An Essay on the History of Civil Society, Eighth Edition by Adam Ferguson
page 246 of 349 (70%)
page 246 of 349 (70%)
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realize the legends they had studied; princes and leaders of armies
dedicated their most serious exploits to a real or to a fancied mistress. But whatever was the origin of notions, often so lofty and so ridiculous, we cannot doubt of their lasting effects on our manners. The point of honour, the prevalence of gallantry in our conversations, and on our theatres, many of the opinions which the vulgar apply even to the conduct of war; their notion, that the leader of an army, being offered battle upon equal terms, is dishonoured by declining it, are undoubtedly remains of this antiquated system: and chivalry, uniting with the genius of our policy, has probably suggested those peculiarities in the law of nations, by which modern states are distinguished from the ancient. And if our rule in measuring degrees of politeness and civilization is to be taken from hence, or from the advancement of commercial arts, we shall be found to have greatly excelled any of the celebrated nations of antiquity. AN ESSAY ON THE HISTORY OF CIVIL SOCIETY. * * * * * PART FIFTH. |
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