d. For my sake they are dear in the sight
of God, beloved of their friends and honoured by the country of their
birth. When the appointed goal is reached they lie not down in oblivion
with dishonour, but bloom afresh--their praise resounded on the lips of
men for ever. (40) Toils like these, O son of noble parents, Heracles,
it is yours to meet with, and having endured, to enter into the heritage
assured you of transcendant happiness.'"

(38) Reading {ois prosekei}, or if {proseko}, translate "to whom I am
attached."

(39) Cf. "Econ." v. 8.

(40) Or, "so true is it, a branch is left them; undying honour to
their name!"

This, Aristippus, in rough sketch is the theme which Prodicus pursues
(41) in his "Education of Heracles by Virtue," only he decked out
his sentiments, I admit, in far more magnificent phrases than I have
ventured on. Were it not well, Aristippus, to lay to heart these
sayings, and to strive to bethink you somewhat of that which touches the
future of our life?

(41) Reading {diokei}, al. {diokei} = "so Prodicus arranged the parts
of his discourse."

II

At another time, he had noticed the angry temper shown by Lamprocles,
the elder of his sons, towards their mother, and thus addressed himself
to the lad.

Soc. Pray, my son, did you ever hear of certain people being called
ungrateful?

That I have (replied the young man).

Soc. And have you understood what it is they do to get that bad name?

Lamp. Yes, I have: when any one has been kindly treated, and has it in
his power to requite the kindness but neglects to do so, men call him
ungrateful.

Soc. And you admit that people reckon the ungrateful among wrongdoers?

Lamp. I do.

Soc. And has it ever struck you to inquire whether, as regards the right
or wrong of it, ingratitude may not perhaps resemble some such conduct
as the enslavement, say, of prisoners, which is accounted wrong towards
friends but justifiable towards enemies?

Lamp. Yes, I have put that question to myself. In my opinion, no matter
who confers the kindness, friend or foe, the recipient should endeavour
to requite it, failing which he is a wrongdoer.

Soc. Then if that is how the matter stands, ingratitude would be an
instance of pure unadulterate wrongdoing?

Lamprocles assented to the proposition.

Soc. It follows, then, that in proportion to the greatness of the
benefit conferred, the greater his misdoing who fails to requite the
kindness?