It is maintained by some, that after a certain time men should not
employ themselves in public affairs, 64. The love of honor and zeal
for the public good never grows old, 65. It is not well for a man
who has never been accustomed to public business to commence such
employment late in life, 66. An aged man may usefully conduct public
affairs, as we see in the instances of Augustus Caesar, Pericles, and
Agesilaus, 67, 68. Simonides and Sophocles, in old age, were good
poets, 68. It is unworthy of a man who has served the public many
years, to descend, in the decline of life, to mean employments, 69,
70. Political life has pleasures very great and honorable, 71. A man
should not suffer his glory to wither in old age, 72. Reputation once
acquired is easily maintained, and the people readily trust their
old and faithful servants, 73. Envy and jealousy do not assail old
age, 73, 74. It is not easy to terminate a long and faithful public
service, 74. An old man staying at home, and spending his time in
small matters is not honored, 75. Old men, full of experience and
of wisdom, are often compelled by their fellow-citizens to conduct
difficult negotiations, 76. Old age of itself is not a good reason
for quitting the public service, 77, 78. Young men for war, but
old men for counsel, 78. The Roman council of state is called the
Senate, 79. The regal dignity has cares and toils, but who would
advise the king to abdicate? 80. Old men in office may instruct and
guide younger statesmen, 81, 82. Old men are often hale and vigorous,
and so not disabled for the service of the state, 83. Examples of
Phocion, Masinissa, and Cato, 83. Idleness enervates even great men,
as Lucullus, while constant employment invigorates, 84. Our country
has claims on our services, 85. Yet old age should have becoming
employment, 86. An aged man should abstain from small and frivolous
matters, 87. Offices of honor and dignity befit old men, 88. They
should not eagerly seek office, 88. Old men should not be forward to
speak in public, they should speak on grave occasions, 89. On other
occasions, let them yield to younger men, 89, 90. Let them comfort
and encourage deserving young men in their failures, 91. To be a
statesman is not only to hold office and conduct negotiations, but
also to guide, instruct, and assist those who conduct public affairs,
when occasion requires, 93, 94. Even men in private stations may do
this, and thus serve their country till death, 95, 96.