I The Usefulness of Writing
Manr. First of all he said that it was thoroughly wonderful that you can comprise so great a variety of human sounds within so few written characters. Then, that absent friends are able to talk to one another by the aid of letters. He added that nothing seemed more marvellous in these islands recently discovered by the munificence of our kings, whence indeed gold is brought, than that men should be able to open up to one another what they think from a long distance by a piece of paper being sent with black stains marked on it. For the question was asked, Whether paper knew how to speak? He also said this, that, and many other things which I have forgotten.
Mend. How long did he speak?
Manr. Two hours.
Mend. And from so long an oration have you committed to memory so slight a portion as what you have just said?
Manr. I have indeed committed it to the charge of my memory, but my memory would not keep it all.
Mend. Clearly you have the wide-mouthed jar of the daughters of Danaus.
Manr. Nay, I have received the oration into a sieve, not into a jar at all.
Mend. We will summon some one who will bring back to memory those points which you have forgotten.
Manr. Wait a bit! for I am seeking to recall something by thinking it over. Now I have it.
Mend. Speak it out, then! Why didn’t you take notes?
Manr. I hadn’t a pen at hand.
Mend. Not even a writing-tablet?
Manr. Not even a writing-tablet.
Mend. Now tell on.
Manr. I have lost it again; you have shaken it out of mind by interrupting so disagreeably.
Mend. What, so soon!
Manr. Now it comes back to me. He stated on the authority of some writer (I don’t know who it was) that nothing is more fitted as a help to great erudition than to write clearly and quickly.
Mend. Who was the writer quoted?
Manr. I have often heard his name, but it has escaped my memory.