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the reverse of sensitive,[1]and to regard all else as of less consideration?
3 Tell me, can it be for her that you are grieving? How many times must you yourself have reflected—and the thought has often occurred to me—that in these times theirs is not the most cruel fate who have been permitted painlessly to make the change from life to death? What again was there at this time to offer her any strong inducement to live? What things seen, what hope of things not seen?[2] What solace for her soul? That she might spend her days as the consort of some young man of high rank? You think, I suppose, that it was open to you, in your high position, to choose from among the young men of this generation a son-in-law to whose protection you might confidently entrust any child of yours! Was it that she might become the mother of sons in whose brilliant success she might rejoice? Who might by their own merit maintain the position bequeathed them by her father? Who would be likely to stand for the offices of state in their due order? And to exercise their independence in politics and in promoting the interests of their friends? Has not each one of these promises been withdrawn before it was fulfilled? But, you will say, it is surely a calamity to lose one's children? It is—unless it be a worse calamity to endure and suffer all this.
4 There is an incident which brought me no slight consolation, and I should like to tell you about it, in case it may be able to assuage your sorrow. On my return from Asia, as I was sailing from Aegina towards Megara, I began to survey the regions round about. Behind me was Aegina, before me Megara,