[48]
But if, as Hesiod bids, one is to repay with interest, if possible, what one has borrowed in time
of need, what, pray, ought we to do when challenged
by an unsought kindness? Shall we not imitate
the fruitful fields, which return more than they
receive? For if we do not hesitate to confer favours
upon those who we hope will be of help to us, how
ought we to deal with those who have already
helped us? For generosity is of two kinds: doing
[p. 53]
a kindness and requiting one. Whether we do
the kindness or not is optional; but to fail to requite
one is not allowable to a good man, provided he
can make the requital without violating the rights
of others.
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