach kings to govern with leniency,and subjects to obey with love?18. Who is the man who has not (737) too high an opinion of himself (635), and too low a one of others?19. Do you believe that the guilty man sleeps (738) quietly,and is able (938) to stifle the remorse which torments him?20. It is enough that a skilful man has neglected (738 bis)nothing to insure the success of an undertaking: partial success or failure must not (683) lessen his merit.21. It would seem that time is (738 bis) a common enemy,against whom all men are leagued.22. It appears to me that nothing is (738) better calculated to elevate the soul, than the contemplation of the wonders ofnature.23. Knowledge is the only thing whose possession is (738 bis)certain.24. There are but few words which, happily placed, may (740)not contribute to the sublime.4*42 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTАХ.25. Telemachus is the finest (337) work with which virtue has inspired (740) genius.26. I am the son of the great Ulysses, the wisest of the kings of Greece who have (741) overthrown the proud city of Troy.27. Cite me a master whose lessons are (742) as profitable as those of experience.28. However high the rank which you may occupy (743),often the most fortunate is overthrown.29. Though the good things of life (743) are often the pro- ducts of artists, they do not always fall to the lot of artists.30. Unless you vary (744, 111) your occupations and pleasures, disgust will take possession of you.31. People rejoiced at thy birth, and thou didst weep; live in such a way that, at your (692) last moment, you may (746) re- joice, and see others weep.32. Is there a man who never had (737) to complain of his fellow-creatures?33. It appears to ambitious people that benefits bestowed on others are taken (739) from them.34. Prefer expressions in which analogy is (742) united with clearness.35. There is nothing but truth which is (737) lasting, and even eternal .36. The (552) peacock is the handsomest of birds reduced (741) to a state of domesticity.37. Of all evils, death is the only one whose presence never has (740) troubled anybody, and which frightens only when absent.38. Do you think that, always secure, she may (738) walk on the edge of the precipice without her foot slipping?39. The example of a good life is the best lesson which canbe given (740) to mankind.40. Amidst the tides of joy and sorrow circling round theheads of mortals, is there one who can (737) flatter himself (93)that he will enjoy a constant felicity?41. It is feared that you will sacrifice (736 bis, 111) the finest days of your life to a foolish and chimerical happiness.42. Once beyond its assigned limits, reason finds nothing capable ( 737) of stopping it.43. Among religions, the Chinese is the only one which has not (740) taught the immortality of the soul. 44. It would seem that nature (738 bis) took pleasure, under the reign of Louis XIV. , in raising up (540) great men in every department.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTАХ. 4345. What are the evils which have not (737) at the same timetheir remedy?46. The only thing we do not know (741), is (644) not to meddle with things we cannot comprehend.47. Choose a good and profitable censor; let reason guide (740), and knowledge enlighten him.48. Among the different expressions which convey (767) athought, there is but one which is (737) good; it is seldom met with, though it is (743) the simplest and the most natural.49. We shall be punished for our faults after death, unless we expiate (744) them in this life .50. The preference of the public interest over one's own, is the only definition worthy (687, 740) of virtue .51. It appears to us that there is (739) no sweeter enjoyment than that of making people happy.52. There is no good feeling in the human heart which iscot produced (737) by God.53. Among the animals subjected (741) to man, the ass is the most temperate and patient.54. In whatever (604-2) colors my pride has been depicted,is it believed that a monster gave (737) me life?55. The siege of Azoth (977) lasted twenty-nine years: it is the longest siege on record (740) in ancient history.56. How many days are spent without our trying (744, 111)to become better!57. It seems as if we augment (738 bis) our existence when we can bring it into the memory of others.58. The best body-guard a prince can have (740, 105) is (644-2) the hearts of his subjects.59. The great have few friends more attached (740) to their persons than to their fortune.60. O Cretans, do not seek, to govern you, a man who has (657, 742) vanquished others in mental or bodily exercises, but one who has (657, 742) vanquished himself (635); seek a man who has (657, 742) your laws written in the depths of his (592)heart, and whose whole life is (742) the practice of those laws:may (742) the gods grant you such a king!61. Although we study (743, 110 bis) all our (592) lives, we are always ignorant of many things.USE OF THE TENSES OF THE SUBJUNCTIVE MODE.62. The movements of the heavenly bodies are the most regular that we know of (740, 748).44 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTАХ.REMARK. In using the subjunctive mode these two questions are always to be asked: Why the subjunctive? Why such or such a tense of that mode? In the course of this chapter, the two numbers accompanying verbs in the subjunctive will direct attention to those two objects.63. Men speak of felicity, but is there one among them who has ever (403) known (737, 748, 667 bis) in what it consists?64. Whatever (667 bis) you study (743, 748, 110 bis) , you must devote yourself to it with ardor.65. I doubt whether an honest man would ever consent (736bis, 749) to a base action, even if the greatest advantages were offered (666) to him.66. I do not believe that the age of Louis XIV. would have (737, 749) become so celebrated, had it not been for the great writers who made it one of the most brilliant epochs of our literature.67. The famous Colossus of Rhodes was one of the sevenwonders of the world. It was a statue of the sun, high enoughfor vessels to pass (744, 751) underneath, being (1004) one hundred and five feet in height; few men were able (740, 751)to span its thumb with their arms .68. It would be better if every man were fond (738 bis, 751)of praises, and tried hard (736 bis, 751) to deserve them.69. Providence allowed the barbarians to destroy (736 bis,751) the Roman empire, and avenge (736 bis, 751) the con- queredworld.70. Cruel man! have you been able to-day to slaughter him,without your blood revolting (744, 751) in his favor?71. It would be desirable that the love we should feel for ourfellow-creatures [or for each other (675)] was (736, 751, 738 bis) the basis of our actions, as it is the foundation of ourvirtues.72. God has granted sleep (535) to the wicked, in order that the good should have (744, 752) some quiet moments.73. La Fontaine is perhaps the only literary man of his time who never shared (740, 748) in the liberalities of Louis XIV..74. Bright illusions are the best things in the world; therefore,when leaving it, Fontenelle said: It was high time for me to leave (738 bis, 751), for I was beginning (54) to see things as they are.75. The covetous man wishes (39) that every thing good should belong (736 bis, 751) to him alone.76. It would seem that we have sworn (738 bis, 748) neverEXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTΑΧ. 45to come to an understanding, in order to have the pleasure of disputing forever.77. The interior of the earth being filled with fire, it was necessary that there should be (738 bis, 751, 1253) volcanoes;these are (695) the outlets by means of which (662) the action of that terrible element is weakened and broken.78. I wished that Andromache to-day should have done honor to (736 bis, 751) his triumph, and stood security for him.79. God has given us reason, to direct (744, 752) our conduct.80. Solon, when dying (772-2) , ordered his bones to be taken (434-6) to Salamis, to be burnt (736 bis, 751), and his (592)ashes to be strewed over the fields.81. Powerful as (743, 751) Carthage was, she could not resist the valor of the Romans.82. Nature has made of man a sympathizing being, in order that he might be (744, 752) susceptible of pity.83. The emperor Theodosius sentenced to death any informer who was such for the third time, even though his informations were not (743, 751) found false.84. Youth is the only period of life when man can (105,740, 751) easily correct himself.85. It is to be wished that the motions of anger could (736bis, 751) hurt (1115) but once, like bees, whose sting breaks at the first stinging.USE OF THE INFINITIVE MODE.86. God has given us passions that we might have the greater merit in repressing them (756) .87. God created thee to love him, and not to understand him (757) . 88. We prefer (759) nurturing in our intractable mind the freedom of thinking what pleases us (916), to bending (917)under the yoke of divine authority.89. Let my lost tablets be sought everywhere, and, without opening them (756), let them be returned to me.90. Dying persons speaking in their wills, may expect (760)to be listened to as oracles.91. That you may the better conceal (756) your game, is it not fitting that I should trounce you slightly?92. The fear of torments or of an approaching death could not (683) bring Saint Louis to consent (760, 764) to pay a ran- som for himself.46 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.93. In order to remove the Roman general from Rome, he was sent (665) into Gaul to the consul (756).94. The good man does not like to (760) contradict, but he likes still less to flatter (760) .95. Study, not to know more, but to know better than others (757) .96. It was in order that the moderns should imitate their immortal master-pieces (531), that the ancients have left them (756). 97. Often a funeral pageant is prepared, where (814) it was expected to (760) celebrate a triumph.98. Fortune (535) is too inconstant for us to count on (756)her favors .99. A young man who delights (760) in decking himself gaudily like a woman, is not worthy of glory.CHAPTER XVI.EXERCISES ON THE PRESENT PARTICIPLE AND THE VERBALADJECTIVE.(See Grammar No. 765 and following.)REMARK.-Present participles, in English, generally follow substantives and denote action; qualifying adjectives, on the contrary, precede nouns and give a quality to them. 1. Without camels crossing (769) the deserts with the rapi- dity of lightning, the greater number of the caravans would be buried under the moving (770) sands.2. We remained for eight days motionless in the midst of the ocean, beating (769) uselessly with our oars the sleeping (770)waters around us.3. Enterprising (770) men seldom succeed, because they are hardly ever sufficiently persevering (770) .4. The Egyptians were wise men, cultivating (769) all the sciences and undertaking (769) the greatest things.5. It is difficult to impose silence on a suffering (770) people,murmuring (771) against the magistrates who have not been provident (770) enough to supply their pressing (770) wants.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNΤΑΧ. 476. Flowers of a thousand hues, surrounded by numerous swarms dancing (767) and humming (767), caused the fields to appear more smiling (770), and dispelled our overwhelming sorrows (770) .7. Men living (771) in society, in spite of the diversity of their fortunes and ranks, are dependent (768) on each other.8. What are the things lacking (771) to our wishes in this place? For winter we have downy coats, protecting (769) our limbs against (770) penetrating cold; during the different sea- sons, we find abundant food (770), and in summer every tree yields refreshing (770) fruit,9. When the vine is left to its natural growth, climbing (771)no longer on a support, it produces only straggling (770) branches,which become soiled (769, 93) by the rain, and bear (769, 772)scanty (604-2) fruits which do not ripen (772), or which rot (771) in consequence of the dampness of the ground.10. How magnificent (770) is the sea, when the winds, raising (679) the waves to the clouds, disclose to us on their moving (770) tops rocking (770) ships, which the next moment disappear in the depths of howling (770) abysses . 11. Obliging (770) men have generally noble and generoushearts.12. Men who are obliging (771) through necessity or com- pulsion, rarely find grateful hearts. 13. The winds howling (771) impetuously, and tossing (771)noisily the moving (770) tops of the neighboring (770) forests,announced one of those awful hurricanes, which yearly ravage (769) that unfortunate country and threaten (771) to destroy every thing.14. They had given themselves up to insulting (770) suspi- cions; but now, recognizing (769 ) their error, they are repentant (768), and you see them trembling (771) at your feet, and begging (771) you to forgive them.15. Pericles had insinuating (770, 557) manners and address;heheld for a long time the favor of the Athenians, men change- able (771) in their affections. Crowding (771) around him when he mounted the tribune, and listening (771) to him in respectful silence, they never interrupted him except to applaud the exciting (770) passages of his eloquence.16. Intense passions, governing (759) all our faculties, weaken them in the end.17. It was Chircha who made the religion of the Osmanlis the ruling one (771) in Mongolia.18. The grotto where we sought shelter from the threatening48 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTАХ.(770) thunder, and the rain falling (771) in torrents, was hung with creeping (770) ivies, crossing, intertwining (769), forming (769) a thousand wreaths pendent from the roof and surroundedby flowering shrubs ( 770), whose freshness was kept up by several brooks of running (770) water.19. A residence in the country has always had charms for me.I love to see the flocks wandering in peace in the vast meadows;the bleating ewes (770) caressing (771) their tender lambs which gambol (771) beside them; the capricious goat (619) climbing (771) the steep rocks, browsing (769) the plants growing (771)and flowering (771) among the bushes, or the sprouting (771)buds of the creeping (770) brier; the timid rabbits now collect- ing in troops, now scattering (771) at the least noise, and flying (767) hither and thither; the birds, at the dawn of the day,charming (769) my ears with their sweet concerts, and inspiring me (769) with a tender melancholy. Innocent animals! there are none among you who, foreseeing (769) the cruel fate that men have in store for them, are agitated by the distressing (771)cares of the future. In its wisdom, nature (535) has withheldfrom you the faculty of reasoning (770) beings; do not envy (110 bis 163) that faculty: you enjoy the present and are happy.Yes, I love to see those shepherds singing (769) and playing (769) their rustic airs, resounding (771) under the reverberating arch of a (770) grotto; and those young shepherdesses arm in arm, dancing (771) and running (771) over the grass; and that crystal spring percolating (771) through the rock, suddenly gushing forth abundantly (771) and depositing (769) its run- ning and limpid waters (770) in a reservoir. There the lowing (770) and thirsty flocks, flying (769) from the scorching rays of the (770) sun, find a refreshing (770) drink. 20. See that immense sheet of still (770) water; though it has no outlet, the winds, agitating (769) its surface, maintain its purity. It is far from being like those pestilential marshes (770), which exhale (769) a bituminous and fetid odor. Count- less fish inhabiting (771) its bosom, are destined for the master's table. Two boats under (771) full sail, and flying from the tempest which threatens them, try to reach the shore. The winds blowing (771) with violence, howling (771) in the rigging,oppose the design. Already the waves (771) whitening with foam, trace deep furrows on the waters. Branches and leaves (537) , carried by a whirlwind, fall into the lake and form (771)wrecks floating on the water. The timid birds flocking together (769) and flying (771) rapidly; the animals running (771) to and fro; the lightning flashing (771) at intervals and furrowingEXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 49(769) the dark edges of the clouds; the thunder roaring (771)• above our heads; the earth trembling (771) beneath our feet;rain mingled with hail falling (771) in torrents; such is the dreadful picture (770) which carries terror to our hearts. What will become of our boatmen? Alas! had they wished it, they might have escaped their fate. Acrow, wandering (771) slowly over the gravel, had announced the storm by its sinister shrieks.Atthe momentwhen they attempt to lower their sails, sails (554),mast, rigging, every thing is (685) swept away. Their rocking (770) boats can hardly retain their balance. The roaring (770)waves, rising (769) above the frail vessels, are about to engulf them. Meanwhile, the impetuosity of the wind drives them towards the menacing (770) rocks which hem in the lake.Fearing (771) that they will be dashed to pieces, our young sailors, jumping out (771) all at once, swim (771) vigorously,and arrive on the beach, dripping (771) with water, fainting (770), almost dying (771), from exhaustion and fatigue. The broken boats, the masts and sails (550), driven about by the wind and floating (771) towards the shore, present the picture of awreck.CHAPTER XVII.AEXERCISES ON THE USE OF THE PAST PARTICIPLE.(See Grammar No. 773 andfollowing.)1. THERE are foolish ideas well dressed (773), just as there are fools well clothed (773).2. We (665) might call politeness a tempered goodness (773):it is goodmanners joined to a good heart.3. Rewards granted (773) to merit should never be the price of intrigue.4. The subtlest body is like a world in which millions of parts are united (773) and arranged (773) in the most admirable order.5. Good actions which are concealed (773) are the most estimable.550 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.6. Wit and virtue, made (773) to give delight at all times,are the progenitors of all true glory.7. How beautiful is cultivated (773) nature! By means of the attention of man, how brilliant and handsomely adorned it is (773)! He himself is its principal ornament, and by his art he brings to light all that was hidden (108) in its bosom. What unknown (773) treasures! What new (773) riches! Flowers (535), fruits (550), and seeds improved (776) indefinitely; the useful species of animals transported, propagated, augmented without measure (773); the noxious species reduced, confined,banished (773 ); gold (535), and iron more necessary than gold,extracted (773) from the bowels of the earth; torrents kept within bounds (773); rivers directed and restrained (773); the sea conquered, examined, and traversed (773) from one hemi- sphere to the other; the earth accessible everywhere, everywhere made (773) as living as fruitful;in the valleys, smiling meadows;in the plains, rich pasturage, or harvests still more rich; hills loaded (773) with vines and fruits; their tops crowned (773)with useful trees and with young forests; deserts grown (773)into cities inhabited (773) by a vast population, who, incessantly on the move, spread from the centre to the extremities; roads opened and frequented (773); communications established (773)everywhere, like so many witnesses to the strength and union of society (535) .8. We may (665) sacrifice every thing to friendship, except (774) what is honest and just.9. Universal gravitation being taken as (774) a true principle,the great phenomena of nature are easily explained.10. Human virtues generally originating (773) in pride and the love of glory, the next moment find agrave in them; formed (773) by public considerations, they are on the morrow ex- tinguished in darkness; propped up (773) by circumstances, or on the opinions of mankind, they incessantly fall, as do their fragile supports.11. Men pass away like flowers, which, blooming (773) in the morning, are faded and crushed under foot (773) in the evening.12. We readily forget (110 bis) our faults, when they are known (773) only to ourselves.13. The heart of an ungrateful man resembles a desert, which drinks up with avidity the rain that has fallen (773) from heaven,absorbs it, and produces nothing.14. Death is premature (776) only for those who live without virtues.15. When the soul is agitated (776), the human face becomesEXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTΑΧ. 51aliving picture in which the passions are depicted (776) with as much delicacy as energy; in which every motion of the soul is expressed (776) by a stroke, every action denoted by a sign,whose vivid and deep impression precedes the will, and discloses (108) what is within us.16. We are sufficiently avenged (776) when he who has offended (776) us is convinced (776) of the power which his offense imparts to us.17. The highest degree of forgiveness is not to speak of the insult we have received (777) .18. The failings of Peter the Great tarnished (777) his great and (609-9 ) admirable qualities.19. We value nothing more highly than a favor which we solicit; we value nothing less as soon as we have obtained it(777).20. All the animals and all the plants that have existed (777)since the creation (535), have drawn (777) successively from the surface of the globe the substance of their bodies, and have returned to it (777) at death what they had borrowed (777)from it.21. Several of the changes undergone (777) by our globe have been produced (776) by the motion of the waters.22. The men (535) who have lived longest (777) are not those who have reckoned (777) the greatest number of years,but those who have made the best (549) use (777) of those granted them (777) by Heaven.23. Proud mountains (556), who set (777) you on your foun- dations? Who raised (777) your heads above the clouds? Who ornamented you (777) with verdant forests, with those (833)fruit-trees, with such useful and varied plants (773), with so many agreeable flowers (556)?24. What sight is preferable (777, 84, 86) to that of those whom we have made (777) happy?25. The records of tradition are composed of recollections altered (777) by time, and of fictions (833) created (777, 112)by the imagination.26. Such was the queen throughout her whole life. God had raised her (623, 777) to the throne that she might honor (744,963) religion (535); and united her (777) to the greatest king in the world, that her virtue might be (744, 751) noticed the more (776) . She followed her vocation: never was a life (782,93) more regular or more approved (773). Did any indiscretion escape (722) her youth? was not her beauty guarded by the most scrupulous virtue? did she delight (777) in being praised52 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNΤΑΧ.(665, 736 bis, 751) in opposition to truth, or in being amused (736 bis, 751) at the expense of Christian charity? In what particular of her public or private duties, religious or domestic,did she fail (777)?27. Even the nations (535, 601-2) which have been looked upon (665, 777) as savages have admired and esteemed (777)just, temperate, and disinterested (773) men.28. All (606) the honors thou hast asked of me (777), I have immediately and without trouble granted to thee.29. Men have never gathered (777) the fruit of happiness on the tree of injustice.30. Demetrius Phalerius, being informed (776) that the Athenians had pulled down (777) his statues, said: " They have not overthrown (777) the virtues which raised them (623, 777)in my honor."31. As long as they lived (777), Racine and Boileau mani- fested (782) towards each other proofs of the most sincereesteem.32. It is under the shade of peace (535) that the arts were born (776), have prospered (777), and are perfected (782) . 33. In other places the waters have dug out (785) subterranean canals, where rivulets run (679) during a part of the year.34. What lessons we should have lost (777) had not Cicero and Fenélon devoted themselves (782) to the study of wisdom!35. Saturn, the fruit of the union of heaven and earth, had three sons, who divided (777, 782) among themselves the do- minion of the universe.36. Human glory (535, 534) should always be measured by the means which men have made use of (782) to obtain it.37. Certain of (827) our authors imagined (782) that they surpassed (1147 ter) the ancients.38. Vice is a disease of the soul (534) all the more shameful that those attacked by it (776, 623, 637) refuse to employ the remedies which would have (39, 623) cured them: therefore it is seldom that we get rid of vices when once they have taken possession (782) of our heart.39. The wise man is guided (84) by the knowledge of others only so far as he has made himself acquainted with it (782).40. Many heroes (963) have conquered (777) provinces (536),but few have controlled (777) their passions and subdued (782)themselves (601–2).41. Epic poets (556,430) have always delighted (785) in describing battles (537) .EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYΝΤΑΧ. 5342. The trouble an author has taken (782) is what causes his writings to be read (776) with pleasure.43. Among the animals and vegetables (550) buried (776) in stony juices, some have left (777, 1243) almost an image of themselves (601-2). Covered (773) on all sides by a soft clay,they have decayed (782) and (854) dissolved away (782), form- ing a cavity distinctly representing the bodies which had been enclosed in it (776, 938) . 