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[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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load focus Notes (Walter Miller, 1913)
load focus Introduction (Walter Miller, 1913)
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  • Cross-references in indexes to this page (1):
    • M. Tullius Cicero, De Officiis: index, Hesiod
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