Letter of Aristeas

1917 printed page 74 / §§254–257

Printed page 74 Original marginal section labels beginning on this page: §254, §255, §256, §257. And where all were his subjects and none resisted him, to what end should he be wroth? And thou must know," he added, " that God governs the whole world with kindliness and without anger at all, and thou must follow His example, O king." (46) He said that he had answered well, and inquired of him who came next, " Wherein does wise counsel consist?" "In doing all things well and with deliberation," he replied ; " not neglecting in our counsels to weigh{1} the injurious effects of following the opposite view, that so after considering every point we may be well advised and our purpose may be fulfilled. But, what is more important than all, by the sovereign power of God every resolution of thine will find fulfilment, since thou dost practise piety." (47) He said that he, too, had answered rightly, and asked another, "What is philosophy?" "It is to deliberate well over all contingencies," he replied, "and not to be carried away by one's impulses, but to ponder the injuries which are the outcome of the passions, and to do the duty of the moment as it should be done, practising moderation. But we must pray to God for the gift of a regard for these things." (48) Him, too, he applauded, and asked another how he might meet with acceptance when travelling abroad. "By treating all men as thy equals," he said, "and behaving rather as inferior than as superior to those among whom thou sojournest. For God alike{2} accepts the lowly disposition, and the human race also deals kindly with the humble." TRANSLATOR’S NOTES (1917) — printed page 74 {1} Literally "comparing," _i. e._ with the advantages of the course adopted. {2} Or "For it is commonly found that (it is a recognized principle that) God," etc.