These passages describe old age and argue over whether it is a misfortune. Priam and the psalmist speak from its weakness, fearing violence or abandonment. Cephalus in Plato and Cato in Cicero deny that age itself is to blame: Cephalus credits a calm temper, and Cato answers the four common complaints one by one. Cicero elsewhere sets out the duties proper to the old, and Horace describes the old man as poets should show him on the stage, hoarding, timid and praising his own youth.
Chosen by hand, not counted: a passage is here when it is plainly about the topic, and the list is not every mention. Each is shown in the order the books were written, and each links to the section it is in.
The psalmist prays not to be cast off in old age, when his strength fails.
Cast me not off in the time of old age: when my strength shall fail, do not thou forsake me. Psalm 70 →Priam begs Hector to come inside, picturing an old man killed and his grey hair defiled by dogs.
… Have pity also on your unhappy father while life yet remains to him—on me, whom the son of Saturn will destroy by a terrible doom on the threshold of old age, after I have seen my sons slain and my daughters haled away as captives, my bridal chambers pillaged, little children dashed to earth amid the rage of battle, and my sons’ wives dragged away by the cruel hands of the Achaeans; … Book 22 →Cephalus tells Socrates that old age brings calm, and its troubles come from character, not years.
… I replied: There is nothing which for my part I like better, Cephalus, than conversing with aged men; for I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom I ought to enquire, whether the way is smooth and easy, or rugged and difficult. … Book 1 →Cato names four reasons old age is thought unhappy, and proposes to examine each.
… The fact is that when I come to think it over, I find that there are four reasons for old age being thought unhappy: First, that it withdraws us from active employments; second, that it enfeebles the body; third, that it deprives us of nearly all physical pleasures; fourth, that it is the next step to death. Of each of these reasons, if you will allow me, let us examine the force and justice separately. Part 2 →Cicero says the old should labour less in body, give more counsel, and shun idleness and luxury.
… The old, on the other hand, should, it seems, have their physical labours reduced; their mental activities should be actually increased. They should endeavour, too, by means of their counsel and practical wisdom to be of as much service as possible to their friends and to the young, and above all to the state. … Book 1 →Horace sketches the old man for the stage: hoarding, timid, complaining and praising his youth.
… Grey hairs have many evils: without end The old man gathers what he dares not spend, While, as for action, do he what he will, 'Tis all half-hearted, spiritless, and chill: Inert, irresolute, his neck he cranes Into the future, grumbles, and complains, Extols his own young years with peevish praise, But rates and censures these degenerate days. Years, as they come, bring blessings in their train; … Part 5 →