Pagina 949 de 1391

And these two, thus nurtured and educated, and having learned

truly to know their own functions, will rule over the

concupiscent, which in each of us is the largest part of the soul

and by nature most insatiable of gain; over this they will keep

guard, lest, waxing great and strong with the fulness of bodily

pleasures, as they are termed, the concupiscent soul, no longer

confined to her own sphere, should attempt to enslave and rule

those who are not her natural-born subjects, and overturn the

whole life of man?

Very true, he said.

Both together will they not be the best defenders of the whole

soul and the whole body against attacks from without; the one

counselling, and the other fighting under his leader, and

courageously executing his commands and counsels?

True.

And he is to be deemed courageous whose spirit retains in

pleasure and in pain the commands of reason about what he ought

or ought not to fear?

Right, he replied.