Sayfa 803 / 1391

Also we shall have to reject all the terrible and appalling names

which describe the world below-Cocytus and Styx, ghosts under the

earth, and sapless shades, and any similar words of which the

very mention causes a shudder to pass through the inmost soul of

him who hears them. I do not say that these horrible stories may

not have a use of some kind; but there is a danger that the

nerves of our guardians may be rendered too excitable and

effeminate by them.

There is a real danger, he said.

Then we must have no more of them.

True.

Another and a nobler strain must be composed and sung by us.

Clearly.

And shall we proceed to get rid of the weepings and wailings of

famous men?

They will go with the rest.

But shall we be right in getting rid of them? Reflect: our

principle is that the good man will not consider death terrible

to any other good man who is his comrade.

Yes; that is our principle.

And therefore he will not sorrow for his departed friend as

though he had suffered anything terrible?