Moral essays. With an English translation by J.W. Basore

ON MERCY, I. Mil. 1-5different is the position of those who escape notice ina crowd that they do not overtop, whose \Trtuesmust struggle long in order to be seen, whose Mceskeep under the cover of obscurity ; but the wordsand deeds of such as you are caught up by rumour,and, consequently, none should be more concernedabout the character of tneir reputation than thosewho, no matter what reputation they may deserve,are sure to have a great one. How many things thereare which you may not do, which we, thanks to you,may do ! It is possible for me to walk alone withoutfear in any part of the city I please, though no companionattends me, though I have no sword at myhouse, none at my side ;you, amid the peace youcreate, must live armed. You cannot escape fromyour lot ; it besets you, and, whenever you leave theheights, it pursues you AWth its magnificence. Inthis lies the ser^tude of supreme greatness—that itcannot become less great ; but you share with thegods that incMtable condition. For even they areheld in bondage by heaven, and it is no more lawfulfor them to leave the heights than it is safe for you ;you are nailed to your pinnacle. Our movementsare noticed by few ; we may come forth and retire andchange our dress without the world being aware ;you can no more hide yourself than the sun. A floodof Ught surrounds you ; towards it ever)- one turns hiseyes. Think you to " come forth " ? Nay, you rise."You cannot speak but that all the nations of theearth hear your voice ;you cannot be angrv' withoutcausing everj-thing to tremble, because you cannotstrike any one down without shaking all that is aroundhim. As the hghtning's stroke is dangerous for thefew, though feared by all, so the punishment bom of379