Pagina 152 di 734

We will take first that which bears most resemblance to the true,

the Courage of Citizenship, so named because the motives which

are thought to actuate the members of a community in braving

danger are the penalties and disgrace held out by the laws to

cowardice, and the dignities conferred on the Brave; which is

thought to be the reason why those are the bravest people among

whom cowards are visited with disgrace and the Brave held in

honour.

Such is the kind of Courage Homer exhibits in his characters;

Diomed and Hector for example. The latter says,

"Polydamas will be the first to fix Disgrace upon me."

Diomed again,

"For Hector surely will hereafter say, Speaking in Troy, Tydides

by my hand"-

This I say most nearly resembles the Courage before spoken of,

because it arises from virtue, from a feeling of shame, and a

desire of what is noble (that is, of honour), and avoidance of

disgrace which is base.