Historical voices

The case of the man who is overwhelmed by misfortune is different from that of the one who is seeking to better his condition, though he suffers from no actual distress. *62* It will be the duty of charity to incline more to the…

To conclude, the whole system of public bounties in such extravagant amount is intrinsically wrong; but it may under certain circumstances be necessary to make them; even then they must be proportioned to our ability and regulated by the…

There is, to be sure, more of present satisfaction in what is handed out, like cash down; nevertheless public improvements win us greater gratitude with posterity.

The justification for gifts of money, therefore, is either necessity or expediency. *59* #The golden mean is best.# And in making them even in such cases, the rule of the golden mean is best.

And so, when men aim to be kind for the sake of winning good-will, the affection they gain from the objects of their gifts is not so great as the hatred they incur from those whom they despoil.

But what is worse folly than to do the thing you like in such a way that you can no longer do it at all?

We must often distribute from our purse to the worthy poor, but we must do so with discretion and moderation.

That liberality, therefore, which consists in personal service and effort is more honourable, has wider application, and can benefit more people.

For although both ways alike betray a generous wish to oblige, still in the one case the favour makes a draft upon one's bank account, in the other upon one's personal energy; and the bounty which is drawn from one's material substance…

The latter way is the easier, especially for a rich man; but the former is nobler and more dignified and more becoming to a strong and eminent man.

Then, too, briefs for the defence are most likely to bring glory and popularity to the pleader, and all the more so, if ever it falls to him to lend his aid to one who seems to be oppressed and persecuted by the influence of some one in…

And yet, while we should never prosecute the innocent, we need not have scruples against undertaking on occasion the defence of a guilty person, provided he be not infamously depraved and wicked.

For what is so unnatural as to turn to the ruin and destruction of good men the eloquence bestowed by nature for the safety and protection of our fellow-men?

But if it shall be required of anyone to conduct more frequent prosecutions, let him do it as a service to his country; for it is no disgrace to be often employed in the prosecution of her enemies.

And if his speech have also dignity combined with moderation, he will be admired beyond all measure, especially if these qualities are found in a young man.

But the speech that is delivered in a debate before an assembly often stirs the hearts of thousands at once; for the eloquent and judicious speaker is received with high admiration, and his hearers think him understanding and wise beyond…

If, therefore, anyone wishes to win true glory, let him discharge the duties required by justice.

True glory strikes deep root and spreads its branches wide; but all pretences soon fall to the ground like fragile flowers, and nothing counterfeit can be lasting.

Justice is, therefore, in every way to be cultivated and maintained, both for its own sake (for otherwise it would not be justice) and for the enhancement of personal honour and glory.

If in addition they were also thought wise, there was nothing that men did not think they could secure under such leadership.

This, then, is obvious: nations used to select for their rulers those men whose reputation for justice was high in the eyes of the people.

If the people secured their end at the hands of one just and good man, they were satisfied with that; but when such was not their good fortune, laws were invented, to speak to all men at all times in one and the same voice.

For rights that were not open to all alike would be no rights.

The reason for making constitutional laws was the same as that for making kings. *42* For what people have always sought is equality of rights before the law.