OF MACROBIUS AMBROSIUS THEODOSIUS

MOST DISTINGUISHED AND ILLUSTRIOUS MAN

OF THE FIRST DAY OF THE FEASTS

OF THE SATURNALIA

BOOK ONE.

[Ed. Bip. vol. I. p. 197.]

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Preface. Nature has brought together many and various things for us in this life, my son Eustachius, but she has bound us by no love more than that for those who have been begotten by us. She willed that our care in raising and educating them should be such that parents could experience no greater pleasure from any other thing, should their wishes be met, and no greater grief, should the opposite occur. Hence, I also value nothing more highly than your education. In pursuit of its perfection, I deem shortcuts preferable to long, winding paths, and being impatient of any delay, I do not...

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