74 GREEK PHILOSOPHY. 



truly an object of commiseration ; and we ought to pity such a being 

 while the malady is remediable, and restrain our sentiments of resent- 

 ment, and not be carried off with the violence and zealous indignation 

 of the weaker sex. But, where a man is incurably mischievous, and 

 irretrievably wicked, we ought then to administer justice unmingled 

 with mercy. And for this reason it was, we said, that a virtuous 

 character ought at once to be resolute and mild. But the greatest 

 evil is that which takes deepest root in the heart of man, and for 

 which, whilst each shows some indulgence to himself, no cure can be 

 devised ; and this proceeds from that self-love which is supposed to 

 be innate in man's nature, and which, under proper regulations, is 

 itself an important duty. But the excess of this is the source of all 

 crimes, for affection blinds the judgment in this, as in all other cases ; 

 and the man who, instead of regarding the real relations of things, is 

 constantly observing his own situation, will very imperfectly discern 

 what is just, or honourable, or proper. For a man who would be really 

 great, ought not to attach his regard to self or his own vulgar 

 interests, but to virtue ; whether the results lead to his own personal 

 gratification, or to that of others. But it is from an error on this 

 point that many deem their own folly to be wisdom, and whilst in a 

 state of the grossest delusion believe themselves in a manner omni- 

 scient. From the same cause we sometimes undertake what we are 

 incapable of performing, because we will not allow those to perform 

 it who are capable ; and would rather blunder ourselves than admit 

 that others are better informed, whilst in truth we ought to feel no 

 shame in following and imitating those who are really our superiors. 

 There are other points too, which, though they are of less importance 

 than those which we have touched upon, and of a very trite nature, 

 may yet bo equally serviceable, and which it may be well to recall to 

 mind. For the stream of knowledge, as it seems constantly to flow 

 away from the mind, should be constantly replenished ; and recollec- 

 tion is but the reflux of ebbing knowledge. All extremes in the 

 expression of joy and grief are to be avoided, and the excesses of the 

 passions themselves are to be restrained ; so that we may acquire 

 and maintain a dignified moderation, whether our fortunes are suc- 

 cessful and our guardian spirit seems to smile upon us, or whether 

 the spirits of nature seem to be engaged in opposition to us, com- 

 pelling us to surmount by our own virtue the arduous and steep 

 ascent. We should then rely on the favour which Providence always 

 shows to the good, that he will smooth the path of pain, and requite 

 grief with gladness, and that the day of prosperity will follow the 

 night of sorrow. Every man should support himself under trials 

 with such hopes ; and, whether in serious or in cheerful mood, each 

 should revolve in his own mind, and communicate to those around 

 him, such cheering and such consolatory views of the dispensations of 

 Providence. 



" So far with regard to models of excellence, and the perfection of 



