" We
are no patrons of corporal chastisement, which, on the contrary, as the
vilest of degradations, we abominate. The soldier, who does not feel
himself dishonored by it, is already dishonored beyond hope or redemption.
But still let this degradation not be imputed to the English army
exclusively.] again, was given to no man, "_nisi robusto et bonae famae_."
The arms and military appointments (_supellectilis_) were revised; the
register of names was duly called over; and none suffered to remain in the
camps who was either above or below the military age. The same vigilance
and jealousy were extended to the great stationary stores and repositories
of biscuit, vinegar, and other equipments for the soldiery. All things
were in constant readiness in the capital and the provinces, in the
garrisons and camps, abroad and at home, to meet the outbreak of a foreign
war or a domestic sedition. Whatever were the service, it could by no
possibility find Hadrian unprepared. And he first, in fact, of all the
Caesars, restored to its ancient republican standard, as reformed and
perfected by Marius, the old martial discipline of the Scipios and the
Paulli--that discipline, to which, more than to any physical superiority
of her soldiery, Rome had been indebted for her conquest of the earth; and
which had inevitably decayed in the long series of wars growing out of
personal ambition.
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