Considerations of space preclude the possibility of dwelling any further on the many points of interest suggested by Mr. Reid’s instructive work.  This much, however, may be said, that whilst British Imperialism is not exposed to many of the dangers which proved fatal to Imperial Rome, there is one principle adopted by the early founders of the Roman Empire which is fraught with enduring political wisdom, and which may be applied as well now as it was nineteen centuries ago.  That principle is the preference shown to diversity over uniformity of system.  Sir Alfred Lyall, whose receptive intellect was impregnated with modern applications of ancient precedents, said, “We ought to acknowledge that we cannot impose a uniform type of civilisation.”  Let us beware that we do not violate this very sound principle by too eager a disposition to transport institutions, whose natural habitat is Westminster, to Calcutta or Cairo.

[Footnote 97:  The Municipalities of the Roman Empire.  By J.E.  Reid.  Cambridge:  At the University Press. 10s. 6d.]

[Footnote 98:  L’Avenement de Bonaparte, i. 217.]

[Footnote 99:  Vide ante, pp. 317-326.]

[Footnote 100:  England Under the Stuarts, p. 107.  G. Trevelyan.]

[Footnote 101:  Hor. Od. iii. 11. 25.]

[Footnote 102:  Ann. iv. 13.]

XXII

A ROYAL PHILOSOPHER[103]

"The Spectator,” August 2, 1913

Those who are inclined to take a gloomy view of the future on the subject of the survival of the humanities in this country may derive some consolation from two considerations.  One is that there is not the smallest sign either of relaxation in the quantity or deterioration in the quality of the humanistic literature turned out from our seats of learning.  Year by year, indeed, both the interest in classical studies and the standard of scholarship appear to rise to a higher level.  The other is that the mere fact that humanistic works are supplied shows that there must be a demand for them, and that there exists amongst the general public a number of readers outside the ranks of scholars, properly so called, who are anxious and willing to acquaint themselves with whatever new lights assiduous research can throw on the sayings and doings of the ancient world.  Archaeology, epigraphy, and numismatics are year by year opening out new fields for inquiry, and affording fresh material for the reconstruction of history.  More especially much light has of late been thrown on that chaotic period which lies between the death of the Macedonian conqueror and the final assertion of Roman domination.  Professor Mahaffy has dealt with the Ptolemies, and Mr. Bevan with the Seleucids.  A welcome complement to these instructive works is now furnished by Mr. Tarn’s comprehensive treatment of an important chapter in the history of the Antigonids.