| Citation |
NHG-P.772.087
25 Sep 1772:11,12 (831)
Upon Temperance and Exercise.
In the island of Ceylon, in the Indian ocean, a number of
invalids were assembled together, who were afflicted with
most of the chronic diseases, to which the human body is
subject. In the midst of them sat several venerable
figures, who amused them with encomiums upon some medicines,
which they assured them would afford infallible relief in
all cases. . . [21 describing the various medicines for
many different ailments and how unsatisfactory they proved
to be] While they were all with one accord giving vent in
this manner, to the transports of disappointment and
vexation, a clap of thunder was heard over their heads.
Upon looking up, a light was seen in the sky--In the midst
of this appeared the figure of something more than human--
she was tall and comely--her skin was fair as the driven
snow--a rosy hue tinged her cheeks--her hair hung loose upon
her shoulders--her flowing robes disclosed a shape which
would have cast a shade upon the statue of Venus of
Medicies.--In her right hand she held the bough of an
evergreen--in her left hand she had a scroll of parchment,
she descended slowly, and stood erect upon the earth--she
fixed her eyes, which sparkled with life, upon the deluded
and afflicted company--there was a mixture of pity and
indignation in her countenance--she stretched for her right
arm, and with a voice which was sweeter than melody itself,
she addressed them in the following language: 'Ye children
of men, listen for a while to the voice of instruction. Ye
seek health where it is not to be found. The boasted
specifics you have been using, have no virtues, even the
persons who gave them, labour under many of the disorders
they attempt to cure. My name is Hygiaea. I preside over
the health of mankind. Discard all your medicines, and seek
relief from temperance and exercise alone. . . [23 lines
describing the benefits of this prescription] The
melancholic threw aside his gloomy systems of philosophy and
sent for a dancing master. The studious man shut up his
folios, and sought amusement from the sports of children. .
. [4 lines] After some months, they all returned to the
place where they were wont to assemble in. Joy appeared in
each of their countenances. One had renewed his youth--
another had recovered the use of his limbs--a third, who had
been half bent for many years, now walked upright--a fourth
began to sing some jovial song, without being asked- . . .
[7 lines]
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