On the record
It is not less arbitrary as a standard than the yard or foot, and it can be perpetuated in practice only by distribution of exact copies from the original bar, which is the assumed metre.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner argues that the metre, like other units, is arbitrary and relies on the replication of a standard.
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They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
It is true, doubtless, that there are various races of men; but there is but one great Human Family, in which Caucasian, Ethiopian, Chinese, and Indian are all brothers, children of one Father, and heirs to one happiness.
This will be the FREEDOM POWER, whose single object will be to resist the SLAVE POWER.
In this contest, we may borrow from the ancient Greek, who, when his hands were cut off, fought with his stumps, and even with his teeth.
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