44. How many centuries (1184) have passed away (782)since the creation of the world (534)!45. How many (778) kings have followed each other (782)on the throne of France! These five kings followed each other(782).46. The winds which God has created (777, 778), the heat we experience (787), are the consequences of his goodness.47. A sufficient number of Roman citizens to fill up that colony not having presented (787) themselves, they supplied (781, 665, 932) their places with people collected (773) from different parts (1183), Latins, Hernicians, and Tuscans (554) .Some Volscians, even, had crept in (787) among them. Those adventurers, more numerous than the Romans, had become (782)masters in the assemblies .48. The help which you pretended (788) I would obtain has been illusory.49. The affair appearing more serious than it had been thought(789) at first, the consuls decided to begin the war.50. I had two sons, my dearest hope, I saw them (623, 790)dieatmyside.51. The magnificent monuments which antiquity (535, 847)has seen (790) erected, are for the most part still standing.52. How many praises have been obtained (777, 778) by that princess, whom we have admired (777) when portioning out liberal alms!53. A hundred years of idleness are not worth an hour well (665, 790) employed.54. Racine, Voltaire, Fenélon, Massillon, and those who, like them, tasted (777) of the happy softness of the ancients, allowed it (666, 791) to enter into their writings.55. With the exception of (774) the great American nations,nearly all the inhabitants of the New World, when that country was discovered (1217), were sunk (776) in a barbarous stupidity.56. How many young men have allowed themselves (790,791) to be led astray by bad advice!57. How many men have been seen to (665, 790) fall from5*54 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.the heights of fortune, on account of the very (601-1) failings that raised (792, 938) them thither!58. Once master of the sovereign power, Nero did (777) all the evil he could (793), and committed (777) all the atrocities he wished (793, 855). 59. Calumny has always delighted (785) in shedding its venom on the purest virtues.60. When set at liberty (777), a plant retains the position which it has been forced (847, 665, 795) to assume; but the sap has not on that account changed (777) its primitive direc- tion, and, if the plant continues to grow, its prolongation be- comes vertical again.61. The eruption of Vesuvius is (679) one of those spectacles which nature (847, 535) has reserved to herself to exhibit to the admiration of man.62. Not to write correctly, is (648) to betray the slight (798)education which one has received.63. Dejotanus arrives (870) at the port of Phasete, a small town where he need not fear the few inhabitants whom (798)war has left there.64. Our passage was as good (556) as we had anticipated (789); as for (845) the fertility of the island, we have not been mistaken (782, 1161) in the hope we had conceived (799) of it.65. The Russians have come (776, 158) late, and, having in- troduced (777, 1016) among themselves the arts thoroughly (606, 773) perfected, it has happened (787) that they have made (777) more progress (825) in fifty years, than any other (598) nation (799) has made in five hundred (505 bis).66. Who could tell how many tears (288) those broils, always too prolonged, have cost (800) him [or her]?67. It is the affection, the love manifested (777) by Louis XII. for his subjects, which entitle him (623, 777, 801) to the surname of Father of the people.68. When a historian speaks coldly of a feat of arms, or ofany other action which has been generally admired (777, 801),it is a proof that he does not (820) admire it .69. A speech, a word, pronounced (796, 801) inconsiderately by us, is enough (685) to decide our misfortune.70. Skill in (535) generals, gallantry in (550) soldiers, all combined (782, 801) to insure the triumph of our armies.71. It is the virtue of Saint Vincent de Paul, as well as his devotedness, that every one (1185) has praised (777, 801) .72. How can that torrent of tears be stopped which time has not exhausted (777, 801)?EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 5573. Agreat number of soldiers who were (665) pursued, pre- sented themselves (623, 698) before the town.74. Labor and courage (535, 550) joined (773, 905) together and kept up (773) for a long time, surmount (1039) all ob- stacles.75. Louis XI. silenced those whom he had made (792) to speak so well.76. We cannot get rid of the shame which nature has engraved (777) on our hearts; if we (666) drive it from the heart,it flies to the face.77. Writers have taken pleasure (785) in loading Louis XIV.with praises; they have sometimes been blamed for it (665, 799,777); but Horace and Virgil lavished many (799, 1243) more on Augustus, who perhaps deserved them (623, 777) less than did Louis the Great, if (666) the proscriptions ordered (773) by the Roman Emperor be borne in mind.78. It was from Greece that (705) poetry passed (718) into Italy. Homer, the most celebrated poet whom the Greeks had (777, 740, 748), was born three hundred (584) and forty years after the taking of Troy. Seven cities claimed (782, 886) the glory of having given him birth (777, 623). Learned men have agreed (795) in believing that he was born (705) at Smyrna.79. Such is the natural affection of men for their motherland(790), such is their contempt for dangers to which they are accustomed (776), that in Calabria they are (665) to-day put- ting up the houses destroyed (792) by the eruption of Mount Etna, and rebuilding the town of Catania on the mountains oflavawhich engulfed it (763, 777) .80. Alexander destroyed (718) more towns than he founded (779).81. Our ancestors (299) lived poor and virtuous, and died in the fields which witnessed (790) their birth.82. Bad news (535) always spread (782) more rapidly than good.83. It is with honor as with snow (535, 550), which, once it has lost (777) its brilliancy and purity, can never regain them.84. My friends (358), the course which I presumed (774,847) you would pursue (39), you have pursued, and you have been blamed (799) for it.85. Some (538) young servants, born (790) under his roof,give life to the house and bless their master.86. Whence is it, said I to Narbal, that the Phoenicians havemade themselves (782) masters of the commerce of all nations?56 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.87. It is the slight degree of pain which that caused (798,623) you, that leads us (623) to believe you have a bad heart.88. Sir, said an informer to Louis de Bourbon, brother of Charles V. , here is (829) a memorandum which will acquaint you with many breaches of duty committed (777) by persons whom you have honored (777) with your bounty. Have you also kept (777) an account (974) of the services they (655)have rendered me (623, 777)? answered (55) the prince.89. The feast of Corpus-Christi is the finest that has everbeen (787) . 90. How often has she had (777) occasion to thank God humbly for two blessings, one for having made her (623,777)a Christian, the other for having made her (777) an unfortunate queen!91. Solitude (535) calms the impetuous movements (556) of the soul, which the disorders of the world cause to burst forth(792). 92. Children (535) accustomed (795) to dread darkness seldom get over (782) the fear impressed upon them (799, 623).93. The closest (556) researches into the origin of painting have produced (777) merely uncertainty. We know (665)neither the places (1183) that gave birth to it (777), nor the names of its inventors (777): some say it began at Sicyone (777);others, at Corinth.94. The use of bells, among (1016) the Chinese, is of the remotest antiquity: we did not have them (799, 1243) in France until the sixth century of our era.95. Who can be ignorant how sweet and glorious it is to succor innocence and virtue which have been unjustly oppressed (777)?96. The reign of Louis XIV. is one of the most glorious that France ever had (787, 740, 748) .97. More than a century before Homer, the learned Daphne had won (792) admiration at Delphos by her poetry, which Homer is accused of having suppressed (84, 623, 777) , after taking from it (799) the substance of the Iliad and the Odyssey.98. The divine goodness which takes pleasure (782) in the distribution of the colors with which flowers have been ornamented (777) , has added (777) new charms (538) in the form given (600, 777) to each.99. To the person who announced to him that the Athenianshad condemned (777) him to death, Socrates said: Nature has condemned them too (777) .EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTΑΧ. 57.100. Printing (535), which had its birth (790) in Mayence,has contributed (777) to the progress of civilization .101. O Telemachus! dread to fall into the hands of Pygmalion our king: his cruel hands (861) he has imbued (623, 777) in the blood of Sichæus, the husband of his sister Dido. Full ofthe wish for revenge, Dido has fled (782) from Tyre with several ships . The greater part of those who love virtue and liberty have followed her (623, 777); on the coast of Africa she has founded (777) a beautiful city called Carthage.102. Remember (921), Athenians, the humiliations that you have suffered (787) from allowing yourselves to be misled (791)by your orators .103. The earth supposed (774) to be in motion, the heavenly phenomena are most easily explained (84, 93).104. Pericles was not long in eclipsing (1230) the reputation usurped (777) by insignificant (538) elocutionists and tiresome (890) sophists.105. Amidst the heat which consumes them, imagination recalls to them (594) the silvery rivulets (773) they had seen (790) trickling through the grass, the springs they had seen (790) bubbling from the heart of a rock and meandering through the meadows.106. Baleazar, in possessing (769) hearts, owned more trea- sures than had been accumulated (799) by the cruel covetous- ⚫ness (556) of his father.107. We have seen (777) the daughter of Sin, hideous and cruel (551) Death; we have seen her (790) enter our hovels, led thither by Crime.108. Those to whose complaints the princess listened (777),offer up for her on all sides the sacrifices of their tears and theirprayers. The families whom she aided (777) pray incessantly for her eternal rest with God. The provinces which in times past she edified (777) by her piety and by the charities she has distributed (777) among them, resound with her praises. For her the priests offer up on the altars the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (977), and the poor whom she relieved (777) ask of God for her the mercy which she showed to (777) them.109. Among the number of men who have (698) meddled (795) with (785) the governing (767) or the upsetting of the world, attention is paid (1040) only to those who have rendered themselves illustrious (623, 782) by great actions, and have made use of (782) circumstances, or have given rise to them (623,792), to change the face of the political world.58 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTΑΧ.110. Where is the soul so depraved that it has not been (84)excited (777) by this thought, and has not said within itself (782): How many I have already distanced (799)! how many I may (212) yet overtake!111. A mother never (820) regrets the cares or troubles that her child has cost her (800).112. The ancients troubled themselves (782) very little about (785) experimental philosophy: nevertheless, they have handed down to us (777) a great number of facts which have contributed (777) to the progress made (777) by science in modern times.113. Naturally proud and overbearing, Cassius sought in the fall of Cæsar nothing but revenge (537) for some wrongs re- ceived (799) from him (377).114. Madame de Sévigné has made (782) herself famous by the ease and graces which she has imparted to (718, 777) her style.115. The tears I had cost her (800) seemed to have furrowed her (366) cheeks.116. The passions you allowed to ferment (791) at last overpower you.117. A good action is rewarded (776) by the pleasure of having performed it (777).118. The Numantians, who were informed (776) of the slightprecautions he had taken, pursued him in good time.119. Private vengeance at that period caused the death of far more of the citizens than the triumvirs had condemned(377, 799) . 120. We are too happy, you at having given me (623, 777)the occasion of doing you a benefit, and I at not having allowedit to escape (791). 121. All the diamond (303) mines put together (773) could not (1074) redeem a single one of the moments which thou hastlost.122. It is very commonfor persons whom Heaven has endowed (777) with wit and sprightliness, to abuse the gifts they have received (799) .123. How many obstacles those two great men have sur- mounted (777, 1147 ter)! How many difficulties they have con- quered (777)! How manydangers they have encountered (777)!How many nations yet barbarous they have subjugated and civilized ( 777)! As many laws as they have promulgated (777),so many sources of prosperity have they opened up (777)!124. Men of the land, it is the field which fed you (777) , itEXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTΑΧ. 59is the roof under which you were born (790), that you are de- fending.125. Whence do difficulties often arise, if not from the slight (798) attention paid to them (1040)?126. The embarrassments in which I knew (778, 788) you to be, have quickened (777) my departure.127. His return, and the account given by Metellus of his military successes, the towns he had taken (777), the provinces hehad conquered (777), and the battles he had gained (777),dispelled the sinister reports that Marius had disseminated (777)against him.128. How many men have lived (781) too long by one day!129. We have wrested (780) more secrets from nature in one century than the human race had discovered (799) since the primitive ages (1185) .130. The Americans are a new race: this appears beyond adoubt (738 bis, 748) when we consider the smallness of their number, their ignorance, and the slight progress made (798) in the arts by the most civilized of them.131. The Egyptians attributed (777) the discovery of theart of cutting stone to Tosorthus, successor of Menes, whom all antiquity agrees (795) in recognizing as the first king of Egypt.132. The habit which we have contracted (795) of judging too hastily, causes us to fall (623, 792) into many (545) errors .133. Whyhave not the misfortunes which vice so often (777)brings in its train served (780) as examples to men?134. There are (1223) more medals struck (773) in praise of princes who have repaired (777) public buildings, than in honor of those who have founded (799) new ones (538) .135. Pygmalion ate only such fruits as he himself gathered (777) in his garden, or such vegetables as he had raised (777)and cooked (792) with his own hands.136. Mountains (535) have risen (782), and (550) valleys have sunk (776), in the place assigned them (777) by the Lord.137. All the attentions that were due (793) to his age and his feebleness have been rendered.138. How many people (514) there are who can neither forget the wrongs done (777) them, nor forgive the insults they have received (777)!139. Man has but few evils, except those which he has brought (782) upon himself (635).140. I do not disclose (108) here the many great acts which she has tried (795) to keep secret. I still respect after her60 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYΝΤΑΧ.death the humility which concealed them (623, 777); I leave them under the veils which she has drawn (777) to cover them,and consent that they be lost (776) .141. As many battles as that skilful general has fought (777),so many has he won (799).142. When thou hast tried (777) aman's (304) honesty, and he answers to the idea thou hadst conceived of him(799), open thy heart fearlessly to him.143. Princes (535) intoxicated (773 , 355) by their own great- ness often forget those who made them (623, 777) great.144. Through modesty, he will not speak of the little capacity he has acquired (798) in the armies.145. When (844) Jugurtha had surrounded (777) a Roman army, and let it go (623, 791) under the faith of a treaty, they used against him (665) the very troops (599, 601-2) that he had spared (777) . 146. We have seen (777) Charlemagne surpass the deeds of his ancestors, and give to France a splendor of which they would not have believed her (777, 876) capable.147. How well your eyes have been practising on me (782)!How dearly they have made me pay (777) for (568) the tears they have shed (777)!148. The success of that undertaking did not produce the advantages which had (665,847) been anticipated (799) from it.149. The Amazons made themselves celebrated (782) in war by (713) the courage and valor they displayed (777, 801) .150. The love of a false glory has led them to speak (623,792) without prudence.151. Penelope, seeing neither him nor me (838) returning,will not be able (790) to resist so many suitors: her father will have constrained her (623, 795) to accept a new husband.152. He did not fail, while giving (772) him marks of his affection, to reproach him with the slight confidence he had (798) reposed in him.153. We (665) should never regret either the time or the trouble which (623, 800) a good action has cost. 154. His [or her] (367) virtue was as pure as it had been (665)believed to be (789) until that moment.155. It is true that, carried away (773) by the torrent, they found themselves out of the way which they had determined (795) to follow.156. Serpents (535) appear to be deprived (773) of all means of locomotion, and alone destined (773) to live on the spot where they have chanced to come into existence (792) .EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTΑΧ. 61157. The more (839) difficulties he met (777), the (839)more he surmounted (799, 1243) .158. Seeing again the companions whom they had believed (777) to be lost (773), they uttered cries of joy (861) . 159. There is no kind of writing (478) which our poets have not tried (782) . 160. They had been the fathers of their subjects, and had made (777) them happy during (887) their reign .161. The men (535) who have been seen (665) to abuse pleasures, are those who become weary (799,549) of them the most readily.162. As far as (839, 809) the description of Apollo given by Homer surpasses those of other (799) poets, so far is (874) that figure superior to (1147 ter) all those intended (776) to represent that divinity.163. Those obdurate and avaricious men, who have made it alaw to themselves (782) to be deaf to the voice of distress (706),have made themselves (782, 84) despicable, and drawn upon themselves (782) the public indignation.164. A thousand (586) times a day do we relish the value of the struggles that our position has cost us (800, 623) .165. At the last hour (705) the whole of your life will present itself to you (39, 93) under very different ideas from those you have had (733, 779) until now (828) .166. O too blind Calypso, thou hast betrayed (783) thyself;there thou art bound (773), and the waters of the Styx, by which (662) thou hast sworn (780), allow thee no longer any hope.167. You, masters of nations, made yourselves (623,782) the slaves of frivolous men whom you had conquered (777) .168. The more (839) enemies they raised up (777) against him, the more (839 bis) he conquered (799).169. Far from our native shores (790), we cannot enjoy (1074) a perfect happiness (556, 579) . 170. Men (535), who at first used dancing (782) in their worship, employed it in their amusements, and shortly afterwards introduced it upon the stage. 171. I believe she has redeemed (777) her sins by alms whichshe has (777) secretly dispensed among the poor, and that she has expiated them (777) by a long penance sustained (777) with great fortitude.172. Every thing is grand in the temple of Favor, except (774) the gates, which are so low that it is necessary to crawl when going in.662 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.173. All of those laws might have exceptions among us, as they had (799, 1243) among the Greeks.174. It is not surprising that those two great writers should have been exposed (776) to envy (427), and should have seen (790) competitors preferred to themselves whose names are buried in oblivion.175. Colbert had to repair the evils which (777) the stormy reign of Louis XIII. had caused.176. Lyons is one of the most flourishing (150) towns in France; its trade, together with its industry, have made it (688,679, 777) the second city (927) of the kingdom. 177. Of that splendid building there remain (787, 1087) only (815) the four walls, and columns rising (771) from the midst of ruins (604-2): the flames consumed (777) the roof, and the ornaments which decorated (767) the nave. It is (665) being rebuilt. All the (600) citizens have contributed (777) to it;the women ( 535) have given (777) their jewelry. The portions damaged (773) by the fire will be repaired (776); those destroyed by it (777) will reappear in greater splendor.178. How many attentions and honors have not fine clothes oftenbeen worth to us (623, 800)!179. Nature has proved herself(623,782) a benevolent mother;she has lavished (777) on her children valuable benefits which they have abused (777) .180. The want of moderation which these two men have displayed (798) in prosperity has caused them (623, 792, 1113 bis)to be reckoned proud and senseless .181. We were not long (1087) in perceiving that the enemy's threat (304) was more serious than we had thought (789, 69) it tobe.182. Yes, it is I (21) who would blot (756) from my life the days spent (781, 1104) without having served you (623, 251) .183. Should certain odors excite our attention equally, they willkeep in the memory (1185) the order in which they followed (782, 785) each other.184. The three whom victory crowns first (777) will have their reward as well as their glory. 185. How often has ignorance (535) congratulated (782) itself upon its own errors!186. Everybody (1185) tendered me (777) services, and no- body (671) rendered (799) me any.187. Men, whom (777, 718) God created innocent and per- fect (556) , have perverted themselves (782) . 188. The name of Bossuet recalls (108) one of those rare menEXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNΤΑΧ. 63whom the age (1185) of Louis XIV. collected (777) in the vast domain of glory.189. That illustrious princess, did not lend herself (791) to injustice, like the many kings whom we had seen (790) follow each other on the throne.190. Villars often said (54) that the two liveliest pleasures he had (718) felt (777) in his life, were the first prize which he obtained (777) at college, and the first victory which he gained (777) over the enemy.191. The flatterer, in lending qualities to the great which they lack, deprives them of those (778, 718) which nature has giventhem.192. Chance (535) having caused them to be born (792) in the same month, both died at about the same age.193. Do nothing which is not worthy (885) of the maxims of virtue with which (665) it has been endeavored to inspireyou.194. How many timid souls (556) did not that virtuous prin- cess encourage (777) by her public profession of devotion, and by the striking marks of the mercy of God towards her! How many equivocal virtues did she not redress (777) by the rules which she imposed (777) on her own! How many disorders did she not prevent (777) by the persuasion of her (367) example (512)!195. Of all the spectacles which human (556) industry has given (777) to the world, there is perhaps (1016) none more ad- mirable than navigation.196. The men who have made (782) themselves most (548)deserving (556, 885) of the attention of posterity (535), are those who have done (777) most good to the human race.197. She saw herself (623, 790) live again in that prince, who constitutes your dearest delights (506, 556) as well as ours.198. No sooner (805) did Timoleon find himself master of Syracuse, than he recalled the inhabitants whom the tyrant's cruelty (795) had driven (795) into exile.199. Triumph, cowardly and cruel men: your victory is more wonderful than you had imagined (789, 69) .200. By orders from the general, whose wisdom has foreseen (777) every thing, horsemen have spread over (782) the fields,and (777) the country.201. Secretly encouraged by Minerva, Telemachus enters that abyss without fear: first, he perceives a large number of men who (698) had lived (777) in the lowest condition, and were64 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.punished (776, 713) for having sought (777) riches bymeans of frauds, treachery, and cruelty.202. Things long wished for (773) generally fall below the idea which had been formed (799) of them.203. I read (623, 56) my epistle to him very quietly, throw- ing (108) into my reading all the force and attractiveness that I could (793) .204. Her diseases deprived her of the consolation she hadwished for (777) so much, to accomplish her former designs.205. The motives that dishonor individuals only, cannot tarnish successes that have done honor to (777) the country.206. As soon (390) as the news had spread (782), the Romans who had taken refuge (782) at Vei, and all those who had scattered ( 782) among the neighboring villages, assembled; and when they had chosen (782) a chief, they marched against the enemy (276) .207. Do not make friends (547) lightly, and keep those you have made (777) . 