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imperfect; for neither plants nor animals, when 

 imperfect, are prolific, but to their fructification a 

 certain portion of time is necessary, in order that 

 when the bodies are strong and perfect, they may 

 produce seeds and fruits. 



Hence, it is necessary that boys, and girls also 

 while they are virgins, should be trained up in ex- 

 ercises and proper endurance, and that they should 

 be nourished with that kind of food, which is 

 adapted to a laborious, temperate, and patient 

 life. 



Moreover, there are many things in human life 

 of such a kind, that it is better for the knowledge 

 of them to be deferred for a certain time. Hence, 

 it is requisite that a boy should be so tutored, as 

 not to seek after venereal pleasures before he is 

 twenty years of age, and then should rarely en- 

 gage in them. This, however, will take place, if 

 he conceives that a good habit of body, and conti- 

 nence, are beautiful and honourable. 



It is likewise requisite that such legal institutes 

 as the following should be taught in Grecian cities, 

 viz. that connection with a mother, or a daughter, 

 or a sister, should not be permitted either in tem- 

 ples, or in a public place ; for it is beautiful and 

 advantageous that numerous impediments to this 

 energy should be employed. 



And universally, it is requisite that all preter- 



