the dramatic medium of another personality, but also when speaking his own thought directly, Plutarch alludes with a sincere and touching sympathy to the duties and practices of the ancient faith. The first hint of consolation conveyed to his friend Apollonius on the death of his son is given in words which feelingly depict the youth as embodying the ancient Hellenic ideals in his attitude towards the gods, and his conduct towards his parents and friends.[1] The converse of this attitude is indicated in many passages where he deprecates a too inquisitive bearing in the face of questions naturally involved in the doubt clouding many ancient traditions of a religious character. The great discussion on "The Cessation of the Oracles" commences with a reproof directed at those who "would test an ancient religious tradition like a painting, by the touch" and in the "Amatorius" full play is allowed to the exposition of a similar view, a view, indeed, which dominates the whole of this fascinating dialogue. Pemptides, one of the speakers, who rails lightly at
- [Footnote:
"Her faith through form is pure as thine,
Her hands are quicker unto good:
Oh, sacred be the flesh and blood
To which she links a truth divine!"
]
- ↑ Consolatio ad Apollonium, 102 A.—"He was a very sage and
virtuous youth, conspicuous for the reverence which he paid to the
gods, to his parents, and to his friends." This is nearly the old
Hellenic ideal as expressed, e.g., in the lines from the "Antiope" of
Euripides, preserved by Stobæus, "On Virtue"—
"There be three virtues for thy practice, child:
Honour the gods, revere thy loving parents,
Respect the laws of Greece."
