the maxim of the famous Spartan nurses: never expose a small child to fear, let him enter confidently on boyhood. - Mary Renault

There is madness in youth, but sometimes a god inspires it.

His feelings were confused; he wanted to grasp till Alexander's very bones were somehow engulfed within himself, but knew this to be wicked and mad; he would kill anyone who harmed a hair of his head.

It is better to believe in men too rashly, and regret, than believe too meanly. Men could be more than they are, if they would try for it. He has shown them that.