Indeed, the gymnasium is as good a place for the study of human nature as any.  The perpetual analogy of mind and body can be appreciated only where both are trained with equal system.  In both departments the great prizes are not won by the most astounding special powers, but by a certain harmonious adaptation.  There is a physical tact, as there is a mental tact.  Every process is accomplished by using just the right stress at just the right moment; but no two persons are alike in the length of time required for these little discoveries.  Gymnastic genius lies in gaining at the first trial what will cost weeks of perseverance to those less happily gifted.  And as the close elastic costume which is worn by the gymnast, or should be worn, allows no merit or defect of figure to be concealed, so the close contact of emulation exhibits all the varieties of temperament.  One is made indolent by success, and another is made ardent; one is discouraged by failure, and another aroused by it; one does everything best the first time and slackens ever after, while another always begins at the bottom and always climbs to the top.

One of the most enjoyable things in these mimic emulations is this absolute genuineness in their gradations of success.  In the great world outside, there is no immediate and absolute test for merit.  There are cliques and puffings and jealousies, quarrels of authors, tricks of trade, caucusing in politics, hypocrisy among the deacons.  We distrust the value of others’ successes, they distrust ours, and we all sometimes distrust our own.  There are those who believe in Shakspeare, and those who believe in Tupper.  All merit is measured by sliding scales, and each has his own theory of the sliding.  In a dozen centuries it will all come right, no doubt.  In the mean time there is vanity in one half the world and vexation of spirit in the other half, and each man joins each half in turn.  But once enter the charmed gate of the gymnasium, and you leave shams behind.  Though you be saint or sage, no matter, the inexorable laws of gravitation are around you.  If you flinch, you fail; if you slip, you fall.  That bar, that rope, that weight shall test you absolutely.  Can you handle it, it is well; but if not, stand aside for him who can.  You may have every other gift and grace, it counts for nothing; he, not you, is the man for the hour.  The code of Spanish aristocracy is slight and flexible compared with this rigid precedence.  It is Emerson’s Astraea.  Each registers himself, and there is no appeal.  No use to kick and struggle, no use to apologize.  Do not say that to-night you are tired, last night you felt ill.  These excuses may serve for a day, but no longer.  A slight margin is allowed for moods and variations, but it is not great after all.  One revels in this Palace of Truth.  Defeat itself is a satisfaction, before a tribunal of such absolute justice.