He counsels patience, 386. The child was affectionate and
interesting; her memory should be cherished, 387. The mother is
commended for controlling her grief; excessive grief is unreasonable,
388. The mother’s admirable conduct on the previous death of her
eldest son, 389. Women are frantic with joy at the birth of their
children, and mourn excessively at their death, 389, 390. The body
should not suffer through grief, 390. Women nourish and increase the
grief of bereaved wives and mothers, by their tears and lamentations
when visiting them; Plutarch does not fear this in the present case,
390. We should remember the pleasure our deceased child has afforded
us, 391. True happiness arises from the mind itself, and not from
external circumstances, 392. You have much left to comfort you, 392.
State of the soul after death; the soul will return to earth in a new
body; an early death is desirable, 393, 394.