de Officiis, lib.

I].
The principal advantage, which Juvenal discovers in the extensive capacity of the human species, is that it renders our benevolence also more extensive, and gives us larger opportunities of spreading our kindly influence than what are indulged to the inferior creation [Sat.
XV.

139 and seq.].

It must, indeed, be confessed, that by doing good only, can a man truly enjoy the advantages of being eminent.

His exalted station, of itself but the more exposes him to danger and tempest.
His sole prerogative is to afford shelter to inferiors, who repose themselves under his cover and protection.
But I forget, that it is not my present business to recommend generosity and benevolence, or to paint, in their true colours, all the genuine charms of the social virtues.