I
　　ArethesetheonlyworksofProvidencewithinus？Whatwordssufficetopraiseorsetthemforth？Hadwebutunderstanding，shouldweeverceasehymningandblessingtheDivinePower，bothopenlyandinsecret，andtellingofHisgraciousgifts？Whetherdiggingorploughingoreating，shouldwenotsingthehymntoGod：——
　　GreatisGod，forthatHehathgivenussuchinstrumentstotillthegroundwithal：
　　GreatisGod，forthatHehathgivenushandsandthepowerofswallowinganddigesting；ofunconsciouslygrowingandbreathingwhilewesleep!
　　Thusshouldweeverhavesung；yeaandthis，thegrandestanddivinesthymnofall：——
　　GreatisGod，forthatHehathgivenusamindtoapprehendthesethings，anddulytousethem!
　　Whatthen!seeingthatmostofyouareblinded，shouldtherenotbesomeonetofillthisplace，andsingthehymntoGodonbehalfofallmen？WhatelsecanIthatamoldandlamedobutsingtoGod？WereIanightingale，Ishoulddoafterthemannerofanightingale。WereIaswan，Ishoulddoafterthemannerofaswan。Butnow，sinceIamareasonablebeing，ImustsingtoGod：thatismywork：Idoit，norwillIdesertthismypost，aslongasitisgrantedmetoholdit；anduponyoutooIcalltojoininthisself—samehymn。
　　II
　　Howthendomenact？Asthoughonereturningtohiscountrywhohadsojournedforthenightinafairinn，shouldbesocaptivatedtherebyastotakeuphisabodethere。
　　"Friend，thouhastforgottenthineintention!Thiswasnotthydestination，butonlylayonthewaythither。"
　　"Nay，butitisaproperplace。"
　　"Andhowmanymoreofthesorttheremaybe；onlytopassthroughuponthyway!Thypurposewastoreturntothycountry；
　　torelievethykinsmen’sfearsforthee；thyselftodischargethedutiesofacitizen；tomarryawife，tobegetoffspring，andtofilltheappointedroundofoffice。Thoudidstnotcometochooseoutwhatplacesaremostpleasant；butrathertoreturntothatwhereinthouwastbornandwherewertappointedtobaacitizen。"
　　III
　　Trytoenjoythegreatfestivaloflifewithothermen。
　　IV
　　ButIhaveonewhomImustplease，towhomImustbesubject，whomImustobey：——God，andthosewhocomenexttoHim。
　　Hehathentrustedmewithmyself：Hehathmademywillsubjecttomyselfaloneandgivenmerulesfortherightusethereof。
　　V
　　Rufususedtosay，Ifyouhaveleisuretopraiseme，whatI
　　sayisnaught。Intruthhespokeinsuchwise，thateachofuswhosatthere，thoughthatsomeonehadaccusedhimtoRufus：——sosurelydidhelayhisfingerontheverydeedswedid：sosurelydisplaythefaultsofeachbeforehisveryeyes。
　　VI
　　ButwhatsaithGod？——"Haditbeenpossible，Epictetus，I
　　wouldhavemadeboththatbodyofthineandthypossessionsfreeandunimpeded，butasitis，benotdeceived：——itisnotthineown；itisbutfinelytemperedclay。SincethenthisIcouldnotdo，IhavegiventheeaportionofMyself，inthepowerofdesiringanddecliningandofpursuingandavoiding，andisawordthepowerofdealingwiththethingsofsense。Andifthouneglectnotthis，butplaceallthatthouhasttherein，thoushaltneverbeletorhindered；thoushaltneverlament；thoushaltnotblameorflatterany。Whatthen？Seemththistotheealittlething？"——Godforbid!——"Becontentthentherewith!"
　　AndsoIpraytheGods。
　　VII
　　WhatsaithAntisthenes？Hastthouneverheard？——
　　Itisakinglything，OCyrus，todowellandtobeevilspokenof。
　　VIII
　　"Aye，buttodebasemyselfthuswereunworthyofme。"
　　"That，"saidEpictetus，"isforyoutoconsider，notforme。
　　Youknowyourselfwhatyouareworthinyourowneyes；andatwhatpriceyouwillsellyourself。Formensellthemselvesatvariousprices。Thiswaswhy，whenFloruswasdeliberatingwhetherheshouldappearatNero’sshows，takingpartintheperformancehimself，Agrippinusreplied，’Butwhydonotyouappear？’heanswered，’BecauseIdonotevenconsiderthequestion。’Forthemanwhohasoncestoopedtoconsidersuchquestions，andtoreckonupthevalueofexternalthings，isnotfarfromforgettingwhatmannerofmanheis。Why，whatisitthatyouaskme？Isdeathpreferable，orlife？Ireply，Life。
　　Painorpleasure？Ireply，Pleasure。"
　　"Well，butifIdonotact，Ishalllosemyhead。"
　　"Thengoandact!ButformypartIwillnotact。"
　　"Why？"
　　"Becauseyouthinkyourselfbutoneamongthemanythreadswhichmakeupthetextureofthedoublet。Youshouldaimatbeinglikemeningeneral——justasyourthreadhasnoambitioneithertobeanythingdistinguishedcomparedwiththeotherthreads。ButIdesiretobethepurple——thatsmallandshiningpartwhichmakestherestseemfairandbeautiful。Whythendoyoubidmebecomeevenasthemultitude？ThenwereInolongerthepurple。"
　　IX
　　Ifamancouldbethroughlypenetrated，asheought，withthisthought，thatweareallinanespecialmannersprungfromGod，andthatGodistheFatherofmenaswellasofGods，fullsurelyhewouldneverconceiveaughtignobleorbaseofhimself。
　　WhereasifCaesarweretoadoptyou，yourhaughtylookswouldbeintolerable；willyounotbeelatedatknowingthatyouarethesonofGod？Nowhoweveritisnotsowithus：butseeingthatinourbirththesetwothingsarecommingled——thebodywhichwesharewiththeanimals，andtheReasonandThoughtwhichwesharewiththeGods，manydeclinetowardsthisunhappykinshipwiththedead，fewrisetotheblessedkinshipwiththeDivine。Sincetheneveryonemustdealwitheachthingaccordingtotheviewwhichheformsaboutit，thosefewwhoholdthattheyarebornforfidelity，modesty，andunerringsurenessindealingwiththethingsofsense，neverconceiveaughtbaseorignobleofthemselves：butthemultitudethecontrary。Why，whatamI？——A
