Section 16
Original Latin
ex hoc esse hunc numero quem patres nostri viderunt, divinum hominem, Africanum, ex hoc C. Laelium, L. Furium, moderatissimos homines et continentissimos, ex hoc fortissimum virum et illis temporibus doctissimum, [M.] Catonem illum senem; qui profecto si nihil ad percipiendam colendamque virtutem litteris adiuvarentur, numquam se ad earum studium contulissent. quod si non hic tantus fructus ostenderetur, et si ex his studiis delectatio sola peteretur, tamen, ut opinor, hanc animi remissionem humanissimam ac liberalissimam iudicaretis. nam ceterae neque temporum sunt neque aetatum omnium neque locorum; at haec studia adulescentiam acuunt, senectutem oblectant, secundas res ornant, adversis perfugium ac solacium praebent, delectant domi, non impediunt foris, pernoctant nobiscum, peregrinantur, rusticantur.
Musean translation
Complete machine-assisted Musean translation made directly from the Latin in Clark’s 1911 edition; source-language model review recorded. Perseus transcription: CC BY-SA 4.0, credited to the Perseus Project, Tufts University.
To this company belonged that godlike man whom our fathers saw, Africanus; to it belonged Gaius Laelius and Lucius Furius, men of the greatest moderation and self-restraint; to it belonged that elder Marcus Cato, a man of extraordinary courage and, for his time, extraordinary learning. Surely, if literature had done nothing to help them understand and cultivate virtue, they would never have devoted themselves to its study. But even if no such great benefit could be shown, even if pleasure alone were sought from these studies, you would still, I think, judge this recreation of the mind the most humane and the most worthy of a free person. For other recreations do not suit every time, every age, or every place; but these studies sharpen youth, delight old age, adorn prosperity, and offer refuge and consolation in adversity. They bring pleasure at home without hindering us abroad; they keep watch through the night with us, travel with us, and accompany us into the country.
Plain English translation
Complete machine-assisted Plain English translation made independently and directly from the Latin, not from the Musean edition; source-language model review recorded. Perseus transcription: CC BY-SA 4.0, credited to the Perseus Project, Tufts University.
Among these people I count Africanus, that extraordinary, almost godlike man whom our fathers knew. I also count Gaius Laelius and Lucius Furius, men of great moderation and self-control. And I count the elder Marcus Cato, a very brave man and, for his time, a very learned one. Surely they would never have devoted themselves to literature if it had done nothing to help them understand and develop good character.
But suppose these studies did not offer such great benefits. Suppose people sought only enjoyment from them. Even then, I think you would judge them the most civilized form of mental relaxation, and the one most worthy of a free person.
Other pastimes are not right for every occasion, stage of life, or place. But these studies sharpen the minds of the young and bring pleasure to the old. They add to our happiness when things go well and offer refuge and comfort when things go badly. They delight us at home and do not get in our way when we are out. They stay with us through the night, travel with us, and join us in the country.
About this section
Section 16 is part of For Archias the Poet by Marcus Tullius Cicero. This page sets the Latin original beside 2 direct-source translations, so any line can be checked against the source. It is part 16 of 32 in the work, which is kept in the Roman tradition.
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