Now this is the difference between the Grecians and other
nations, that the latter have but one of these qualities, whereas in
the former they are both happily blended together. Hence it is
evident, that those persons ought to be both sensible and courageous
who will readily obey a legislator, the object of whose laws is
virtue.-As to what some persons say, that the military must be mild
and tender to those they know, but severe and cruel to those they know
not, it is courage which [1328a] makes any one lovely; for that is the
faculty of the soul which we most admire: as a proof of this, our
resentment rises higher against our friends and acquaintance than
against those we know not: for which reason Archilaus accusing his
friends says very properly to himself, Shall my friends insult me? The
spirit of freedom and command also is what all inherit who are of this
disposition for courage is commanding and invincible. It also is not
right for any one to say, that you should be severe to those you know
not; for this behaviour is proper for no one: nor are those who are of
a noble disposition harsh in their manners, excepting only to the
wicked; and when they are particularly so, it is, as has been already
said, against their friends, when they think they have injured them;
which is agreeable to reason: for when those who think they ought to
receive a favour from any one do not receive it, beside the injury
done them, they consider what they are deprived of: hence the saying,
"Cruel are the wars of brothers;" and this, "Those who have greatly
loved do greatly hate.
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