ABSTRACT
The author proposes to make some few remarks on the plays of Sophocles, and to consider the especial rank which we should accord this great writer among poets: and he perceive, indeed, that he have undertaken a task in which he run the risk of giving no slight offence. And perhaps in the case of Sophocles there is a peculiar and special reason why any one who, at this time of day, shall question the right of one who has been so highly praised to the title of a primary poet should be unusually liable to give offence. With Sophocles or Euripides the most part of our ingenuous youth make their first acquaintance with the real charms of the Greek tongue. In the treatment of this theme the first place among the Sophoclean plays is held, by general consent, both on the ground of sweetness and impressiveness, by the Oedipus at Colonos.
