But all time would fail us if we should try to recount all his activities. On another
 occasion I shall set them forth in detail; This intention
 was not, so far as we know, carried out. for the present however, I have produced
 a sample of the nature of Hipponicus, after whom you should pattern your life as after an
 example, regarding his conduct as your law, and striving to imitate and emulate your
 father's virtue; for it were a shame, when painters represent the beautiful among animals,
 for children not to imitate the noble among their ancestors. Nay, you must consider that no athlete is so in duty bound to train against his
 competitors as are you to take thought how you may vie with your father in his ways of
 life. But it is not possible for the mind to be so disposed unless one is fraught with
 many noble maxims; for, as it is the nature of the body to be developed by appropriate
 exercises, it is the nature of the soul to be developed by moral precepts. Wherefore I
 shall endeavor to set before you concisely by what practices I think you can make the most
 progress toward virtue and win the highest repute in the eyes of all other men. First of all, then, show devotion to the gods, Cf. Theognis 171 
 qeoi=s eu)xeu, qeoi=s e)stin e)/pi kra/tos . 
 not merely by doing sacrifice, but also by keeping your vows; for the former is but
 evidence of a material prosperity, whereas the latter is proof of a noble character. Do
 honor to the divine power at all times, but especially on occasions of public worship; for
 thus you will have the reputation both of sacrificing to the gods and of abiding by the
 laws. Conduct yourself toward your parents as you would have your children conduct themselves
 toward you. Isocrates anticipates the golden rule.Cf. Isoc. 3.61 ; Isoc. 2.24, 38 ; Isoc. 4.81 . Train your body, not by the exercises which
 conduce to strength, but by those which conduce to health. In this you will succeed if you
 cease your exertions while you still have energy to exert yourself. Be not fond of violent mirth, nor harbor presumption of speech; for the one is folly,
 the other madness. Cf. Lord Chesterfield,
 Letters , 144: “Frequent and loud laughter is characteristic of folly
 and ill manners.” Whatever is shameful to do you must not consider it honorable
 even to mention. Accustom yourself to be, not of a stern, but of a thoughtful, mien; for
 through the former you will be thought self-willed, through the latter, intelligent.
 Consider that no adornment so becomes you as modesty, justice, and self-control; for these
 are the virtues by which, as all men are agreed, the character of the young is held in
 restraint.