6
In general, we consider that the real Heracles was a wise man who achieved everything by eloquence and applied persuasion as his principal force. His arrows represent words, I suppose, keen, sure and swift, which make their wounds in souls. In fact, you yourselves admit that words are winged.” Homer, passim.
7
Thus far the Celt. And when I was debating with myself on the question of appearing here, considering whether it was proper for a man of my age, who had long ago given up lecturing in public, once more to subject himself to the verdict of so large a jury, it chanced in the nick of time that I remembered the picture. Until then I had been afraid that some of you might think I was doing an altogether boyish thing and at my age shewing the rashness of youth; and that then some young fellow full of Homer might rebuke me by saying “Your strength is gone” and “Bitter old age has you in his clutch” and “Your squire is feeble and your steeds are slow,”Iliad 8, 108 f. (spoken to Nestor). aiming the last quip at my feet. But when I remember that old Heracles, I am moved to undertake anything, and am not ashamed to be so bold, since I am no older than the picture.
