The Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius - College of Stoic Philosophers

274 L/ELIUS; OR,
determined to put to death, each insists,
in order to save
the life of his associate, that he himself is tflfe real person
in If
question.
the mere fictitious representation of such
a magnanimous and heroic contention was thus universally
applauded by the spectators, what impression must it
have made upon their minds had they seen it actually
displayed in real life The I
general effect produced upon
this occasion, clearly shows how deeply nature hath
impressed on the human heart a sense of moral beauty ;
since a whole audience thus unanimously conspired in
admiring an instance of sublime generosity
in another s
conduct, which not one of them, perhaps, was capable of
exhibiting in his own.
Thus far I have ventured to lay before you my general
notions concerning friendship. If aught remain to be
added on the subject (and much there certainly does),
permit me to refer you to those philosophers who are
more capable of giving you satisfaction.
FANNIUS. That satisfaction, Laelius, we rather hope to
receive from you.
For although I have frequently applied
to those philosophers to whom you would resign me, and
have been no unwilling auditor of their discourses, yet I
am persuaded you will deliver your sentiments upon this
subject in a much more elegant and enlightening manner.
S<LEVOLA. You would have been still more confirmed
in that opinion, Fannius, had you been present with us
at the conference which we held not long since in the
gardens of Scipio, upon the subject of government ; when
La3lius proved himself so powerful an advocate in support
by confuting the subtle arguments of
of natural justice,
the very acute and distinguishing Philus.
FANNIUS. To triumph in the cause of justice could be
no difficult task, certainly, to Laelius, who is, confessedly,
one of the most just and upright of men.
SOEVOLA. And can it be less easy for him who has
deservedly acquired the highest honour by his eminent