For I do not think, said I, that the other classes who are in it,
whether they be cowardly or brave, have power to render the
city either the one or the other. No, indeed. The city then is
brave likewise by one particular part of itself, because it has
within it a power of such a nature as shall always preserve their
opinions about things which are dreadful, that they are both these
very things, and of the very same kind which the lawgiver incul-
cated on them in their education ? Do not you call this fortitude ?
I have not, said he, entirely comprehended what you say ; but tell
it over again. I call fortitude, said I, a certain preservative.
What sort of preservative ? A preservative of opinion formed by
law in a course of education about things which are dreadful,
what these are, and of what kind : I called it a preservative at all
times, because they were to retain it in pains and in pleasures, in
desires and fears, and never to cast it off; and, if you are willing,
I shall liken it to what in my opinion it bears a near resemblance.
