Germania and Agricola | Page 2

just
named have been consulted; and in such minor differences as exist
between them, I have not hesitated to adopt the reading which seemed
best to accord with the usage and genius of Tacitus, especially when
sanctioned by a decided preponderance of critical suffrage. Other
readings have been referred to in the Notes, so far as they are of any

considerable importance, or supported by respectable authority. Partly
for convenience, but chiefly as a matter of taste, I have ventured to
follow the German editions in dispensing entirely with diacritical
marks, and in some peculiarities of less importance, which if not
viewed with favor, it is hoped, will not be judged with severity. The
punctuation is the result of a diligent comparison of the best editions,
together with a careful study of the connexion of language and of
thought.
The German editions above mentioned, together with several French,
English, and American works, have not only been constantly before me,
but have been used with great freedom, and credit awarded to them
accordingly. Some may think their names should have appeared less
frequently; others that they should have received credit to a still greater
extent. Suffice it to say, I have never intended to quote the language, or
borrow the thoughts of an author, without giving his name; and in
matters of fact or opinion, I have cited authorities not only when I have
been indebted to them for the suggestion, but whenever, in a case of
coincidence of views, I thought the authorities would be of any interest
to the student.
I have not considered it needful, with German scrupulosity, to
distinguish between my own references and those of others. It may
safely be taken for granted, that the major, perhaps the better, part of
them have been derived from foreign sources. But no references have
been admitted on trust. They have been carefully verified, and it is
hoped that numerous as they are, they will be found pertinent and
useful, whether illustrative of things, or of mere verbal usage. Some,
who use the book, will doubtless find occasion to follow them out
either in whole or in part; and those who do not, will gain a general
impression as to the sources from which collateral information may be
obtained, that will be of no small value.
The frequent references to the Notes of Professor Kingsley, will show
the estimation in which I hold them. Perhaps I have used them too
freely. My only apology is, that so far as they go, they are just what is
wanted; and if I had avoided using them to a considerable extent, I
must have substituted something less perfect of my own. Had they been
more copious, and extended more to verbal and grammatical
illustrations, these Notes never would have appeared.

The editor is convinced, from his experience as a teacher, that the
student of Tacitus will not master the difficulties, or appreciate the
merits, of so peculiar an author, unless his peculiarities are distinctly
pointed out and explained. Indeed, the student, in reading any classic
author, needs, not to be carried along on the broad shoulders of an
indiscriminate translator, but to be guided at every step in learning his
lessons, by a judicious annotator, who will remove his difficulties, and
aid his progress; who will point out to him what is worthy of attention,
and guard him against the errors to which he is constantly exposed; for
first impressions are lively and permanent, and the errors of the study,
even though corrected in the recitation, not unfrequently leave an
impression on the mind which is never effaced.
Besides the aid derived from books, to which the merit of this edition,
if it have any merit, will be chiefly owing, the editor takes this
opportunity to acknowledge his many obligations to those professors
and other literary gentlemen, who have extended to him assistance and
encouragement. To Prof. H. B. Hackett, of Newton Theological
Seminary, especially, he is indebted for favors, which, numerous and
invaluable in themselves, as the results of a singularly zealous and
successful devotion to classical learning, are doubly grateful as the
tokens of a personal friendship, which began when we were members
of the same class in college. The work was commenced at his
suggestion, and has been carried forward with his constant advice and
co-operation. His ample private library, and, through his influence, the
library of the Seminary, have been placed at my disposal; and the notes
passed under his eye and were improved in not a few particulars, at his
suggestion, though he is in no way responsible for their remaining
imperfections. I have also received counsel and encouragement in all
my labors from my esteemed colleague, Prof. N. W. Fiske, whose
instructions in the same department which has