union, they are caught and held by it, for their nature is too strong for them; and thou wilt see what I say, if thou only observest. Sooner, then, will one find anything earthy which comes in contact with no earthy thing than a man altogether separated from other men.
Both man and God and the universe produce fruit; at the proper seasons each produces it.
But if usage has especially fixed these terms to the vine and like things, this is nothing.
Reason produces fruit both for all and for itself, and there are produced from it other things of the same kind as reason itself.
If thou art able, correct by teaching those who do wrong; but if thou canst not, remember that indulgence is given to thee for this purpose.
And the gods, too, are indulgent to such persons; and for some purposes they even help them to get health, wealth, reputation; so kind they are.
And it is in thy power also; or say, who hinders thee?