O^' SPORTS AND EXERCISES^ 



207 



«o accurately described by Horacr, Pindar, Sophocles, 

 and Paiisaiiius, formed the principal branch of the educa- 

 tion of youth. 



To be enabled to excel in the performance of these, How the 

 they were trained with the greatest care; and every ^''^^^^.'^^^'^''^ 

 means was employed to excite powerful emulation. 

 Their object was, to recreate and strengthen the body, 

 as well as fortiiy and exalt the mind. For, the firm or- 

 ganization acquired by perpetual exercise, counteracted 

 the propensity to vicious indulgence, which a Toluptuous 

 climate naturally inspires. 



They likewise infused a courage depending on animal Animal vigour 

 strength and vigour, which was excited to the highest ^*^^* courage, 

 pitch among this warlike people *. Besides, the ambition 

 of honest fame (the sure f reward of excellence in these 

 sports and contests) taught them to controul the appetites 

 of the body by the affections of the soul. 



But the chief aim and end of the institution of athletic —and renders 

 gymnastics among the more warlike states of Greece, "^c» c^P^^l^ 9^ 

 were, perfection in the military character. Their phi- ^oy^rlj^by^i' 

 iosopliers inculcated this doctrine by their precepts and Utary art. 

 example. — Plato, in his book of laws, after having viewed 

 the high importance of acquiring bodily force and agility, 

 adds, " a well governed common-Avealth, instead of 

 -prohibiting the profession of the athletic, should, on the 

 contrary, propose prizes for all who excel in those exer- , 

 cises, which tend to encourage the military art." — -And^ ^ 

 perhaps no better plan could have been contrived to fos- 

 ter a warlike spirit amongst a people devoted to military 

 enterprize, than the training of youth in these hardy and 

 laborious exercises, and in proclaiming rewards for those 



erchc was combined with wrestling ; and then took the name oC 

 Pancratium. «-. — See Hieronymus Mercurialis, de arte gymnastJca 

 —and Potter's Arcboeologia. 



* Hacarte, Pollux & vagus Hercules 

 Innixus, arces attigit igneas.-s-HoR. 

 ** Thus modnted to the towers above, 

 " The vagrant hero, son of JpveJ* 



t Such as gained victories in any of these games, especially the "^ 



Olympic, were universally honoured, and almost adored. See 



Plvi.tarch's Sympos. lib. n. Quest. VI. and Potter's Archaeol. 



^^^^ wha 



