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But I like not Hesiod’s judgment so well, who is all for a single son’s inheriting. Not so well (I say) from Hesiod, a pupil of the Muses, who being endeared sisters kept always together, and therefore from that inseparate union (ὁμοῦ οὐσαι) were called Muses. To parents therefore the love of brothers is a plain argument of their children’s love to themselves. And to the children of the brothers themselves it is the best of precedents, and that which affords the most effectual advice that can be thought of; as again, they will be forward enough in following the worst of their parents’ humors and inheriting their animosities. But for one who has led his relations a contentious life, and quarrelled himself up into wrinkles and gray hairs,—for such a one to begin a lecture of love to his children is just like him Who boldly takes the fees, To cure in others what’s his own disease. Euripides, Frag. 1071.
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In a word, his own actions weaken and confute all the arguments of his best counsel. Take Eteocles of Thebes reflecting upon his brother and flying out after this manner: I’d mount the Heavens, I’d strive to meet the sun In’s setting forth, I’d travel within him down
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Beneath the earth, I’d balk no enterprise, To gain Jove’s mighty power and tyrannize. Eurip. Phoeniss. 504 and 536.
