|
THEN GERMANUS: As we are almost shut out, so to speak, by the greatness
of that splendid virtue, which was described in last night's discussion,
from believing in the possibility of it, so, if you will pardon my saying
so, it seems to us absurd for the reward of our efforts, i.e., perfect
chastity, which is gained by the earnestness of one's own toil, not to be
ascribed chiefly to the exertions of the man who makes the effort. For it
is foolish, if, when for example, we see a husbandman taking the utmost
pains over the cultivation of the ground, we do not ascribe the fruits to
his exertions.
|
|