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SECTION VI.
the Source of a considerable Part of Approbation or Dislike.
In ancient Times, bodily Strength and Dexterity, being of greater Use and Importance in War, was also much more esteem'd and valu'd, than at present. Not to insist on Homer and the Poets, we may observe, that Historians scruple not to mention Force of Body among the other Accomplishments even of Epaminondas, whom they acknowledge to be the greatest Hero, Statesman, and General of all the Greeks[1]. A like Praise is given to Pompey, one of the greatest of the Romans[2]. This Instance is similar to what we observ'd above with regard to Memory.
What Derision and Contempt, with both Sexes, attend Impotence; while the unhappy Object is re-
- ↑ Diodorus Siculus, lib. xv. It may not be improper to give the Character of Epaminondas, as drawn by the Historian, in order to show the Ideas of perfect Merit, which prevailed in those Ages. In other illustrious Men, says he, you will observe, that each possessed some one shining Quality, which was the Foundation of his Fame: In Epaminondas all the Virtues are found united; Force of Body, Eloquence of Expression, Vigour of Mind, Contempt of Riches, Gentleness of Disposition, and what is chiefly to be regarded, Courage and Conduct in War.
- ↑ Cum alacribus, saltu; cum velocibus, cursu; cum validis recte certabat. Sallust apud Veget.
garded