208. Great enterprises (535, 538) undertaken (773) inoppor- tunely, hardly ever succeed (777); just as seeds do not grow when planted out of season (108, 777) .209. Coffee (535), a native of Arabia, is one of the most ex- tensively cultivated plants of America. Some (604-2) stocks (1185) of that shrub having been brought (776) to Paris, were there carefully cultivated (776) in hot-houses; and from that city have proceeded (705, 776) all the plantations of coffee that have beenmade (799) in the New World.210. Some hillocks that Alonzo had seen (790) rounded off with luxuriant foliage, gaping (773), precipitous, showed their broken sides (773) .211. How many of the haughtiest of them have we seen (799) blowing their fingers in my yard!212. After the downfall of Charlemagne's family, France languished (777) more or less, because it hardly ever enjoyed (777) a good government.213. Every thing is toilsome to mennursed (777) in effeminacyor (683) luxury.214. Can a society of atheists subsist? To this question, which has often been debated (777) , I will answer by this other: Cana handful of sand, not united by any cement (696, 776), be scattered (776) by a hurricane?215. I suppose a castle which overlooks a vast and fertile plain, over which nature has taken delight (785) in spreading variety.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNΤΑΧ . 65216. Artemisia survived (785) her husband Mausoleus onlytwo years. 217. It has been lucky for certain persons [or for some people (605 bis) ] that they have been abandoned (776 )bytheir relations:from thence have started (777) that chain of circumstances which (698) led them (623, 777) to fortune.218. We gave him (777) all the help we were bound to do (793).219. Most of those who thought (777) that a cold intrigue would sustain their compositions, have seen (790) them fall.220. I grant, replied Mentor, that he has committed (777)great (538) faults; but seek throughout all Greece, and among the most civilized (773) of other nations, a king who has not committed (799) inexcusable ones (578).221. In all parts of the earth where men have dug (777), from the tops of mountains (538) to the greatest depths. they have discovered (777) all sorts of marine products, incontestable and ever-present (770) records of the most awful cataclysm that the (740, 748, 777) earth has undergone.222. The gods whom they derided (782, 1154) and made despicable (777) to men, have been pleased (782, 785) to raise up enemies against them.223. The son of Ulysses realized the fault he had committed(777), in thus assaulting the brother of one of the allied kings.224. The great men who have appeared (777) in each age (600) are the only ones who have resisted (740, 748, 777) the torrent of centuries .225. From the remotest times, malignity has rejoiced (782)at the evils it has occasioned (777) .226. The ancients represented (777) nature (535) as a divi- nity, whom they looked upon (777) as the mother, wife, or daughter of Jupiter (550) .227. We ask thee to pardon (706) those whom thou hadst resolved (795) to punish.228. Nature has always drawn (777) men towards things that please them (623, 777), and led them away (777) from those which injure them (777).229. The memory of the attentions bestowed (773) on those we love, is the only consolation that remains (1087) when we have lost them (777).230. The habit we have acquired (777) of creating for our- selves phantoms of pleasure or of grief is uniformly opposed (782) to our happiness.231. Called (108, 773) to render their subjects happy, monarchs 6*66 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.mustbejust and benevolent, like the eternal Being who has made them (623, 777) kings.232. The Latin tongue was perfected (776) only at the time when Anthony, Crassus, and Sulpitius flourished (150) , whom we have witnessed (790) playing an important part in Cicero's dialogues (534) on the Orator.233. Alexander the Great took pleasure in restoring to the throne the princes whom he had overthrown (799).234. Nature has shown (782) herself severe towards various nations, as she has done towards many individuals.235. It is not (695) alone the victories of David that make (777) him a model for kings: Saul (440) gained victories, as David did (799), over the Philistines and the Amalekites.236. It is but too true that it is natural for the human heartto hate (149) those whom we have offended (623, 777) .237. The surface of the sea in the course of ages seems to have sunk (782) in certain places, and to have risen in others;a proof that the waters have changed their place (782).238. The most brilliant reputations are not always worth the sacrifices they have cost (800): Charles the Fifth (360, 1185)longed after solitude, and Ovid wished to be a dunce.239. Virtue excepted (535, 774), every thing passes away like adream.240. Manlius uncovered his breast, and showed it (608) com- pletely covered with the sears (1185) left (777) by the wounds he had received.241. As many (808) obstacles as he met (787), so manydid he surmount (799).242. How wise in the knowledge of the gospel have her sorrows rendered her (777)!243. One of the qualities rarely found (776) in men, is (641)a strong will to carry out the ideas they have conceived (777),and to overcome all the obstacles that chance or any other cause (683) has brought together (777) .244. Woe to cruel and obdurate men, whom the misfortunesof others have never touched (777)!245. Those ( 829) are the truths that I thought (777) worthy (885) of being known (776) by men.246. Speaking of men, Confucius said: I have seen some (799, 1243) very little fitted for the sciences, but never saw (404,799) any (737, 751, 1243) incapable of virtues.247. There have been men (84, 787) whom the strength of their genius has rendered (777) skilful in opposite (773) styles ofwriting.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 67248. She obtained (777) every favor she wanted (793) .249. The same courage and the same (550, 601-1) dangers have made them (777) equals (550) .250. The Czar Peter sent to Moscow mechanics of all descrip- tions, but sent those only whom he had himself seen (790) at work.251. To what heroes has not virtue given rise (777)!252. The Persians, worshippers of the sun, did not (855)tolerate idols, nor kings made (665, 777) gods.253. Generous warrior, the only one worthy to command so many famous heroes who owe to thy bravery and wisdom the laurels they have reaped (777) even before they were assembled (744, 771, 776) under thy orders; thy glory will not stop at the pillars of Hercules: already has it resounded (777) among us,already have we seen (607, 790) it occupying the hundred mouths of Fame, and filling all (427) Asia with the account of the great deeds that have shed glory (777) on thy arms.254. What amazed (1136) Telemachus most was (55, 642)to see in that abyss of darkness and evils a great number of kings who had (698, 777, 1113 bis) passed on earth for tolerably good sovereigns; they had been sentenced (776) to the torments of Tartarus for having allowed themselves (791) to be governed bywicked and designing men. They were punished (776) for thewrongs they had allowed (791) to be perpetrated under their authority. The greater number of those kings had shown them- selves (700, 782) neither good nor (838) bad, so great had been their weakness.255. The renown of a conqueror is dearly (568) bought (111);fewmenwould wish for it (700), did they know of all the sacri- fices it has cost (800), the vexations it has occasioned (800), to those who have obtained it (623, 777) .256. Ye cities that our enemies had already divided (782)among themselves, you are still within the range of our empire;ye provinces which they had already laid waste (777) in desire and thought, you have still gathered (777) your harvests; you stand yet, ye fortresses (1183) strengthened (777) by art or nature (683) and which they had resolved (795) to demolish;and you have been trembling (781) only at the vain projects of a victor who counted the number of our soldiers, without thinking (107, 1128) of the wisdom or valor that their captain has displayed (777, 801). 257. Farewell, quiet and happy country, whose inhabitants .have never permitted it to be invaded (791) with impunity;farewell, fruitful hills (556) that I have so often seen (790)68 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.brightened by the rays of the sun, and that I have heard (790)sung by the immortal author of Abel, worthy (885) rival of Florian; farewell, amiable children, among whom we have expe- rienced (777) so many sweet enjoyments, and whom, like young (538) plants beloved (773) of Heaven, we have seen (790) grow- ing up under the tender cares of a venerable patriarch of aGod on earth; farewell, threatening avalanches that I have heard (795)crumble with deafening noise; and you, frightful abysses, which ahundred times have threatened to engulf us (623, 795) , you terrify us less than do the continually reviving (770) dangers to which we will be exposed (776) in the whirlwind of the world.258. An immense multitude whomcuriosity had attracted (777)crowded into the precincts of the Forum. Terror (535) had be- numbed (777) every heart, and those Romans who had shown (782) themselves so impatient under the yoke, and who had so often been seen (790) to brave death, basely bowed their heads before tho tyranny of the decemvirs. Appius and his satellites have extended (777) the bounds of their authority, and have used it (799), or rather (805) abused it (799), to substitute for laws the most excessive violence. They have suffered themselves (791) to be led by their passions, or rather they have suffered themselves to be (791) led into all the debaucheries which the most inordinate (773) passions induce. Among the victims whom the cruelty of Appius has singled out (777) is Virginia, the daughter of a Roman centurion. Her beauty and innocence have not softened (777) the obdurate decemvir; nothing can excite (1074) a generous feeling in his breast, neither the services rendered (777) to Rome by the father of the unfortunate girl ,nor the enemies he has conquered (777, 250), nor the wounds he has received (799) from them, nor the combats in which his valor has been signalized (782), nor, finally, the honorable rewards which his exploits have won (800) him. Virginia,standing and trembling (770), awaits in the agony of death (987)the fate in reserve (776) for her. Suddenly a cry of joy bursts from her (722): she has recognized (777, 1112) her father's voice (534). Hardly (390) had he been informed (777) of the resolution (795) formed by Appius to reduce his daughter to slavery, when he left (777, 1088) the army to fly (1140) to her aid. How shall we depict the anxiety that had taken (783) pos- session of his mind, and the fortitude requisite (787) to keep him from succumbing under the anguish which was rending his heart! At last he arrives, and immediately the crowd opens to let him pass. At sight of him the tyrant shudders, his eyes are cast down (776), himself astonished (773) at the shame whichEXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 69he feels (790) reddening his guilty brow; but soon an apparent calmness succeeds (777) to the fear that had shown itself (782)for an instant on his face. "What do you want?" said he, with an air of assurance. "My daughter," answers the wretchedfather, " she whom the gods have made (777) the sole support of my old age. " With these words, he approaches Virginia, and their souls are mingled (776) in embraces and sobs. " Lictors,"exclaims the decemvir, " let that slave be given up (776) to her master. " Virginia, distracted (773) with grief, has fallen (776)almost lifeless on the bosom of Virginius. That unfortunate father takes his daughter apart from the crowd, under the pre- text of bidding her a last farewell, and plunges into her heart amurderous weapon that chance had placed (792) in his hand.CHAPTER XVIII.EXERCISES ON THE USE OF ADVERBS.(See Grammar No. 802 and following. )1. We should (667) be consoled for growing old, if we possess a healthy (556, 802) soul in a healthy body (556).2. The great would be useless on (802) earth, if there were no poor and unfortunate people.3. Anonymous letters are generally the weapons of a mis- creant, of the vilest of assassins, who strikes while he hides under (802) the thick mask of his extreme baseness.4. Hail (535) is nothing else than (815) rain crystallized (776)by cold before (803) falling to the earth.5. How many centuries passed away (782, 679) before (803)the world possessed (744, 751) Homers and Virgils (521)!6. Importunate cares fly about like owls in the night around (803) gilt wainscotings.7. Woe to those who esteem riches more (803) than virtue!they will find many friends, but will have more enemies.8. The title " good" is the first of titles; it is the one that honors God most (804), and a grateful man confers it on Him (803) before any other.70 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.9. Taste is rather (805) a gift of nature than an acquisition of art (550 ) .10. Modesty supposes merit (535, 550), and causes it to be remarked the sooner (805) .11. History is full of revolutions as sudden (806) as they areodd.12. As much (806) beloved as admired by (713) his subjects,Louis XII. received from them the title most worthy of a good king, that of father of the people.13. There is nothing that man gives so (809) liberally asadvice.14. Nothing is easier than (810) to avenge an offence; no- thing is (809) greater than (810) to forgive it (706): it is (641) the greatest victory we can (740, 748) gain over ourselves.15. Do not cause the benefit to be waited for: it is giving twice to give at once (812).16. A sweet slumber bound my senses, when suddenly (812)I fancied I saw Venus cleaving the clouds in her car drawn bydoves.17. It is said in the Gospel: Blessed (145) are those who are extremely hungry and thirsty (813) for justice.18. History is a stage where policy as well as morality (688)is put into action (801): there (814) men take rank accordingto their virtues alone.19. It is an injustice to reproach a man with principles which he peremptorily disavows, unless (816) his conduct openly con- tradicts his disavowal.20. We must use every thing with moderation, lest (816) the deprivation of it should be felt too keenly.21. There is often round (803) the throne a certain cloud of greatness, which often prevents (816) truth from reaching princes.22. We deceive ourselves in our judgment of others, because our imagination represents them quite different from what (817)they are.23. The joy of doing good is a very different sweetness from (817) that of receiving it.24. Talents depend more (766) upon circumstances than (817) is believed, because they determine its flight (596).25. It often requires less courage to correct oneself of failings,than (817) it does to confess them.26. The habit of being flattered was so strong in me, that Ifeared lest truth should break (817, 737, 751) through the cloud which surrounded me, and (817) should (736 bis, 751) reach me.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTΤΑΧ . 7127. The flatterer who seeks only to please us is not less dan- gerous than (718) the enemy who seeks to ruin us.28. Do not fear that, ready to disobey you, he will learn (817)from me, my lord, to betray you.29. Natural philosophers do not deny that the sea has (818 bis) covered a great part of the earth.30. Prejudices are born, grow insensibly, and take root with- out their progress (665, 810) being perceived (744, 748) .31. But it seems (623, 52) to me, Agnes, if my memory is good, that I forbade you (819) to see (736 bis, 751) anybody.32. To the orders given (777) by Charles IX. against the Protestants, the governor of Bayonne answered: " I have found in the town good (538) soldiers and (538, 550) faithful servants,but not one (821) executioner. " Several other governors were no less (821) humane.33. There is in the good man a kind of shamefacedness leading him to close his eyes, so as not to see (821bis) either the failings of genius or the faults of virtue.34. Avainman despises the talents which he does not possess;and if he has none (821 bis, 598), he despises all talents.35. The honest man is he who does all the good he can, and who does no (821 bis) wrong to anybody (673 ).36. Though manuscripts were (743, 752) very rare and (734,751) very costly (568), among the ancients, it did not prevent them from having (816, 736 bis, 751) immense libraries.37. All the evils have been for a long time out (802) of Pandora's box; but hope is still inside.38. We must laugh before (803) being happy, lest (817) we should die before (803) we have laughed.39. Fortune is so inconstant that she sometimes abandons allat once (812) the very ones (601-2) whom she had favored (777) the most (549) . 40. My lord, for your sake, I fear lest (817) a Roman shouldhear you.41. It is as easy to deceive oneself as it is (810) difficult to deceive others without their being (819) aware of it.42. It seems that it is enough (736 bis, 748) to be able to do every thing, to be (821 bis) touched by nothing.43. Anoble modesty in all that you do, gives it a value that neither purple nor gold possesses (690, 821 bis) .44. The eye, more (805) than any other organ,belongs to the mind: it expresses its most (596) lively emotions and its tendermovements.72 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.45. We (665) are never so (809) easily deceived as when we are thinking of deceiving others .46. In the palace of the Egyptian kings, no luxury insulted (821 bis, 904) the condition of the subjects, or inspired pride (547) in the master. 47. Children have neither (821 bis) past nor future, and,what is seldom the case with us, they enjoy the present.48. Natural philosophers have no doubt that fishes (818 bis)hear, though they have not noticed (743, 748, 777) in those animals any (598) organ fitted to receive sounds.49. Tartarus was the lower part of hell; there were (814)the impious and the wretches whose crimes could not be expiated.50. Before (803) they had embraced Christianity, the French nation chose, wherein to bury their kings, a field made famousby avictory.51. We generally put off to the morrow what we ought to do at once (811), and death surprises us without (819) our having made good our promise.52. Is there any thing (925) that blinds man so much as (806,810) vanity?53. The ambitious man is less flattered (776) at leaving so many men behind him, than he is (818) displeased (1158) at seeing some before him.54. No man differs more from others than (817 bis) he often does from himself (635) .55. The same power which multiplies (767) flatterers around (803) the great causes friends to be the more rare with them.56. Before (819) so pure a blood had sprinkled (744, 746)the earth, Heaven had spoken in thunder.57. How many men have we not seen (665, 790) causing the miscarriage of undertakings glorious to their country, lest (816)the glory of them should accrue (744, 751) to their rivals!58. Tasso (1186) is not so (821) despicable as Boileau appears to assert.59. Nature, it would seem, has placed (738 bis, 748) folly (309) alongside of genius, only (815) to show to us how fragile and perishable is what we value most (804) . 60. Happy are (855) the princes and peoples whose (663)laws are wise enough (821 bis, 2) to leave the wicked neither (821 bis, 2) excuse nor pretext.61. It is as impossible for man to understand how two bodies act upon each other, as it is (410) to conceive how the body acts upon (802) the soul, and the soul upon (802) the body.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 7362. The same feeling that binds us (623, 767) to our friends makes us apprehensive (817) that one day they may (817) cease to love us.63. Let us go to Octavia, and give her what is left of a day as (806) happy as I had believed it would be sorrowful.64. The planets are opaque bodies revolving round (893) the sun, from (663) which they get light and heat.65. When (844) misfortune opens our eyes, we reflect with bitterness on (802) our errors.66. He who (640) trusts more (803) to his own knowledge than to that of experience, is liable to commit many (545) errors.67. Has a single day passed by without God (819) having given us (623, 777) a lesson by means of some (604) of his great examples (512)?68. Let those who oppose religion learnwhat it is before (803)they assail it.69. There are (536) obdurate hearts, become (773) incapable (876) thereby of any (606) instruction, whom no motive (598)can (1074) move, whom no (598) truth can (679, 821 bis)awaken from their slumber.70. Beauty frequently pleases less (400) than manners (817)captivate us.71. Every one speaks well of his heart, and no one (386)ventures (821 bis) to speak so of his wit.72. It requires no less greatness of soul not to allow oneself to be corrupted bygood fortune, than (817bis) it does to supportill fortune.73. We too often close our eyes on the beauties that nature (535) spreads around (803) us.74. Nothing brings a mortal nearer (803) to the Deity than benevolence.75. An avaricious (566) prince does (821 bis) good to nobody;a prodigal prince generally does good to wicked men only.76. The sun should never set on (802) our anger.77. Acaptain is not perfect unless (816) he combines within himself the good and (550) the wise man.78. Do at once (811) what you can: time does not stop towait for you.79. Conquests make more enemies than they (816) give subjects.80. Let us admire the strokes of Fortune, who suddenly raises up (812) those whom she had (549) abased (777) the most.81. Pride causes as many base actions as (810) interest does.774 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.82. Truth does not do so much (809) good in the world, as its semblances cause of evil .83. The man who is sensible only of the evils he experiences,has a bad heart; and if he can (821 bis) place no (598) priva- tion upon himself, he has a base soul.84. It would seem as if there were (738 bis, 748) within us several men, since very often each one of us thinks and acts to- day quite differently (816) from what he did yesterday.85. It has been given to the Chinese to begin in every thing sooner (805) than other nations, and afterwards to make no (599)progress.86. We must (821 bis) neither be avaricious nor prodigal; we must keep within the bounds of a wise economy.87. Any nation is weak, unless (816) it be united (776).88. The world is more seductive on account of the pleasures it promises than (817, 855) on account of the favors it grants.89. It is as easy to be an honest man as it is (810) to appear50 (638). 90. Those who injure the reputation of others rather (805)than miss a jest, deserve an ignominious punishment.91. Religion forbids (819, 535) you to insult (904) the wretched and (819, 855) to refuse him your assistance .CHAPTER XIX.EXERCISES ON THE USE OF PREPOSITIONS.(See Grammar No. 822 andfollowing.)1. ST. LOUIS carried his dreaded (773) arms across (822) im- mense spaces of sea and land.2. Happy the soul which, going back (767) to its origin,passes through (822) created things (773, 112) without paying attention (1104) to them!3. The Falls of Niagara are near (823) the boundary between the United States and Canada.4. How could we recall without being touched (921) the years spent (777, 1104) in the society of a beloved (773) mother?EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 755. Charity (666) towards (826 bis) the wretched is accom- panied by so much harshness, that a refusal would be less dis- tressing to them than a charity (808) so dry and so (808) cruel.6. The city of Carthage, situated near (826 bis) the town (1185) of Tunis, was destroyed by the Romans in the year one hundred and forty-six before (803) Christ.7. Cast (108) your eyes over (802) all the nations of the world: among (826 bis) so many people differing in customs and characters, you will find everywhere the same (601-2) notions of good and evil.8. It is from wisdom that God has sown (777, 537) bitter- ness in the midst (826) of the fallacious happiness (556) of this world (1185) . 9. Man brings pride into the most insignificant things (556) ,even (828) in misery, even (828) in abjection.10. All the moments that have passed (1104) since your birth until (828) to-day have been (679) employed to instil into your heart the principles of virtue.11. There are (829) three things that may be considered as the motors of human actions: interest, pleasure, and glory.12. To judge others with great rigor, to forgive every thing in oneself (706), are (829) two deadly diseases which afflict the human race.13. Talents (535) are like trees, which bear according to the culture they have (832) received, and in proportion to that culture.14. We must learn to subdue our passions, to check our wishes, and to bear courageously the most cruel disgraces (556,833) .15. Nothing contributes more (803) to the happiness of men,than the care taken to ornament and (833) strengthen the mind and (550) heart of young people by (538) wise maxims and (538, 833) good examples (512).16. It seemed as though Nature had taken delight (738 bis,751, 785) in combining in Alcibiades all that she could producemost extreme, both of vices and (833) virtues.17. Your country has claims on your talents, on your virtues,and on (834) all your actions.18. The immortality so much boasted of (773), and which many men seek (698) with so much avidity, will be (39) buried (776) in the ruins and (834) fragments of the universe.19. It is to Molière that (705) Racine is indebted for the sub- ject of the tragedy of Eteocles and Polynice (833).20. The emperor Marcus Aurelius was the last of that sect of76 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX.Stoics who raised man above himself by making him harsh towards himself only, and compassionate towards (826 bis) others.21. Good comedy was unknown till Molière's time (828), as the art of expressing true and noble sentiments (556) on the stage was unknown till (828) Racine's time.22. Genius and virtue (535, 550) go through (822) obstacles.23. Sabaccon was distinguished among (826bis) all the kings of Egypt by his piety and (834) by the mildness of his reign.24. Through (822) dangers a magnanimous heart cuts hisway.25. How disinterested are flatterers (776)! They wish every advantage to those to (823) whom ambition attaches them, ex- cept (774) good sense and prudence. 