Letter of Aristeas

1917 printed page 78 / §§273–277

Printed page 78 Original marginal section labels beginning on this page: §273, §274, §275, §276, §277. The opening continues §272 from the preceding page. perfect bearing towards all by the gift which thou hast from God." (61) He received his reply graciously, and asked the eleventh (for their number exceeded seventy by two), how even in warfare he might maintain a peaceful tranquillity of soul. And he replied, " By the consciousness of not having wronged any of thy subjects, and that all will fight in return for benefits received, knowing that even though they lay down their lives thou dost care for their welfare.{1} For thou never failest to make reparation to any, such is the kindheartedness which God has given thee." He loudly applauded and expressed his hearty approval to them all, and then drank a long draught to the health of each and gave himself up to enjoyment, sharing the men's society with merriment and high elation. (62) On the seventh of the days the banquet was prepared on a larger scale, as many other visitors from the cities{2} were admitted, for a great number of ambassadors were in attendance. And when the time came the king asked the first of those who had not yet answered, how he might avoid being deceived by false reasoning. And he said, "By scrutinizing the speaker and his words and the subject of his speech, and by taking time and asking the same questions in different forms. But the possession of an alert understanding and the power of passing judgement in every case is a beautiful boon of God; and this dost thou possess, O king." (63) The king loudly applauded, and asked another, "Why do most men not embrace virtue?" "Because," he replied, "all men are by nature intemperate and hanker after their pleasures, by reason of which things TRANSLATOR’S NOTES (1917) — printed page 78 {1} Lit. " lives," _i.e._ their dependents. {2} Cf. § 175.