DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.61012#0056
22
THE SECOND DISCOURSE.
denied to well-directed labour : nothing is to be obtained
without it. Not to enter into metaphysical discussions on
the nature or essence of genius, I will venture to assert, that
assiduity unabated by difficulty, and a disposition eagerly
directed to the object of its pursuit, will produce effects
similar to those which some call the result of natural
powers.
Though a man cannot at all times, and in all places,
paint or draw, yet the mind can prepare itself by laying in
proper materials, at all times, and in all places. Both Livy
and Plutarch, in describing Philopcemen, one of the ablest
generals of antiquity, have given us a striking picture of a
mind always intent on its profession, and by assiduity
obtaining those excellencies which some all their lives
vainly expect from nature. I shall quote the passage in
Livy at length, as it runs parallel with the practice I would
recommend to the Painter, Sculptor, and Architect:—
“ Philopcemen was a man eminent for his sagacity and
experience in choosing ground, and in leading armies; to
which he formed his mind by perpetual meditation, in
times of peace as well as war. When, in any occasional
journey, he came to a strait, difficult passage, if he was
alone, he considered with himself, and if he was in com-
pany he asked his friends, what it would be best to do if in
this place they had found an enemy, either in the front or
in the rear, on the one side or on the other? ‘It might
happen,’ says he, ‘that the enemy to be opposed might
come on drawn up in regular lines, or in a tumultuous body
formed only by the nature of the place.’ He then con-
sidered a little what ground he should take ; what number of
soldiers he should use, and what arms he should give them;
where he should lodge his carriages, his baggage, and the
defenceless followers of his camp; how many guards, and
THE SECOND DISCOURSE.
denied to well-directed labour : nothing is to be obtained
without it. Not to enter into metaphysical discussions on
the nature or essence of genius, I will venture to assert, that
assiduity unabated by difficulty, and a disposition eagerly
directed to the object of its pursuit, will produce effects
similar to those which some call the result of natural
powers.
Though a man cannot at all times, and in all places,
paint or draw, yet the mind can prepare itself by laying in
proper materials, at all times, and in all places. Both Livy
and Plutarch, in describing Philopcemen, one of the ablest
generals of antiquity, have given us a striking picture of a
mind always intent on its profession, and by assiduity
obtaining those excellencies which some all their lives
vainly expect from nature. I shall quote the passage in
Livy at length, as it runs parallel with the practice I would
recommend to the Painter, Sculptor, and Architect:—
“ Philopcemen was a man eminent for his sagacity and
experience in choosing ground, and in leading armies; to
which he formed his mind by perpetual meditation, in
times of peace as well as war. When, in any occasional
journey, he came to a strait, difficult passage, if he was
alone, he considered with himself, and if he was in com-
pany he asked his friends, what it would be best to do if in
this place they had found an enemy, either in the front or
in the rear, on the one side or on the other? ‘It might
happen,’ says he, ‘that the enemy to be opposed might
come on drawn up in regular lines, or in a tumultuous body
formed only by the nature of the place.’ He then con-
sidered a little what ground he should take ; what number of
soldiers he should use, and what arms he should give them;
where he should lodge his carriages, his baggage, and the
defenceless followers of his camp; how many guards, and