advantages of
temperance.

"As the sage proceeded in his oration, he descanted upon this subject,
with so much force and eloquence that the young man became more composed
and attentive, as it were in spite of himself. Presently the philosopher
grew still more animated in his representation of the shameful slavery
which attends the giving way to our passions, and the sublime happiness
of reducing them all to order; and then the countenance of Polemo began
to change, and the expression of it to be softened; he cast his eyes in
mournful silence upon the ground, as if in deep repentance for his own
contemptible conduct. Still the aged speaker increased in vehemence; he
seemed to be animated with the sacred genius of the art which he
professed, and to exercise an irresistible power over the minds of his
hearers. He drew the portrait of an ingenious and modest young man who
had been bred up to virtuous toils and manly hardiness; he painted him
triumphant over all his passions, and trampling upon human fears and
weakness: 'Should his country be invaded, you see him fly to its
defence, and ready to pour forth all his blood; calm and composed he
appears, with a terrible beauty, in the front of danger; the ornament
and bulwark of his country; the thickest squadrons are penetrated by his
resistless valour, and he points the path of victory to his admiring
followers. Should he fall in battle, how glorious is his lot; to be cut
off in the honourable discharge of his duty; to be wept by all the brave
and virtuous, and to survive in the eternal records of fame?'

"While Xenocrates was thus discoursing, Polemo seemed to be transported
with a sacred enthusiasm; his eyes flashed fire, his countenance glowed
with martial indignation, and the whole expression of his person was
changed. Presently the philosopher, who had remarked the effect of his
discourse, painted in no less glowing colours the life and manners of an
effeminate young man; 'Unhappy youth,' said he, 'what word shall I find
equal to thy abasement? Thou art the reproach of thy parents, the
disgrace of thy country, the scorn or pity of every generous mind. How
is nature dishonoured in thy person, and all her choicest gifts
abortive! That strength which would have rendered thee the glory of thy
city and the terror of her foes, is basely thrown away on luxury and
intemperance; thy youth and beauty are wasted in riot, and prematurely
blasted by disease. Instead of the eye of fir