When we speak, in the language of our title page, of the 'Ancient Classics', we must remember that the word 'ancient' is to be taken with a considerable difference, in one sense. Ancient all the Greek and Roman authors are, as dated comparatively with our modern era. But as to the antique character of their writings, there is often a difference which is not merely one of date. Viewed in this light, the history of Thucydides, the letters and orations of Cicero, are not ancient at all.