lage
right of way had given rise to the dispute.

XXV. In this case, what ought he to have done? Because his commander's
memory was confused by a multitude of incidents, and because his
position as the leader of vast armies did not permit him to notice
individual soldiers, ought the man not to have asked for a return for
the benefit which he had conferred? To act as he did is not so much to
ask for a return as to take it when it lies in a convenient position
ready for us, although we have to stretch out our hands in order to
receive it. I shall therefore ask for the return of a benefit, whenever
I am either reduced to great straits, or where by doing so I shall act
to the advantage of him from whom I ask it. Tiberius Caesar, when some
one addressed him with the words, "Do you remember....?" answered,
before the man could mention any further proofs of former acquaintance,
"I do not remember what I was." Why should it not be forbidden to demand
of this man repayment of former favours? He had a motive for forgetting
them: he denied all knowledge of his friends and comrades, and wished
men only to see, to think, and to speak of him as emperor. He regarded
his old friend as an impertinent meddler.

We ought to be even more careful to choose a favorable opportunity when
we ask for a benefit to be repaid to us than when we ask for one to
be bestowed upon us. We must be temperate in our language, so that the
grateful may not take offence, or the ungrateful pretend to do so. If we
lived among wise men, it would be our duty to wait in silence until our
benefits were returned. Yet even to wise men it would be better to give
some hint of what our position required. We ask for help even from
the gods themselves, from whose knowledge nothing is hid, although our
prayers cannot alter their intentions towards us, but can only recall
them to their minds. Homer's priest, [Il. i. 39 sqq.] I say, recounts
even to the gods his duteous conduct and his pious care of their
altars. The second best form of virtue is to be willing and able to take
advice.[Hes. Op. 291.] A horse who is docile and prompt to obey can be
guided hither and thither by the slightest movement of the reins. Very
few men are led by their own reason: those who come next to the best are
those who return to the right path in consequence of advice; and these
we must not deprive of their guide. When our eyes are covered they still
possess sight; but it is the light of day whic