They that complain thus allow that if a young child dies, the survivors ought to bear his loss with equanimity; that if an infant in the cradle dies, they ought not even to utter a complaint; and yet nature has been more severe with them in demanding back what she gave.

They answer by saying that such have not tasted the sweets of life; while the other had begun to conceive hopes of great happiness, and, indeed, had begun to realize them.

Men judge better in other things, and allow a part to be preferable to none.

Why do they not admit the same estimate in life?
Though Callimachus does not speak amiss in saying that more tears had flowed from Priam than his son; yet they are thought happier who die after they have reached old age.

It would be hard to say why; for I do not apprehend that any one, if a longer life were granted to him, would find it happier.