THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 337 



" What were the republics of antiquity ? " exclaimed a 

 better dressed man in black, not very unlike a dissenting 

 minister. 



" Well," observed our young candidate, " I will tell you 

 what they were. They were the mature result of profound 

 political science. In their formation, the deepest re- 

 sources of philosophy were explored ; the most enlightened 

 sages consulted ; and every aid which history, experience, 

 or example of other states could afford, adopted. It is 

 true, they flourished for periods, under the auspices of 

 consummate wisdom and bravery, but their glory, in 

 many instances, was but short-lived. In fact, it was 

 oftentimes confined to the lustre of a single life. For 

 example, the splendour of Thebes commenced with the 

 public character of the celebrated Epaminondas, and de- 

 clined from the moment of his death. In fact, the maxims 

 by which their governments were supported are impracti- 

 cable in a populous country, such as England. They 

 afford too many opportunities for caballing, and betray 

 the mass of the people into rebellion and outrage. Be- 

 tween the patrician and plebeian orders the struggle is 

 ardent and unceasing ; and then look to the result. When 

 the former prevail, despotism ensues ; and if the latter 

 succeed, anarchy is the inevitable consequence. Who but 

 a madman would expect to revive the stern politics of 

 ancient nations, without their genius, their extreme 

 austerity, their rigid discipline, and their severe morality ? 

 But one lesson is given us in the construction and pro- 

 ceedings of some of those celebrated commonwealths, 

 which were the wonder and admiration of the world for a 

 long period of years. They preserved their purity and 

 vigour, and reached the summit of unrivalled excellence, 

 not only by instituting the best laws, and executing them 

 in the best manner, but by delegating the power of the 

 community to none but the best men. Let us not, then, 

 surrender a form of government which has made us happy 

 at home and respected abroad, for one which cannot, 

 under present circumstances, be realized without having 

 a contrary effect. We should substantiate the fable of 

 chasing Juno, and plunging into a cloud. The old family 

 mansion which our forefathers have inhabited so long, 

 may want repair, but those who would level it with the 

 ground, or change it for another, would soon find their 

 mistake." 



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