Illustrated biography; or, Memoirs of the great and the good of all nations and all times; comprising sketches of eminent statesmen, philosophers, heroes, artists, reformers, philanthropists, mechanics, navigators, authors, poets, divines, soldiers, savans, etc . ual performances, or an extraordinary cele-braiion was held) a memorable dramatic contest (says Plutarch) took place, atwhich Sophocles first became a candidate for the tragic prize, and won it againstthe majestic ^Eschylus, the father of his art. Such was the interest and partyspirit excited, that instead of balloting for arbitrators
Illustrated biography; or, Memoirs of the great and the good of all nations and all times; comprising sketches of eminent statesmen, philosophers, heroes, artists, reformers, philanthropists, mechanics, navigators, authors, poets, divines, soldiers, savans, etc . ual performances, or an extraordinary cele-braiion was held) a memorable dramatic contest (says Plutarch) took place, atwhich Sophocles first became a candidate for the tragic prize, and won it againstthe majestic ^Eschylus, the father of his art. Such was the interest and partyspirit excited, that instead of balloting for arbitrators, as was usual, the archonordered the ten generals of the state, with Cimon at their head, to adjudge theprize. One report goes, that yEschylus retired to Sicily from anger at his de-feat ; but this is doubtful. From this period until his death, during more thansixty years, Sophocles continued to compose and exhibit. Nevertheless hislife was not entirely devoted to art. He held his offices, civil and military,though, from the scanty notices which remain, it does not seem that his talentsfor business were of first-rate order. His long life was spent, more than oftenfalls to the lot of man, in tranquil enjoyment, to which his happy and easy tern- Sophocles. SOPHOCLES. 25 perament greatly contributed. It would seem, says Schlegel, as if a gra-cious Providence hid proposed to reveal to the human race, in the example ofthis one man, the dignity and blessedness of its lot, by conferring on him, to all that can adorn and elevate ths heart and mind, all conceivableblessing of life. To have baei born of waalthy ani respected pirentacre, asa free citizen of the most polished community in Greece, was but the firbpreliminary to his felicity. Beauty of person and of mind, and the uninterrupted enjoyment of both, in perfect soundness, to the very extreme term ofhuman life ; a most select and complete education in the gymnastic and musi-cal arts, the one of which was so
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1850, booksubjectbiography, bookyear18
