The women also are taught these arts under their own magistrates and
mistresses, so that they may be able if need be to render assistance
to the males in battles near the city. They are taught to watch the
fortifications lest at some time a hasty attack should suddenly be made.
In this respect they praise the Spartans and Amazons. The women know
well also how to let fly fiery balls, and how to make them from lead;
how to throw stones from pinnacles and to go in the way of an attack.
They are accustomed also to give up wine unmixed altogether, and that
one is punished most severely who shows any fear.
The inhabitants of the City of the Sun do not fear death, because they
all believe that the soul is immortal, and that when it has left the
body it is associated with other spirits, wicked or good, according to
the merits of this present life. Although they are partly followers
of Brahma and Pythagoras, they do not believe in the transmigration of
souls, except in some cases by a distinct decree of God. They do not
abstain from injuring an enemy of the republic and of religion, who
is unworthy of pity. During the second month the army is reviewed, and
every day there is practice of arms, either in the cavalry plain or
within the walls. Nor are they ever without lectures on the science of
war. They take care that the accounts of Moses, of Joshua, of David, of
Judas Maccabaeus, of Caesar, of Alexander, of Scipio, of Hannibal, and
other great soldiers should be read. And then each one gives his own
opinion as to whether these generals acted well or ill, usefully or
honorably, and then the teacher answers and says who are right.
G.M. With whom do they wage war, and for what reasons, since they are so
prosperous?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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