[102]
Imitate those men, I beg you in the name of the immortal gods, you who seek
for dignity, and praise, and glory. These examples are honourable; these are
godlike; these are immortal; these are celebrated in fame, and are committed
to the eternal recollection of our annals, and are handed down to posterity.
It is a labour, I do not deny it. The dangers are great, I admit it,—“
The path of virtuous men is full of snares.
” That is a most true saying. The poet says further,—“ But to demand those honours which excite
The general envy and desire of all,
And yet to shun the toil and ceaseless care
Which can alone conduct to such a goal,
Is purest ignorance.
” The same poet says in another place, (a sentence which wicked citizens are inclined to catch at,) “Let them hate me, as long as they fear.” For he gave those admirable precepts to the young men.
” That is a most true saying. The poet says further,—“ But to demand those honours which excite
The general envy and desire of all,
And yet to shun the toil and ceaseless care
Which can alone conduct to such a goal,
Is purest ignorance.
” The same poet says in another place, (a sentence which wicked citizens are inclined to catch at,) “Let them hate me, as long as they fear.” For he gave those admirable precepts to the young men.