　　wretchedhumancreature；withthismiserablefleshofmine。
　　Miserableindeed!butyouhavesomethingbetterthanthatpaltryfleshofyours。Whythenclingtotheone，andneglecttheother？
　　X
　　Thouartbutapoorsoulladenwithalifelessbody。
　　XI
　　TheotherdayIhadanironlampplacedbesidemyhouseholdgods。Iheardanoiseatthedoorandonhasteningdownfoundmylampcarriedoff。Ireflectedthattheculpritwasinnoverystrangecase。"Tomorrow，myfriend，"Isaid，"youwillfindanearthenwarelamp；foramancanonlylosewhathehas。"
　　XII
　　ThereasonwhyIlostmylampwasthatthethiefwassuperiortomeinvigilance。Hepaidhoweverthispriceforthelamp，thatinexchangeforitheconsentedtobecomeathief：inexchangeforit，tobecomefaithless。
　　XIII
　　ButGodhathintroducedMantobeaspectatorofHimselfandofHisworks；andnotaspectatoronly，butalsoaninterpreterofthem。Whereforeitisashameformantobeginandtoleaveoffwherethebrutesdo。Ratherheshouldbeginthere，andleaveoffwhereNatureleavesoffinus：andthatisatcontemplation，andunderstanding，andamanneroflifethatisinharmonywithherself。
　　Seethenthatyedienotwithoutbeingspectatorsofthesethings。
　　XIV
　　YoujourneytoOlympiatoseetheworkofPhidias；andeachofyouholdsitamisfortunenottohavebeheldthesethingsbeforeyoudie。Whereaswhenthereisnoneedeventotakeajourney，butyouareonthespot，withtheworksbeforeyou，haveyounocaretocontemplateandstudythese？
　　Willyounotthenperceiveeitherwhoyouareoruntowhatendyouwereborn：orforwhatpurposethepowerofcontemplationhasbeenbestowedonyou？
　　"Well，butinlifetherearesomethingsdisagreeableandhardtobear。"
　　AndaretherenoneatOlympia？Areyounotscorchedbytheheat？Areyounotcrampedforroom？Haveyounottobathewithdiscomfort？Areyounotdrenchedwhenitrains？Haveyounottoenduretheclamorandshoutingandsuchannoyancesasthese？
　　Well，Isupposeyousetallthisoveragainstthesplendourofthespectacleandbearitpatiently。Whatthen？haveyounotreceivedgreatnessofheart，receivedcourage，receivedfortitude？WhatcareI，ifIamgreatofheart，foraughtthatcancometopass？Whatshallcastmedownordisturbme？Whatshallseempainful？ShallInotusethepowertotheendforwhichIreceivedit，insteadofmoaningandwailingoverwhatcomestopass？
　　XV
　　IfwhatphilosopherssayofthekinshipofGodandManbetrue，whatremainsformentodobutasSocratesdid：——never，whenaskedone’scountry，toanswer，"IamanAthenianoraCorinthian，"but"Iamacitizenoftheworld。"
　　XVI
　　HethathathgraspedtheadministrationoftheWorld，whohathlearnedthatthisCommunity，whichconsistsofGodandmen，istheforemostandmightiestandmostcomprehensiveofall：——
　　thatfromGodhavedescendedthegermsoflife，nottomyfatheronlyandfather’sfather，buttoallthingsthatarebornandgrowupontheearth，andinanespecialmannertothoseendowedwithReason（forthoseonlyarebytheirnaturefittedtoholdcommunionwithGod，beingbymeansofReasonconjoinedwithHim）
　　——whyshouldnotsuchanonecallhimselfacitizenoftheworld？
　　WhynotasonofGod？Whyshouldhefearaughtthatcomestopassamongmen？ShallkinshipwithCaesar，oranyotherofthegreatatRome，beenoughtohedgemenaroundwithsafetyandconsideration，withoutathoughtofapprehension：whiletohaveGodforourMaker，andFather，andKinsman，shallnotthissetusfreefromsorrowsandfears？
　　XVII
　　Idonotthinkthatanoldfellowlikemeneedhavebeensittingheretotryandpreventyourentertainingabjectnotionsofyourselves，andtalkingofyourselvesinanabjectandignobleway：buttopreventtherebeingbychanceamongyouanysuchyoungmenas，afterrecognisingtheirkindredtotheGods，andtheirbondageinthesechainsofthebodyanditsmanifoldnecessities，shoulddesiretocastthemoffasburdenstoogrievoustobeborne，anddeparttheirtruekindred。ThisisthestruggleinwhichyourMasterandTeacher，wereheworthyofthename，shouldbeengaged。Youwouldcometomeandsay：
　　"Epictetus，wecannolongerendurebeingchainedtothiswretchedbody，givingfoodanddrinkandrestandpurification：
　　aye，andforitssakeforcedtobesubservienttothismanandthat。Arethesenotthingsindifferentandnothingtous？Isitnottruethatdeathisnoevil？ArewenotinamannerkinsmenoftheGods，andhavewenotcomefromthem？Letusdepartthither，whencewecame：letusbefreedfromthesechainsthatconfineandpressusdown。Herearethievesandrobbersandtribunals：
　　andtheythatarecalledtyrants，whodeemthattheyhaveafterafashionpoweroverus，becauseofthemiserablebodyandwhatappertainstoit。Letusshowthemthattheyhavepowerovernone。"
　　XVIII
　　AndtothisIreply：——
　　"Friends，waitforGod。WhenHegivesthesignal，andreleasesyoufromthisservice，thendeparttoHim。Butforthepresent，enduretodwellintheplacewhereinHehathassignedyouyourpost。Shortindeedisthetimeofyourhabitationtherein，andeasytothosethatareminded。Whattyrant，whatrobber，whattribunalshaveanyterrorsforthosewhothusesteemthebodyandallthatbelongtoitasofnoaccount？Stay；departnotrashlyhence!"
