Page:The Classical Heritage of the Middle Ages.djvu/41

n] THE PASSING OF THE ANTIQUE MAN 23 supreme moment. An adequate presentation of this influence would embrace the history of ancient Italian culture and specifically the history of philosophy and all enlightened thought at Rome, of Roman art and Latin literature. This large and variously told story is beyond the present purpose. Yet only a knowledge of the great extent and many phases of Greek influence upon Italy will yield an understand- ing of the general fact that by the time of Augustus the men of Rome, while still possessing many Roman traits of character, were Greek to the full extent of their capacities for Hellenization. Their Hellenism, however, is not pure Greek, and the Roman traits are also modified. Much of the Roman fortitude abides, and Roman dignity, likewise Roman energy, although the Empire closed many of the political needs and opportunities which had made the lives of the men of the Republic. The Roman is still a practical man of affairs, though the better regulation of imperial taxation no longer permits stupendous private enrich- ment out of the subject provincials. The great matter is that he has tasted the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and is enlightened for better and for worse. His practical intelligence, energy, and valor have given him the mastery of the Mediterranean world. His Greek enlightenment has enabled him to realize that this wide power is Empire, and the consciousness of this fact widens and clears his vision. While the work of diplomacy and conquest went on, the Roman was absorbed in deeds. Now the Empire is fixed; Deus Terminus will advance no further, but the god's strength not to recede is ample. The civil wars are