26. "That (829) is an unlucky accident for mycreditors," said a Gascon officer who had just received a bullet through (822)his (592) body.27. Peter Corneille is the more celebrated of (826) the two poets who bear that name.28. Be prodigal towards (826 bis) the needy, economical at home (1016) , and faithful towards (826 bis) your friends.29. Among (826 bis) men, some spend (1104) their life in idleness and sloth (834), useless to their (592) country and to themselves (601-2); others in the turmoil (834) and bustle of human passions (556).30. These (829) three things we must consult (84) in all our actions: the just, the honest, and the useful.31. Among (826 bis) the qualities of the heart, not one can bring (737, 748) honor, if (666) modesty be not joined with it.32. The conversation of the present day consists entirely of witty sayings, equivocations, puns, and brilliant nothings (833).33. Whatever (644-1) be the result, we must always feel thankful for a thing done (777) for us and on our account (832) .34. True nobility of mind and heart consists in mastering one's passions (597), in not being the slave of those of others,and inplacing oneself above disgrace (833) .35. What spirit and grace are found in the fable of the Miller (835), his Son, and (835) the Ass!36. That art that Corneille based on admiration and upon (834) a nature too ideal at times, Racine founded upon a true nature and (834) on knowledge of the human heart.37. How greatly to be pitied are men raised to the highest rank! Often the flatterer and the hypocrite take (680), with (823) them, the room of the honest man.38. This world is only a lottery, of goods, of ranks, of digni-EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 77ties, and of rights (833), sought without titles and bestowed by chance.39. Among (826 bis) our enemies, those who are most to be dreaded are often the weakest.40. Happy is the mortal who can discern truth through (822)the veils of falsehood by which human cupidity conceals it.41. No philosopher has been able, up to the present day (828),to explain how the soul enters the body and departs from it (708).CHAPTER XX.EXERCISES ON THE USE OF CONJUNCTIONS.(See Grammar No. 836 and following. )1. THERE is nothing (925) men desire more (759) to preserve,and (837-1) of which they take less care, than their own life.2. We do not know how the desires of the soul are formed,nor (837-1) how it is able to furnish to itself its ideas and (836 bis) its images.3. Hedoes not hear the winds which blow upon his head, nor (837-2) the noise of the rocks lashed by the tempest.4. The language of the heart and of truth does not resemble (679) error, nor (837-2) the vanity of flatterers .5. Neither (695) statues nor (837-2) inscriptions confer im- mortality: they become the sad sport of human vicissitudes.6. Without (925) experience and (839) reflection, one would (665) remain in perpetual childhood.7. The (839) greater (839 bis) the offence, the (839) more does the pardon cover with glory.8. The (839) less men are civilized (776, 839 bis, 839), the easier it is to deceive them.9. On account of (841) what he did for the prosperity and (834, 535) welfare of his kingdom, it (666) will always be deemed that Henry IV. was a father to his subjects.10. Men are inconsistent (578) in their acts only because(840) they are changeable in their principles.11. Though (842) very unfortunate, it is seldom that we (665)7*78 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTАХ.are so to such a degree as to be unable to make others happy (535, 330) .12. Never can a clown, however (842) he may try, pass for awell-bred man.13. When honest people (844, 514) are in want, then is the time to secure friends.14. When (844) shall I see, O Sion, thy ramparts, and the magnificent pinnacles of thy towers, rise again? When (844)shall I see thy delighted people hastening from every quarter to thy feasts?15. As to (845) the court of Louis XIV., and (833) his kingdom, acute minds already perceived a change in it, which vulgar minds noticed (111) only when the decline had begun (776).16. Sciences and arts (535, 550) have enlightened and com- forted (777) the earth, whilst (846) wars were desolating it.17. It matters little to charm (847-3) the eye; we must speak to the heart.18. A benevolent man resembles the sun, which does not traffic with its light, but sheds it without ambition and (839)without parsimony, and has never asked any return from the heavenly bodies nor (837-2) from the earth, since it began to give them light . 19. Patience and time do more than strength and (836-1)rage.20. We must not judge a man (841) by what he does not know, but by (841) what he does know.21. To bestow one's benefactions injudiciously is to lose them (847-3).22. The more (839) excessive the pride (839), the more (839)bitter is the humiliation.23. People (667) say little, when (844, 535) vanity does not prompt them to speak.24. Nothing (401) can puff up or (837-2) dazzle great minds,because (840) nothing is above them.25. Never, whatever (842) he may do, can a mortal be in the eyes of the public what he is not.26. Envy appreciates merit, though (842) it endeavors to dis- parage it.27. Though (842) there is (743, 748) nothing so (809)natural for man as to (810) love and (833) know the truth, there is nothing that he loves less or (837-1) seeks less to know.28. Among (826 bis) the enemies of the Romans, there was none more terrible nor (837-1) more implacable than Hannibal.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNΤΑΧ. 7929. It may be affirmed, generally, that the wiser (839) men are (839), the more they are esteemed (776); and that the more virtuous they are (839), the more lenient are they to the failings of others.30. Simplicity (535) pleases without affectation and without art (839) .31. During (846) prosperity we (665) must prepare for adversity.32. Is it so great a misfortune to cease to live (848)?33. At the beginning of the reign of Philip Augustus, the custom of wearing mourning was (665, 84) not known either in France or (837-2) in the neighboring kingdoms.34. It is difficult for us to know ourselves, because (840) we are hardly ever like ourselves (601-2). 35. The fewer desires we have (839), the fewer chains wecarry.36. In a word, without good language, the divinest author is always a poor writer, whatever (842) he may do.37. The real sorrows which sensibility sometimes occasions,are generally counterbalanced (776) by agreeable feelings, which are not the less sweet nor (837-2) the less consoling that (842)they do not produce the transports of delirious joy.38. Whilst (846) innocence wakes and sleeps in peace, crime (535, 550) wakes and sleeps only in torment.39. Choose for thy friend the man whom thou knowest to be the most virtuous; do not resist the pleasure of his advice, nor (837-2) the force of his examples.40. The more (543) merit one has (839), the less vanity doesone derive from it .41. The tyrant has surprised me (839) defenceless and without arms.42. Although (842) Turenne loved (743, 751) glory, he sought it in the testimony of his acts rather (805) than in that of men.80 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYΝΤΑΧ.CHAPTER XXI.EXERCISES ON THE PRINCIPAL DIFFICULTIES HEADED PARTICULAR OBSERVATIONS.(See Grammar No. 864 and following.)1. THE discussion becoming extremely animated, Demosthenes eagerly spoke when his turn (864) came.2. O divine Religion, it is for thee (864) to guide us on the road to virtue and happiness.. 3. Among (826 bis) the. kings of the first and second races (576), there are at most but five or (865) six whose reigns deserve to be mentioned.4. Poverty prevents us from aiding (865 bis) a friend: that is (640, 1016) perhaps its greatest hardship.5. Nature raises up, in every country, elevated minds and hearts; but we must aid her (865 bis) in forming them.6. Though (842) born proud and haughty, we see (665) them,with a timid and submissive mien (866), bearing with the caprices of those who may contribute to their elevation.7. A prince may make you a noble (867), but your merit alone can ennoble (867) you. 8. A flatterer assured (869) Alexander that Jupiter had givenhim life.9. There is in the wonders of nature a certain grandeur which (870) art cannot attain.10. We (667) dread the old age (434-1) which we (665) are not sure (870) of reaching.11. If Henry IV. was not an Alexander nor (837-2) aTamerlane, neither was he (871), like those conquerors, the scourge of the human race.12. The life of the first men was much (881-3) longer thanours.13. To decrease our connections with men, and to multiply them with things, is (829) true wisdom, and it is in the country (875) that you will find it.14. Only (1223) great minds are capable (737, 748, 876,855) of performing (538) great things.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX . 8115. Youth (535) being susceptible (876) of all sorts of im- pressions, good and bad, it is important that it be well guided.16. He who spends (880, 1104) his youth in senseless plea- sures must look for a painful and premature old age.17. He who does wrong thinking that he is doing good, does not deserve (885) blame ( 547) .18. The Romans, who had (84) all the virtues of a generous nation, did not deserve (885) to be governed by a prince so cowardly and cruel as Nero.19. The two poles are the only points on the globe where the sun lights the earth for (887) six consecutive (556) months.20. During (887) times of troubles and revolutions we (665)see shining from time to time some (605) noble and generous souls, destined to prevent men (816) from losing entirely the remembrance of virtue.21. People (667) did not know what to admire most (804) in Henry IV. , the courage and military talents that he displayed to recover his kingdom, or the wisdom with which he governed it (881-3).22. I should observe to you (910), that, in depicting the errors of mankind, my object was to be useful to men and to amendthem (707).23. A hero who borrows his sole glory from (889) Victory, is ahero but for a few (604-2) moments.24. There are (103, 1223) two things about which (660) men will not tolerate raillery (891): self-love and their happiness.25. The honest man does not envy (892) any one, but he envies (892) the advantage which the rich have in being able to make people happy.26. There are (1223, 537) people whom we should see only from time (843) to time, if we (666) do not want to cease loving them.27. Madame de Sévigné writes to her daughter: I will see you to-morrow evening (884), and to-morrow evening Iwill bethe happiest of mothers.28. If we can ever (666) put faith in a liar, it is (641) when he does not assert (869) that he speaks the truth.29. Longinus defines the sublime to be what causes awork to charm, to overjoy (894-4), and to enrapture. 30. The attachment (892-2) and friendship of a great man is abenefaction of the gods.31. Hardly had Cæsar conquered Ptolemy, than he went (895) to Asia, to punish the traitor Pharnaces, the son and murderer of Mithridates.82 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNΤΑΧ.32. Among (826 bis) the reasons that a talker gives you, there are (1223) ten bad ones for two or three good ones (881-3).33. Bend your humor from youth, and you will spare (896,545) others and yourselves (601-2) many vexations.34. Honest people and talented people are the only ones (514)who live; the rest of mankind merely (698, 897-5) vegetate.35. Catiline had but just (897-5) fallen, when Cæsar's ambition threatened Rome with an approaching tyranny.36. Claudius was one of the most despicable of the Roman emperors: thirty senators and more than three hundred (333)knights were (897-4) put to death during his reign.37. There are (1223) two things which we cannot look (898)in the face: the sun and death.38. People (667, 900) always imagine that they (665) have more (833) merit and more perfection than they (665) reallypossess.39. The Persians experienced a naval defeat (556) at the promontory of Mycale, on the very day that Pausanias (912)gained the battle of Platæus, in the year four hundred and seventy-nine (585) before Christ (803 ).40. Good examples (556, 512) have this advantage: they spread like a perfume over (802) those who witness them, and they are a living instruction for those who wish to follow them(901).41. The presence of amanwho has done great (538) deeds,impresses (902) much more (803) than the most eloquent speeches.42. Avarice, self-love, pleasure (535, 550), those poisoned springs of all human actions, never infected (903) the heart of Turenne.43. It was about (826) the year four hundred (585) that the barbarians began to infest (905) the Roman empire.44. How many (700) people insult (904) the unfortunate by the manner (514) in which they assist them!45. At the battle of Poitiers, Philip, the youngest son of King John, fought with a valor and intrepidity (804-1) that won him (687) the surname of the Bold.46. The desire of never being deceived often exposes us to be (906) deceived.47. The rich are never so happy as we believe them (906,111) to be: satiety prevents them (816, 764) from enjoying any ( 598) pleasure .48. Blessed is he who can mingle pleasure with (906) business,without the latter (699) suffering by it.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTΑΧ. 8349. According to ancient historians, the building of the pyramids of Egypt cost more than (919) thirty thousand (586)talents.50. The neglect of religion leads to the neglect of man's duties that progress is more (919) than half made in the liber- tine's heart.51. The acacia is a tree which gives very little shade, or rather which gives none (911) .52. I might remark (910), that she understood so well the beauty of works of imagination, that people (666) thought they had attained (870) perfection when (844) they (665) had suc- ceeded in pleasing her (665).53. The Eternal, in giving to certain (605 bis) men genius and activity (535, 550), has caused them to participate (623,914) in his immortality.54. The man who is inspired by the love of virtue seems to partake of (914) the divine nature.55. Thou bendest (917) a tree, and canst not bend thy temper!56. Often do we (667) know the importance (578) of an action only when (844) we (665) are ready (918) to accom- plish it.57. Full of splendor yesterday morning (884), yesterday even- ing (884) she was faded and dried up like the grass of the fields.58. Death never takes the wise man unaware; he is always ready (918) to die.59. More than (410) one conqueror has (920) sullied his ex- ploits by lacking humanity.60. Henry IV. complained (54, 623) to his officers, that the soldiers had (915) pillaged some (537) villages: " To attack (1060) my people," exclaimed he (55), " is (648) to attack me."61. In society we meet more than one person who vows (920)everlasting friendship, and quarrels the next moment.62. We (667) remember (921, 108) pleasure with regret, and (550) happiness with a tender feeling.63. A sprightly wit is seldom united (924) to a sound judg- ment: it is on this account that those who speak most (549)fluently are not always those who possess most (803) good sense (974).64. There are persons who appear to have been born (773)with the faculty to perform every thing, and who are good for nothing (925) for the want of constancy.65. When they (665) came to announce to Cincinnatus that he was appointed dictator, he was busy (929) guiding a plough.84 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYΝΤΑΧ.66. There (103) are two things known only upon two occa- sions: the first is presence of mind in the moment of danger,the second (927), friendship in misfortune.67. The man whose talents are of no avail (928) often needs merely an occasion to display them.68. Rules guide genius, but do not take its place (932);when it is lacking, they are of no further use (928). 69. Saint Louis was seen (84, 667) by his courage to make up for the (932) inequality of numbers, and to sustain alone the weight of the army.70. He who (640, 649) permits himself to be insulted (904)deserves to be (665, 623) insulted (904) .71. I would rather, if it must be, succumb with glory, than to have (881-1) to blush for an ignominious victory.72. Diction depends (52) upon grammar: witness (933) the fine verses of Corneille.73. The fecials, before (803) declaring war, pledged the godsas witnesses (933) to the justice of the Roman cause.74. No one (672) is perfectly happy, unless he has (816, 744)those whom he loves as witnesses (933) of his happiness.75. The Arabs overtaken by the wind Samiel are obliged to lie down (1168) on the ground (934) to escape its deadly blast.76. The great are seldom dealt with frankly except when learning horsemanship (1121): the horse, which cannot dissi- mulate (764) , throws (108,934) a prince as well as a (1114)hostler.77. We (667) cannot say which (662) is the greater, Aristides (881), who, exiled from his country, invokes the gods in its favor, or Camillus (881), who, in the same position, asks that it may soon have need of him.78. Aman who has lived in intrigue cannot do without it (1152): any other (935-1) kind of life is insupportable to him .79. We must have quite (935-2) a different soul from that of the wicked, to enjoy the charms of friendship.80. French soldiers are all (935-2) fire when flying (1140)to victory is in question.81. Enlightened as the Romans were (935-4) at the time of Augustus, that did not prevent them from (816) believing (736 bis, 751 ) in witchcraft.82. Vespasian may be compared to Augustus: both (936)fulfilled the great expectations which had been (665) conceived (777, 779) of them .83. Diocletian having associated Maximin with him in the empire, both (936) reigned with glory.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 8584. The emperor Antoninus is looked upon as one of the greatest princes that ever reigned (937, 740, 748) .85. The exordium of Turenne's funeral oration is one of thefinest pieces that (937, 740, 748) Flechier composed.86. People whose minds are fascinated by prejudices are like blind men, who see nothing in broad daylight (939).87. During ( 887) the winter of eighteen hundred (586) and thirty, a great (103, 1223) many trees were frozen (881) .88. Among (826 bis) the multitude of princes designated (801) by the name of lazy kings, one can hardly reckon any worthy of (881) notice.89. Though invisible, there are always two witnesses looking (898) at us: God and conscience.90. Owing every thing (606) to himself (635) , the man of true worth borrows nothing (889) from show.91. The Roman empire, which subjugated the whole world,was in its turn subjugated (906) by a handful of barbarians.92. What happiness for a sovereign to look upon his subjects as his children! Has the glory of conquests (925) any thing to equal that pleasure?93. We (667) may say that an egotist has no virtues; and why should he have (39) any, since they would be of no use to him (928)?94. Not to prevent a crime when one can do so, is in ameasure to participate (914) in it.95. Heaven with horror sees that savage monster, the earth is agitated, the air infected, by it (903) .96. We (667) call to mind (108, 921) the reign of a good prince only (815) to bless it (147) .97. Louis XV. , when his council was sitting, busied himself (54, 929) in playing with a kitten. 98. Instead of manifesting confusion (535, 550, 537) and repentance, he looked (898) towards heaven with scorn, as though to insult (904) the gods.99. You maywithout blushing follow my example (901, 512)and obey (706) my laws (852).100. It is better to excel in mediocrity than to lose our way intrying to attain (870) the sublime.101. Doubt is one of the diseases of the mind which is most(804) opposed (937) to happiness.102. Let us not mingle (547) weakness with (909) actions which require the greatest courage.103. Virtue is the sovereign good: all (935-1) other richesare illusory.886 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYΝΤΑΧ.104. It is difficult to do effectually things which we (665) do only occasionally (883) . 105. Pepin and Charlemagne his successor, were (55) the heroes of the second race; both (936) did (55, 732) more for France than (855) all their predecessors .106. I spare (52, 896) his virtue endless displeasures.107. Rome, ready (918) to fall, was sustained during (887)its misfortunes by the prudence and (834) wisdom of its senate.108. Those attentions so skilfully glossed over (877) are often nothing more than injustice under a specious name.109. Acountry which only wallows (897-5, 815) in ignorance,is like those pools which swarm with dangerous reptiles.110. I went (55, 895) to get the fire (732, 666) placed on the priming of the cannon which forced his soul out of his body.111. Whatever (606) takes hold of the imagination of men on account of a certain (604-2) grandeur astounds them (623, 902) .112. He who (649) has received benefits should keep them in mind (623, 921); and he who (649) has granted them (623,777) should forget them. 113. Chilperic I. was murdered at the moment when he (912)had returned from the hunt (1108).114. We (667) are not far (918) from being vicious when we (665) are weak.115. There is a way of granting favors that looks like a second (927) benefit.116. The man of genius possesses an ascendant (894) and irresistible sway (560) over other men.117. Do not affect here (547 exception) such generous atten- tions, and cease to insult (904) my unfortunate son.118. The benefits which we (665) bestow on others cause quite (935-1) another satisfaction from that caused by those which we(665) receive.119. Among a thousand (586) persons there are (103) hardly seven or (865) eight who combine (924, 767) with agood judg- ment a noble soul.120. I doubt whether all the different kinds of glory can (105) attain (870) the degree of greatness to which religion raises the good man.121. We (665) do not know what to admire most (804) in Molière, the energetic simplicity of his style, or the truthfulness of his descriptions (881).122. Hardly does the wretched man experience some abate- ment in his sorrows, than he flatters himself (623, 893) that for- tune has ceased (1171) to persecute him.EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 87123. A young libertine, seeing an old hermit going along (1113 bis) near (823) him barefoot (562), said to him: " Father,you are in a sad state if there is not another world." " True,my son," replied the hermit, looking (898) at him with severity;"but what will thine be, if there is one?"124. We (667) might cure the majority of disorders by assur- ing (869) the patient that he shall not die.125. When we need to be great only at certain moments,nature (535) collects its forces, and pride may for a time take the place of (932) virtue.126. The heart always wishes to ennoble (867) what it loves.127. They stood so close to each other (675) that their darts met and knocked together, so that most of them fell (701) in- effective to the ground (934).128. The serpents of cold and temperate countries (575) are but slightly poisonous, or not at all so (911).129. Do you count for nothing (925) God fighting (767) for us?130. Chance (535) frequently helps men far more than (960)they wish.131. The reign of Louis XIV. was much longer (874) than that of any of his predecessors.132. The soul of Mazarin, which had none of the barbarity of that of Cromwell, had as little of (871, 592) its grandeur.133. Francis I. complained that Charles V. had (915) kept back the dowry promised to his daughter, and claimed to be (665, 623) indemnified (751). The emperor answered: " Let him leave me in peace."134. Alexander was still very young, when he exclaimed,looking (898) at a statue of Achilles: " O Achilles! how happy thou art to have had a faithful friend during life, and a poet like Homer after thy death! "135. Mymuse, full (935-2) of fire, precedes me and sings thy praises.136. We (667) imagine (900) we will one day have time to think of death, and we (666) pass (1104) our life without ever thinking of it (938) .137. Any other (937-1) nation than the Romans would have been (791) cast down by the rapid victories of the Carthaginians .138. The tigress, like the lioness, brings forth four or (865)five cubs.139. The speech of Demosthenes for the crown is one of thefinest pieces that eloquence ever produced (937) .140. The miser finds his happiness and glory in amassing atreasure of no use to him (928) .88 EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNΤΑΧ.141. The eyes see nothing (928, 111) when (844) the mind and heart do not see with them.142. Of (826 bis) one hundred children born on the same day,more than eighty (583) die before (881, 803) the end of the year (505 bis) .143. To deceive others is (648) to expose ourselves (906) to be deceived (1161).144. Some one observed (910) to Voltaire that a fact was not as he had related it. " I know it," answered he (55); "but con- fess that it is better as I tell it ."145. In listening to the praises his merit calls forth, a person of refined feeling appears neither (866) proud nor astonished.146. Animals that do not know (820-2) man (535) are wild in a slight degree, or are not so at all (911).147. It is (103) only good minds and good hearts that under- stand how to joke (896), and that never wound those with whom theyjoke.148. Pascal was celebrated in the sciences before he (819) had attained (744, 748, 870) the age of reason.149. We must seek for constructions which ennoble (867) our ideas, when (844) they lack grandeur.150. We (667) are never nearer (918) being deceived by another than when we fancy (900) ourselves more cunning thanheis.151. A title, whatever (605) it be, is (925) nothing, if those who bear it are not great in themselves (601-2) .152. The number of combatants was (698) so great (702)that there were more than twenty thousand (586) killed (881).153. Spare (896) that information to my heart.154. Only those who are capable (876, 556) of imitating great men can (737, 748) praise them properly.155. Since the invention of gunpowder, battles are much less bloody than they were (817, 906) before, because (840) there is hardly any more hand-to-hand fighting. 156. Whoever (1217) hesitates to do his duty is more (919)than half guilty.157. True piety elevates the mind, ennobles (867) the heart,and strengthens courage.158. Examples are sometimes a dangerous rule for those whofollow them (901) blindly.159. However (607) agreeable may be (935-4) the possession of an object ardently wished for, it seldom realizes the hope ofpossessing it.160. Remember (921) Charlemagne (521) and Saint Louis,EXERCISES ON THE FRENCH SYNTAX. 89who to the splendor of their crown (924) added the immortal splendor of justice and piety.161. Those who do not respect themselves (601-2) must not expect to be respected (906) by others.162. Charles the Bold was indebted to his barbarity, and hiscold cruelty towards (894) the vanquished, for the surname of the Terrible.163. Before Louis XIV. , the highroads were neither (821 bis) repaired nor watched, and robbers infested (903) them (623) . 164. The life of thinking people is ten times shorter than that of men who only vegetate (897–5, 108 ) .165. Benevolence, like all the other virtues (935-1) , should (688) have its limits.166. Reason (535) requires that we (665) should bear adver- sity patiently, and not that we should aggravate its (596) burden by complaints which serve no purpose (928).167. Affability, the offspring of humanity, is not one of those superficial virtues which reside (937) only in the face.168. Henry IV. was trying to lower (929) the house (1185)of Austria, at the time when he was assassinated (912), in six- teen hundred and ten.169. In their rebellion, the chief janissaries try to color (877)their bloody designs .8*
