§ II. On the Parts of Fortitude

Since this virtue is occupied around whatever dangers of death, which insofar as they are such are plainly of the same species, it lacks subjective parts. Therefore it remains to speak of its potential parts.

"For the act of attacking," says the Angelic Doctor, "two things are required; the first of which pertains to the preparation of the soul, namely that it have a ready soul for attacking" (St. Thomas, II-II, q. 128, single article). For this magnanimity is given (St. Thomas, cited place). "But the second pertains to the execution of the work, namely that one not fail in the execution of those things which he began confidently" (St. Thomas, cited place). And for this magnificence is posited (St. Thomas, cited place). "But for the other act of fortitude, which is to sustain, two things are likewise required; the first of these is that the soul not be broken by sorrow on account of the difficulty of imminent evils, and fall from its greatness" (St. Thomas, cited place). And as regards this, patience is given (St. Thomas, cited place). "But the other is that from the long-lasting suffering of difficult things man not become wearied to the point that he desist" (St. Thomas, cited place). And therefore perseverance is posited (St. Thomas, cited place). Moreover, these four parts, although insofar as they "are restricted to the proper matter of fortitude, namely to dangers of death" (St. Thomas, cited place), they are integral parts of this virtue, nevertheless "if ... they are referred to certain other matters, in which there is less difficulty, they will be virtues distinct from fortitude according to their own species" (St. Thomas, II-II, q. 128, single article). These things noted, we shall speak of each part separately.