Page:The Annual Register 1758.djvu/473

Rh and great judgment, we have a well-connected, clear, and spirited history of one of the most extra- ordinary men whom Greece, or perhaps any other country, has ever produced ;as well for the greatness of his talents, as the strength both of his virtues and his vices. The author has thoroughly studied the constitution of ancient Greece, with an account of which he very judiciously begins his work. We shall give it as a specimen of his style and manner of writing.

"Ancient Greece was inhabited by people, whose origin and language were the same; but their manners, customs, institutions, and forms of government, in many respects totally different. Yet, amidst this diversity, their general principles were also the same, an ardor for liberty, and a strict regard to the public good. . ..

"A number of neighbouring societies, thus formed and modelled, became gradually to be considered as one body or nation, composed of so many distinct members, all united and connexted together by interest and affection. As the good of each individua! was subfervient to that of his community, so the good of each community was considered as subordinate to that of the whole nation. Hence arose a familiar species of civility, if it may be so called, which each society owes to the general assemblage. Even amidst those contests and disorders which unruly passions, or the accidental clashing of interests, might produce, war had its laws and limitations; the universal jnterest of Greece was professedly at least the first and greatest object of attention; the attempt of any state to extend its power beyond the just and equitable bounds, was considered as an injury to Greece in general; justice, moderation, equality, were ever strenuously enforced, and all military contests carried among the Greeks in a manner somewhat similar to judicial controvesfies in private societies : and, while it was allowed thus to seek redress of peculiar injuries, the general rights of the contending parties were secured by national laws, and demanded a just and scrupulous attention, even amidst all the confusion and violence of arms. Thus the great Athenian orator desercirbes the principles and sentiments of the Greeks, speaking of the ancient wars of Athens and Sparta. Such was their simplicity, or rather their Civility, that is, their deference to the general laws of Greece, and their attention to the common good of that nation) that corruption was never made the instrument of their success: but they carried on a legal and open war.

While these principles preserved their due vigour and influence, Greece continued a really united body, happy in itself, and formidable to its enemies. Many circumstances contributed to form this union: and many institutions were suggested, by the sagacity of statesmen and legislators, to secure and confirm it. Of these the famous council of Amphidyon: deaerves particular regard; whose origin and constitution are here to be explained, that the, reader may come duly prepared to understand the history now presented to him, in which this august