more a benefit than if it remained hoarded. There are, however,
many things which we ought not to reject, yet for which we cannot
feel indebted.




BOOK II.

I.


Let us consider, most excellent Liberalis, what still remains of
the earlier part of the subject; in what way a benefit should be
bestowed. I think that I can point out the shortest way to this;
let us give in the way in which we ourselves should like to
receive. Above all we should give willingly, quickly, and without
any hesitation; a benefit commands no gratitude if it has hung for
a long time in the hands of the giver, if he seems unwilling to
part with it, and gives it as though he were being robbed of it.
Even though some delay should intervene, let us by all means in our
power strive not to seem to have been in two minds about giving it
at all. To hesitate is the next thing to refusing to give, and
destroys all claim to gratitude. For just as the sweetest part of a
benefit is the kindly feeling of the giver, it follows that one who
has by his very delay proved that he gives unwillingly, must be
regarded not as having given anything, but as having been unable to
keep it from an importunate suitor. Indeed, many men are made
generous by want of firmness. The most acceptable benefits are
those which are waiting for us to take them, which are easy to be