Pedestrianism

l 2S ancient gymnastics. » Every thing enervating was forbidden; and the pleasures of the table, or sensual indul­ gence of any kind, renderedthe Athletaeunfit for the severe exerciseof the gymnasia. H O­ race remar(kAs,rt. Poet. ver. 412,) that, " A youth who hopes the Olympic prizeto gain, " All arts mustry, and ev'ry toil sustain ; " Th' extremes of heantd cold must often prove, " Andshun the weak'ningjoys owfine and love." In a voluptuous climate, the propensity to vicious indulgence is natural and powerful; but among the Greeks, it was counteracted by the firm organizationwhich they acquired by perpetual exercise; and the universality of the games diffusedamongthe whole people the important advantagesof the institution. Corporeal excellence, however, wasnot the only benefit which the Greeks derived from the Athletic exercises. The powers of the mindwere alsostrengthened and augmented, and that couragewhich dependson the nerves wasimproved to the highest pitch. The un­ daunted spirit of the Greeks appalled their enemies;