only in the mind. There is a great difference between the subject-
matter of a benefit, and the benefit itself. Wherefore neither
gold, nor silver, nor any of those things which are most highly
esteemed, are benefits, but the benefit lies in the goodwill of him
who gives them. The ignorant take notice only of that which comes
before their eyes, and which can be owned and passed from hand to
hand, while they disregard that which gives these things their
value. The things which we hold in our hands, which we see with our
eyes, and which our avarice hugs, are transitory, they may be taken
from us by ill luck or by violence; but a kindness lasts even after
the loss of that by means of which it was bestowed; for it is a
good deed, which no violence can undo. For instance, suppose that I
ransomed a friend from pirates, but another pirate has caught him
and thrown him into prison. The pirate has not robbed him of my
benefit, but has only robbed him of the enjoyment of it. Or suppose
that I have saved a man's children from a shipwreck or a fire, and
that afterwards disease or accident has carried them off; even when
they are no more, the kindness which was done by means of them
remains. All those things, therefore, which improperly assume the
name of benefits, are means by which kindly feeling manifests
itself. In other cases also, we find a distinction between the
visible symbol and the matter itself, as when a general bestows
collars of gold, or civic or mural crowns upon any one. What value
has the crown in itself? or the purple-bordered robe? or the
fasces? or the judgment-seat and car of triumph? None of these
things is in itself an honour, but is an emblem of honour. In like
manner, that which is seen is not a benefit--it is but the trace
and mark of a benefit.

VI. What, then, is a benefit? It is the art of doing a kindness