"HE"S A BRICK ”

Temuka Leader, Issue 606, 15 November 1881, Page 3

"HE"S A BRICK ”

Mery few of the thousands who use the above slang term know its origin

pr its pri nitive significance—according to which it is a grand thing to say of a man, “Heis a brick.” Tho word, used in its original intent, implies all that is brave, patriotic and royal. Plutarch, in his “Lifeof Agesilaus, King of Sparta” gives ns the nma ling of the quaint and familiar expression. On a certain occasion an ambassador from Epirus, on a diplomatic mission, was shown by the King over his capital. The ambassador knew ot the monarch’s fame—knew that though nominally oniv King of Spa'ta, he was ruler of Greece—and he had looked to see massive walls rearing aloft the embattled towers for the defence of the city but lie found nothing of the kind. He marvelled much at this, and spoke of it to flie King. “ Sire,” he said, “ X have visited most of the principal towns, and I find no walls reared for the defenen Why is this?” “ Indeed, Sir Ambassador, replied Agesilnus, “ thou ennst not have looked carefudy. Come with me to-morrow morning, and I will show you the walls of Sparta.” Accordingly, on the following morning, the King led his guest out Upon the plain where his army was drawn up in full array, and pointing proudly to the patriot host, lie said, c ‘ There thou beholdest the walls of Sparta—lo,ooo men, and ev ry man a brick 1