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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from The Memorabilia by Xenophon: you shall greatly bestir yourself to be the doer of many a doughty
deed of noble emprise; and that I too shall be held in even higher
honour for your sake, lit with the lustre shed by valorous deeds.[35]
I will not cheat you with preludings of pleasure,[36] but I will
relate to you the things that are according to the ordinances of God
in very truth. Know then that among things that are lovely and of good
report, not one have the gods bestowed upon mortal men apart from toil
and pains. Would you obtain the favour of the gods, then must you pay
these same gods service; would you be loved by your friends, you must
benefit these friends; do you desire to be honoured by the state, you
must give the state your aid; do you claim admiration for your virtue
The Memorabilia |
