Читать книгу Yale Classics (Vol. 2) - Луций Анней Сенека - Страница 435

Table of Contents

Good morals, therefore, were cultivated both at home and abroad. A spirit of perfect harmony and disinterestedness every where prevailed. Laws had no greater influence in determining them to the practice of justice and equity than natural disposition. The only quarrels, dissensions, and disputes they exercised were against the public enemy: all the contests that subsisted among the citizens were in virtuous deeds. They were magnificent in their offerings to the gods; frugal in their families; and faithful to their friends. Bravery in war, and equity and moderation in peace, were the only means by which they supported themselves and the public affairs: and, as the clearest evidence of these virtues, I find that, in time of war, such as engaged the enemy contrary to orders, or continued in the field after a retreat was sounded, were more frequently punished than those who abandoned their standards, or quitted their posts;11 and, in peace, they conducted the administration more by the force of favours than of terror; and, if they received an injury, chose rather to forgive than revenge it.