1
If then, the seven brethren despised troubles even unto death, it is confessed on all sides that righteous reasoning is absolute master over the passions.
2
For just as if, had they as slaves to the passions, eaten of the unholy, we should have said that they had been conquered by the;
3
now it is not so: but by means of the reasoning which is praised by God, they mastered their passions.
4
And it is impossible to overlook the leadership of reflection: for it gained the victory over both passions and troubles.
5
How, then, can we avoid according to these men mastery of passion through right reasoning, since they drew not back from the pains of fire?
6
For just as by means of towers projecting in front of harbours men break the threatening waves, and thus assure a still course to vessels entering port,
7
so that seven-towered right-reasoning of the young men, securing the harbour of religion, conquered the intermperance of passions.
8
For having arranged a holy choir of piety, they encouraged one another, saying,