Modern Athletics 1868

10 MODERN ATHLETICS. whicli they belonged; they entered their native cities in triumph through breaches made in the walls;—thus finely intimating that the state which possessed such citizens needed no other defence. They received also substantial rewards; were relieved from the payment of taxes; en­ joyed the seat ofhonour at all public games;their statues were erected at the public cost; and their praises were sung by poets. "There is no greater honour for a man during his life," says Homer, "than that he should be accomplished in the use of his hands and feet;" and when Euryalus hurled his severest taunt at Odysseus, he told him "that he was a 'city man,' andnot like an athlete." (Odyssey VIII., 147 and 148.) Long may ourgentlemen glory in personal prowess by land and water. They have one sanctifying influence which the Greeks and Romans wanted. No women were permitted to bepresent in the gymnasia, or evento cross the river Alpheus during the celebration of the Olympic Games, under penalty of being hurled from the Typgean rock; whereas now our athletics areall honoured by the sanction and plauditsof the fair, aa in the tournaments of mediasval times.