of a brave man, for example not to desert one's post, not to run
away, not to throw down one's arms; that of a temperate man, for example not to commit
adultery or outrage; that of a gentle man, for example not to strike, not to speak evil;
and so with actions exemplifying the rest of the virtues and vices, commanding these and
forbidding those—rightly if the law has been rightly enacted, not so well if it
has been made at random.1.
[15]
Justice then in this sense is perfect Virtue, though with a qualification, namely that it
is displayed towards others. This is why Justice is often thought to be the chief of the
virtues, and more sublime ‘or than the evening or the morning
star’1; and we have the proverb— “
In Justice is all Virtue found in sum.2
” And Justice is perfect virtue because it is the practice of perfect virtue; and
perfect in a special degree,3 because its possessor can practise his virtue towards others and not
merely by himself; for there are many who can practise virtue in their own private affairs
but cannot do so in their relations with another.
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