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Well then, since it is evident we may praise ourselves not only inoffensively and without being liable to envy, but with great advantage too; that we may seem not to do this for itself, but for a further and better end, first consider whether it may prove for the instruction of the company, by exciting them to a virtuous emulation. For so Nestor’s relation of his own achievements inflamed Patroclus and nine others with a vehement desire of single combat; and we know the counsel that brings persuasive deeds as well as words, a lively exemplar, and an immediate familiar incentive, insouls a man with courage, moves, yea, vehemently spurs him up to such a resolution of mind as cannot doubt the possibility and success of the attempt. This was the reason of that chorus in Lacedaemon consisting of boys, young men, and old men, which thus sang in parts:— OLD MEN. Once we were young, and bold and strong. Boys. And we shall be no less ere long. YOUNG MEN. We now are such; behold us, if you will.See Vol. 1. p. 91. Well and politicly in this public entertainment did the legislator propose to the youth obvious and domestic ex amples of such as had already performed the things he exhorted them to.
