eing _able_ to make him happy or miserable,
if so be they had no such _power_? or would not even man himself, long
ere this, have seen through the gross delusion? How is it,
Aristodemus, thou rememberest, or remarkest not, that the kingdoms and
commonwealths most renowned as well for their _wisdom_ as antiquity,
are those whose piety and devotion hath been the most observable? And
why thinkest thou that the providence of God may not easily extend
itself throughout the whole universe? As, therefore, among men, we
make best trial of the affection and gratitude of our neighbor, by
showing him kindness, and discover his wisdom, by consulting him in
our distress; do thou, in like manner, behave towards the gods, and,
if thou wouldst experience what their wisdom, and what their love,
render thyself deserving the communication of some of those divine
secrets which may not be perpetrated by man, and are imparted to those
alone who consult, who adore, who obey the Deity. Then shalt thou, my
Aristodemus, understand there is a Being whose eye pierceth throughout
all nature, and whose ear is open to every sound; _extended_ to all
places; _extending_ through all time, and whose bounty and care can
know no other bounds than those fixed by his own creation!"

By this discourse, and others of the like nature, Socrates taught his
friends that they were not only to forbear whatever was impious,
unjust, or unbecoming before _men;_ but even, when alone, they ought
to have a regard to their actions; since the gods have their eyes
continually upon us, and none of our designs can be concealed from
them.

EURIPIDES.

Euripides flourished about 450 B.C.; was born 480 B.C. He spent his
youth in the highest mental and physical training. He was a native of
Athens, and enjoyed the most glorious days of her annals, being
brought in direct connection with AEschylus and Sophocles, and in his
older days was a pupil of Socrates.

In comparing Euripides and the other two masters in Grecian tragedy,
it may be said that he ranks first in tragic representation and
effect; Sophocles first in dramatic symmetry and ornament; AEschylus
first in poetic vigor and grandeur. AEschylus was the most sublime;
Sophocles the most beautiful; Euripides the most pathetic. The first
displays the lofty intellect; the second exercises the cultivated
taste; the third indulges the feeling heart. Each, as it were, shows a
fine piece of sculpture. In AEschylus, it is a nak