The Good Book_ A Secular Bible - A. C. Grayling [253]
10. But why can there not be a juster appreciation of the alloy that is man, despite which some rise into the permanent annals of history,
11. Leaving their best achievements as examples to posterity, while we admit the base metal there inmixed?
12. The virtues of the great serve us as a looking glass, in which we may see how to adjust and adorn our own lives,
13. Their faults and frailties admonishing by example likewise, and the whole made of both serving as a manual of humanity.
14. Contemplating lives can be compared to associating with those we thus contemplate;
15. We receive and entertain in our inquiry each successive guest, view their qualities and select from their actions all that is noblest to know.
16. By the study of history and the familiarity acquired in writing, we habituate our memories to receive and retain images of the best and worthiest.
17. We are thus enabled to raise thought above what is base to better examples of our forerunners famous for their success,
18. Who leave no doubt whether they owe their achievements to luck, or their own character and conduct.
19. Of the many portraits one might paint to this end, only a few are necessary,
20. For from the few one can discern the many.
Chapter 2: Lycurgus of Sparta
1. Lycurgus, the lawgiver of Sparta, was the second son of that city’s king and younger brother of Polydectes, who became king after their father’s death.
2. Their father was killed in a riot, for Sparta was then troubled with faction, the people unruly and undisciplined;
3. And the father of Lycurgus and Polydectes was stabbed by one of his subjects while trying to bring order.
4. Soon afterwards Polydectes died also, leaving the right of succession to Lycurgus; and reign he did, until it was discovered that Polydectes’ widow was pregnant;
5. Upon which Lycurgus immediately declared that the kingdom belonged to her issue, if it were male, and that he himself exercised authority only as the child’s guardian.
6. A secret overture was made to him by the queen, that she would destroy the infant, on condition that he would marry her when he came to the crown.
7. Abhorring the woman’s wickedness, Lycurgus pretended not to reject her proposal,
8. But, making show of agreeing, dispatched a messenger with thanks,
9. And to dissuade her from aborting herself, which would impair her health, if not endanger her life, he himself, he said, would ensure that the child should be killed as soon as born.
10. By such artifices having drawn on the woman to her time of birth, when he heard that she was in labour, he sent persons to observe all that passed,
11. With orders that if it were a girl they should give it to the women, but if a boy, they should bring it to him wherever he was, and whatever doing.
12. He was at supper with the principal magistrates when the queen produced a boy, who was immediately brought to him at the table;
13. He, taking him into his arms, announced: ‘Men of Sparta, here is our king’;
14. And laid the child in the king’s place, and named him Charilaus, that is, joy of the people;
15. Because all were transported with joy at Lycurgus’ noble heart. His reign had lasted only eight months, but he was honoured by the citizens,
16. Who obeyed him because of his virtues more than because he was regent.
17. Some, however, envied and opposed his growing influence; chiefly the kindred of the queen mother, who pretended to have been treated injuriously.
18. Her brother Leonidas, in a heated debate with Lycurgus, said he was certain they would soon see the latter king,
19. Thus suggesting suspicions and preparing the way for an accusation of him.
20. Similar hints were spread about by the queen mother and her adherents.
21. Troubled by this, and suspecting the outcome, Lycurgus thought it wisest to avoid their envy by a voluntary exile,
22. And to travel abroad until his nephew reached marriageable age, and, by having a son, secured the succession.
23. Setting sail, therefore, he first went to Crete, where, having considered the different city governments