that led to this neglect of the element which in its manifold modifications lends to Nature the variety, the

infinite gradation of tone, which appeals so strongly to the modern mind?)

It has been suggested that the poet Lucretius approaches in his appreciation of Nature more closely than do other Roman writers, the feeling which we have been led to look upon as distinctively modern.

The question then to be investigated is how far does his poem bear out the general assertions made above in regard to the character and the limitations of the feeling toward Nature shown by the Roman writers in

general.

As lying back of all feeling toward, and appreciation the general conception of Nature,

of Nature, scientific and spiritual, which Lucretius'

poem reveals, must first be studied.

(1)

Prof. Sellar says: "The idea which Lucretius revealed

to the world in fuller majesty and life than any previous poet or philosopher, was the idea of Nature apprehended not as an abstract conception, but as a power, omnipresent, creative, and regulative throughout the great spheres of

earth, sky and sea and the innumerable varieties of

individual existence.

. Nature is to him the one

(1) Roman Poets of the Augustan Age. p.204

power absolutely supreme and independent in the Universe His mind "was possessed by the thought of the immensity her sphere, and the universality of her presence." And in speaking of Virgils relation to Lucretius he says-"The study of Lucretius has enriched the Georgics with the most pervading charm of the poem --the sense of a secret,unceasing, tranquil power --communicating to outward things the grace and tenderness of human sentiment, (1) the variety and vivacity of human energy.

To Lucretius there was no power outside of or

beyond this omnipresent power of Nature.

Here was no room for the petty powers of the gods

of the popular religion. Utterly apart from the world and its activities, having neither the desire nor the ability to interfere in its management, they are

с pistured as dwelling in that state of perfect tranquili

which it should be the aim of all mortals to attain as

far as possible.

The walls of the Universe open to the philosopher

"apparet divum numen sedes que quietae

quas neque concutiunt venti nec nubila nimbis

aspergunt neque nix acri concreta pruina

cana cadens volat semperque innubilus aether

(1) Roman Poets of the Augustan Age Virgil p.208