　　XIX
　　Somethinglikethatiswhatshouldpassbetweenateacherandingenuousyouths。Asitis，whatdoespass？Theteacherisalifelessbody，andyouarelifelessbodiesyourselves。Whenyouhavehadenoughtoeattoday，yousitdownandweepabouttomorrow’sfood。Slave!ifyouhaveit，wellandgood；ifnot，youwilldepart：thedoorisopen——whylament？Whatfurtherroomistherefortears？Whatfurtheroccasionforflattery？Whyshouldoneenvyanother？Whyshouldyoustandinaweofthemthathavemuchorareplacedinpower，especiallyiftheybealsostrongandpassionate？Why，whatshouldtheydotous？Whattheycando，wewillnotregard：whatdoesconcernus，thattheycannotdo。Whothenshallruleonethatisthusminded？
　　XX
　　Seeingthisthen，andnotingwellthefacultieswhichyouhave，youshouldsay，——"Sendnow，OGod，anytrialthatThouwilt；lo，IhavemeansandpowersgivenmebyTheetoacquitmyselfwithhonourthroughwhatevercomestopass!"——No；butthereyousit，tremblingforfearcertainthingsshouldcometopass，andmoaningandgroaningandlamentingoverwhatdoescometopass。AndthenyouupbraidtheGods。Suchmeannessofspiritcanhavebutoneresult——impiety。
　　YetGodhasnotonlygivenusthesefacultiesbymeansofwhichwemaybeareverythingthatcomestopasswithoutbeingcurshedordepressedthereby；butlikeagoodKingandFather，Hehasgivenusthiswithoutletorhindrance，placedwhollyatourowndisposition，withoutreservingtoHimselfanypowerofimpedimentorrestraint。Thoughpossessingallthesethingsfreeandallyouown，youdonotusethem!youdonotperceivewhatitisyouhavereceivednorwhenceitcomes，butsitmoaningandgroaning；someofyoublindtotheGiver，makingnoacknowledgmenttoyourBenefactor；othersbaselygivingthemselvestocomplaintsandaccusationsagainstGod。
　　Yetwhatfacultiesandpowersyoupossessforattainingcourageandgreatnessofheart，Icaneasilyshowyou；whatyouhaveforupbraidingandaccusation，itisforyoutoshowme!
　　XXI
　　HowdidSocratesbearhimselfinthisregard？HowelsethanasbecameonewhowasfullyassuredthathewasthekinsmanofGods？
　　XXII
　　IfGodhadmadethatpartofHisownnaturewhichHeseveredfromHimselfandgavetous，liabletobehinderedorconstrainedeitherbyHimselforanyother，HewouldnothavebeenGod，norwouldHehavebeentakingcareofusasHeought……Ifyouchoose，youarefree；ifyouchoose，youneedblamenoman——
　　accusenoman。AllthingswillbeatonceaccordingtoyourmindandaccordingtotheMindofGod。
　　XXIII
　　Petrifactionisoftwosorts。Thereispetrifactionoftheunderstanding；andalsoofthesenseofshame。Thishappenswhenamanobstinatelyrefusestoacknowledgeplaintruths，andpersistsinmaintainingwhatisself—contradictory。Mostofusdreadmortificationofthebody，andwouldsparenopainstoescapeanythingofthatkind。Butofmortificationofthesoulweareutterlyheedless。Withregard，indeed，tothesoul，ifamanisinsuchastateastobeincapableoffollowingorunderstandinganything，Igrantyouwedothinkhiminabadway。
　　Butmortificationofthesenseofshameandmodestywegosofarastodubstrengthofmind!
　　XXIV
　　IfwewereasintentuponourbusinessastheoldfellowsatRomeareuponwhatintereststhem，wetoomightperhapsaccomplishsomething。IknowamanolderthanIam，nowSuperintendentoftheCorn—marketatRome，andIrememberwhenhepassedthroughthisplaceonhiswaybackfromexile，whatanaccounthegavemeofhisformerlife，declaringthatforthefuture，oncehomeagain，hisonlycareshouldbetopasshisremainingyearsinquietandtranquility。"ForhowfewyearshaveIleft!"hecried。"That，"Isaid，"youwillnotdo；butthemomentthescentofRomeisinyournostrils，youwillforgetitall；andifyoucanbutgainadmissiontoCourt，youwillbegladenoughtoelbowyourwayin，andthankGodforit。""Epictetus，"
　　hereplied，"ifeveryoufindmesettingasmuchasonefootwithintheCourt，thinkwhatyouwillofme。"
　　Well，asitwas，whatdidhedo？Ereeverheenteredthecity，hewasmetbyadespatchfromtheEmperor。Hetookit，andforgotthewholeofhisresolutions。Fromthatmoment，hehasbeenpilingonethinguponanother。Ishouldliketobebesidehimtoremindhimofwhathesaidwhenpassingthisway，andtoadd，HowmuchbetteraprophetIamthanyou!
