This was, I imagine, his introduction to and grounding in philosophy of a woman peculiarly tenacious of her own opinion:⁠—“Even to the present day, Julia, as far as I can tell⁠—and I was your husband’s constant companion, and knew not only what all men were allowed to know, but all the most secret thoughts of your hearts⁠—you have been careful that no one should find anything to blame in your conduct; not only in matters of importance, but even in trifles you have taken pains to do nothing which you could wish common fame, that most frank judge of the acts of princes, to overlook. Nothing, I think, is more admirable than that those who are in high places should pardon many shortcomings in others, and have to ask it for none of their own. So also in this matter of mourning you ought to act up to your maxim of doing nothing which you could wish undone, or done otherwise.