NOTICE."We sometimes amendmore easily by the sight of evil than by the example of good."LES objections faites par les adversaires de la cacographie, ou fausse syntaxe introduite dans l'enseignement des langues, sont si spécieuses que pende mots suffiront pour les réfuter.Si les exercices sur la fausse syntaxe précédaient l'étude des règles, onaurait raison de dire alors " qu'il paraît plus logique d'apprendre tout d'abordà l'étudiant étranger comment on fait bien, plutôt que de lui faire connaîtrece qui est mal? Mieux vaut qu'il l'ignore. Ne lui suffira-t-il pas en effet desavoir comment on construit une bonne phrase, pour découvrir les fautes etles éviter? N'est-ce pas la marche la plus simple, la plus courte et la plussatisfaisante?" *Loin d'être exact ce qui précède manque entièrement de logique. Rétablissant les faits, nous demanderons aux lecteurs si le mode d'enseignementadopté par MM. Noël et Chapsal, ne réunit pas dans son ensemble toutesles conditions énumérées dans le passage que nous venons de citer? Sil'ordre dans les études de la grammaire, tel que l'indique le critique, n'yest pas rigoureusement observé? Et si, suivi de nombreux exemples etprofondément gravé dans la mémoire de l'élève par des définitions exactes,le précepte à suivre ne lui est-il pas aussi rappelé par des phrases renduesfautives tout exprès pour lui laisser le mérite de faire lui-même l'applicationde la règle? Loin de procurer les graves inconvénients† dont parle l'auteurdu système d'application directe ainsi nommé; pour celui qui possède unepratique facile des principes élémentaires de la langue française, et qui afait de bonnes études sur la syntaxe de cette langue, par association dansles idées toute déviation de cette syntaxe lui rappelle uniformément la règlede grammaire qu'il doit suivre. N'ayant qu'à remplacer des expressionsincorrectes par de bonnes, la grammaire et sa mémoire lui fournissentaisément les moyens de rectification; tandis que, au contraire, dans le système
- Préface des exercices de la grammaire française de Noël et Chapsal var A. Vaillant,
ed. 1863.†'Voir le rapport adressé au Grand-Maître de l'université par M. l'Etendart, inspecteurde l'Académie de Paris, et quoi qu'en dise le critique, l'on y verra quels sont les résultatsavantageux produits par les exercices tels que les ont mis en pratique MM. Noël etChapsal.9192 NOTICE.sus mentionné, obscurcie par de nombreux détails de principes élémentaires,ou tout-à-fait cachée par l'absence de mots indispensables à son développement, l'idée échappant à l'élève celui-ci peut facilement méprendre le sens dela phrase et le pervertir. Le défaut capital de ce moyen fautif d'enseignement,c'est d'éxiger que l'élève exprime clairement et GRAMMATICALEMENT une idéequ'il ne peut pas toujours saisir! C'est d'intervertir l'ordre naturel des choseset de vouloir faire compléter l'idée par l'expression, quand au contraire celle-ciest toujours dépendante de l'idée.Ce faux principe seul implique la condamnation de ce mode d'exercices,qu'on pourrait avec raison appeler énigmatique.Evidemment, il est facile au grammairien de transmettre clairement sapensée au moyen d'expressions grammaticales; mais il ne lui est pas toujoursaisé de trouver des mots ou des expressions qui expriment convenablementles pensées incomplètes des autres. Dans le premier cas la grammaire formesa diction; dans le second elle est tout-à- fait impuissante.Voilà ce que l'auteur du système d'application directe semble entièrementavoir perdu de vue. Au reste, un examen attentif des exercices de Mм.Noël et Chapsal tels qu'ils sont reproduits par le critique, démontre que laclarté n'est pas toujours un trait saillant de ce prétendu moyen d'enseigner.En effet, si la connaissance préalable de l'idée peut seule suggérer les motsmanquants-principe qu'on ne saurait récuser-pourquoi mutiler ou cacherà l'élève cette idée, en supprimant les mots ou les expressions qui la développent?Vu les resultats satisfaisants obtenus par MM. Noël et Chapsal au moyende leurs exercices sur la fausse syntaxe, nous croyons bien faire et le publicnous en saura gré, de reproduire ces exercices tels qu'ils ont été mis enpratiquejusqu'à ce jour; faisant remarquer que leur emploi, avec nous, n'est qu'unmoyen de s'assurer du degré d'instruction acquis par l'étudiant.J. B. S.EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX.CHAPTER XXII.RECAPITULATION ON THE DIFFICULTIES OF THE SYNTAXCONTAINED IN THE FOREGOING CHAPTERS .1. La crainte de faire des ingrats, ou le déplaisir d'en avoir trouvé, ne doivent pas nous empêcher de faire du bien.2. L'homme égoïste se fait le centre de tout, il voudrait que toutes les créatures ne soient occupé qu'à le contenter, le loueret l'admirer.3. La bienfaisance est un excellent fond qui rapporte toujours beaucoup plus qu'il coûte.4. Socrate a prouvé mieux qu'aucuns philosophes de l'anti- quité, ce que peuvent la force d'âme ou la raison unies à unesprit supérieur.5. C'est des climats excessifs d'où l'on tire les drogues, par- fums, poisons, et toutes les plantes dont les qualités sont excessives.6. Notre élévation ne doit pas nous faire oublier le premier état dont nous sommes sorti .7. Les plus beaux présents que le ciel a fait à l'homme, sont de dire la vérité, et faire du bien aux autres.8. Les goûts les plus naturels doivent être aussi les plus simples, car c'est ceux qui se transforment les plus aisément.9. Qui ne sait pas être ni père, ni mari, ni fils, ni ami, n'est pas homme de bien.10. La mort est une chose moins terrible que nous l'imaginons;c'est un spectre qui nous épouvante à une certaine distance, et qui disparait lorsqu'on on vient às'approcher de lui de plus près.11. Certains cocotiers ont des feuilles de douze ou quinze piedsde long, et de sept ou huit de largeur.9394 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ.12. Plus je rentre en moi, et plus je lis ces mots écrits dedans mon âme: Sois juste et tu seras heureux.13. Soyons vrais, de nos maux n'accusons que nous-même.14. Esope fleurissait du temps de Solon. On ne pense pas queles fables qui portent son nom sont les même qu'il a composé;elles viennent bien de lui, quand à la matière et la pensée, mais leur style est d'un autre.15. L'ingratitude est un crime si honteux, qu'on n'a jamais trouvé un homme qui veuille s'en reconnaître coupable.16. En France les voyageurs doivent être munis de passeports.17. Il faut se rappeler de ce mot d'un grand sens.C'est qu'il ne faut jamais mal parler des absents.18. Quels que opiniâtres que nous sommes, il n'est rien que nous plions plus facilement que notre caractère, quant il s'agit de notre intérêt.19. L'on n'est jamais si heureux et si malheureux qu'on l'imagine.20. L'oisiveté et l'amour excessif des plaisirs entraîne aprèssoi tous les vices.21. Hélas! à quoi les rois sont-ils exposé? les plus sages mêmesont souvent trompés.22. Quelles exemples de vertu ne devons nous pas à Saint Vincent de Paul!23. La Grèce possède deux lacs célèbres dans l'histoire fabu- leuse: le Stymphale fameux par ses Harpies, et le Pénée dont sort le Styx, fleuve qui tournait vingt fois alentour des enfers.24. Si les hommes entendaient bien leurs intérêts ils ne commettraient pas des mauvaises actions, parce que le chagrin ou le remord les suivent toujours de près.25. Voyez cette noble assemblée ardente et joyeuse, mêlée d'écuyers, pages et seigneurs.26. Il n'y a point de vices qui n'a une fausse ressemblanceavec la vertu.27. Sésostris pénétra dans les Indes plus loin qu'Alexandrele fit dans la suite.28. L'aigle pourvue de grandes aîles, de fortes serres et d'un- bec tranchant est née pour vivre de rapines.29. La science, ainsi que l'esprit, conduisent un artiste maisne le forment en aucuns genre.30. Un père faible ne peut se résoudre à punir ses enfants,lors même qu'ils sont les plus coupables.31. Comment se fait-il que les ouvrages de la nature sont siEXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ. 95parfaits? C'est que chaque ouvrage est un tout, et qu'elle tra- vaille dessus un plan éternel.32. L'on songe rarement que le temps, comme l'argent, peu- vent se perdre par une avarice hors de propos.33. Le grand Cyrus disait qu'on n'était pas digne de com- mander aux autres, à moins qu'on soit meilleur que ceux à quion donnait la loi .34. La terre est emporté alentour du soleil avec une rapidité inconcevable: sa vitesse égale, si elle n'est supérieure, à soixante treize fois celle d'un boulet de canon.35. Il n'y a que la vertu qui peut suppléer le mérite.36. Le cheval arabe à la crinière ainsi que les crins de laqueue fort longs .37. Les éruptions des volcans sont ordinairement annoncé par un bruit souterrain semblable à celui causé par le tonnerre.Elles sont aussi fréquentes dans les contrées les plus froides comme dans les pays les plus chauds. Il y a des volcans dont on a vu sortir des torrents d'eau bouillante, des poissons, coquilles et autres corps marins.38. Guillaume-le- Conquérant est undes plus grands généraux que le onzième siècle a produit.39. Les terres dont on tire les métaux sont peu ou point fer- tiles.40. Lockman disait en parlant de la sagesse, qu'il l'avait appris des aveugles, qui ne posent jamais leur pied par terre sans s'être assuré de la solidité du terrain .41. La courte durée de la vie ne peut nous dissuader de ses plaisirs et nous consoler de ses peines.42. Quels que talents que vous ayez, quelques soient les avan- tages que vous teniez de la nature et de l'éducation; enfin quel- ques grandes que soient vos perfections, ne vous attendez aux suffrages que d'un petit nombre d'hommes.43. C'est des Grecs et des Romains de qui nous sont venu leslumières.44. Le sage est inébranlable: les tempêtes mugissent alen- tour de lui sans pouvoir le troubler.45. Il est toujours dangereux de passer pour un homme bi- zarre . Quant on a cette réputation on n'a plus de confiance ennous, parce qu'on imagine que la singularité qui nous écarte de la route commune dedans les petites choses, pourrait nous en écarter dedans les grandes.46. Dans toutes ses entreprises Henri IV. montra une constance, une persévérance sans lesquelles il n'eut pu prendre possession du trône.96 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX.47. On envie celui qui possède les honneurs, et on ne songe pas aux sacrifices qu'ils lui ont couté.48. Moins on mérite de souffrir et plus on se tait quand onsouffre.49. Dieu ordonne aux hommes la pratique du bien et de fuirlemal.50. Il n'y a point des petites vertus aux yeux d'un homme de bien; et il ne peut pas même sans danger en négliger aucunes.51. M. de Turenne releva par une heureuse et une prudente témérité, l'Etat penchant vers sa ruine.52. Le Mancelinier des Indes produit un poison si actif, que c'est dans la sève de cet arbre où les sauvages trempent leursflèches pour les empoisonner.53. Les choses dont en se rapèle les mieux sont celles qu'on a appris avec peine.54. Il faut gouverner la fortune comme la santé; jouir d'elle quant elle est bonne; prendre patience quant elle est mauvaise,et ne pas faire jamais des grands remèdes sans qu'un extrême besoin nous y force.55. La grandeur d'âme et la magnanimité de Henri IV. vis- à-vis des vaincus égalaient son courage et sa bravoure devantl'ennemi.56. On demandait à Thalès, un de sept sages de l'antiquité,ce qu'il y avait de plus difficile et de plus aisé dans le monde.Il répondit que le premier était de se connaitre soi-même, et le deuxième de donner des bons conseils.57. Les longues guerres entrainent toujours après soi des grands désordres.58. Quel cœur assez barbare pourrait ne pas avoir du plaisir àsoulager les peines des malheureux!59. Le plus grand nombre des poètes manquent de ces expres- sions heureuses qui font le mérite des Homères, des Virgiles,des Corneilles et des Racines.60. Il apparait de temps en temps sur la terre des hommes rares qui n'ont pas ni aïeux ni descendants.61. Les sciences n'ont fait des véritables progrès que depuis qu'on travaille par l'examen et par l'observation des faits, àéclaircir, détruire ou confirmer les systèmes.62. On dit qu'un homme a son âme peinte dessus sa figure, et que ses yeux sont des lunettes pour celui qui veut lire dedansson cœur.63. Quelques soient les projets aux quels Louis s'attache Quelque soit le péril qui menace ses jours,On ne sait où l'homme se cacheEt le héros parait toujours.EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX. 9764. L'ambition est de toutes les passions celle qui s'agite davantage et qui jouit la moins.65. L'histoire des sciences ne nous a présenté jusqu'a présent que deux hommes, qui, par la nature des ouvrages qu'ils ont com- posé, paraissent se rapprocher de M. de Buffon: ce sont Aristote et Pline. Tous deux, infatigables comme lui dans le travail,étonnent par l'immensité de leurs connaissances, et par celle des plans qu'ils ont conçu et exécuté; l'un l'autre respecté pendant leur vie, et honoré après leur mort par leurs concitoyens, ont vu leur gloire survivre aux révolutions des opinions et des empires,aux nations qui les ont produit, et même aux langues qu'ils ont employé; et ils semblent par leur exemple, promettre à M. Buf- fon une gloire non moins durable.66. Comment se fait-il que les hommes sont d'ordinaire plus judicieux dans les affaires d'autrui qu'ils les sont dans les leurs?C'est que dans nos affaires, trop de joie ou trop de crainte nous préoccupent.67. Le vrai moyen d'être souvent trompé est de se croire plus fin que les autres.68. Aristide et Epaminondas étaient tant ennemis dumensonge,qu'ils étaient incapables de déguisement ni de fraude même enbadinant.69. Les méchants perdent bien vites le souvenir des bienfaits qu'ils ont reçu.70. Ceux qui commencent un procès plantent un palmier qui nedonnejamais des fruits à ceux qui l'ont planté. 71. Tel est le pouvoir de la justice que cette vertu est aimé même par les hommes pervers.72. C'est de lui (Cadmus) de qui nous vient cet art ingénieux,De peindre la parole et de parler aux yeux,Et par des traits divers de figures tracées,Donner de la couleur et du corps aux pensées.73. Il n'y a pas d'ouvrage quel que parfait qu'on le suppose,qui ne prête à la critique, si l'on l'examinait à la rigueur et sur toutes les faces.74. Les perces-oreilles sont des petits insectes très-communs dans les endroits humides.75. Au moment ou Jacques II partait pour l'Irlande, Louis XIV lui dit: Ce que je puis vous souhaiter de mieux est que nous ne nous revoyons plus.76. Les esprits inquiets imaginent d'ordinaire les choses tout autrement quelles sont.77. Sous Charles VI, il n'y avait que les grands qui portaient le deuil en noir.998 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ.78. Les Boileaux et les Gilberts ont été les Juvénal de leurtemps.79. Le cœur de l'homme n'est pas moins caché à lui-même,qu'il n'est impénétrable aux autres.80. On ne sait pas précisément ni quel est l'auteur de la boussole, ni en quel temps on a commencé de s'en servir. Quels que historiens attribuent son invention à Jean Goya, napolitain,qui vivait vers l'an treize cents; d'autres disent que la boussole fut connue des Chinois auparavant cette époque, et que c'est àeux àqui on en doit la découverte.81. On compte pour rien les éloges donné au souverains durant leur règne, à moins qu'ils soient répété sous les règnes suivants .82. On appelle plaisir toute sensation ou tout mouvement agréable qui sont excités en nous.83. Le sentiment intérieur de l'égalité naturelle est la source dont provient la véritable politesse .84. L'homme entièrement seul est celui à qui le ciel n'a point accordé des amis.85. Plein d'indulgence pour les défauts d'autrui, je l'ai sou- vent trouvé sévère vis-à-vis de ses enfants.86. Les arabes sont la seule nation conquérante qui a avancé la raison et l'industrie. C'est à eux à qui nous devons l'algèbre,la chimie et quelque nouvelles connaissances en astronomie;mais la poésie est le seul des beaux-arts qu'ils ont cultivé avec succès.87. Il n'y a pas de gens qui sont plus vides que ceux qui sont pleins de leur mérite.88. Le duc d'Enghien, qui fut dans la suite appellé le Grand- Condé, n'avait que vingt-deux ans quant il commanda les troupes françaises à la fameuse journée de Rocroi. Son génie suppléait l'expérience qui lui manquait. Quoi qu'il eût reçu ordre de ne point combattre, il osa l'enfreindre; et la France, dut à cette désobéissance, une des victoires la plus mémorable remportée sous le règne de Louis XIV.89. Il vaudrait mieux qu'un homme de bien perde la vie, que de ternir son honneur par quelle que action basse et honteuse.90. Quoi de plus faible que l'enfance! quoi de plus propre et de plus digne d'inspirer de la compassion de l'intérêt.91. Les peuples le moins civilisés sont ceux chez les quels il secommet davantage de crimes.92. Un magistrat doit toujours juger suivant et conformément aux lois.93. La lecture sert à orner l'esprit, régler les mœurs et former lejugement.EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX. 9994. Plus on est honnête et plus il est difficile de croire que les autres ne les sont pas.95. Écoutez celui qui vous aime assez pour ne pas craindre de vous contredire et de vous déplaire en vous disant la vérité.96. C'est le destin des choses humaines de n'avoir qu'une courte et une rapide durée.97. Ceux qui se plaignent de la fortune n'ont souvent à se plaindre que de soi-même.98. C'est à celui qui a créé la mer à lui donner des lois.99. Le plus bel ornement d'une maison, adit Homère, est lavertu de son maître.100. Les livres, disait Alphonse, sont, entre mes conseillers,ceux qui me plaisent davantage: ni la crainte ni l'espérance ne les empêche de me dire ce que je dois faire.101. Dans les contrées chaudes et humides, la végétation acquiert une énergie, une vigueur bien plus grandes que partout ailleurs.102. Nous sommes si vains que l'estime d'un petit nombre de personnes qui nous entoure, nous suffit.103. Vous avez consolé les malheureux, soulagé les misérables,aussi vous ont-ils bénit.104. Condé est le plus célèbre des généraux qui aient illustrélaFrance.105. Vénus remonta dans le nuage doré dont elle était sorti,et laissa après soi une odeur d'ambroisie.106. La fortune ne paraît aveugle qu'à ceux à qui elle ne fait pas du bien.107. Beaucoup de modestie et beaucoup de bonté, -Ades charmes plus grands qu'en a la beauté.108. Presque toutes les découvertes ont été dû au hasard:celle du Nouveau-Monde fut le fruit du génie. Christophe Colomb, par cette justesse d'esprit que les connaissances mathé- matiques lui avaient donné, avait supposé l'existence d'un autre continent; sa supposition s'est réalisé, et en 1492, il a eu la gloire d'ajouter une nouvelle partie du monde à celle déjà connu.Quelques auteurs ont imaginé que les anciens connaissaient l'Amérique; mais il y a lieu de croire qu'ils se sont trompé grossièrement, car l'île qu'ils ont supposé être notre Nouveau- Monde, et que Platon et Diodore de Sicile ont appellé Atlantide,était situé à peu de distance du détroit de Gibraltar. Quoiqu'ilen soit, la gloire que Christophe Colomb s'est acquis, de donner son nom aux pays qu'il nous a fait connaître, il se l'est vu ravir par le Florentin Améric Vespuce, qui s'est borné a parcourir,plusieurs années après, quelque côtes des contrées qu'avait100 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNΤΑΧ.découvert Christophe. Cette injustice, que la postérité s'est plu à sanctionner, a été le présage de tous les maux qui ont désolé ce beau pays. En effet, l'Amérique a été le théâtre des guerres les plus cruelles qu'il y ait jamais eu; deux empires fleurissants que des siècles avaient vu subsister avec éclat, se sont écroulé sous les coups d'une poignée d'avanturiers que l'avarice avait armé. On frissonne au souvenir des injustices qu'ils ont commis,des millier d'hommes qu'ils ont fait périr, du peu d'humanité qu'ils ont montré vis-à-vis des vaincus, et des sacrifices de tout genre qu'ont couté des richesses qui n'ont pas profité à ceux qui s'en étaient emparé. On est étonné des efforts qu'il a fallu pour soumettre une population bien plus nombreuse, plus policée, et plus formidable que les vainqueurs l'avaient d'abord supposé;il est vrai de dire que les histoires grecques et romaines ne nous présentent pas aucune expédition militaire qu'on peut comparer à la conquête du Mexique et du Pérou. Deux hommes ambitieux, Fernand Cortez et Pizarre, se sont disputé la gloire de sou- mêttre ces peuples; l'un et l'autre s'est immortalisé par la valeur,l'intrépidité qu'ils ont déployé: et la postérité les aurait tous deux surnommé les héros du Mexique et du Pérou, sans les crimes dont ils se sont souillé, ou qu'ils ont laissé commêttre.109. N'aimer que soi, n'estimer que soi, est le fait de l'égoïste.110. L'on demandait a Bias qu'elle était la chose qui flattaitdavantage les hommes; c'est l'espérance répondit-il.111. Tel est le charme de la vertu, que les barbares même l'adorent.112. Le temps détruit tout: le marbre, le bronze, rien nepeuvent resister à ses outrages.113. Plus les hommes vivent en grand nombre, et plus ils secorrompent.114. Nous nous éviterions bien des regrets, si nous savions modérer nos passions.115. Quant-on songe aux autorités sans nombre que Montes- quieu a consulté; à la masse des matériaux épars qu'il a rassem- blé, à la multitude des connaissances qu'il a réuni; quant on songe à la difficulté qu'il a éprouvé ensuite pour faire de ces matériaux un édifice régulier, on ne sait lequel on doit admirerdavantage ou son génie ou son courage.116. L'âme n'a point de secret que la conduite ne révelle.117. Les aigues-marine qu'on trouve au pied du mont Taurus,sont les plus dures et les plus belles que l'on connait.118. Mais qui fait fuir ainsi ces ligueurs dispersé?Quel héros ou quel Dieu les ont tous terrassé?119. Montrons dans un prince admiré par tout le genreEXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX. 101humain ce qui fait les héros: valeur, magnanimité, bonté natu relle.120. Darius, dans sa déroute, réduit à la nécessité de boire de l'eau fangeuse, assura ceux qui étaient alentour de lui, qu'il n'avait jamais bu avec autant de plaisir.121. Le plaisir de la critique ôte souvent celui si agréable d'être vivement touché des belles choses.122. Alexandre, voulant montrer combien il estimait Porus,il le replaça sur un trône dont la fortune des armes l'avait faitdescendre.123. Les princes estiment, mais n'ont point d'affection pour ceux qui ne craignent pas de leur déplaire en leur disant la vérité.124. Abandonner la vie pour se soustraire aux coups de la fortune, est prendre honteusement la fuite devant l'ennemi.125. Partout les rayons perçant de la vérité vont venger la vérité que les hommes ont négligé de suivre.126. Que les dieux me fassent périr plus tôt que de souffrir que la mollesse ou la volupté s'emparent de mon cœur.127. Il n'y a rien qui contribue davantage que l'amitié à la douceur de la vie.128. Les éléments du bonheur se rassemble vainement enfoule alentour de quelques êtres, tandisqu'on en voit tant d'au- tres qui savent se les approprier et jouir d'eux.129. La bonté consiste en deux points: à ne point faire du mal à nos semblables, et à leur faire du bien.130. Celui qui appréhende que la mort vienne le frapper,souffre davantage que celui qui meurt.131. Les sciences ont des racines amères, mais leurs fruits sont doux.132. Les bons et mauvais succès semblent s'être partagé la durée des ans et des siècles.133. Quels sont les gens qui craignent le plus de mourir, si ce n'est ceux qui ont mal vécu?134. Quelques variés que sont nos aliments, la plupart nous sembleraient fade et insipide si nous étions privé du sel, qui rehausse leur goût et leur agrément.135. Sous l'équateur, l'éclat du soleil ainsi que sa chaleur, sont beaucoup plus vifs que dans les régions tempéré.136. Gerbert, savant du dixième siècle, passa pour sorcier,par ce qu'il n'ignorait pas l'arithmétique et les éléments de la géométrie.137. Votre ami a sans doute le cœur excellent, mais il a dans le caractère une raideur, une opiniâtreté qui lui font des enne9*102 