　　Whatthen？doIsaymanisnotmadeforanactivelife？Farfromit!……Butthereisagreatdifferencebetweenothermen’soccupationsandours……Aglanceattheirswillmakeitcleartoyou。Alldaylongtheydonothingbutcalculate，contrive，consulthowtowringtheirprofitoutoffood—stuffs，farm—plotsandthelike……Whereas，IentreatyoutolearnwhattheadministrationoftheWorldis，andwhatplaceaBeingendowedwithreasonholdstherein：toconsiderwhatyouareyourself，andwhereinyourGoodandEvilconsists。
　　XXV
　　AmanaskedmetowritetoRomeonhisbehalfwho，asmostpeoplethought，hadmetwithmisfortune；forhavingbeenbeforewealthyanddistinguished，hehadafterwardslostallandwaslivinghere。SoIwroteabouthiminahumblestyle。Hehoweveronreadingtheletterreturnedittome，withthewords："Iaskedforyourhelp，notforyourpity。Noevilhashappeneduntome。"
　　XXVI
　　Trueinstructionisthis：——tolearntowishthateachthingshouldcometopassasitdoes。Andhowdoesitcometopass？AstheDisposerhasdisposedit。NowHehasdisposedthatthereshouldbesummerandwinter，andplentyanddearth，andviceandvirtue，andallsuchopposites，fortheharmonyofthewhole。
　　XXVII
　　Havethisthoughteverpresentwiththee，whenthoulosestanyoutwardthing，whatthougainestinitsstead；andifthisbethemoreprecious，saynot，Ihavesufferedloss。
　　XXVIII
　　ConcerningtheGods，therearewhodenytheveryexistenceoftheGodhead；otherssaythatitexists，butneitherbestirsnorconcernsitselfnorhasforethoughtforanything。Athirdpartyattributetoitexistenceandforethought，butonlyforgreatandheavenlymatters，notforanythingthatisonearth。A
　　fourthpartyadmitthingsonearthaswellasinheaven，butonlyingeneral，andnotwithrespecttoeachindividual。Afifth，ofwhomwereUlyssesandSocratesarethosethatcry：——
　　ImovenotwithoutThyknowledge!
　　XXIX
　　Consideringallthesethings，thegoodandtruemansubmitshisjudgementtoHimthatadministerstheUniverse，evenasgoodcitizenstothelawoftheState。Andhethatisbeinginstructedshouldcomethusminded：——HowmayIinallthingsfollowtheGods；and，HowmayIrestsatisfiedwiththeDivineAdministration；and，HowmayIbecomefree？Forheisfreeforwhomallthingscometopassaccordingtohiswill，andwhomnonecanhinder。Whatthen，isfreedommadness？Godforbid。Formadnessandfreedomexistnottogether。
　　"ButIwishallthatIdesiretocometopassandinthemannerthatIdesire。"
　　——Youaremad，youarebesideyourself。KnowyounotthatFreedomisagloriousthingandofgreatworth？ButthatwhatI
　　desiredatrandomIshouldwishatrandomtocometopass，sofarfrombeingnoble，maywellbeexceedingbase。
　　XXX
　　Youmustknowthatitisnoeasythingforaprincipletobecomeaman’sown，unlesseachdayhemaintainitandhearitmaintained，aswellasworkitoutinlife。
　　XXXI
　　Youmustknowthatitisnoeasythingforaprincipletobecomeaman’sown，unlesseachdayhemaintainitandhearitmaintained，aswellasworkitoutinlife。
　　XXXII
　　Whatthenisthechastisementofthosewhoacceptitnot？Tobeastheyare。Isanydiscontentedwithbeingalone？lethimbeinsolitude。Isanydiscontentedwithhisparents？lethimbeabadson，andlament。Isanydiscontentedwithhischildren？lethimbeabadfather。——"Throwhimintoprision!"——Whatprision？——
　　Whereheisalready：forheisthereagainsthiswill；andwhereveramanisagainsthiswill，thattohimisaprision。
　　ThusSocrateswasnotinprision，sincehewastherewithhisownconsent。
　　XXXIII
　　KnowestthouwhataspeckthouartincomparisonwiththeUniverse？———Thatis，withrespecttothebody；sincewithrespecttoReason，thouartnotinferiortotheGods，norlessthanthey。
　　ForthegreatnessofReasonisnotmeasuredbylengthorheight，butbytheresolvesofthemind。PlacethenthyhappinessinthatwhereinthouartequaltotheGods。
　　XXXIV
　　AskedhowamanmighteatacceptablytotheGods，Epictetusreplied：——Ifwhenheeats，hecanbejust，cheerful，equable，temperate，andorderly，canhenotthuseatacceptablytotheGods？Butwhenyoucallforwarmwater，andyourslavedoesnotanswer，orwhenheanswersbringsitlukewarm，orisnotevenfoundtobeinthehouseatall，thennottobevexednorburstwithanger，isnotthatacceptabletotheGods？
　　"Buthowcanoneenduresuchpeople？"
　　Slave，willyounotendureyourownbrother，thathasGodtohisforefather，evenasasonsprungfromthesamestock，andofthesamehighdescentasyourself？Andifyouarestationedinahighposition，areyouthereforforthwithsetupforatyrant？
　　Rememberwhoyouare，andwhomyourule，thattheyarebynatureyourkinsmen，yourbrothers，theoffspringofGod。
　　"ButIpaidapriceforthem，nottheyforme。"
　　Doyouseewhitheryouarelooking——downtotheearth，tothepit，tothosedespicablelawsofthedead？ButtothelawsoftheGodsyoudonotlook。
　　XXXV
　　Whenweareinvitedtoabanquet，wetakewhatissetbeforeus；andwereonetocalluponhishosttosetfishuponthetableorsweetthings，hewouldbedeemedabsurd。Yetinaword，weasktheGodsforwhattheydonotgive；andthat，althoughtheyhavegivenussomanythings!
