Plus ça change
“[T]he mob of the sluggards has so grown in numbers that unless there are at least a modest few like yourself to defend the exact use of the language of Latium from the rust of vulgar barbarisms, we shall in a short time be lamenting its extinction and annihilation, so sadly will all the bright ornaments of noble expression be dulled by the slovenliness of the mob.” — Sidonius, writing in the fifth century, to his friend Hisparius, Ep. 2.10.1. (Translation W. B. Anderson, Loeb Classical Library).
on July 22nd, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Yes, I’d beware especially the slovenly gauls. I predict they’ll ruin it and then centuries hence expend great effort defending their beautiful language from further ruin.
on July 22nd, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Merveilleux!