the laws of the Persians, and was an admirer of them,
because the Greeks enjoyed the advantage of their courage,
and had the very same opinion about the gods which they
had. This last was exemplified in the temples which they
burnt, and their courage in coming, and almost entirely
enslaving the Grecians. However, Apollonius has imitated all
the Persian institutions, and that by his offering violence to
other men's wives, and gelding his own sons. Now, with us, it
is a capital crime, if any one does thus abuse even a brute
beast; and as for us, neither hath the fear of our governors,
nor a desire of following what other nations have in so great
esteem, been able to withdraw us from our own laws; nor
have we exerted our courage in raising up wars to increase
our wealth, but only for the observation of our laws; and
when we with patience bear other losses, yet when any
persons would compel us to break our laws, then it is that we
choose to go to war, though it be beyond our ability to
pursue it, and bear the greatest calamities to the last with
much fortitude. And, indeed, what reason can there be why
we should desire to imitate the laws of other nations, while
we see they are not observed by their own legislators (27)
And why do not the Lacedemonians think of abolishing that
form of their government which suffers them not to associate
with any others, as well as their contempt of matrimony? And
why do not the Eleans and Thebans abolish that unnatural
and impudent lust, which makes them lie with males? For
they will not show a sufficient sign of their repentance of
what they of old thought to be very excellent, and very
advantageous in their practices, unless they entirely avoid all
such actions for the time to come: nay, such things are