While other illustrious men have been reputed great for their excellence in some one department of human genius, it is declared by the concurrent voice of antiquity that Cæsar was excellent in all. He had genius, understanding, memory, taste, reflection, industry, and exactness. "He was great," repeats a modern writer, "in everything he undertook: as a captain, a statesman, a lawgiver, a jurist, an orator, a poet, an historian, a grammarian, a mathematician, and an architect." The secret of his manifold excellence was discovered by Pliny in the unparalleled energy of his intellectual powers, which he could devote without distraction to several subjects at once, or rush at any moment from one occupation to another with the abruptness and rapidity of lightning. Cæsar could be writing and reading, dictating and listening, all at the same time; and had been known on one occasion to employ as many as seven amanuenses together. And, as if to complete the picture of the most perfect specimen of human ability, we are assured that in all the exercises of the camp his vigor and skill were not less conspicuous.

CHARLES MERIVALE: History of Rome.

Analyze each word so as to show the meaning of the root.

The opening of the Panama Canal does not merely portend a new era in trade, or the end of the epoch of trial and struggle on the Isthmus. It has a finality such as have few of the great works of man. Nowhere on this globe are there left two continents to be severed; two oceans to be united. The union of the Mediterranean and the Red Sea at Suez, and of the Atlantic and the Pacific at Panama stand as man's crowning achievements in remodeling God's world.

12

Spelling Rule III. Final y when preceded by r is generally changed to i when a letter or suffix is added; as, dry, dried. Final y before a suffix beginning with i is retained to prevent the doubling of the i.

Add ing and ed to the following words:

Words ending in ie change ie to y when adding a suffix; as, die,

From what root word is each of the following derived? How does Rule III apply in the spelling of the

tie

derivatives?

From your dictionary learn the correct pronunciation of each

of these words. Practice this pronunciation until you have made it a habit.