　　XXXVI
　　AskedhowamanmightconvincehimselfthateverysingleactofhiswasundertheeyeofGod，Epictetusanswered：——
　　"Doyounotholdthatthingsonearthandthingsinheavenarecontinuousandinunisonwitheachother？"
　　"Ido，"wasthereply。
　　"Elsehowshouldthetreessoregularly，asthoughbyGod’scommand，atHisbiddingflower；atHisbiddingsendforthshoots，bearfruitandripenit；atHisbiddingletitfallandshedtheirleaves，andfoldedupuponthemselveslieinquietnessandrest？Howelse，astheMoonwaxesandwanes，astheSunapproachesandrecedes，canitbethatsuchvicissitudeandalternationisseeninearthlythings？
　　"Ifthenallthingsthatgrow，nay，ourownbodies，arethusboundupwiththewhole，isnotthisstilltruerofoursouls？
　　AndifoursoulsareboundupandincontactwithGod，asbeingverypartsandfragmentspluckedfromHimself，shallHenotfeeleverymovementoftheirsasthoughitwereHisown，andbelongingtoHisownnature？"
　　XXXVII
　　"But，"yousay，"Icannotcomprehendallthisatonce。"
　　"Why，whotoldyouthatyourpowerswereequaltoGod’s？"
　　YetGodhathplacedbythesideofeachaman’sownGuardianSpirit，whoischargedtowatchoverhim——aGuardianwhosleepsnotnorisdeceived。FortowhatbetterormorewatchfulGuardiancouldHehavecommittedwachofus？Sowhenyouhaveshutthedoorsandmadeadarknesswithin，remembernevertosaythatyouarealone；foryouarenotalone，butGodiswithin，andyourGuardianSpirit，andwhatlightdotheyneedtobeholdwhatyoudo？TothisGodyoualsoshouldhaveswornallegiance，evenassolidersuntoCaesar。They，whentheirserviceishired，sweartoholdthelifeofCaesardearerthanallelse：andwillyounotswearyouroath，thataredeemedworthyofsomanyandgreatgifts？Andwillyounotkeepyouroathwhenyouhaveswornit？
　　Andwhatoathwillyouswear？Nevertodisobey，nevertoarraignormurmurataughtthatcomestoyoufromHishand：neverunwillinglytodoorsufferaughtthatnecessitylaysuponyou。
　　"Isthisoathliketheirs？"
　　TheysweartoholdnootherdearerthanCaesar：you，toholdourtrueselvesdearerthanallelsebeside。
　　XXXVIII
　　"Howshallmybrotherceasetobewrothwithme？"
　　Bringhimtome，andIwilltellhim。ButtotheeIhavenothingtosayabouthisanger。
　　XXXIX
　　WhenonetookcounselofEpictetus，saying，"WhatIseekisthis，howeventhoughmybrotherbenotreconciledtome，ImaystillremainasNaturewouldhavemetobe，"hereplied："Allgreatthingsareslowofgrowth；nay，thisistrueevenofagrapeorofafig。Ifthenyousaytomenow，Idesireafig，I
　　shallanswer，Itneedstime：waittillitfirstflower，thencastitsblossom，thenripen。Whereasthenthefruitofthefig—treereachesnotmaturitysuddenlynoryetinasinglehour，doyouneverthelessdesiresoquickly，andeasilytoreapthefruitofthemindofman？——Nay，expectitnot，eventhoughIbadeyou!"
　　XL
　　Epaphroditushadashoemakerwhomhesoldasbeinggood—for—nothing。
　　Thisfellow，bysomeaccident，wasafterwardspurchasedbyoneofCaesar’smen，andbecameashoemakertoCaesar。YoushouldhaveseenwhatrespectEpaphrodituspaidhimthen。"HowdoesthegoodFelicion？Kindlyletmeknow!"Andifanyofusinquired，"WhatisEpaphroditusdoing？"theanswerwas，"HeisconsultingaboutsoandsowithFelicion。"——Hadhenotsoldhimasgood—for—nothing？Whohadinatriceconvertedhimintoawiseacre？
　　ThisiswhatcomesofholdingofimportanceanythingbutthethingsthatdependontheWill。
　　XLI
　　Whatyoushunenduringyourself，attemptnottoimposeonothers。Youshunslavery——bewareofenslavingothers!Ifyoucanenduretodothat，onewouldthingyouhadbeenonceuponatimeaslaveyourself。ForVicehasnothingincommonwithvirtue，norFreedomwithslavery。
　　XLII
　　Hasamanbeenraisedtotribuneship？Everyonethathemeetscongratulateshim。Onekisseshimontheeyes，anotherontheneck，whiletheslaveskisshishands。Hegoeshometofindtorchesburning；heascendstotheCapitoltosacrifice。——Whoeversacrificedforhavinghadrightdesires；forhavingconceivedsuchinclinationsasNaturewouldhavehim？IntruthwethanktheGodsforthatwhereinweplaceourhappiness。
　　XLIII
　　Amanwastalkingtometo—dayaboutthepriesthoodofAugustus。Isaidtohim，"Letthethinggo，mygoodSir；youwillspendagooddealtonopurpose。"
　　"Well，butmynamewillbeinsertedinalldocumentsandcontracts。"
　　"Willyoubestandingtheretotellthosethatreadthem，Thatismynamewrittenthere？Andevenifyoucouldnowbethereineverycase，whatwillyoudowhenyouaredead？"
　　"Atalleventsmynamewillremain。"
　　"Inscribeitonastoneanditwillremainjustaswell。Andthink，beyondNicopoliswhatmemoryofyouwilltherebe？"
　　"ButIshallhaveagoldenwreathtowear。"
　　"Ifyoumusthaveawreath，getawreathofrosesandputiton；youwilllookmoreelegant!"
