He died here (says story) in 497 B.C .-- broken-hearted at the failure of his efforts to make mankind gentle and reasonable.

In 1897 A.D.that hope had not come much nearer to its realization.

Italians are yet familiar with the name of the philosopher, for it is attached to the multiplication table, which they call _tavola pitagorica_.

What, in truth, do we know of him?
He is a type of aspiring humanity; a sweet and noble figure, moving as a dim radiance through legendary Hellas.

The English reader hears his name with a smile, recalling only the mention of him, in mellow mirth, by England's greatest spirit.