These diminutives were commonly added by the Greeks to the names of persons with whom they conversed on terms of friendship and familiarity.

Though the Romans were a people of less quick and delicate feelings, yet they naturally slid into the lessening termination upon the same occasions.

Anciently, in the English language, the diminishing _ling_ was added to the names of persons and things that were the objects of love.

Some we retain still, as _darling_ (or little dear), and a few others.

But to this day, in ordinary conversation, it is usual to add the endearing name of _little_ to everything we love; the French and Italians make use of these affectionate diminutives even more than we.