　　XLIV
　　Aboveall，rememberthatthedoorstandsopen。Benotmorefearfulthanchildren；butasthey，whentheywearyofthegame，cry，"Iwillplaynomore，"evenso，whenthouartinthelikecase，cry，"Iwillplaynomore"anddepart。Butifthoustayest，makenolamentation。
　　XLV
　　Istheresmokeintheroom？Ifitbeslight，Iremain；ifgrievous，Iquitit。Foryoumustrememberthisandholditfast，thatthedoorstandsopen。
　　"YoushallnotdwellatNicopolis!"
　　Wellandgood。
　　"NoratAthens。"
　　ThenIwillnotdwellatAthenseither。
　　"NoratRome。"
　　NoratRomeeither。
　　"YoushalldwellinGyara!"
　　Well：buttodwellinGyaraseemstomelikeagrievoussmoke；Ideparttoaplacewherenonecanforbidmetodwell：
　　thathabitationisopenuntoall!Asforthelastgarmentofall，thatisthepoorbody；beyondthat，nonecandoaughtuntome。
　　ThiswhyDemetriussaidtoNero："Youthreatenmewithdeath；itisNaturewhothreatensyou!"
　　XLVI
　　Thebeginningofphilosophyistoknowtheconditionofone’sownmind。Ifamanrecognisesthatthisisinaweaklystate，hewillnotthenwanttoapplyittoquestionsofthegreatestmoment。Asitis，menwhoarenotfittoswallowevenamorsel，buywholetreatisesandtrytodevourthem。Accordinglytheyeithervomitthemupagain，orsufferfromindigestion，whencecomegripings，fluxions，andfevers。Whereastheyshouldhavestoppedtoconsidertheircapacity。
　　XLVII
　　Intheoryitiseasytoconvinceanignorantperson：inactuallife，mennotonlyobjecttoofferthemselvestobeconvinced，buthatethemanwhohasconvincedthem。WhereasSocratesusedtosaythatweshouldneverleadalifenotsubjectedtoexamination。
　　XLVIII
　　ThisisthereasonwhySocrates，whenremindedthatheshouldprepareforhistrial，answered："ThinkestthounotthatI
　　havebeenpreparingforitallmylife？"
　　"Inwhatway？"
　　"Ihavemaintainedthatwhichinmelay/"
　　"Howso？"
　　"Ihavenever，secretlyoropenly，doneawronguntoany。"
　　XLIX
　　Inwhatcharacterdostthounowcomeforward？
　　AsawitnesssummonedbyGod。"Comethou，"saithGod，"andtestifyforme，forthouartworthyofbeingbroughtforwardasawitnessbyMe。Isaughtthatisoutsidethywilleithergoodorbad？DoIhurtanyman？HaveIplacedthegoodofeachinthepowerofanyotherthanhimself？WhatwitnessdostthoubeartoGod？"
　　"Iaminevilstate，Master，Iamundone!Nonecarethforme，nonegivethmeaught：allmenblame，allspeakevilofme。"
　　Isthisthewitnessthouwiltbear，anddodishonourtothecallingwherewithHehathcalledthee，becauseHehathdonetheesogreathonour，anddeemedtheeworthyofbeingsummonedtobearwitnessinsogreatacause？
　　L
　　Wouldstthouhavemenspeakgoodofthee？speakgoodofthem。Andwhenthouhastlearnedtospeakgoodofthem，trytodogooduntothem，andthusthouwiltreapinreturntheirspeakinggoodofthee。
　　LI
　　Whenthougoestintoanyofthegreat，rememberthatAnotherfromaboveseeswhatispassing，andthatthoushouldstpleaseHimratherthanman。Hethereforeasksthee：——
　　"IntheSchools，whatdidstthoucallexile，imprisionment，bonds，deathandshame？"
　　"Icalledthemthingsindifferent。"
　　"Whatthendostthoucallthemnow？Aretheyatallchanged？"
　　"No。"
　　"Isitthenthouthatartchanged？"
　　"No。"
　　"Saythen，whatarethingsindifferent？"
　　"Thingsthatarenotinourpower。"
　　"Saythen，whatfollows？"
　　"Thatthingswhicharenotinourpowerarenothingtome。"
　　"Sayalsowhatthingsyouholdtobegood。"
　　"Awillsuchasitoughttobe，andarightuseofthethingsofsense。"
　　"Andwhatistheend？"
　　"TofollowThee!"
　　LII
　　"ThatSocratesshouldeverhavebeensotreatedbytheAthenians!"
