There needs not strength to be added to inviolate chastity; the excellency of the mind makes the body impregnable

There needs not strength to be added to inviolate chastity; the excellency of the mind makes the body impregnable

Sir Philip Sidney, a prominent figure in the Elizabethan era, was known for his chivalrous ideals and commitment to honor and virtue. In his work, "Astrophil and Stella," Sidney explores the concept of inviolate chastity and the power of the mind in preserving one's purity. He believed that true strength lies in the mind, and that a virtuous character is the ultimate defense against temptation and corruption.

Sidney's statement, "There needs not strength to be added to inviolate chastity; the excellency of the mind makes the body impregnable," reflects his belief in the power of moral fortitude and intellectual integrity. He argues that physical strength is not necessary to maintain purity and virtue; rather, it is the strength of character and the purity of the mind that make a person impervious to external influences.