Those are wrong who in their
laws attempt to check the loud crying and screaming of children, for
these contribute towards their growth, and, in a manner, exercise
their bodies. Straining the voice has a strengthening effect similar
to that produced by the retention of the breath in violent
exertions. The Directors of Education should have an eye to their
bringing up, and in particular should take care that they are left
as little as possible with slaves. For until they are seven years
old they must five at home; and therefore, even at this early age,
it is to be expected that they should acquire a taint of meanness from
what they hear and see. Indeed, there is nothing which the
legislator should be more careful to drive away than indecency of
speech; for the light utterance of shameful words leads soon to
shameful actions. The young especially should never be allowed to
repeat or hear anything of the sort. A freeman who is found saying
or doing what is forbidden, if he be too young as yet to have the
privilege of reclining at the public tables, should be disgraced and
beaten, and an elder person degraded as his slavish conduct
deserves. And since we do not allow improper language, clearly we
should also banish pictures or speeches from the stage which are
indecent. Let the rulers take care that there be no image or picture
representing unseemly actions, except in the temples of those Gods
at whose festivals the law permits even ribaldry, and whom the law
also permits to be worshipped by persons of mature age on behalf of
themselves, their children, and their wives.
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