The five days debate at Cicero's house in Tusculum between master and sophister.

(a) The looking upon Fencers playing a Prize, is wont to be accounted, by some, Cruel and Inhumane.] To take pleasure in Bear and Bull-baiting, in Cock-fighting, in setting Dogs one upon another, are no Indications of a moderate and gentle Temper. However it may gratifie the irascible part wherein we nearest approach to the wild-beast; but to purchase the pleasure of showing or seeing men slash and mangle men, is little better than a Subornation of Murther. The Art of Defence is noble, but not in a procur'd Assault, nor in turning it on the Offensive. The old Romans were so transported with foundness for this Recreation, as they judg'd it, that they built stately Amphitheaters in diverse parts of the Empire, to accommodate the Spectators; they exhi∣bited many Matches of Fencers at their entrance upon Offices, at Funerals, and at extraordinary Shows. This

daily Carnage pamper'd the Humour of that Martial People, but the Practice was condemn'd by the sober Heathen, for∣bid by the Church to her Followers, reproved by the Fathers, and at last condemned by the Christian Emperors.