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Is not the true answer that it is no easy task to determine all

such questions accurately, inasmuch as they involve numerous

differences of all kinds, in respect of amount and what is

honourable and what is necessary? It is obvious, of course, that

no one person can unite in himself all claims. Again, the

requital of benefits is, in general, a higher duty than doing

unsolicited kindnesses to one's companion; in other words, the

discharging of a debt is more obligatory upon one than the duty

of giving to a companion. And yet this rule may admit of

exceptions; for instance, which is the higher duty? for one who

has been ransomed out of the hands of robbers to ransom in return

his ransomer, be he who he may, or to repay him on his demand

though he has not been taken by robbers, or to ransom his own

father? for it would seem that a man ought to ransom his father

even in preference to himself.