Character, which might not be found in the Man of highest Merit at Athens, without diminishing, in the least, from the Brightness of his Character. The Greek Love, their Marriages[1], and the exposing of their Children cannot but strike you immediately. The Death of Usbek is an exact Counter-part to that of Caesar.
All to a Trifle, say'd I, interrupting him; you did not mention, that Usbek was an Usurper.
I did not, reply'd he; lest you should discover the Parallel I aim'd at. But even adding this Circumstance, we should make no Scruple, according to our Sentiments of Morals, to denomitate Brutus, and Cassius, ungrateful Traitors and Assassins: Tho' you know, that they are, perhaps, the highest Characters of all Antiquity; and the Athenians erected Statues to them; which they plac'd near those of Harmodius and Aristogiton, their own Deliverers. And if you think this Circumstance, you mention, so material to absolve these Patriots, I shall compensate it by another, not mention'd, which will equally aggravate their Crime. A few Days before the Execution
- ↑ The Laws of Athens allow'd a Man to marry his Sister by the Father. Solon's Laws forbid Pæderasty to Slaves, as being of too great Dignity for such mean Persons.
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