87 
of individuals. 
had no taste for the blemishes 
He 
of mankind. 
His mind delighted in the contem- 
plation of moral vigour; and he seems justly to have 
thought that it was nearly allied to virtue: hence 
many of those characters whose portraitures in 
his works furnish the youthful mind with inspir- 
ing examples of true greatness, more authentic 
historians represent in a light far different. It is 
the aim of all dignified art to exalt the mind by 
and 
exciting the feelings as well as the judgment; 
the 
immortal 
lessons 
of 
Pl utarch 
would 
IICVCP 
have awakened 
the 
first 
stirrings 
of 
ambition 
in 
the innumerable great men who date 
their 
CZITECT 
from 
reading his pages, 
been 
had he 
actuated 
by 
the 
minute 
and 
invidious 
spirit 
of 
modem 
bio- 
graphy. These 
more forcibly at 
occurred the 
the subject of 
reflections have 
this juncture, as 
this narratlve was on the point of leaving a country 
which were 
in 
H1611 
destined 
to 
acquire 
glory in 
such 
achievements 
3S 
Plutarch 
would 
have 
lighted to record; and of parting from early asso- 
ciates who afterwards attained a degree of eminence 
in the public service, that places them high in the 
roll of those who have emulated the exploits and 
virtues of the Heroes of that great" Biographer.