[37]
I come now again to you, O Caelius, in your turn; and I take upon myself the
authority and strictness of a father; but I doubt which father's character I
shall select to assume. Shall I not the part of some one of
Caecilius's1 fathers,
harsh and vehement? “
“For now, in truth, at length my bosom glows,
My heart with passion rages;”
” or that other father?— “ “Oh thou unhappy, worthless son.”
” Those are very hard-hearted fathers; “ “What shall I say, what wishes dare I form,
When your base actions frustrate all my prayers;”
” Such a father as that would say things which you would find it difficult to bear. He would say, “Why did you betake yourself to the neighbourhood of a harlot? Why did you not shun her notorious blandishments? Why did you form a connection with a woman who was nothing to you? Squander your money, throw it away; I give you leave. If you come to want, it is you yourself who will suffer for it. I shall be satisfied if I am able to spend pleasantly the small portion of my life that remains to me.”
My heart with passion rages;”
” or that other father?— “ “Oh thou unhappy, worthless son.”
” Those are very hard-hearted fathers; “ “What shall I say, what wishes dare I form,
When your base actions frustrate all my prayers;”
” Such a father as that would say things which you would find it difficult to bear. He would say, “Why did you betake yourself to the neighbourhood of a harlot? Why did you not shun her notorious blandishments? Why did you form a connection with a woman who was nothing to you? Squander your money, throw it away; I give you leave. If you come to want, it is you yourself who will suffer for it. I shall be satisfied if I am able to spend pleasantly the small portion of my life that remains to me.”
