Vat.lat.5953

He himself first advised them to build a temple and dedicate it to the sacred Muses, so that they might observe the concord of the magistrates magistrates: original "hyparechi," from the Greek "hyparchoi," referring to the city's governing officials. For he said that these goddesses all share the same name in common, and are passed from one to another in mutual succession, and that they take the greatest joy in such honors. He taught that the assembly of the Muses is one, and their choir is always the same. Furthermore, he explained that they encompass all symphony, harmony, and rhythm—all of which prepare for and create social concord. He demonstrated that the power of these Muses does not only ascend to the most beautiful objects of contemplation original: "speculabilia," referring to things seen by the mind's eye or philosophical truths. but also extends to the symphony and harmony of all beings.

Next, he said they ought to consider their fatherland as a common trust held on behalf of the multitude of citizens. It is necessary, therefore, to follow this principle: they must maintain faith and do their best for these matters. This stability will endure if they are equal to all their fellow citizens, and do not strive to stand above any one person more than another.

For men, knowing that every place stands in need of justice, have told stories that the goddess Themis Themis: the Greek goddess of divine law and personified order holds the same rank alongside Jupiter in matters of divine law original: "phas," from the Latin "fas," meaning law ordained by the gods.; and that Justice referring to the goddess Dike. sits with Pluto Pluto: the ruler of the underworld, here representing the finality of judgment; and that Law resides within the city-state. This is so that anyone who is unjust or acts in a disorderly way appears to wrong the entire world at the same time.

It is also fitting for the magistrates not to abuse any of the gods for the sake of an oath, but rather to offer such speech and reasoning that they are believed even without swearing an oath. They should govern their own homes in such a way that they may bring the integrity of their public choices back into their private lives. Let lawful conduct be established toward those born from them their children, as if humans alone of all animals have received the capacity for this kind of reason.

And let them be joined with a woman in a just partnership, so they consider that the precepts given to them regarding others are recorded in letters and statues, but those given to them regarding their wives are recorded in their children. They ought to take delight in all things done by their own hand: not through nature (of which they are not the primary cause), but through conscious choice. For this, he said, is spontaneous beneficence original: "bnficientiam spontaneam," referring to doing good by one's own free will rather than by natural instinct.. Indeed, this must be studied...