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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from Hiero by Xenophon: fellows, to our mutual delectation;[2] or, if I craved for
quietude,[3] I chose myself for my companion. Gaily the hours flitted
at our drinking-parties, ofttimes till we had drowned such cares and
troubles as are common to the life of man in Lethe's bowl;[4] or
ofttimes till we had steeped our souls in song and dance[5] and
revelry; ofttimes till the flame of passion kindled in the breasts of
my companions and my own.[6] But now, welladay, I am deprived of those
who took delight in me, because I have slaves instead of friends as my
companions; I am robbed of my once delightful intercourse with them,
because I discern no vestige of goodwill towards me in their looks.
And as to the wine-cup and slumber--these I guard against, even as a
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