Letter of Aristeas

1917 printed page 72 / §§246–249

Printed page 72 Original marginal section labels beginning on this page: §246, §247, §248, §249. The opening continues §245 from the preceding page. mind must not be occupied with anything else, but devote its attention to their welfare. But he must ask God that none of his duties might be neglected." (40) Him too he commended, and asked the tenth man how he might detect persons who were dealing treacherously with him. To this he replied, " By observing whether the bearing of those about his person was frank, and whether an orderly conduct was preserved{1} at receptions and councils and in general intercourse, and by seeing that the bounds of propriety were in no way exceeded in congratulations and in their whole behaviour. But God will guide thy mind, O king, to what is best." The king applauded and praised them all, addressing each one by name, the other guests doing likewise, and they began to make merry.{2} (41) On the following day he waited for the right moment and asked the next in order, " What is the grossest negligence?" To this he replied, " When a man is careless of his children, and does not devote every effort to their education. For our prayers to God are always not so much for ourselves as for our offspring, that every blessing may be theirs. But the desire that{3} our children may be endued with sobriety comes through the power of God." (42) He said that he had spoken well, and asked another how he might be a lover of his country. " By keeping in mind," he replied, "that it is good to live and die in one's own land. Residence in a foreign TRANSLATOR’S NOTES (1917) — printed page 72 {1} Or perhaps "the rule of precedence was observed." {2} Lit. "to sing"; cf. Ecclus. xl. 20, xlix. 1. {3} Perhaps, with the omission of one letter, "to _live to_ see our children endued," etc.