　　Slave!whysay"Socrates"？Speakofthethingasitis：ThateverthenthepoorbodyofSocratesshouldhavebeendraggedawayandhaledbymainforcetoprision!ThateverhemlockshouldhavebeengiventothebodyofSocrates；thatthatshouldhavebreatheditslifeaway!——Doyoumarvelatthis？Doyouholdthisunjust？IsitforthisthatyouaccuseGod？HadSocratesnocompensationforthis？WherethenforhimwastheidealGood？
　　Whomshallwehearkento，youorhim？Andwhatsayshe？
　　"AnytusandMelitusmayputmetodeath：toinjuremeisbeyondtheirpower。"
　　Andagain：——
　　"IfsuchbethewillofGod，soletitbe。"
　　LIII
　　Nay，youngman，forheaven’ssake；butoncethouhastheardthesewords，gohomeandsaytothyself：——"ItisnotEpictetusthathastoldmethesethings：howindeedshouldhe？No，itissomegraciousGodthroughhim。Elseitwouldneverhaveenteredhisheadtotellmethem——hethatisnotusedtospeaktoanyonethus。Well，then，letusnotlieunderthewrathofGod，butbeobedientuntoHim。"———Nay，indeed；butifaravenbyitscroakingbearstheeanysign，itisnottheravenbutGodthatsendsthesignthroughtheraven；andifHesignifiesanythingtotheethroughhumanvoice，willHenotcausethemantosaythesewordstothee，thatthoumayestknowthepoweroftheDivine——
　　howHesendsasigntosomeinonewayandtoothersinanother，andonthegreatestandhighestmattersofallsignifiesHiswillthroughthenoblestmessenger？
　　Whatelsedoesthepoetmean：——
　　IspakeuntohimerstMyself，andsentHermestheshiningOne，tocheckandwarnhim，Thehusbandnottoslay，norwoothewife!
　　LIV
　　InthesamewaymyfriendHeraclitus，whohadatriflingsuitaboutapettyfarmatRhodes，firstshowedthejudgesthathiscausewasjust，andthenatthefinishcried，"Iwillnotentreatyou：nordoIcarewhatsentenceyoupass。Itisyouwhoareonyourtrial，notI!"——Andsoheendedthecase。
　　LV
　　Asforus，webehavelikeaherdofdeer。Whentheyfleefromthehuntsman’sfeathersinaffright，whichwaydotheyturn？Whathavenofsafetydotheymakefor？Why，theyrushuponthenets!Andthustheyperishbyconfoundingwhattheyshouldfearwiththatwhereinnodangerlies……Notdeathorpainistobefeared，butthefearofdeathorpain。Wellsaidthepoettherefore：——
　　Deathhasnoterror；onlyaDeathofshame!
　　LVI
　　Howisitthenthatcertainexternalthingsaresaidtobenatural，andothercontrarytoNature？
　　Why，justasitmightbesaidifwestoodaloneandapartfromothers。Afoot，forinstance，Iwillallowitisnaturalshouldbeclean。Butifyoutakeitasafoot，andasathingwhichdoesnotstandbyitself，itwillbeseemit（ifneedbe）towalkinthemud，totreadonthorns，andsometimeseventobecutoff，forthebenefitofthewholebody；elseitisnolongerafoot。Insomesuchwayweshouldconceiveofourselvesalso。Whatartthou？——Aman。——Lookedatasstandingbythyselfandseparate，itisnaturalfortheeinhealthandwealthlongtolive。ButlookedatasaMan，andonlyasapartofaWhole，itisforthatWhole’ssakethatthoushouldestatonetimefallsick，atanotherbravetheperilsofthesea，again，knowthemeaningofwantandperhapsdieanearlydeath。Whythenrepine？
　　Knowestthounotthatasthefootisnomoreafootifdetachedfromthebody，sothouinlikecaseartnolongeraMan？ForwhatisaMan？ApartofaCity：——firstoftheCityofGodsandMen；
　　next，ofthatwhichranksnearestit，aminatureoftheuniversalCity……Insuchabody，insuchaworldenvelopingus，amongliveslikethese，suchthingsmusthappentooneoranother。Thypart，then，beinghere，istospeakofthesethingsasismeet，andtoorderthemasbefitsthematter。
　　LVII
　　ThatwasagoodreplywhichDiogenesmadetoamanwhoaskedhimforlettersofrecommendation。——"Thatyouareaman，hewillknowwhenheseesyou；——whetheragoodorbadone，hewillknowifhehasanyskillindiscerningthegoodorbad。Butifhehasnone，hewillneverknow，thoughIwritehimathousandtimes。"——
　　Itisasthoughapieceofsilvermoneydesiredtoberecommendedtosomeonetobetested。Ifthemanbeagoodjudgeofsilver，hewillknow：thecoinwilltellitsowntale。
　　LVIII
　　Evenasthetravelleraskshiswayofhimthathemeets，inclinedinnowisetobeartotherightratherthantotheleft（forhedesiresonlythewayleadingwhitherhewouldgo），soshouldwecomeuntoGodastoaguide；evenasweuseoureyeswithoutadmonishingthemtoshowussomethingsratherthanothers，butcontenttoreceivetheimagesofsuchthingsastheypresenttous。Butasitiswestandanxiouslywatchingthevictim，andwiththevoiceofsupplicationcallupontheaugur：——
　　"Master，havemercyonme：vouchsafeuntomeawayofescape!"
