Note 17 — Chapter VII

We have no term exactly equivalent; it may be illustrated by Horace’s use of the term hiatus: “Quid dignum tanto feret hic promissor hiatu?” Opening the mouth wide gives a promise of something great to come, if nothing great does come, this is a case of [Greek: chaunotes] or fruitless and unmeaning hiatus; the transference to the present subject is easy.