Grammatical Questions — 1. On Genders. 2. on Tenses
Usher. I say nothing indeed, but I have thought much during the last two hours on the art of grammar.
Master. And what of that now?
Usher. On very hidden things and the penetration of learning: first, why the grammarians have placed in their art three genders when there are merely two in nature? again, why nature does not produce things of the neuter gender as it does of the masculine and feminine? I cannot find out the cause of this great mystery. So, too, the philosophers say that there are three tenses, but our art demands five, therefore our art is outside the nature of things.
Master. Nay, rather thou art thyself outside of the nature of things, for art is in the nature of things.
Usher. If I am outside the nature of things, how can I eat this bread and meat, which are in the nature of things?
Master. Thou art so much the worse to belong to another nature whilst you eat what belongs to this our nature.
Nep. Παράφθεγμα ἀπροσδιόνυσον. I would wish another solution of my questions. Would that we had now some Palaemon or Varro who could resolve these questions.
Master. Why not rather another, an Aristotle or Plato? Have you not something further to say?