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ.mis; et la liberté, la hardiesse avec lesquelles il dit sa façon de penser, offensent quelques fois.138. Etéocle et Polynice convinrent ensemble, de tenir chacunà son tour les rênes du gouvernement.139. Faibles mortels que nous sommes, est- ce à nous à pénétrer les secrets de la divinité?140. C'est de notre prudence d'où dépendent notre bonne oumauvaise fortune dans le monde. Il est pourtant des évènements imprévus qui déroute souvent les plans les mieux concertés de la sagesse humaine. Ce ne sont pas toujours le plus agile qui gagne le prix de la course, et le plus fort qui est victorieux.141. Et toi riante automne (509), accorde à nos desirsCe qu'on attend de toi, des biens et des plaisirs.142. Trajan avait pour maxime, qu'il fallait que ses conci- toyens le trouvent tel qu'il eut voulu trouver l'empereur, s'il eut été simple citoyen.143. Il ne faut attendre de bonheur, ici-bas, que dans la vertuet dans l'innocence.144. Ne vous repentez jamais des services que vous avez renduà un ami; il voudrait mieux rougir de ne lui en avoir pas rendu.145. Les cadeaux que nous envoyèrent les habitants consis- taient en cocos, citrons, oranges et autres fruits.146. Aimer tous ceux qui nous haïssent, et les aimer lors même qu'ils nous nuisent davantage, est le devoir d'un chrétien.147. Les éloges que sa conduite généreuse lui a valu n'ont point diminué sa modestie.148. L'amour de la gloire semble en quelque sorte nous séparerde nous-même.149. Le meilleur remède contre l'ennui, c'est des occupations qui se succèdent sans interruption les unes les autres.150. Si les richesses contribuent au plaisir, le plus grand qu'elles peuvent nous procurer, est de faire du bien.151. La plus heureuse vie n'a pas autant de plaisir comme elle ade peines.152. Dans le gouvernement, l'auguste appareil de la puissance royale en impose aux sujets. Un sceptre, une robe de pourpre,une couronne ou un diadème rendent plus vénérable celui investi de l'autorité suprême.153. C'est les actions de l'âme qui déterminent celles du corps; et d'après celle-là, qu'on voit, on juge de celle-ci qu'on ne voit pas.154. Ce qui annonce l'homme d'un génie ou d'une habileté supérieure, c'est les grands et les vastes projets joints à la promptitude et à la sage exécution.EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX. 103155. Ni la pauvreté ni la fortune ne fait le bonheur: il dépend uniquement du bon ou mauvais usage des biens et des maux que nous avons reçu de la nature.156. Sois reconnaissant vis-à-vis de tes père et mère, puisqu'ils t'ont donné le jour. Tes enfants, en imitant ton exemple, récom- penseront ta piété par leur amour filiale.157. Misérable! et je vis! et je soutiens la vue De ce sacré soleil d'où je suis descendue.158. Persuader et convaincre sont l'unique objet de l'éloquence.159. Comme un rocher contre qui les flots viennent se briser vainement, de même le sage voit les passions se presser alentour de lui sans pouvoir effleurer son cœur.160. Les seules louanges que le cœur sait donner sont celles que la bonté s'attire.161. L'esprit d'un auteur consiste à bien définir et bien peindre.162. Le plus doux des mortels aime voir du rivage Ceux qui, prêts a périr, luttent contre l'orage.163. Quel que mauvais qu'est un livre, on y trouve toujours quelque chose qui mérite d'être lue164. Depuis trente ans et plus n'êtes-vous pas ma femme?Qui, je le suis.165. Il est difficile de décider si la vanité produit plus de ridicules qu'elle en fait trouver dans les autres.166. Les feux-follet sont certains météores qui paraissent durant les nuits d'été.167. En tout la nature fournit les germes; c'est l'art qui per- fectionne leur développement.168. La noblesse est comme la flamme qui se communique,mais qui s'éteint dès qu'elle manque d'aliment. Rappelez-vous de votre naissance, puisqu'elle vous impose des grands devoirs;rappelez-vous de vos ancêtres, puisqu'ils sont pour vous des exemples qu'il vous importe d'imiter.169. Tout est arrangé dansle monde avec une prévoyance, une sagesse infinies.170. Inexplicables humains, comment pouvez-vous réunir au- tant de bassesse à tant de grandeur, tant de vertus à autant de vices.171. Quoi que la lune est la plus brillante des planètes, elle jète moins de clarté que le soleil lors même qu'elle est la plus brillante.172. L'aigle impérial conduisait à la victoire nos valeureuses phalanges.104 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX.173. Plus on étudie la religion chrétienne, et plus on découvre en elle des caractères de sagesse qui pénètrent le cœur d'amour,et l'esprit d'admiration.174. Enfin evite-moi ces tristes entretiens.175. Il y a bien des gens qui voyent le vrai, et qui ne peuvent jamais l'atteindre.176. Agir sans avoir réfléchi est se mettre en voyage sans avoirfait des préparatifs .177. Dieu, qui avait créé les anges dans la sainteté, voulut que leur bonheur dépende d'eux-même.178. Vous m'avez vendu chers vos secours inhumains.179. Les traîtres sont détesté par ceux même qui les em- ployent.180. Bien dire et bien penser n'est rien sans bien faire.181. C'est en les oubliants qu'un grand cœur se venge des injures qu'il a reçu.182. L'on a besoin de tout le monde, quand on ne tient pas àpersonne .183. Le propre de la folie est de voir les défauts des autres,et de ne pas se rappeler des siens .184. Tel qui cachait son âge à quarante ans, l'augmente àquatre-vingt.185. L'agriculture et le commerce sont également utiles dans un état; celle-ci nourrit les habitants, celui-là les enrichit.186. C'est dans l'organisation et le caractère de l'homme, où se trouve les principes de bonheur.187. Jamais dessus le trône on ne vit plus d'un maître:Il n'en peut tenir deux, quel que grand qu'il peut être.188. La nature répand ses bienfaits avec une libérale écono- mie; usons d'eux avec la même sagesse.189. Le sénat parlait à Néron de sa reconnaissance: ce prince,jeune alors, répondit: " J'attendrai, pour compter sur elle, que je l'aie mérité."190. L'immortelle est l'emblême d'une longue et d'une con- stante amitié.191. Un vase neuf conserve longtemps l'odeur de la liqueur qu'on y a versé, ainsi l'homme conserve la première impression qu'il areçu.192. Se montrer modéré au faîte de la grandeur est le comble de la sagesse.193. L'amitié est un des plus grands biens dont l'homme peut jouir.194. Lavertu obscure est souvent méprisé, par ce que rien ne la relève pas aux yeux des hommes.EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ. 105195. Le bonheur naît souvent du sein des malheurs même.196. Les libertins ont beau faire les esprits- forts, ils tremblent davantage que les autres, quant ils sont prêts à mourir.197. Personne n'est aussi content de son sort que de lui.198. Quelles que estimé que sont les richesses, elles ne sont estimables que dans les mains de l'homme bienfaisant.199. Les jeunes gens imaginent que tout le monde les fixe,et les vieillards, que personne ne les voit.200. Nous nous méfiions de l'avenir, en nous rappelant dupassé.201. Nous imitons les bons exemples par émulation, et les mauvais par une certaine dépravation que la honte retenait pri- sonnière, et que l'exemple met en liberté.202. Votre feu mère avait les cheveux châtains-clairs, et les yeux bleus- foncés.203. Un homme mortel ne doit point avoir de haines immortelles.204. La plupart des hommes flotte sans cesse entre des craintes ridicules, et des fausses espérances.205. Une âme honnête, si elle a des torts, ne saurait être en paix avec elle-même, à moins qu'ils soient reparé.206. Hélas! plus je lui parle, et plus il m'intéresse.207. Plusieurs Arabes du désert interrogé comment ils avaient découvert l'existence de Dieu. De la même manière, répondi- rent-ils, que nous reconnaissons, par les traces imprimé dessus le sable, si un homme ou un chameau y ont passé.208. Quand les impressions sont fortes, leur souvenir est durable.209. Les doux et innocents plaisirs qu'offre la nature, con- serve tous leur agrément pour l'homme sensible et vertueux.210. Le plus grand des défauts qu'un homme peut avoir est de s'en croire exempt.211. Combien de grands hommes généralement applaudis, ont gâté le concert de leurs louanges en leur mêlant leur voix.212. Le foudre éclate dans les nues et tombe en sillonstortueux.213. Les bienfaits sont le seul trésor qui s'accroît à mesure qu'on le partage. 214. Vivre avec des criminels, est s'exposer à mourir aveceux.215. Qu'un peuple de tyrans qui veut nous enchaîner, par cet exemple un jour apprenne à pardonner. 216. ÀAthènes et à Rome, on vit la politesse et le goût106 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX.retomber dans cette barbarie dont tant de chefs-d'œuvres fameuxles avait tiré.217. L'homme vertueux est celui qui se reproche et qui se blâme des moindres fautes qu'il a fait.218. Des empires, jadis si fleurissant, ont été détruits et en- seveli dessous leur propre ruines.219. Pourquoi done craignons-nous la mort, si nous avons assez bien vécu pour ne pas craindre ses suites? Pourquoi re- doutons-nous autant cet instant, puisque une infinité d'autres in- stants du même ordre se prépare, puisque la mort est aussi naturelle comme la vie, et que l'une comme l'autre nous arrivent sans que nous nous en apercevions?220. Evitons en toute chose de parler de nous-même, ni denous donner pour exemples.221. Les bonnes ou mauvaises conversations forment ou gâtentl'esprit.222. L'esprit se peint dans la parole, qui est son image.223. Il est un livre ouvert à tous les yeux, c'est celui de la nature. C'est donc dans ce grand et ce sublime livre, où l'on apprend à connaître son divin auteur; et nul n'est pas pardon- nable de n'y pas lire, par ce qu'il parle à tous les hommes un langage intelligible à tous les esprits . 224. L'inconstance ou la légèreté dégradent tous les jours les chefs-d'œuvres de l'art; des million de siècles se sont écoulé, et le dégoût ainsi que l'ennui, n'ont pas encore attaqué les œuvresdu Tout-Puissant.225. L'esprit marche dans des sentiers battus, le génie s'ouvre des nouvelles routes.226. Les peuples qui ont débuté le plutôt dans la carrière des sciences, se sont laissé surpasser par les nations qu'ils avaient de- vancé. Témoins les Égyptiens et les Grecs.227. Télémaque, voyant Mentor qui lui tendait la main pour l'aider à nager, ne songea plus qu'à quitter et s'éloigner prompte- ment de l'île fatale .228. Que bénit soit le ciel qui te rend à mes vœux.229. Quel que soin qu'on prend de couvrir ses passions par des apparences de piété et d'honneur, elles paraissent toujours àtravers de ces voiles.230. Vain espoir! Céléno, la reine des harpies,Infecta ces beaux lieux de ses troupes impies.231. La paresse a étouffé plus de talents que l'activité en adeveloppé.232. Les malheureux croyent facilement ce qu'ils désirentEXERCISES ON FALSE SYNΤΑΧ. 107avec ardeur; et ce qu'ils redoutent, ils n'imaginent pas que rien peut les en garantir.233. La hardiesse avec laquelle on doit toujours dire la vérité,ne doit jamais dégénérer en audace et effronterie.234. Un des plus utiles emplois que nous pouvons faire de l'amour-propre, est de nous élever au-dessus de ses blessures.235. Chez les hommes de couleur, le menton ainsi que les joues sont dépourvus de barbe.236. Un titre, tel qu'il soit, n'est rien si ceux qui le portent ne sont grands par soi-même.237. Heureux l'homme bienfaisant! heureux celui qui reçoit avec gratitude! l'un et l'autre a des droits inaliénables à l'estimeet l'amitié de quiconque sait penser et sentir.238. La conscience est le jugement intérieur que les hommes portent chacun sur leurs propres actions.239. Henri IV eût long-temps pour ennemis la plupart de ceux qu'il avait comblé de ses bienfaits.240. Paris n'est pas si peuplé que Londres: cette dernière ville renferme près de deux million d'habitants, tandis que Paris n'en contient que un million, cinquante-trois milles-huitcents quatre-vingt.241. Il y a deux sortes d'ambitions: celle d'amasser de la for- tune, et celle d'acquérir de la gloire; il y a peu de gens qui lesont toutes deux.242. Vous êtes satisfaite, et je ne la suis pas.243. Rien ne choque davantage un homme de mérite comme les applaudissements des sots.244. Il n'y a personne qui ne soit capable de quelque chose,et personne qui soit capable de tout.245. Quelques méchants que sont les hommes, ils n'osent pa- raître ennemis de la vertu.246. Les délices du cœur sont plus touchants que ceux del'esprit.247. De peur que l'idolatrie infeste tout le genre-humain, et éteigne tout-à-fait la connaissance de Dieu, Dieu appela d'en- haut son serviteur Abraham.248. S'il est vrai que ce prince ait traité les troupes alliées qui l'ont abandonné, avec tant de sévérité, c'est qu'il a voulu que toutes les nations sachent que la trahison ne saurait rester impunie.249. Les sentiments excessifs sont sujets à se relâcher de soi- même, et se démentir dans la pratique.250. L'homme de bien oublie facilement le mal, mais il se rappèle toujours d'un bienfait.108 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ.251. Le routinier fera demain matin ce qu'il fait aujourd'-hui, et ce qu'il a fait hier au soir.252. Ceux qui sont trop blessé des petites choses, ne les sont jamais convenablement des grandes .253. Les coiffes-jaune sont des espèces d'oiseaux de Cayenne.254. L'homme qui n'aime que lui ne haït rien tant que d'êtrescul avec soi- même.255. Les loup-cervier ont la vue très-perçante.256. Les hommes qui raisonnent justes sont presque toujours juste vis-à-vis des autres hommes.257. C'est au fond du cœur des méchants où est dressé leuréchafaud.258. Montesquieu était d'une douceur et d'une gaîté toujours égale 259 Le moyen de donner avec fruit des leçons de vertu, estde donner aux hommes des bons exemples à imiter.260. La religion ne veut pas qu'on fixe d'un œil d'envie la prospérité de ses semblables.261. Plus une chose est difficile et plus il est glorieux de la bien faire.262. Il n'y a que la religion qui peut nous consoler des bornes étroites de la vie.263. Un peintre n'est vraiment habile qu'autant qu'il dessineet colore bien.264. Quant on me fait une offense, disait Descartes, je tâche d'élever mon âme si haute, que l'offense ne parvienne pas jusqu'à elle.265. Le mérite d'avoir fait une bonne action est le seul bienqu'on ne peut nous enlever.266. Charles XII a éprouvé ce que la prospérité a de plus grand, et ce que l'adversité a de plus cruel, sans avoir été amolli par celle- ci, ni ébranlé par celle-là.267. La vie toute entière du sage est à Dieu, à la patrie, àl'amitié.268. Quand le travail nous a fatigué, l'amusement à qui nous avons recours, n'est souvent qu'un changement d'occupations.269. Le plus ingénieux de tous les maîtres, est celui dont les leçons sont les plus goûté.270. Il faut souvent observer aux enfants que rien ne con- tribue davantage à l'économie et à la propreté, que de tenir chaque chose à leur place.271. Durant que nous nous portons bien, soyons tels que nous nous sommes proposé de devenir, lorsque nous étions ma- lades.EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ. 109272. Il vaut mieux ne pas montrer son esprit que le faire briller aux dépends de ses amis.273. Le relâchement des mœurs n'empêche pas qu'on vante beaucoup l'honneur et la vertu; ceux qui en ont les moins n'ont jamais ignoré combien il importait que les autres en aient.274. Voilà deux avantages que l'envie ne cherche jamais àcontester: la richesse à l'homme généreux, et la mémoire aux gens d'esprit.275. Il en est de la réputation comme de l'esprit, qui plus on le cherche et moins on le trouve.276. Il n'y a que ceux qui ne craignent pas la mort qui savent jouir de la vie. Le moyen le plus efficace qu'on peut employer pour se guérir de cette crainte, est de vivre sans reproches.277. Une pauvre femme fut trouver plusieurs fois Philippe,pour lui demander audience; comme il la lui refusait toujours,elle lui dit: Je viens vous demander justice; si vous n'avez pas le temps de me la rendre, cessez donc d'être roi. Alors Philippe la satisfit de suite.278. Ses sacrilèges mains, dessous un même joug range tous les humains.279. Le diamant est la pierre la plus dure et la plus pesante que l'on connaît. C'est dans les royaumes de Golconde, de Visa- pour et du Bengale, où se trouve les plus riches mines dediamant.280. Plus on est grand, et moins on s'avise de faire sentir une distance trop marqué pour qu'on la méconnaisse.281. Il y a dans la véritable vertu une candeur, une ingénuité qui se font aisément remarquer.282. Si l'on voulait définir les mots que l'on comprend les moins, il faudrait peut-être définir ceux dont on se sert davantage.283. L'ambition est un désir d'égaler et même de s'élever au- dessus des autres; l'un et l'autre est louable, pourvu que la raison ainsi que la justice les dirigent.284. La vue ainsi que le récit des actions vertueuses condui- sent à la vertu par le chemin le plus court; l'une et l'autreenflamme le courage et excite à imiter les beaux exemples qu'ilsnous présentent.285. Autant il est honteux d'être asservi à ses passions, et autant il est glorieux de les dompter.286. César ne croyait pas que le mérite des belles actions qu'il avait fait, lui donnait le droit de se reposer; il s'honorait plus tôt de ce qu'il avait à faire que de ce qu'il avait fait.10110 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX.287. S'il y a peu de grands orateurs, il y a peu d'hommes de capables de les apprécier.288. Fille du luxe et de l'abondance, la mollesse se fait des faux besoins que l'habitude lui rend nécessaire; et renforçant ainsi les liens qui nous attachent à la vie, elle rend sa perteencore plus douloureuse.289. Il y a, dans la vertu, une noblesse, une élévation que les cœurs vils et rampant ne sauraient atteindre.290. Le sage conserve la même tranquillité dans la bonne et mauvaise fortunes.291. Paul- Emile, vivement touché des malheurs de Persée,dit aux jeunes romains qui l'accompagnaient: Vous avez dessous vos yeux un grand exemple de l'inconstance de la fortune; rap- pelez- vous- en, quand vous serez dans la prospérité, afin de ne pas traiter personne avec orgueil.292. Dans les champs phrygiens les effets feront foi,Qui la chérit le plus, ou d'Ulysse ou de moi.293. La soif des conquêtes, ou le désir d'une vaine gloire,portent rarement les indiens de l'Amérique à entreprendre aucunes guerres injustes.294. C'est surtout dans la presqu'île en-deçà du Gange, où s'est conservé la coutume barbare qui porte les femmes à se brûler dessus le corps de leur mari.295. Il n'y a que les connaisseurs qui peuvent faire remarquer les beautés du premier ordre dont les Racines et les Boileaux ont enrichi leurs ouvrages; mais la totalité des lecteurs les sentent sans les analyser, et c'est ce qui fait lire et vivre les bons ouvrages long- temps auparavant qu'on n'ait reconnu tout leur prix.296. Le feu de l'amitié échauffe l'âme sans la consommer.297. C'était un beau serment que celui prononcé par les soldats de Fabius; ils ne jurèrent pas de mourir ou vaincre. Ils firent serment de revenir vainqueurs, et ils le tinrent.298. L'homme est un faible roseau que le moindre choc,qu'un souffle peuvent renverser.299. La vertu est un bien qui s'accroît en le communiquant:plus il est répandu dans un grand nombre de mains, et plus la part de chaque est grande.300. Phocion, un des hommes qui illustra le siècle d'Alexan- dre, adressa les paroles que voila à un jeune homme qui parlait avec davantage de vanité que de bon-sens: Jeune homme, tes discours ressemble aux cyprès, qui sont grands et hauts, et ne portent point des fruits .301. Les îles Canaries furent fréquenté des Romains, qui lesconnaissaient sous le nom d'îles Fortunées; mais ladécadenceEXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX. 111de l'empire romain rendit les nations de l'occident étrangères l'une à l'autre, et ces îles furent perdu pour nous. Vers l'antreize cents, les Byscayens les retrouvèrent.302. Les insulaires de Ternate n'entreprenaient jamais de guerre sans la déclarer à leurs ennemis; ils leur envoyaient le plan de campagne, et leur faisaient connaître le nombre d'hommes qui allaient combattre. Les Achaïens, si on en croit Polybe, n'avaient pas de procédés moins généreux vis-à-vis de leurs ennemis.303. Quelque soit la facilité de votre esprit, quelle que grande que soit votre application, vous ne parviendrez jamais àla con- naissance de toutes les sciences; lavie toute entière d'un homme suffit à peine pour en effleurer quelques unes.304. Caligula exigeait qu'on offre à son cheval Incitatus del'avoine et du vin dedans des coupes d'or.305. Une loi de Witolde, prince de Lithuanie, ordonnait auxcriminels de se faire mourir soi-même, afin d'éviter à l'exécuteurladouleur de verser le sang humain (961) .306. La plupart des hommes sont rampant devant les grands,et insolents vis-à-vis de leurs égaux.307. C'est la multitude des bonnes choses qui se trouve dans un ouvrage, qui font perdre de vue la multiciplicité des mauvaise qui y fourmille.308. On prétend que les Anthiosistes regardaient le travail comme un crime, et que leur vie se passait à dormir.309. Les Japonais sont le seul peuple qui n'a jamais été vaincu.310. La timidité exagère les périls, le courage aveugle les dé- guise, et souvent l'un et l'autre nous met hors d'état de triompher d'eux.311. Rien n'est plus admirable et plus héroïque que de puiser son courage dans le sein des disgrâces même, et de revivre àchaque coup qui devrait donner la mort.312. Il n'y a qu'un petit nombre d'hommes capable de dire ce qu'il pense, et de faire ce qu'il dit.313. La vertu, ainsi que l'honneur, peuvent s'étendre à l'in- fini: on peut toujours reculer leurs bornes, mais on ne les passe jamais.314. Il est des âmes que Dieu a créé pour être maîtresses desautres.315. Nommer un roi père du peuple est moins faire son éloge que l'appeler par son nom.316. Alexandre avait ordonné que l'on bâtisse une ville en l'honneur de son chien Péritus.112 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX.317. Il suffit pour illustrer une nation, de cinq à six hommes comme Corneille, Molière, Newton et Bossuet.318. Qui des deux est le plus fou, le prodigue ou l'avare?319. Après les dieux, de qui les bonnes lois viennent, rien ne doit être si sacré et plus digne du respect des hommes, que les lois destiné à les rendre bons, sages et heureux.320. Depuis le caillou, jusqu'à la dépouille des animaux, il n'est rien dans la nature dont on ne peut faire un ornement: il n'est pas impossible de donner à une matière quelconque une disposition ou une forme agréables, et la combinaison qui plaira la plus, deviendra la plus belle.321. Un homme esclave de ses passions est bien plus àplaindre que l'est celui qui gémit sous la plus rude servitude: celui-là n'a, pour l'ordinaire, qu'un seul maître à contenter; celui-ci aautant de tyrans qu'il a de désirs.322. L'esclavage enfante tous les vices; la liberté élève et donne de la force à l'âme.323. Chérissez vos père et mère, qui vous ont comblé de bien- faits, et aimez votre patrie, que les hommes de bien ont toujours chéri et servi .324. Londres compte une population de neuf cent milles habitants en été, et d'un million en hiver.325. Personne ne nie qu'il y a un Dieu, si ce n'est celui à qui il importe qu'il n'y en ait point.326. Justice vis-à-vis des peuples, charité à l'égard des misé- rables, sévérité vis-à-vis des méchants, tendresse envers les bons:voici les bases sur lesquelles est fondé la gloire et la sainteté de Saint Louis.327. Que les gens de bien jurent entre eux une alliance, une union inviolables .328. L'on doit son cœur à peu; l'on doit son indulgence àtous.329. Le méchant se nuit à soi-même auparavant de nuire auxautres.330. Oh! combien les épanchements de l'amitié soulagent et donnent de la confiance aux âmes découragées.331. On ne doute pas que les Français aient été éclairé beau- coup plutôt si la nation eut été mieux gouvernée qu'elle n'a été sous la première et la seconde races .332. Quelque soit mon destin, je bénis sa rigueur.333. Ce n'est pas les places qui honorent les hommes, mais les hommes qui honorent les places.334. Tant est grand notre amour-propre, personne ne veut pasêtre plaint de ses erreurs.EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX. 113335. La conduite des affaires demande de grands desseins, des grandes vues; témoins les Hôpitals, les Sullys et les Catinats.336. L'éloquence aide à la raison, et en est aidé à son tour.337. Les Japonais de distinction ont des domestiques de con- fiance, chargés spécialement d'avertir leur maître des fautes dans lesquelles ils les ont vu tomber.338. Les pigeons fendent l'air avec une vitesse, une rapidité prodigieuses; il en est qui parcourent cent mille en moins d'uneheure.339. Richelieu et Mazarin gouvernèrent le même royaumeavec une politique toute opposée. Ils essuyèrent l'un et l'autredes tempêtes, et tous deux échappèrent au naufrage, l'un par une noble audace, l'autre par une heureuse adresse. 340. Quelque dispositions que l'amour-propre a à s'aveugler,il cherche encore plus souvent à faire illusion qu'il s'en fait àlui-même.341. Avant qu'un sang si cher n'ait abreuvé la terre,Le ciel avait déjà fait gronder son tonnerre.342. Si Dieu n'a pas écrit dans les nuages: espérez ou crai- gnez, il l'a écrit dedans nos cœurs.343. On obtient plus aisément grâce près de ceux vis-à-vis de qui l'on a des torts réels, que près de ceux vis-à-vis de qui l'on n'en a que d'imaginaires.344. La religion n'abât ni n'amollit le cœur; elle l'anoblit et élève.345. Dieu, en donnant l'intelligence à l'homme, a voulu qu'il ne pût être confondu avec tout autre créature.346. Qui, de François I ou de Charles-Quint, laissera dans la postérité un souvenir plus durable?347. Ceux accoûtumés à des vifs plaisirs, ont perdu l'habitude des plaisirs doux et tranquilles .348. Loin de blâmer vos pleurs, je suis prêt de pleurer.349. L'amitié donne droit de contredire, mais elle ne donne pas celui d'offenser par la contradiction.
- 350. Celui qui n'a aucunes vertus porte toujours envie à celles des autres .
