10
but the king, being very much athirst, although he had numerous springs, could not by their means quench his thirst;
11
but a certain irrational longing for the water in the enemy's camp grew stronger and fiercer upon him, and consumed him with languish.
12
Wherefore his body-guards being troubled at this longing of the king, two valiant young soldiers, reverencing the desire of the king, put on their panoplies, and taking a pitcher, got over the ramparts of the enemies:
13
and unperceived by the guardians of the gate, they went throughout the whole camp of the enemy in quest.
14
And having boldly discovered the fountain, they filled out of it the draught for the king.
15
But he, though parched with thirst, reasoned that a draught reputed of equal value to blood, would be terribly dangerous to his soul.
16
Wherefore, setting up reasoning in opposition to his desire, he poured out the draught to God.
17
For the temperate mind has power to conquer the pressure of the passions, and to quench the fires of excitement,
18
and to wrestle down the pains of the body, however excessive; and, through the excellency of reasoning, to abominate all the assaults of the passions.
19
But the occasion now invites us to give an illustration of temperate reasoning from history.