130 ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 



&quot;by civil discord, or in whatever part the enemy can be the 

 most easily subjugated. 



The second precept is, that the cause of the war be just 

 and honorable; for this adds alacrity both to the soldiers 

 and the people who find the supplies, procures aids, alli 

 ances, and numerous other conveniences. Now, there is 

 no cause of war more just and laudable than the sup 

 pressing of tyranny, by which a people are dispirited, 

 benumbed, or left without life and vigor, as at the sight 

 of Medusa. Such heroic acts transformed Hercules into a 

 divinity. It was undoubtedly a point of religion with the 

 Romans to aid with valor and speed such of their allies 

 and confederates as were in any way distressed. So just 

 and vindictive wars have generally met with success; as 

 the war of the triumvirate in revenge for the death of 

 Caesar, the war of Severus for the death of Pertinax, and 

 of Junius Brutus for the death of Lucretia; for they who 

 take up arms to relieve and revenge the calamities of men 

 fight under the standard of Perseus. 



Lastly, it is prudently added, that as there were three 

 of the Gorgons who represent war, Perseus singled her out 

 for his expedition that was mortal; which affords this pre 

 cept, that such kind of wars should be chosen as may be 

 brought to a conclusion without pursuing vast and infinite 

 hopes. 



Again, Perseus setting out is extremely well adapted to 

 his undertaking, and in a manner commands success he 

 received despatch from Mercury, secrecy from Pluto, and 

 foresight from Pallas. It also contains an excellent alle 

 gory, that the wings given him by Mercury were for his 

 heels, not for his shoulders, because expedition is not so 

 much required in the first preparations for war as in the 

 subsequent matters that administer to the first; for there 

 is no error more frequent in war than, after brisk prepara 

 tions, to halt for subsidiary forces and effective supplies. 



The allegory of Pluto s helmet rendering men invisible 

 and secret, is sufficiently evident of itself; for secretness 



