[p. 329]
PART 13
XIII. A condition too is desirable free from the
late-learner's faults. For his state accomplishes
nothing that is immediate, and its remembrance
of what is not before the eyes is but tolerable. So
there arises a quarrelsome inefficiency, with headstrong
outrage, that has no thought for what is
seemly, while definitions, professions, oaths, great as
far as the gods invoked are concerned, That is, the oaths
frantically appeal to all the great gods. | come from
the physician in charge of the disease, bewildered
laymen being lost in admiration of flowery language
spoken in continuous reading and instruction,
crowding together even before they are troubled by
a disease.The construction and translation are uncertain. I believe
that δρισμοῖσ2 and the other datives are a Roman's efforts at
rendering into Greek "ablatives of attendant circumstances,"
but ἐκ μεταφορῆσ2 is puzzling, and can hardly be taken with
λόγονσ2. Perhaps it is a Latinism. Cf. "pastor ab Amphryso." |
Wherever I may be in charge of a case,
with no confidence should I call in such men to
help as consultants. For in them comprehension of
seemly learning is far to seek. Seeing then that they
cannot but be unintelligent, I urge that experience
is useful, the learning of opinions coming far after.
For who is desirous and ambitious of learning truly
subtle diversities of opinion, to the neglect of calm
and practised skill? Wherefore I advise you to
listen to their words but to oppose their acts.
PART 14
XIV. When regimen has been restricted you must
|