1. In the former
book I indulged my longing to some extent, lest too sharp remedies
applied to a burning wound might rather increase than assuage the
pain. And as at the same time I often addressed my brother, and
had him before my eyes, it was not out of place to let natural feelings
have a little play, since they are somewhat satisfied by tears, soothed
by weeping, and numbed by a shock. For the outward expression of
affection is of a soft and tender nature, it loves nothing extravagant,
nothing stern, nothing hard; and patience is proved by enduring rather
than by resisting.