II. * * * * * * How conveniently the orders are set down; the ages, the
classes. The equestrian order where the senate votes. Too many foolishly
seek to abolish that useful institution, hoping that through some
Plebecists procuring the sale of the horses, they may get a largess.
III. Look now at the other provisions so wisely made, that the citizens
may enjoy a happy and honest state of society, for that is the very
motive for their union; and which government ought to secure to men, by
institutions and laws. In the first place, as to puerile discipline for
free-born young men, respecting which the Greeks have laboured so much
in vain; and the only matter about which our guest Polybius reproaches
the negligence of our institutions. No defined system, or of a public
nature, or uniform for all, was decreed by the laws.
[Four or eight pages wanting.]
IV. * * * * * * nor naked when at an age of puberty. So deep did they
seek as it were to lay the foundations of modesty. But how absurd the
exercises of youth in the Grecian Gymnasia; how trifling that drilling
of young boys: what loose and unrestrained manners permitted to them. I
say nothing of the Eleans and Thebans, among whom free license and
permission was given to the young people to indulge in sensuality. The
Lacedemonians too, when they allowed every sensual indulgence short of
violence, among their youth, were destroying what they were granting
such a slight protection to. “I clearly understand, Scipio,” said
Lælius, “that in these practices of the Greeks, which you reprehend, you
had rather attack the most illustrious people, than your favourite
Plato, whom you do not assail at all, especially * * * * *
CICERO’S REPUBLIC.
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