But after these things follow the honours which should be paid to
living parents, it being right to discharge the first, the greatest,
and the most ancient of all debts. Every one, likewise, should think
that all which he possesses belongs to those who begot and nurtured
him, in order that he may be ministrant to their want to the utmost
of his ability, beginning from his property; in the second place
discharging his debt to them from things pertaining to his body;
and in the third place, from things pertaining to his soul; thus
repaying with usury the cares and pains which his now very aged
parents bestowed on him when he was young. Through the whole of life,
likewise, it is requisite that he should particularly employ the most
respectful language in speaking to his parents; because there is a
most severe punishment for light and winged words; and Nemesis, the
messenger of Justice, is appointed to be the inspector of every thing
of this kind. When parents, therefore, are angry, it is requisite to
yield to them, and to appease their anger, whether it is shown in
words or in deeds; acknowledging that a father may reasonably be very
much enraged with his son, when he thinks he has been injured by him.
But on the death of parents, the most decent and beautiful monuments
should be raised to them; not exceeding the usual magnitude, nor
yet less than those which our ancestors erected for their parents.
Every year, too, attention ought to be paid to the decoration of
their tombs. They should, likewise, be continually remembered and
reverenced, and this with a moderate and appropriate expense. By
always acting, therefore, and living in this manner, we shall each of
us be rewarded according to our deserts, both by the Gods and those
natures that are superior to us, and shall pass the greatest part of
our life in good hope.