[51] For it is evident that if any one slays the principle of courage, he wounds himself with the opposite disease of cowardice; and if any one in the practise of honourable studies slays his vigorous strength, he is inflicting on himself wounds and great injuries with no moderate degree of disgrace. Therefore, indeed, perseverance says that if practise and improvement be destroyed she will lose not only one child but also her others also, and be an instance of complete childlessness. [40]