ELOGE OIT BTJFFO^. 89 



jurely do not suppose that the arts, literature in a 

 word, philosophy, run contrary to the obligations which 

 society imposes, or render one of those who cultivate 

 them less fit or 1 ready to serve his country, since the 

 knowledge which they teach, above all others, is atten- 

 tion to duties. But you may imagine, that tastes of this 

 kind are fitted only for those whose public and private 

 duties leave them sufficient time to devote to the culti- 

 vation of them. What profession affords more leisure 

 than that of arms ? All others occupy, without inter- 

 mission, those employed in them. The public are en- 

 gaged in disputes with the lawyer every hour of his 

 life. The speculations of commerce leave to the mer- 

 chant neither pleasures free from anxiety, nor peace- 

 able sleep ; and the labourer never interrupts the circle 

 of his toils. The soldier is not always engaged in 

 fighting. His action, being most violent, is most fre- 

 quently suspended. His times of rest, moreover, leave 

 him exempt from the thousand cares which other men 

 never lay aside, and the most laborious of all occupa- 

 tions then becomes the most idle. Is it supposed, that 

 in these intervals of valuable liberty, when the soldier 

 can follow such occupations as suit his fancy, study 

 would prove more dangerous and hurtful to his duties 

 than the pleasures in which he is every where permitted 

 to indulge ? How many could I name, who, unknown 

 to all those whose habits differ so widely from theirs, 

 owe to such an employment of their time and leisure, a 

 aorreotruws in the service, a steadiness in their labours, 