351. Le mérite et la vertu ont toujours l'air simples et mo- destes.352. Si on pouvait ignorer qu'on est malade, souvent on seraitguéri de suite.353. Rien ne peut suppléer la joie qu'ont ôté les remords.354. Que de vaisseaux il s'est construit en Angleterre! A lafin de la dernière guerre qu'il y a eu, cette nation, que ses forces maritimes ont rendu si puissante, possédait mil vaisseaux de10*114 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ.guerre, et environ vingt-quatre milles-cinq cent bâtiments marchands.355. Pierre-le-Grand est un des plus grands hommes que l'Europe a vu naître .356. Un long amas d'honneurs rend Thésée pardonnable.357. Madame de Sévigné porte envie au bonheur que vous aurez de voir sa fille demain matin, ou demain soir.358. Plus on est né avec des grandes qualités, et plus la corruption est profonde et désespéré.359. Quelques corrompu que sont les hommes, la vertu leur en impose toujours. 360. Soyez sincère, loyal, et conduisez-vous de sorte que vos parents se glorifieront de vous avoir pour fils .361. Le couvre-pied d'édredon procure une douce chaleur.362. Il n'y a que le coupable qui doit s'effrayer du soupçon.363. Quoi que invisibles il est toujours deux témoins qui nous fixent: ce sont Dieu et la conscience.364. Les vaisseaux abordent rarement dans cette île, où on trouve peu ou point d'eau douce.365. On trouve rarement de petits-maîtres sans affectation, et de petites-maîtresses sans afféterie.366. Le baobab du Sénégal est le plus grand arbre que l'onconnait. Adanson en a vu dont le tronc avaient plus de quatre- vingt pieds de circonférence, etdont les fleurs avaient une demietoise de pourtour.367. C'est par la vertu qu'on chérit et qu'on tient à ses devoirs sans efforts.368. On n'a pas rien à craindre du temps, lorsqu'on est rajeuni par lagloire.369. Quintilien avait raison de dire que la conscience seule valait mil témoins.370. Le meilleur moyen de se défaire d'un ennemi, disait Henri IV, est de s'en faire un ami.371. Nourri dans le sérail, je connais ses détours.372. Ce sont le courage et la force qui fondent les empires:mais c'est les vertus qui les affermissent.373. Quant nous ne trouvons pas notre repos en nous-même,il est inutile de le chercher ailleurs.374. Nous convenons plus tôt des sottises que nous avons fait que de celles que nous avons dit.375. C'est par sa bonté plus tôt que par sa vaillance que Henri IV s'est rendu célèbre.376. On commettrait bien moins de fautes, si on pensait qu'on ales dieux pour témoin.EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ. 115377. Ce beau pays est admiré par les étrangers qui trouvent son climat délicieux, son sol fertile et ses lois sages.378. Il a brisé la lance et l'épée homicide sur qui l'impiété fondait son ferme appui.379. Socrate inventa, dit-on, la morale; cependant d'autres auparavant lui l'avait mis en pratique. Aristide avait été juste avant que Socrate ait dit ce que c'était que la justice. Léonidas était mort pour son pays avant que Socrate n'ait fait un devoir d'aimer la patrie. Sparte était sobre auparavant que Socrate ait loué la sobriété; et la Grèce abondait en hommes vertueux avant qu'il n'ait loué la vertu.380. J'ai ouï dire à feue votre sœur que sa fille et moi naquirent la même année.381. Le style de La Fontaine se fait remarquer par une éléva- tion ou une simplicité toujours naturelles, et qu'il est difficile d'atteindre.382. Il y a une grandeur, dans les productions de la nature, que l'art ne saurait atteindre .383. On est bien prêt de l'ingratitude lorsqu'on pèse un bien- fait.384. Ne jugons pas des bois par leur écorce, et des hommes par leur extérieur.385. Imite mon exemple, et lorsqu'une cabale,Un flot de vains auteurs, follement te ravale,Profite de leur haine, et de leur mauvais sens.386. La pensée fréquente de la mort nous accoutume à elle,et c'est peut-être le plus beau triomphe que l'habitude a obtenu.387. Il y a peu d'hommes qui soient propres et capables d'exé- cuter de grandes choses .388. Quiconque oblige les méchants dans l'espoir d'une récom- pense, commet une double faute: la première, en prêtant secours à qui il n'est pas dû; la deuxième, en s'exposant à devenir leur victime.389. On compte en France quatre cent villes, quarante-trois milles bourgs et villages, et quatre milles-trois cents-quatre-vingt rivières.390. C'est n'être pas bon à rien que de n'être bon que pour soi.391. Les talents, tous précieux qu'ils soient, sont peu de chose - en comparaison des vertus.392. C'est à la crainte de l'injustice a qui on doit les lois.393. Chez les Romains, on enfermait les parricides dedans unsac, et l'on les jettait à la mer.394. Le premier pas que l'on fait dans le monde,Est celui d'où dépend le reste de nos jours.116 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNΤΑΧ.395. Plus on lit les bons livres, et plus on sent leursbeautés.396. Les sots servent bien moins au plaisir des gens-d'esprit,que les gens-d'esprit servent au plaisir des sots.397. Quoi! vous mourrez innocent? disait un des disciples de Socrate à ce philosophe. Vous voudriez donc, répondit Socrate,que je meure coupable?398. Ces pensées sans consistance qu'on travaille avec tant de peine, ressemblent à ces feuilles légères de métal qui plus l'on les bat, plus elles prennent d'éclat en perdant de leur solidité.399. Entre les nations qui se sont succédé dans la carrière des sciences et des découvertes, les dernières sont évidemment le plus savantes, mais non pas le plus ingénieuses.400. C'est obliger toutes les honnêtes gens que d'obliger ceux qui méritent de l'être .401. Corneille s'est élevé dans les genres tragique et comique à des beautés que n'ont pas connu les anciens, et que n'ont pas atteint les modernes.402. La nature supplée par l'amour maternelle ce qui manqueaux enfants.403. Il nous arrive souvent de ne plus nous rappeler de nos fautes lorsqu'elles ne sont su que de nous.404. L'ingrat se punit soi-même du mauvais choix que l'on afait de lui.405. L'homme doit se rendre heureux dans tous les âges, de peur qu'après bien des soins, il meurt auparavant de l'avoir été.406. Il n'y a ni rang ni fortune qui peut racheter des basses inclinations.407. Un imbécile, ayant appris que le corbeau vivait au-delà de deux cent ans, il en acheta un pour en faire l'épreuve.408. Tous les papillons que vous avez vu voltiger dans la prairie, et que vous avez trouvé si jolis, ont été primitivement des chenilles amené par des métamorphoses à l'état de chrysalide,et enfin à celui de papillon .409. Dieu punit les mauvais princes, en les rendant eux-même les instruments de sa colère.410. Quiconque s'écarte de la sagesse, s'éloigne du seul bon- heur où l'homme peut prétendre sur la terre.411. C'est de l'animal appelé civette d'où on tire le musc.412. Il y a mil prix pour les beaux discours, il n'y en a aucuns pour les belles actions.413. Dieu, qui a refusé aux méchants des yeux pour recon- naître les bons, en adonné aux bons pour se reconnaître les unset les autres .EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX. 117414. Le sage fixe sans envie ce qu'il ne peut souhaiter sansextravagance.415. Les images dangereuses des plaisirs sont mil fois plus àcraindre pour le cœur que les plaisirs même.416. Il est plus doux de rendre des services qu'en recevoir.417. Il est une vertu: qui méconnaît ses charmes,Vivra dans la douleur, gémira dans les larmes.418. Minos n'a voulu que ses enfants règnent après lui, qu'à condition qu'ils régneraient suivant et conformément à ses maximes.419. Une vapeur qui s'exhale, des ressorts qui se détendent,une machine qui se dissout et se met en pièce: voici ce queprésente la mort.420. O Télémaque, aimez vos peuples comme vos enfants;goûtez le plaisir d'être adoré par eux; et faites qu'ils ne puissent jamais goûter la paix et lajoie sans qu'ils ne se rappèlent que c'est à un bon roi à qui ils sont redevables de si riches présents.421. Ne donnez jamais de conseils qu'il soit dangereux de suivre.422. La sagesse pallie les défauts du corps et anoblit l'esprit.423. Bien des événements nous ont séparés et fait sentir qu'il n'y a de bonheur qu'au sein d'une famille tendrement aimée.424. La planète Herschel employe environ quatre-vingts-trois ans à faire sa révolution.425. Retournez dans le sein de Dieu, dont vous êtes sorti,âme héroïque et chrétienne.426. C'est à l'aide de ce chemin sans trace (l'Océan) et au- travers les abîmes, que l'ancien et nouveau monde se donne la main, et que le nouveau prête à l'ancien autant de commodités et de richesses.427. Nul ne peut se flatter de n'avoir pas donné à personne des justes sujets de plainte.428. Les instants que nous employions à l'étude ne laissent après soi aucuns vide.429. La raison nous enseigne qu'il est plus glorieux de com- mander à ses passions que de s'abandonner à elles; et que plus il est difficile d'oublier une injure, et plus il est grand de la pardonner.430. Les excès dégradent l'homme, et le font mourir plutôt.431. Les Grecs racontaient que certains hommes, enchanté dela voix des muses et occupé du soin de les imiter, s'étaient laissé mourir de faim; et que les muses, touché de leur sort, s'étaient plu à les métamorphoser en cigales.432. Ce qui empêche le plus souvent qu'un jeune-homme118 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ.devienne habile, ce sont sa suffisance et la persuasion de son propre mérite.433. Les passions impétueuses sont comme la flamme, qui,plus elle est vive, plus elle s'éteint promptement.434. Il semble, aux murmures des impatients mortels, que Dieu leur doit la récompense auparavant le mérite, et qu'il est obligé de payer leur vertu d'avance. Oh! soyons bons première- ment, et puis nous serons heureux. N'exigeons pas le prix avant la victoire, et le salaire auparavant le travail. Ce n'est pas en entrant en lice, disait Plutarque, que les vainqueurs de nos jeux sacrés sont couronné, mais après qu'ils l'ont parcouru.435. Le triomphe était la récompense la plus glorieuse dont Rome honorait le mérite militaire; mais pour qu'un général l'obtienne, il fallait qu'il ait tué cinq milles ennemis.436. On ne peut contempler le soleil, à moins qu'un nuage léger tempère son éclat, et admirer la plupart des qualités, si la modestie ne leur sert de voile.437. La mort ne surprend pas le sage;Il est toujours près de partir.438. L'ingratitude enlève moins de plaisir au bienfaiteur qu'elle en ôte à l'ingrat.439. Les aigles, dit-on, accoûtument leurs petits à fixer le soleil.440. Les Romains attaquèrent les Carthaginois qui s'étaient ébranlé avec impétuosité, et les mirent en déroute, qui fut com- plète.441. Les impressions qui font sentir davantage le prix de la vie, sont celles qui nous rappèlent les plus facilement qu'elle doit finir.442. Guillaume III laissa la réputation d'un grand politique,quoi qu'il n'ait pas été populaire; et d'un généralà craindre quoi qu'il ait perdu beaucoup de batailles.443. La plupart des lecteurs aime mieux s'amuser que s'instruire.444. La vie est rosier qui n'est jamais sans rose:L'homme est l'abeille à qui la céleste faveur,Au travers quelque épine, en fait sucer la fleur,445. Le plus sûr de plaire aux autres, est de leur aider à nous plaire.446. Les Grecs rendaient de grands honneurs à la mémoire de ceux tués en combattant pour la patrie.447. L'équivoque la mieux concerté est aussi criminelle aux yeux de la Divinité, comme le mensonge le plus grossier.EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX. 119448. Que les Dieux me fassent périr, plus tôt que de souffrir que la mollesse ou la volupté ne s'emparent de mon cœur.449. Durant qu'il règna, Henri IV ne fut occupé que du bon- heur et de la gloire de ses sujets.450. On ne sait ce qu'on doit admirer davantage dans Champfort, ou son génie ou son âme.451. Les mauvaises pensées, si on ne les écarte pas de suite produisent des mauvaises actions.452. C'est au mérite seul à qui devrait être reservé les récompenses et les honneurs.453. La France s'étant enquis ce qu'étaient devenu les vais- seaux du malheureux Lapérouse, apprit qu'ils avaient tombé au pouvoir des sauvages de l'île de Malicolo.454. La religion des Grecs et des Romains laissait les âmes des morts qui n'avaient pas été inhumé, dans un état de souf- france455. Alors sortirent du fond du nord, ce déluge de nations barbares, qui formèrent des débris de l'empire Romain, un grand nombre d'Etats qui subsiste aujourd'hui.456. La lune n'est pas aussi éloigné de la terre comme le soleil, lors même qu'elle en est la plus éloigné.457. Quant on remue, jusques dans ses dernières profondeurs,un peuple qui a croupi dans l'esclavage et l'ignorance, il en sort des prodiges de crime et de vertu.458. Si l'on pouvait descendre dedans le cœur des riches, l'on verrait combien de craintes tourmente ceux qu'on croit qui sontheureux.459. N'envie point ton bienfaiteur, et ne cherche pas à cacher les bienfaits que tu en as reçu.460. C'est peu d'être clair, il faut être précis; car tous les genre d'écrire ont chacun sa précision.461. Le menteur ne trompe habituellement que soi.462. Celui qui fait injure à quelqu'un est plus à plaindre que celui qui la souffre.463. Je vous prends à témoins, vous tous qui m'écoutez, et qui voyez les larmes que je répands.464. Vaincu, mais plein d'espoir, et maître de Paris,Sa politique habile, au fond de la retraite,Aux ligueurs incertains déguisait sa défaite.465. On s'aime bientôt, quant on est semblable de mœurs et d'inclinations.466. Toute notre vie est une recherche éternelle de nousmême.467. Nous faisons nos destins: quoique vous puissiez dire,L'homme, par sa raison, sur l'homme a quelque empire.120 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ.468. Alexandre et César furent follement avides de gloire:quoi que maîtres du monde, ni l'un ni l'autre ne connut le repos et le bonheur.469. Ce qui empêche qu'un menteur se corrige, est qu'il tire vanité de ses mensonges.470..... La clémence est la plus belle marque Qui fait à l'univers connaître un vrai monarque.471. Comme Saint Paul se rendait à Damas pour persécuter les disciples de Jesus- Christ, Dieu le frappa, tout-d'un-coup, d'une lumière très-vive qui porta lavérité dans son âme; et cet homme qui ne respirait que fureur, se trouva tout- à-coup touché, instruitet rempli de charité.472. Quoi! Seigneur, se peut-il que d'un cours si rapide,La victoire vous a ramené dans l'Aulide?473. La belle retraite des dix-milles a plus anobli la carrière militaire de Cyrus que les plus belles conquêtes .474. La Hire disait à Charles VII: Sire, on ne peut perdreson royaume plus gaîment que vous ne faites.475. On doit éviter avec soin toute construction, quelque soit son élégance, qui présenterait une image fausse.476. L'art de feindre, dans l'une et l'autre fortunes,N'est rien que l'art d'une âme ou perfide ou commune.477. À la gloire et la grandeur qui occupèrent les premières années de son règne, Louis XIV voulut réunir les douceurs de l'amitié.478. Celui qui attend un malheur certain, il peut se dire véri- tablement malheureux.479. Il serait à désirer que les hommes fassent leur épitaphede leur vivant (511 bis), et qu'ils s'efforcent de mériter tout le bien qu'ils désireraient d'eux-même.480 Le langage de l'homme hypocrite n'est pas susceptible d'aucune interprétation: ni sa langue ni son cœur n'est jamais d'accord.481. L'âne est autant humble, autant patient, comme le chevalest fier et impétueux.482. Quiconque accuse trop les hommes, s'accuse lui-même.483. On n'a jamais plus de peine à résister à la flatterie, que quant on l'exerce devant témoins.484. Heureux le poète qui, comme Horace, sait mêler l'agré- able avec l'utile .485. Le Mahométisme fondé par Mahomet, en six cents vingt,domine en Asie, Afrique, et une partie de l'Europe.486. Beaucoup de têtes sont comme ces salons où la lumièremal dirigée forme des faux-jour.EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ. 121487. Les puissances établi par le commerce, s'élèvent peu-à- peu, et sans qu'on ne s'en aperçoive.488. La vie est un dépôt confié par le ciel:Oser en disposer, est être criminel.489. Plus nous nous appliquerons à connaître les merveilles de lanature, et plus nous admirerons en elle la sagesse de celui qui,après l'avoir créé, les soutient et conserve.490. Le véritable éloge d'un poète, est qu'on retienne ses vers.491. Tel nom qu'on puisse donner à la défiance, elle est tou- jours le vice des âmes basses.492. Les méchants peuvent paraître heureux, mais ne croyez pas qu'ils 'ils les sont; s'ils ont le sourire sur leurs lèvres, ils ont lamort dans leur cœur.493. Entre toutes choses dont la connaissance est nécessaireà l'homme, celle qui doit l'occuper davantage est, sans contredit,la connaissance de soi-même.494. Quel variété admirable présente les productions de la terre, chacune dans leur genre, et dans les temps marqués par la Providence, pour les besoins et les plaisirs mêmes des hommes.495. Tout grand que soit le nombre des génies supérieurs dont se glorifie une nation, il en est à peine cinq à six dont les chefs-d'œuvres passeront à la postérité la plus reculée.496. La fameuse muraille bâtie par les Chinois a quatre cent lieues de long sur quatre-vingt pieds de largeur.497. On voit le passé meilleur qu'il a été; on trouve le présent pire qu'il est; on espère l'avenir plus heureux qu'il sera.498. Un véritable ami ne loue en nous que qui mérite de l'être.499. Je doute fort que la solitude appaise les troubles du cœur si la raison ne s'en mêlait.500. Soit vanité ou modestie, il est rare que nous nous appré- cions bien nous-même.501. Il n'y a pas de contradictions dont les hommes ne sont susceptibles dès qu'ils veulent approfondir les choses.502. Les armes détruisent tous les arts, excepté ceux qui favorisent la guerre.503. Dès que l'art domine, il gâte au lieu de contribuer à l'em- bellissement de la nature.504. L'irréligion et le mépris des lois sont les avants-coureurs de la ruine d'un état.505. L'amour-propre est un ballon gonflé de vent dont il sort des tempêtes, quand on lui fait une piqûre.506. Destiné à vivre avec les hommes, il faut montrer de11122 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ.l'indulgence pour leur faiblesses, et de la compassion pour leurs malheurs.507. Entre les républiques dont la Grèce était composé,Athènes et Lacédémone furent sans contredit les principales.Onnepeut avoir plus d'esprit que n'en avait Athènes, et plus de force que n'en avait Lacédémone; l'une et l'autre aimait la gloire, et toutes deux y parvinrent par une route toute opposée.508. Les personnes nés dans l'élévation deviennent comme un spectacle public qu'on fixe avec curiosité.509. La plupart des nations anciennes et modernes n'a pas d'orateurs et de poètes héroïques qu'on peut comparer aux Cicérons et aux Virgiles.510. Un fou rempli d'erreurs, que le trouble accompagne,Et malade à la ville ainsi qu'en campagne,En vain monte à cheval pour tromper son ennui:Le chagrin monte en croupe, et galope avec lui.511. Le bonheur est la seule chaîne qui peut attacher les hommes l'un à l'autre.512. Faites du bien aux hommes, et vous serez bénit: voici lavraiegloire.513. Envier quelqu'un, est avouer qu'on lui est inférieur.514. L'hypocrite ne saurait feindre long-temps: un mot, un regard, un geste le trahissent.515. Il y a deux morales: l'une passive, l'autre active; la première défend qu'on ne fasse le mal; la deuxième commande qu'on fasse le bien.516. Ovide a dit que l'étude adoucissait les mœurs, et effa- çait tout ce qu'il y avait en nous de grossier et de barbare.517. Il est difficile de réunir le style simple au sublime, sans tomber dans le style bas ou le gigantesque.518. Racine et Boileau se sont toujours estimés et donné des preuves d'un sincère attachement.519. L'exemple d'un grand homme en impose, et est imité par tous ceux qui ont dans l'âme quelque élévation .520. La méchanceté est contagieuse, et on a remarqué que ceux qui sont demeuré longtemps avec les méchants, avait perdu cette franchise, cette loyauté qui caractérisent l'homme de bien.521. L'égoïsme ou la vanité font autant de mal que la mé- chanceté.522. Le bien qu'on a fait n'est jamais perdu: si les hommes l'oublient, Dieu s'en rappèle, et le récompense.523. Nous aperçûmes, à la lueur des éclairs, un vaisseau luttant contre la tempête; bientôt un cri effroyable vient frapperEXERCISES ON FALSE SYNΤΑΧ. 123nos oreilles, et puis nous n'entendons plus rien que le bruit des vents et des flots.524. Quelque soit l'application et le zèle que ces deux jeunes- gens ont montré, ni l'un ni l'autre n'obtiendront le prix destiné àl'élève le plus instruit.525. Il faut suivre la fortune dans ses caprices, et la corriger quand onpeut.526. L'esprit ne cède qu'à la lumière: une toute autre manière de l'éclairer ne produit que les préjugés et l'ignorance.527. Il y a peu de plaisirs qui ne soit acheté trop chers.528. Dès qu'un homme est à craindre, on ne cherche plus qu'à l'adoucir, le flatter ou le tromper.529. Quelque soit les circonstances où on se trouve, on est toujours utile et chéri de la société quand on remplit scrupu- leusement son devoir.530. Les demies-connaissances sont des clairs-de-lunes quicachent un précipice et en éclairent un autre.531. Un sage a dit que l'instruction était un trésor, et que letravail en était la clef (960) . 532. Saint Louis aimait la justice, et à la rendre lui-même àses sujets.533. Celui qui ne fait aucun frais pour plaire, est rarement aimable.534. Le monde se glorifie d'avoir eu des Alexandre, des Cé- sar, des Pompée, mais il n'a eu qu'un Socrate. 535. Un homme est maître de la vie des autres, quand il compte pour rien la sienne.536. Les livres sont des conseillers muets qui instruisent et corrigent sans aigreur ni sans flatterie.537. Il y a un esprit de contradiction dans les hommes quiles porte à se contredire les uns et les autres.538. L'attrait de lavie domestique est un des meilleurs contre- poisons des mauvaises mœurs.539. La conversation doit être comme ces jeux où les joueurs jètent leur carte chacun à leur tour.540. Quoi que livré à tous les délices du monde, Alcibiade était,quand lefallait, le plus modéré des hommes.541. La jeunesse est la fleur de la nation toute entière; mais c'est dans la fleur où il faut préparer le fruit, et c'est en veillant sur l'éducation des enfants, qu'ils deviennent des hommes utiles à eux-même et à leurs semblables. Qu'on leur apprenne donc,dès leur enfance, à détester l'injustice, le mensonge, l'ingratitude,et fuir tous les délices qui amollissent les hommes. Qu'ils ap- prennent à être fidèles à leurs promesses, tendres pour leurs amis124 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX.et compâtissant vis-à-vis de tous les hommes; qu'ils craignent davantage les reproches de leur conscience que les tourments etlamort.542. Quoique les méchants ont quelque fois l'air bons, il est facile à un œil exercé de découvrir ce qui se passe dans leurcœur.543. Bien des personnes peuvent faire une action sage, mais il y en a bien peu qui sont susceptibles de faire une action généreuse.544. Convenance et clarté: voici les deux principales qualitésde l'élocution.545. Si vous nous avez ôté votre amitié, rendez-nous-la.546. Quiconque aime le travail se suffit àlui-même.547. L'ambitieux espère parvenir à tout; l'avare craint de tout perdre: ni l'un ni l'autre ne sait jouir.548. Le flatteur est méprisé, même par ceux qu'il flatte.549. L'éléphant, comme le castor, aiment la société de leurs semblables.550. Une fois leur curiosité ou leur vanité satisfaites, bien des gens sont indifférents au reste.551. Pour instruire les enfants il faut une patience, une persévérance sans lesquelles il n'est point de véritable succès.552. Souffrir lâchement le mépris est prouver qu'on le mérite.553. Le plus fin, tel qu'il soit, est souvent la dupe de ses finesses .554. Tous ceux qui ont médité sur l'art de gouverner les hommes, ont reconnu que c'était de l'instruction de la jeunesse d'où dépendait le sort des empires.555. L'esprit devient robuste et courageux en l'accoutumant à surmonter les difficultés.556. C'est un oiseau fabuleux que le phénix, qu'on dit qui renaît de sa cendre.557. Si on vous demande conseil, donnez-le toujours selonvotre conscience.558. Le moyen de faire oublier son origine, est de prouverqu'on s'en rappèle.559. Annibal vainquit Sempronius sur les bords de la Trébie,qui avait imprudemment engagé le combat.560. Un crime, quelqu'en soient le prétexte ou l'objet,Pour les cœurs vertueux est toujours un forfait.561. Il ne faut jamais faire parler les hommes autrement qu'ils parleraient eux-même.562. La religion nous console des maux que nous essuyions.EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ. 125563. Les poisson-volant ne parcourent dans l'air que des courtsespaces.564. L'homme impatient rompt les branches pour cueillir lefruit auparavant qu'il ne soit mûr.565. Du premier coup-d'œil on haït l'orgueilleux; du deuxième on le plaint.566. Faibles mortels que nous sommes! est-ce à nous à pénétrer les secrets de la Divinité?567. Dans les chefs-d'œuvres de l'amour, que peut-on com- parer à la tendresse maternelle?568. Un des écueils contre lequel la raison fait souvent nau- frage, est la prévention.569. La narration ne sert à rien lorsque les faits ont été exposé comme ils doivent être.570. Alexandre, tout couvert de sueur, alla baigner dans les eaux du Cydnus.571. La sagesse n'a rien d'austère et d'affecté: c'est à elle à qui sont dû les vrais plaisirs.572. La distraction et la gaîté sont les contre-poisons duchagrin.573. Un nombre infini d'oiseaux faisait résonner les bocages de leurs chants harmonieux.574. Heureux le roi qui sait se préserver et éloigner des flatteurs.575. Socrate faisait son occupation principale de lire et mé- diter les écrits du petit nombre de sages qui l'avaient précédé.576. Monsieur, tous mes procès allaient être finis,Il ne m'en restait plus que quatre à cinq petits.577. J'aurai de vous ma grâce, ou lamort de ma main;Choisissez: l'un ou l'autre acheveront mes peines.11*126
EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX.CHAPTER XXIII.EXERCISES ON THE USE OF ORTHOGRAPHIC SIGNS. *(See Grammar No. 428 andfollowing. )EXERCISES ON ACCENTS .1. L'ESPRIT, les talents, le genie procurent la celebrite; la vertu seule donne la felicite.2. La veritable richesse des peuples est la sobriete.3. Il n'y a pas d'ami plus fidele qu'un bon livre.4. On mene les peureux par une peur plus grande.5. Le premier qui fut roi fut un pere adore.6. La guerre est un proces qui ruine ceux qui gagnent.7. La beaute n'est quelquefois qu'un piege tendu par la nature a la raison .8. L'erreur et le mensonge assiegent notreesprit.9. Puisse-je demeurer sans voix, si ma bouche altere la verite.10. Lapomme a la plus belle, a dit l'antique adage;Un plus heureux a dit: La rose a la plus sage.11. Rome des sa fondation, acquit de la celebrite.12. Il n'y a point d'esprit, ou il n'y a pas de raison.13. Les secrets de la nature sont caches; le temps les revele d'age en age.14. La tete de l'ignorant est une eponge seche; celle du sa- vant est une eponge imbibee de nectar.15. Toute maxime qui nous fache, arrive a son adresse.16. La prosperite est comme une mere tendre, mais aveugle,qui gate ses enfants.17. Une seule chose peut etre extreme sans se detruire, c'estl'amitie.18. Quand la defiance arrive, l'amitie disparait.19. L'habitude de vivre en accroit le desir.20. Naître, croître, stationner et dechoir: voila la vie.21. Apres la bataille de Pharsale, Rome ne fut qu'un phan- tome de republique.
