27 



natural generations should be prevented, and those 

 \vhich are attended with wanton insolence. But 

 such as are conformable to nature should be ad- 

 mitted, and which are effected with temperance, 

 for the purpose of producing a temperate and legn 

 timate offspring. 



Again, it is necessary that those who intend to 

 beget children, should providentially attend to the 

 welfare of their future offspring. A temperate and 

 salutary diet, therefore, is the first and greatest 

 thing which should be attended to by him who 

 wishes to beget children ; so that he should neither 

 be filled with unseasonable food, nor become in- 

 toxicated, nor subject himself to any other pertur- 

 bation, from which the habits of the body may be- 

 come worse. But, above all things, it is requisite 

 to be careful that the mind, in the act of copula- 

 tion, should be in a tranquil state : for, from de- 

 praved, discordant, and turbulent habits, bad seed 

 is produced. 



It is requisite, therefore, to endeavour, with all 

 possible earnestness and attention, that children 

 may be born elegant and graceful, and that when 

 born, they should be well educated. For neither 

 is it just that those who rear horses, or birds, or 

 dogs, should, with the utmost diligence, endeavour 

 that the breed may be such as is proper, and from 



