24 THE WISDOM OF THE ANCIENTS. 



mountain Taurus within the compass of their arms 

 and command ; and therefore Perseus, although he 

 were bred and born in the east, did not yet refuse 

 to undertake an expedition even to the uttermost 

 bounds of the west. 



Secondly, There must be a care had, that the 

 motives of war be just and honourable ; for that be 

 gets an alacrity as well in the soldiers that fight as 

 in the people that pay ; it draws on and procures 

 aids, and brings many other commodities besides. 

 But there is no pretence to take up arms more pious, 

 than the suppressing of tyranny ; under which yoke 

 the people lose their courage, and are cast down 

 without heart and vigour as in the sight of Medusa. 



Thirdly, It is wisely added, that seeing there were 

 three Gorgons, by which wars are represented, Per 

 seus undertook her only that was mortal ; that is, he 

 made choice of such a kind of war as was likely to 

 be effected and brought to a period, not pursuing 

 vast and endless hopes. 



The furnishing of Perseus with necessaries was 

 that which only advanced his attempt, and drew 

 fortune to be of his side ; for he had speed from 

 Mercury, concealing of his counsels from Orcus, and 

 Providence from Pallas. 



Neither is it without an allegory, and that full of 

 matter too, that those wings of celerity were fastened 

 to Perseus heels and not to his ancles, to his feet 

 and not to his shoulders ; because speed and celerity 

 are required, not so much in the first preparations for 

 war, as in those things which second and yield aid to 



