our vices cannot destroy, or knowledge of the future. They scarcely
refrain from rising to such a pitch of impudence as to hate nature
because we are below the gods, and not on an equality with them.
How much better is it to turn to the contemplation of so many great
blessings, and to be thankful that the gods have been pleased to
give us a place second only to themselves in this most beautiful
abode, and that they have appointed us to be the lords of the
earth! Can any one compare us with the animals over whom we rule?
Nothing has been denied us except what could not have been granted.
In like manner, thou that takest an unfair view of the lot of
mankind, think what blessings our Father has bestowed upon us, how
far more powerful animals than ourselves we have broken to harness,
how we catch those which are far swifter, how nothing that has life
is placed beyond the reach of our weapons! We have received so many
excellencies, so many crafts, above all our mind, which can pierce
at once whatever it is directed against, which is swifter than the
stars in their courses, for it arrives before them at the place
which they will reach after many ages; and besides this, so many
fruits of the earth, so much treasure, such masses of various
things piled one upon another. You may go through the whole order
of nature, and since you find no entire creature which you would
prefer to be, you may choose from each, the special qualities which
you would like to be given to yourself; then, if you rightly
appreciate the partiality of nature for you, you cannot but confess
yourself to be her spoiled child. So it is; the immortal gods have
unto this day always held us most dear, and have bestowed upon us
the greatest possible honour, a place nearest to themselves. We
have indeed received great things, yet not too great.

XXX. I have thought it necessary, my friend Liberalis, to state