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LETTER VII.

ON GREATNESS OF SOUL.

GREATNESS of soul consists, not only in courage enlightened by justice and humanity (virtues without which courage is seldom any thing else than ferocity) but likewise in a certain elevation, which, setting us above every kind of 'weakness, renders us, in a manner, inaccessible to it. Thus the brave man becomes intrepid amidst dangers, indifferent in the most terrible misfortunes, and tranquil in those trying moments, when the most distinguished courage is apt to fail. The spectacle most worthy the attention of the Gods, says Seneca, and that which they contemplate with the greatest approbation, is a virtuous man struggling against illfortune, and raising himself superior to it.

THE French in Canada once made an attack on the Iroquois Indians, who were surprised and routed. The most distinguished among them, a venerable chief, nearly a hundred years of age, either disdaining or not being able to fly, was

taken prisoner and abandoned to the savages, who, according to their custom, made him suffer the most exquisite tortures. The old man did not utter a groan or a sigh; but severely reproached his countrymen for submitting to be the slaves of Europeans, of whom he spoke with the utmost contempts These invectives irritated one of the spectators; who struck him several blows with a sabre, to dispatch him: “ You are wrong," replied the intrepid prisoner coolly, "to attempt to shorten my life, which might have allowed you more time to learn from my example, how to die like a man!"

INNUMERABLE instances of the various kinds of magnanimity or greatness of soul, are recorded in ancient and modern history. A few of these it may give you pleasure to learn, or. be reminded of.

LEONIDAS having, with three hundred men. only, disputed the pass of Thermopylæ against the whole army of Xerxes, and being killed in the conflict, Xerxes, by the advice of Mardonius, one of his generals, caused his dead body to be hung upon a gallows: thus making the intended dishonour of his enemy his own immortal shame*.

* LEONIDAS and his three hundred heroes fell, with

But some time after, Xerxes being defeated, and Mardonius slain, one of the principal citizens of Ægina addressed himself to Pausanias, desiring him to avenge the indignity which Mardonius and Xerxes had shown to Leonidas, by treating the body of Mardonius after the same manner. As a farther motive for doing so, he added, that by thus satisfying the manes of those who were killed at Thermopyla, he would immortalize his own name throughout Greece, and make his memory dear to the latest posterity. "Carry thy base counsels elsewhere," replied Pausanias: thou must have a very wrong notion of true glory, to imagine that the way for me to acquire it is to imitate the barbarians. If the esteem of the people of Egina is not to be purchased but by such a proceeding, I shall be content with preserving that of the Lacedemonians only; among whom the base and ungenerous pleasure of revenge is never put in competition with that of showing clemency and moderation to an enemy, especially after his death. As for my departed countrymen, they are sufficiently avenged

the exception of one mau; who contrived to make his escape to Sparta, where he was received as a traitor and a coward.

by the death of the many thousand Persians slain on the same spot in the last engagement,"

The inhabitants of Privernum being subdued and taken prisoners after a revolt, one of them was asked by Plautinus, a Roman senator who advised putting them all to death, what punishment he and his fellow-captives deserved. He answered with great intrepidity: "We deserve that punishment which is due to men who are jealous of their liberty, and think themselves worthy of it." Plautinus, perceiving that this answer exasperated some of the senators, endea voured to prevent the ill effects of it, by putting a milder question: "How would "How would you behave," said he, "if Rome should pardon you?" "Our conduct," replied the generous captive, depends upon yours. If the peace you grant be an ho nourable one, you may be assured of a constant fidelity on our parts: if the terms of it be hard and dishonourable, lay no stress on our adhe rence to you." Some of the judges considered these words as insolent: but the wiser part, per ceiving in them a great degree of magnanimity, exclaimed, that a nation whose only desire was liberty, and their only fear that of losing it, was worthy to become Roman. Accordingly a decree passed in favour of the prisoners, and Privernum

was declared a municipal town. Thus the bold sincerity of one man saved his country, and gained it the privilege of being incorporated into the Roman state.

WHEN Alexander the Great had totally defeated the numerous army of Porus, an Indian prince of great courage and prudence, the conqueror desired to see his unsuccessful enemy. After much entreaty, Porus consented. Alexander, on his approach, advanced in order to receive him, with some of his train.. Having come pretty near him, Alexander stopped to take a view of his noble mien, he being much above the common height: some historians say he was seven feet and a half in stature. Porus did not seem dejected at his misfortune; but ad, vanced with a resolute countenance, like a war rior whose courage in defending his dominions ought to acquire him the esteem of his victor. Alexander spoke first: and with an august and gracious air, asked him how he desired to be treated. "Like a king!" replied Porus. "But," continued Alexander, "do you ask nothing more?" "No," replied Porus; "every thing is included in that single word." Alexander, struck with this greatness of soul, the heroism of which seemed heightened by distress, not only restored