BOOK XXVII.
ARGUMENT.
The Fragments of this book are of too diversified a character to form a correct conclusion with regard to the general subject. Corpet admits the difficulty, but considers that it contained a criticism upon the philosophic opinions of the day. Mercer thinks that the principal portion was occupied by a matrimonial discussion, in which the lady had decidedly the better of the argument; who being sprung from a more noble descent, and being possessed of a more ample fortune, considered that the control of the household pertained to herself, as a matter of right. These conjectures, however satisfactory as far as they go, will not sufficiently account for the greater portion of the Fragments. Gerlach supposes that the book contained a defense of the poet's own pursuits and habits of life against the attacks of calumniators. The book begins, therefore, with a conversation between the poet and a friend, when the various points at issue are brought forward and refuted. The chief of these are the study of poetry; which, as Lucilius maintains, conduces greatly to the well-being of the state. He then defends his choice of the particular branch of poetry which he has adopted, and proves that his satiric view is to be attributed to no arrogance, self-sufficiency, or malevolence, or envy toward his fellow-men; that he himself is possessed of a certain evenness of temper, neither elated by prosperity nor depressed by adversity. The result of this temperament is an openness of heart, and frankness of disposition, which leads him to form friendships rapidly, without that cautious circumspection which commonly attends men of less equable tone of mind. This peculiar disposition of mind is also one which, extending to itself no indulgence for any frailty, is but little inclined to overlook the weaknesses of others, but impartially corrects the failings of itself and others: whereas the more common character of mankind is to be indulgently blind to those faults to which they are themselves inclined, and severely critical of the imperfections of their neighbors. While others, again, make it their whole study hypocritically to conceal their own defects. He concludes with a sentiment which Horace has borrowed and enlarged upon, that whereas no perfection can be expected in this life, he is to be accounted to have arrived most nearly at the wished-for goal, who is disfigured by the fewest defects; and since all human affairs are at the best but frail and fleeting, it is a characteristic of wisdom out of evils to choose the least.
1 Moreover it is inherent in good men, whether they are angry or kindly disposed, to remain long in the same way of thinking.[1871]
2 The cook cares not that the tail be very large, provided it be fat. So friends look to a man's mind; parasites, to his riches.
3 He acts in the same way as those who secretly convey away from the harbor an article not entered, that they may not have to pay custom-dues.[1872]
4 Lucilius greets the people in such elaborate verses as he can; and all this too zealously and assiduously.[1873]
5 ... do you think Lucilius will be content, when I have wearied myself out, and used all my best endeavors....