And if at times and seasons they set in array against us, and fall on in overwhelming strength, our leader draws off her forces into the citadel while they are busy plundering the useless baggage.

But we from our vantage ground, safe from all this wild work, laugh to see them making prize of the most valueless of things, protected by a bulwark which aggressive folly may not aspire to reach.' SONG IV.
NOTHING CAN SUBDUE VIRTUE.
Whoso calm, serene, sedate, Sets his foot on haughty fate; Firm and steadfast, come what will, Keeps his mien unconquered still; Him the rage of furious seas, Tossing high wild menaces, Nor the flames from smoky forges That Vesuvius disgorges, Nor the bolt that from the sky Smites the tower, can terrify.
Why, then, shouldst thou feel affright At the tyrant's weakling might?
Dread him not, nor fear no harm, And thou shall his rage disarm; But who to hope or fear gives way-- Lost his bosom's rightful sway-- He hath cast away his shield, Like a coward fled the field; He hath forged all unaware Fetters his own neck must bear! IV.
'Dost thou understand ?' she asks.

Do my words sink into thy mind?
Or art thou dull "as the ass to the sound of the lyre"?
Why dost thou weep?
Why do tears stream from thy eyes?
'"Speak out, hide it not in thy heart." If thou lookest for the physician's help, thou must needs disclose thy wound.' Then I, gathering together what strength I could, began: 'Is there still need of telling?
Is not the cruelty of fortune against me plain enough?
Doth not the very aspect of this place move thee?
Is this the library, the room which thou hadst chosen as thy constant resort in my home, the place where we so often sat together and held discourse of all things in heaven and earth?
Was my garb and mien like this when I explored with thee nature's hid secrets, and thou didst trace for me with thy wand the courses of the stars, moulding the while my character and the whole conduct of my life after the pattern of the celestial order?
Is this the recompense of my obedience?
Yet thou hast enjoined by Plato's mouth the maxim, "that states would be happy, either if philosophers ruled them, or if it should so befall that their rulers would turn philosophers." By his mouth likewise thou didst point out this imperative reason why philosophers should enter public life, to wit, lest, if the reins of government be left to unprincipled and profligate citizens, trouble and destruction should come upon the good.

Following these precepts, I have tried to apply in the business of public administration the principles which I learnt from thee in leisured seclusion.

Thou art my witness and that divinity who hath implanted thee in the hearts of the wise, that I brought to my duties no aim but zeal for the public good.