- No other faults will be found in these exercises.
EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX. 12722. Un trone n'est jamais plus ferme que lorsqu'il est soutenu par les bras des citoyens.23. Il cherchait le silence,Sous les domes touffus des antiques forets.124. Un ami sur fait le charme et le bonheur de la vie.25. Arretez; a ses mœurs votre respect est du.La vertu dans les fers est toujours la vertu.26. Le calomniateur s'est tu: sa voix impure ne pouvait ternirtant de vertus.27. Les desirs de cet ambitieux ont cru avec sa fortune.28. Celui qui espere n'est pas veritablement malheureux.29. Les eloges ne sont dûs qu'au merite et a la vertu.30. Dusse-je perir, rien ne me fera abandonner un ami mal- heureux.31. La mer et les vents se sont tûs a la voix du Seigneur.32. Les rivaux se pesent aux balances de l'envie, et se trouvent tous bien legers.33. Le suicide est toujours le crime d'un lache.34. Le chien est l'embleme de la fidelite.35. L'amour des peuples est la plus sûre garde d'un empire.36. Trouve-je Boileau un ecrivain mediocre, quand j'admire la justesse de ses pensees, et la purete de son style.37. Le brave ne se connait qu'a la guerre, le sage dans la colere, l'ami dans le besoin.38. L'ouvrage perpetuel de la vie est de batir la mort.39. Il n'y a rien de petit, des que le genie s'en empare.40. Tout ce qui chez l'homme nait de la necessite, finit par l'exces.41. Le malheur allonge la vie, le bonheur l'abrege.EXERCISES ON THE APOSTROPHE.42. Que la beauté a de charmes, lorsque elle est unie à la sa- gesse!43. Lorsqu'en Tartarie le kan a dîné, un héraut crie que les autres princes de la terre peuvent aller dîner.44. Qu'il meure, puisqu'enfin il a dû le prévoir,Etpuisque il maforcée enfin à le vouloir.45. Quoiqu' accoutumés aux merveilles de la nature, nous ne saurions nous empêcher de les admirer.46. Les gens sages vivent entr'eux retirés et tranquilles.47. Les haines entr'amis deviennent d'autant plus violentesqu'ils se sont mutuellement frustrés de l'attente du bonheur.128 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ.48. Les grands besoins viennent des grands biens, et rendent la richesse presqu'égale à la pauvreté.49. Les tyrans ont toujours quelqu'ombre de vertu.50. Lorsqu'à la fortune onjoint la générosité, on peut compter d'avoir beaucoup d'amis.51. Puisqu' aider ses semblables est un devoir, pourquoi les riches sont-ils si souvent sourds à la voix de l'infortune?52. Quoiqu' admirant la vertu, les méchants tiennent au vice par habitude et par intérêt.53. Ceux qui ont besoin du secours de Dieu, ne trouvent ja- mais entr'eux et lui de barrières impénétrables.54. La bonté est presqu'un vice, quand elle dégénère en fai- blesse.55. Quelqu' infortuné qu'on soit, on ne l'est jamais assez pour ne pouvoir pas faire de bien aux autres.56. Lorsqu' Alexandre se fut emparé de la ville de Thèbes, il ordonna qu'on la brûlât, à l'exception de la maison habitée par le poète Pindare.57. Comment ne tiendrions-nous pas à l'espérance, puisqu'espérer c'est être heureux.58. La vertu et les talents s'entre aident mutuellement.59. Un conquérant enivré de sa gloire ruine presqu' autant sa nation victorieuse que les nations vaincues.60. Quelqu' esprit qu'on possède, on n'est pas toujours sûr de dire quelque chose qui vaille mieux que le silence.EXERCISES ON THE CEDILLA, DIÆRESIS, AND HYPHEN.61. La monarchie francaise commenca sous Pharamond, enl'an 420.62. Le bienfaiteur grave son nom dans la main de celui qui recoit les bienfaits.63. Carthage cessa d'être invincible, lorsqu' Annibal s'apercut que ses troupes s'étaient amollies .64. Un long amas d'aieux que vous diffamez tous,Sont autant de témoins qui parlent contre vous.65. Une parole ambigue accuse l'esprit ou le cœur de celui qui ladit.66. Il est aisé d'être, en certains moments, héroique et géné- reux; ce qui coûte c'est d'être constant et fidèle.67. Il ne peut y avoir rien de grand dans l'athéisme: le génie allume son flambeau dans les cieux.68. Les poetes sont amants des muses et non de la vérité.EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX. 12969. D'un seul nom quelquefois le son dur et bizarre Rend un poëme entier ou burlesque ou barbare.70. On a souvent tort par la facon dont on a raison.71. La faiblesse est égoiste; ne comptez pas sur son assistance.72. Sur une charrette une poutre branlanteVient menacant de loin la foule qu'elle augmente.73. Le sublime n'exclut pas la naiveté.74. Puissé je de mes yeux y voir tomber la foudre,Voir ces maisons en cendre, et tes lauriers en poudre.75. Quand donc, Athéniens, ferez vous ce qu'il faut faire?Qu'attendez vous encore? Mais ce n'est pas assez de ce qui est arrivé jusqu'ici, voulez vous, dites moi, continuer d'aller sur la place publique vous demandant les uns aux autres: que dit on de nouveau?76. Lorsqu'une personne a mérité notre confiance accordonsla lui tout entière.77. Aimet il son pays celui qui refuse de lui consacrer sa vie?78. Va t'en loin de nous, ô cruelle guerre, toi qui ravageas nos fertiles campagnes.79. Un homme d'un mauvais naturel ne saurait aimer lepublic: comment cet homme ci, qui n'a jamais aimé personne,pourrait il aimer des millions d'hommes?'80. Celui qui est là haut dicte des lois aux grands de la terre.81. Le désespoir d'être laide ne se manifeste jamais plus que par une très grande parure.82. Attaquer mon ami, c'est m'attaquer moi même.83. L'invention des télescopes date de l'année quinze cent quatre vingt dix.84. C'est en l'année treize cent quarante que Jeanne d'Arcfut brulée par les Anglais.85. Les médisants s'entre déchirent, les factieux s'entre tuent;il n'y a que les gens de bien qui s'entre secourent.86. Lorsque sur la nature on règle ses besoins,Combien s'épargne t on de travaux et de soins.87. Si ton ami te demande des conseils, donne les lui avecempressement..88. Le Mont Blanc, la plus haute montagne de l'Europe, adeux mille quatre cent quatre vingts toises d'élévation .89. Une belle femme plait aux yeux; une bonne femme plait au cœur: celle là est un bijou, celle ci un trésor.90. Un retour sur nous mêmes ne devrait il pas nous faire supporter avec plus de patience les sottises des hommes?91. Ne forcons point notre talent,Nous ne ferions rien avec grâce.130 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX92. Pourquoi les personnes très généreuses dans l'indigence,sont elles très avares dans l'opulence? C'est que l'or, comme les liqueurs fortes, augmente la soif.93. Ma muse en l'attaquant, charitable, discrète,Sait de l'homme d'honneur distinguer le poëte.94. Si je n'ai point démérité de votre amitié, rendez la moi.95. L'année mille cinq cent soixante douze est célèbre par le massacre de la Saint Barthelemi.96. L'égoisme comprime les mouvements généreux du cœur.97. Le département de la Seine inférieure a vu naître Cor- neille.98. Je sus, prenant l'essor, par des routes nouvelles Elever assez haut mes poëtiques aîles.99. Va t'en , ô Catilina, va t'en loin de Rome, cacher la honte de tes forfaits .CHAPTER XXIV.ON PUNCTUATION.(See Grammar No. 939 and following.)EXERCISES ON THE USE OF THE COMMA.1. Les faux talents sont hardis effrontés souples adroits et jamais rebutés.2. Avec le sentiment de la divinité tout est grand noble invincible dans la vie la plus étroite; sans lui tout est faible déplaisant et amer au sein même des grandeurs.3. La raison supporte les disgrâces le courage les combat la patience les surmonte.4. Quand on conseille la vertu aux autres on augmente les raisons qu'on a de la pratiquer. 5. Celui qui écoute et qui observe augmente sa science.6. L'homme véritablement libre est celui qui dégagé de toute crainte et de tout désir n'est soumis qu'à sa raison et aux dé- crets de la Providence.7. Se vaincre est d'unhéros; pardonner d'un Dieu.8. L'aimant comme un génie tutélaire guide les navigateurs au sein des mers et les éclaire sur la route qu'ils doivent tenir quand toutes les autres lumières les abandonnent.EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ. 1319. Le conquérant ressemble à un torrent qui après avoir entraîné tout ce qui s'oppose à son passage va s'engloutir dans le sable et ne laisse après lui que les tristes vestiges de ses ravages et de sa fureur.10. Cette pénétration cette activité toute divine par la quelle Dieu est présent partout gouverne tout prévoit tout et pourvoit à tout est ce que nous nommons la Providence.11. La chose la plus aisée devient pénible quand on la fait àcontre-cœur.12. Votre providence ô Père céleste gouverne et conduittoutes choses.13. L'honneur ressemble à l'œil qui ne saurait souffrir la moindre impureté sans s'altérer: c'est une pierre précieuse dont le moindre défaut diminue le prix.14. Le temps qui fuit sur nos plaisirs semble s'arrêter sur nos peines.15. À mesure que Télémaque s'éloignait de l'île il sentait renaître son courage et son amour pour la vertu.16. La complaisance nous fait des amis et la vérité des ennemis.17. Calypso était sans cesse tournée vers le côté où le vaisseau d'Ulysse fendant les ondes avait disparu à ses yeux 18. L'homme hardi peut tout et le timide rien.19. Les arbres et les plantes en laissant tomber leurs fruits ou leurs grains se préparent autour d'eux une nombreuse postérité.La plus faible plante le moindre légume contient dans une graine legerme de tout ce qui se déploie dans les plus hautes plantes et dans les plus grands arbres.20. La vérité seule est la lumière de notre esprit la règle de notre cœur la source des vrais plaisirs le fondement de nos espé- rances la consolation de nos craintes l'adoucissement de nosmaux le remède de toutes nos peines. Elle seule est la source de la bonne conscience la terreur de la mauvaise la peine secrète du vice la récompense intérieure de la vertu; elle seule immor- talise ceux qui souffrent pour elle attire les honneurs publics aux cendres de ses martyrs et de ses défenseurs et rend respectables l'abjection et la pauvreté de ceux qui ont tout quitté pour la suivre; enfin elle seule inspire des pensées magnanimes forme des âmes héroïques des sages dignes de ce beau nom.21. Ce globe immense que l'on appelle la terre nous offre àsasurface des hauteurs des profondeurs des plaines des mers des marais des fleuves des cavernes des gouffres des volcans. Si nous pénétrons dans son intérieur nous y trouvons des métaux des minéraux des pierres des bitumes des sables des terres des eaux et des matières de toute espèce placées comme au132 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNΤΑΧ.hasard et sans aucune règle apparente. En examinant avecplus d'attention nous y voyons des montagnes affaissées des rochers fondus et brisés des contrées englouties des îles nou- velles des terrains submergés des cavernes comblées des matières pesantes souvent posées sur des matières légères des corps durs environnés de substances molles des choses sèches humideschaudes froides solides friables toutes mêlées et dans une espèce de confusion qui ne nous présente d'autre image que celles d'un amas de débris et d'un monde en ruine.22. La mer n'est pas un élément froid ni stérile mais un empire aussi riche aussi peuplé que la terre et qui offre à l'œil autant de variété. En effet nous y trouvons des hauteurs des vallées des plaines des profondeurs des rochers des terrains de toute espèce des îles qui ne sont que le sommet de hautes montagnes et des volcans dont la bouche submergée vomit le feu du sein des ondes et pousse jusqu'aux nues une épaisse vapeur mêlée d'eau de souffre et de bitume.USE OF THE COMMA AND SEMICOLON.23. N'attendez pas messieurs que j'ouvre ici une scène tra- gique que je représente ce grand homme étendu sur ses propres trophées que je découvre ce corps pâle sanglant auprès duquel fume encore la foudre qui l'a frappé que je fasse crier son sang comme celui d'Abel et que j'expose à vos yeux l'image de la Religion et de la Patrie éplorées .24. Si quelqu'un a mal parlé de toi par légèreté il n'y faut point faire attention si c'est par folie il faut le plaindre si c'est pour te faire injure il faut lui pardonner.25. Parler beaucoup et bien c'est le talent du bel-esprit parler beaucoup et mal c'est le défaut du fat parler peu et bien c'est le caractère du sage.26. Le but de Montesquieu dans ses voyages était d'examiner le physique et le moral d'étudier les lois et la constitution de chaque pays de visiter les savants les écrivains les artistes célèbres de chercher surtout ces hommes singuliers dont le commerce supplée quelquefois à plusieurs années d'observations.27. S'il n'y avait que du bien et point de mal cette terre serait alors une autre terre l'enchaînement des évènementsserait un autre ordre de sagesse et cet ordre qui serait parfait ne peut être que la demeure éternelle de l'Etre-Suprême de qui le mal ne peut approcher.28. L'influence du climat de la civilisation de la nourritureet des maladies a fait naître dans l'espèce humaine des difféEXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX. 133rences sensibles qui forment de l'homme cinq espèces différentes.La race blanche qui occupe les parties centrales de l'ancien continent et dont les caractères sont la peau blanche les cheveux longs la face ovale la race Tartare qui habite l'Asie au-delà du Gange et qui a les cheveux noirs et raides la face quadrangulaire la race Américaine au teint cuivré qui occupe l'Amérique la race Malaie qui habite les îles de la Sonde des Moluques les Philippines plusieurs îles de l'Océan indien et toutes celles du grand Océan la race nègre répandue sur la plus grande partie de l'Afrique et dont les caractères principaux sont la couleur noire les cheveux crépus le front convexe et les lèvres épaisses.29. Lorsque quelqu'un voudra reconnaître si la nature lui adonné le génie qu'il lise avec attention les ouvrages qu'une admiration universelle a reconnus pour appartenir au génie qu'il contemple dans les arts les monuments qu'un consentement général a rapportés à ce même génie et qu'il apporte à cette étude et à cette lecture les connaissances préliminaires néces- saires . S'il lit froidement et sans enthousiasme s'il n'est émuni transporté qu'à demi s'il n'est pas ravi pour ainsi dire en extase à la vue de l'empreinte sacrée du génie si un trait sublime l'effleure lorsqu'il devrait le percer la nature lui a refusé sa cé- leste lumière.30. Il faut se représenter que sous ses pas l'éléphant ébranle la terre que de sa trompe il arrache les arbres que d'un coup de son corps il fait brèche dans un mur que terrible par sa force il est encore invincible par la seule résistance de samasse et par l'épaisseur du cuir qui le recouvre qu'il peut porter sur son dos une tour armée en guerre et chargée de plusieurs hommes que seul il fait mouvoir des machines et transporte des fardeaux qui ne pourraient être remués par six chevaux qu'à cette force pro- digieuse il joint encore le courage la prudence le sang-froid et l'obéissance qu'enfin il conserve de la modération même dans les passions les plus vives et n'attaque jamais que ceux qui l'ont offensé.ON THE USE OF THE COMMA, SEMICOLON, AND COLON.31. Il y a dans l'homme deux principes opposés l'amour-pro- pre qui nous rappelle ànous et la bienveillancequi nous répand.32. L'empereur Antonin disait je n'ai plus rien à moi depuis que je suis parvenu à l'empire.33. Les plantes composent trois grandes familles les herbes les arbrisseaux et les arbres.34. Ne dites jamais cette faute est légère je puis la commettresans danger.12134 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ.35. Les peines les chagrins et les afflictions sont les véritablesbornes de l'amitié les signes auxquels on la distingue de la flat- terie un homme heureux et riche ignore s'il est aimé.36. Les hommes sont comme les statues il faut les voir enplace.37. La mort n'effraie point l'homme vertueux qui satisfait du rôle qu'il a joué se retire de la scène avec tranquillité et dit J'ai vécu j'ai bien fourni la carrière que le sort m'avait tracé.38. Il y a trois choses que l'on ne connaît que dans trois occa- sions le courage à la guerre la présence d'esprit au moment du danger l'amitié dans l'infortune.39. L'esprit le talent le génie procurent la célébrité c'est le premier pas vers la renommée mais les avantages en sont moins réels que ceux de la réputation d'honneur.40. Il y a deux grands traits qui peignent le caractère l'acti- vité à rendre service qui prouve la générosité le silence sur lesservices rendus qui prouve la grandeur d'âme.41. Il y a trois sortes d'ignorance ne rien savoir savoir mal ce qu'on sait et savoir autre chose que ce qu'on doit savoir.42. Je définis ainsi la médisance une pente secrète de l'âme à mal penser de tous les hommes et qui se manifeste par les paroles.43. La modestie est au mérite ce que les ombres sont au tableau elle lui donne de la force et du relief.44. Ne régner que pour couronner la justice donner à ses désirs des bornes moins étendues qu'à sa puissance ne faire sentir son pouvoir à ses peuples que par le nombre de ses bien- faits telle est la véritable image de la grandeur d'un roi.ON THE USE OF THE COMMA, SEMICOLON, COLON, AND PERIOD OR POINT.45. Mentor nous dit qu'il avait été autrefois en Crète et il nous expliqua ce qu'il en connaissait Cette île dit-il admirée de tous les étrangers et fameuse parses cent villes nourrit sans peine tous ses habitants quoiqu'ils soient innombrables c'est que la terre ne se lasse jamais de répandre ses biens sur ceux qui la cultivent son sein fécond ne peut s'épuiser plus il y a d'hommes dans un pays pourvu qu'ils soient laborieux plus ils jouissent de l'abondance La terre cette bonne mère multiplie ses dons selon le nombre de ses enfants qui méritent ses fruits par leur travail L'ambition et l'avarice des hommes sont les seules sources de leurmalheur les hommes veulent tout avoir et ils se rendent malheureux par le désir du superflu S'ils voulaient vivre simplement et se contenter de satisfaire aux vrais besoins on verrait partoutl'abondance lajoie la paix et l'union.EXERCISES ON FALSE SYΝΤΑΧ. 13546. C'est ce que Minos le plus sage et le meilleur de tous les rois avait compris Tout ce que vous verrez de plus merveilleux dans cette île est le fruit de ses lois L'éducation qu'il faisait don- ner aux enfants rend les corps sains et robustes On les accoutume d'abord à une vie simple frugale et laborieuse on suppose que toute volupté amollit le corps et l'esprit On ne leur propose jamais d'autre plaisir que celui d'etre invincibles par la vertu et d'acquérir beaucoup de gloire On ne met pas seulement ici le courage à mépriser la mort dans les dangers de la guerre mais encore à fouler aux pieds les trop grandes richesses et les plaisirs honteux Ici on punit trois vices qui sont impunis chez les autres peuples l'ingratitude la dissimulation et l'avarice.ON THE USE OF THE PRECEDING SIGNS WITH THAT OF INTERROGATIVEAND EXCLAMATIVE STOPS .47. Veux-tu devenir bientôt homme de bien Evite les méchants fréquente les bons et ne demeure jamais oisif.48. O combien cette vérité est efficace pour nous empêcher d'offenser la majesté divine Dieu nous regarde.49. Quelle autre voix que celle de la Providence a pu dire aux vagues agitées vous viendrez jusque-là et vous briserez l'im- pétuosité de vos flots .50. Que Dieu est grand qu'il est digne de louanges qu'il est incompréhensible que la splendeur de la gloire de sa majesté est sainte que sa souveraineté est douce et terrible.51. Désire-tu apprendre àbien mourir apprend auparavant àbien vivre.52. Heureux celui qui au lieu de parcourir le monde vit loin des hommes heureux celui qui ne connaît rien au-delà de son horison et pour qui le village voisin même est une terre étran- gère Il n'a point laissé son cœur à des objets aimés qu'il ne reverra plus ni sa réputation à la discrétion des méchants.53. Regardons encore une fois ces voûtes immenses où brillent les astres et qui couvrent nos têtes qui est-ce qui a attaché tant de grands corps à certains endroits de cette voûte qui est-ce qui les fait tourner régulièrement autour de nous Que signifie cette multitude innombrables d'étoiles La profusion avec laquelle la main de Dieu les a répandues fait voir qu'elles ne coutent rien àsa puissance.54. Passion sublime sentiment des grandes âmes bonheur du monde devant lequel tousles maux disparaissent ou s'affaiblissent et tous les biens s'embellissent ô divine amitié ton nom seul merappelle tous les charmes de la vie.136 EXERCISES ON FALSE SYNTAX.55. Qu'est- ce que la vie humaine une mer furieuse et agitée où nous sommes sans cesse à la merci des flots où chaque instant change notre situation et nous donne de nouvelles alarmes Que sont les hommes eux-mêmes les tristes jouets de leurs pas- sions insensées et de la vicissitude éternelle des événements.THE END.
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- French
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