Letter of Aristeas

1917 printed page 68 / §§225–228

Printed page 68 Original marginal section labels beginning on this page: §225, §226, §227, §228. The opening continues §224 from the preceding page. wealth, and that no one by his own power{1} is king; for all men desire to partake of this glory, but they cannot, since it is a gift of God." (23) He commended the speaker at some length, and asked the next one how he should despise his foes. And he replied, "If thou hast studiously practised goodwill towards all men and formed friendships, thou needest fear no man. But to be in high favour with all men is the very best of good gifts to receive from God."{1} (24) He commended his words, and bade the next one reply to the question, how he might retain his renown. And he said, " If with lovingkindness and gracious acts thou art liberal and bountiful to others, thou wilt never have lack of renown; but that the aforesaid graces may continue thine, thou must constantly call upon God." (25) He belauded him, and asked another, "With whom{1} should we vie in generosity?" And he replied, " All men think that we should be liberal to those who are well disposed to us, but I am of opinion that a keen and open-handed generosity is due to those who dissent from us, that by these means we may win them over to what is right and to their {2} own interest. But one must entreat God that this end may be attained, since He rules the minds of all men." (26) He assented thereto, and bade the sixth man reply to the inquiry, " To whom should favour{3} be shewn?" And he replied, "To parents at all times, since God has given a very great{4} commandment concerning the honour due to parents.{5} And in the second place He sets the attitude of friend towards friend, TRANSLATOR’S NOTES (1917) — printed page 68 {1} Text slightly emended. {2} Possibly "our." {3} Or "gratitude." {4} Or "(the) greatest" ; cf. Jos. _c. Ap._ II. 27, and, for Rabbinical parallels, I. Abrahams, _Studies in Pharisaism,_ i. p. 26. {5} Exod. xx. 12.