7. Xenophon (Cyropaedia, 1. vii. [5 60] p. 540) has stated
the specious reasons which engaged Cyrus to intrust his
person to the guard of eunuchs. He had observed in animals,
that, although the practice of castration might tame their
ungovernable fierceness, it did not diminish their strength
or spirit; and he persuaded himself that those who were
separated from the rest of human kind would be more firmly
attached to the person of their benefactor. But a long
experience has contradicted the judgment of Cyrus. Some
particular instances may occur of eunuchs distinguished by
their fidelity, their valour, and their abilities; but if we
examine the general history of Persia, India, and China, we
shall find that the power of the eunuchs has uniformly
marked the decline and fall of every dynasty.