60. Perhaps thou sayest: Why are the wicked
joyous? why do they live in luxury? why do they not toil with me?
It is because they who have not put down their names to strive for the
crown are not bound to undergo the labours of the contest. They
who have not gone down into the race-course do not anoint themselves
with oil nor get covered with dust. For those whom glory awaits
trouble is at hand. The perfumed spectators are wont to look on,
not to join in the struggle, nor to endure the sun, the heat, the dust,
and the showers. Let the athletes say to them: Come, strive
with us. The spectators will but answer: We sit here now to
decide about you, but you, if you conquer, will gain the glory of the
crown and we shall not.