ixed altogether, and that
one is punished most severely who shows any fear.

The inhabitants of the City of the Sun do not fear death, because they
all believe that the soul is immortal, and that when it has left the
body it is associated with other spirits, wicked or good, according to
the merits of this present life. Although they are partly followers
of Brahma and Pythagoras, they do not believe in the transmigration of
souls, except in some cases by a distinct decree of God. They do not
abstain from injuring an enemy of the republic and of religion, who
is unworthy of pity. During the second month the army is reviewed, and
every day there is practice of arms, either in the cavalry plain or
within the walls. Nor are they ever without lectures on the science of
war. They take care that the accounts of Moses, of Joshua, of David, of
Judas Maccabaeus, of Caesar, of Alexander, of Scipio, of Hannibal, and
other great soldiers should be read. And then each one gives his own
opinion as to whether these generals acted well or ill, usefully or
honorably, and then the teacher answers and says who are right.

G.M. With whom do they wage war, and for what reasons, since they are so
prosperous?

Capt. Wars might never occur, nevertheless they are exercised in
military tactics and in hunting, lest perchance they should become
effeminate and unprepared for any emergency. Besides, there are four
kingdoms in the island, which are very envious of their prosperity,
for this reason that the people desire to live after the manner of the
inhabitants of the City of the Sun, and to be under their rule rather
than that of their own kings. Wherefore the State often makes war upon
these because, being neighbors, they are usurpers and live impiously,
since they have not an object of worship and do not observe the religion
of other nations or of the Brahmins. And other nations of India, to
which formerly they were subject, rise up as it were in rebellion, as
also do the Taprobanese, whom they wanted to join them at first. The
warriors of the City of the Sun, however, are always the victors. As
soon as they suffered from insult or disgrace or plunder, or when their
allies have been harassed, or a people have been oppressed by a tyrant
of the State (for they are always the advocates of liberty), they go
immediately to the Council for deliberation. After they have knelt in
the presence of God, that he might inspire their consultation, they
p