Letter of Aristeas

1917 printed page 64 / §§204–208

Printed page 64 Original marginal section labels beginning on this page: §204, §205, §206, §207, §208. The opening continues §203 from the preceding page. inquiries to his guests, he proceeded to question those who were placed next to the men who had given answers on the previous day. (11) He opened conversation with the eleventh (ten having been questioned on the previous day), and when silence was established, inquired how he could continue to be rich. The man to whom the question was addressed paused for a moment and replied, "If he did nothing unworthy of his rulership, never acted licentiously, never expended money on empty and vain things, but by acts of beneficence drew his subjects to wish him well; for God is the author of good things to all men, and man must needs follow His guidance." (12) The king commended him, and asked of another how he should adhere to the truth. To this he replied, " By recognizing that lying brings great disgrace upon all men, but chiefly upon kings. For as they have power to do what they will, what object have they for falsehood ? And thou must further take to heart, O king, that God is a lover of the truth." (13) He gave this reply his hearty approval, and looking upon _another_ said, "What is the teaching of wisdom?" And the next one replied, "As thou desirest that evils should not befall thee,{1} but to partake of all that is good, thou shouldst act in this spirit to thy subjects and to offenders, and shouldst very gently admonish such as are virtuous; for God draws all men _to Him_ by gentleness." (14) He commended him, and asked of his neighbour how he might be humane. And he said, " By observing after how long a time{2} and through what great sufferings TRANSLATOR’S NOTES (1917) — printed page 64 {1} Cf. the Jewish (negative) form of the golden rule, e. g. in the Didache i. 2. {2} Or, with a slight emendation, "with what trouble" (Wendland).