A fourth musical law will be to the effect that hymns and praises shall be offered to Gods, and to heroes and demigods.  Still another law will permit eulogies of eminent citizens, whether men or women, but only after their death.  As to songs and dances, we will enact as follows:—­There shall be a selection made of the best ancient musical compositions and dances; these shall be chosen by judges, who ought not to be less than fifty years of age.  They will accept some, and reject or amend others, for which purpose they will call, if necessary, the poets themselves into council.  The severe and orderly music is the style in which to educate children, who, if they are accustomed to this, will deem the opposite kind to be illiberal, but if they are accustomed to the other, will count this to be cold and unpleasing.  ‘True.’  Further, a distinction should be made between the melodies of men and women.  Nature herself teaches that the grand or manly style should be assigned to men, and to women the moderate and temperate.  So much for the subjects of education.  But to whom are they to be taught, and when?  I must try, like the shipwright, who lays down the keel of a vessel, to build a secure foundation for the vessel of the soul in her voyage through life.  Human affairs are hardly serious, and yet a sad necessity compels us to be serious about them.  Let us, therefore, do our best to bring the matter to a conclusion.  ‘Very good.’  I say then, that God is the object of a man’s most serious endeavours.  But man is created to be the plaything of the Gods; and therefore the aim of every one should be to pass through life, not in grim earnest, but playing at the noblest of pastimes, in another spirit from that which now prevails.  For the common opinion is, that work is for the sake of play, war of peace; whereas in war there is neither amusement nor instruction worth speaking of.  The life of peace is that which men should chiefly desire to lengthen out and improve.  They should live sacrificing, singing, and dancing, with the view of propitiating Gods and heroes.  I have already told you the types of song and dance which they should follow:  and ‘Some things,’ as the poet well says, ’you will devise for yourself—­others, God will suggest to you.’

These words of his may be applied to our pupils.  They will partly teach themselves, and partly will be taught by God, the art of propitiating Him; for they are His puppets, and have only a small portion in truth.  ’You have a poor opinion of man.’  No wonder, when I compare him with God; but, if you are offended, I will place him a little higher.