12 APRIL 1913, Page 15

"NE SUITOR ULTRA CREPIDAM.*

[To TILE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR:1

Sru,—The expression "Ne sutor ultra crepidam," concerning which your correspondent "G." seems unduly exercised, may be found in the "Anatomy of Melancholy" (Democritus to the Reader). Several authors of that age, but especially Burton, are responsible for the common use of Latin phrases, which often vary considerably from classical originals. There is nothing slovenly in quoting a phrase in a form which has thus become generally accepted among us. Monkbarns, in "The Antiquary," chapter 14, is made to say, "Well, well, Grizel, I was wrong for once in my life—ultra crepidam—I

fairly admit."—I am, Sir, &o., THOMAS M. KEOGH, Splice Island, Queenstown.