　　Slave，wouldyouthenhaveaughtelsethenwhatisbest？isthereanythingbetterthanwhatisGod’sgoodpleasure？Why，asfarasinyoulies，wouldyoucorruptyourJudge，andleadyourCounsellorastray？
　　LIX
　　Godisbeneficent。ButtheGoodalsoisbeneficent。ItshouldseemthenthatwheretherealnatureofGodis，theretooistobefoundtherealnatureoftheGood。WhatthenistherealnatureofGod？——Intelligence，Knowledge，RightReason。HerethenwithoutmoreadoseektherealnatureoftheGood。Forsurelythoudostnotseekitinaplantorinananimalthatreasonethnot。
　　LX
　　SeekthentherealnatureoftheGoodinthatwithoutwhosepresencethouwiltnotadmittheGoodtoexistinaughtelse。——
　　Whatthen？ArenottheseotherthingsalsoworksofGod？——Theyare；butnotpreferredtohonour，noraretheyportionsofGod。
　　Butthouartathingpreferredtohonour：thouartthyselfafragmenttornfromGod：——thouhastaportionofHimwithinthyself。Howisitthenthatthoudostnotknowthyhighdescent——dostnotknowwhencethoucomest？Whenthoueatest，wiltthounotrememberwhothouartthateatestandwhomthoufeedest？Inintercourse，inexercise，indiscussionknowestthounotthatitisaGodwhomthoufeedest，aGodwhomthouexercisest，aGodwhomthoubearestaboutwiththee，Omiserable!andthouperceivestitnot。ThinkestthouthatIspeakofaGodofsilverorgold，thatiswithoutthee？Nay，thoubearestHimwithinthee!
　　allunconciousofpollutingHimwiththoughtsimpureanduncleandeeds。WereanimageofGodpresent，thouwouldestnotdaretoactasthoudost，yet，whenGodHimselfispresentwithinthee，beholdingandhearingall，thoudostnotblushtothinksuchthoughtsanddosuchdeeds，OthouthatartinsensibleofthineownnatureandliestunderthewrathofGod!
　　LXI
　　WhythenareweafraidwhenwesendayoungmanfromtheSchoolsintoactivelife，lestheshouldindulgehisappetitesintemperately，lestheshoulddebasehimselfbyraggedclothing，orbepuffedupbyfineraiment？KnowshenottheGodwithinhim；
　　knowshenotwithwhomheisstartingonhisway？Havewepatiencetohearhimsaytous，WouldIhadtheewithme!——HastthounotGodwherethouart，andhavingHimdostthoustillseekforanyother!WouldHetelltheeaughtelsethanthesethings？
　　Why，wertthouastatueofPhidias，anAthenaoraZeus，thouwouldstbethinktheebothofthyselfandthineartificer；andhadstthouanysense，thouwouldststrivetodonodishonourtothyselforhimthatfashionedthee，norappeartobeholdersinunbefittingguise。Butnow，becauseGodisthyMaker，isthatwhythoucarestnotofwhatsortthoushaltshowthyselftobe？Yethowdifferenttheartistsandtheirworkmanship!Whathumanartist’swork，forexample，hasinitthefacultiesthataredisplayedinfashioningit？Isitaughtbutmarble，bronze，gold，orivory？Nay，whentheAthenaofPhidiashasputforthherhandandreceivedthereinaVictory，inthatattitudeshestandsforevermore。ButGod’sworksmoveandbreathe；theyuseandjudgethethingsofsense。TheworkmanshipofsuchanArtist，wiltthoudishonorHim？Ay，whenhenotonlyfashionedthee，butplacedthee，likeaward，inthecareandguardianshipofthyselfalone，wiltthounotonlyforgetthis，butalsododishonourtowhatiscommittedtothycare!IfGodhadentrustedtheewithanorphan，wouldstthouhavethusneglectedhim？Hehathdeliveredtheetothineowncare，saying，Ihadnonemorefaithfulthanmyself：
　　keepthismanformesuchasNaturehathmadehim——modest，faithful，high—minded，astrangertofear，topassion，toperturbation……
　　SuchwillIshowmyselftoyouall。——"What，exemptfromsicknessalso：fromage，fromdeath？"——Nay，butacceptingsickness，acceptingdeathasbecomesaGod!
　　LXII
　　Nolabour，accordingtoDiogenes，isgoodbutthatwhichaimsatproducingcourageandstrengthofsoulratherthanofbody。
　　LXIII
　　Aguide，onfindingamanwhohaslosthisway，bringshimbacktotherightpath——hedoesnotmockandjeerathimandthentakehimselfoff。Youalsomustshowtheunlearnedmanthetruth，andyouwillseethathewillfollow。Butsolongasyoudonotshowithim，youshouldnotmock，butratherfeelyourownincapacity。
　　LXIV
　　ItwasthefirstandmoststrikingcharacteristicofSocratesnevertobecomeheatedindiscourse，nevertoutteraninjuriousorinsultingword——onthecontrary，hepersistentlyboreinsultfromothersandthusputanendtothefray。Ifyoucaretoknowtheextentofhispowerinthisdirection，readXenophon’sBanquet，andyouwillseehowmanyquarrelsheputanendto。ThisiswhythePoetsarerightinsohighlycommendingthisfaculty：——
　　Quicklyandwiselywithalevenbitterfeudswouldhesettle。
　　Neverthelessthepracticeisnotverysafeatpresent，especiallyinRome。Onewhoadoptsit，Ineednotsay，oughtnottocarryitoutinanobscurecorner，butboldlyaccost，ifoccasionserve，somepersonageofrankorwealth。
　　"Canyoutellme，sir，towhosecareyouentrustyourhorses？"
　　"Ican。"
　　"Isittothefirstcorner，whoknowsnothingaboutthem？"
　　"Certainlynot。"
　　"Well，whatofthemanwhotakescareofyourgold，yoursilveroryourraiment？"
　　"Hemustbeexperiencedalso。"
　　"Andyourbody——haveyoueverconsideredaboutentrustingittoanyone’scare？"
　　"OfcourseIhave。"
　　"Andnodoubttoapersonofexperienceasatrainer，aphysician？"
　　"Surely。"
　　"Andthesethingsthebestyoupossess，orhaveyouanythingmoreprecious？"
　　"Whatcanyoumean？"
　　"Imeanthatwhichemploysthese；whichweightsallthings；
　　whichtakescounselandresolve。"
　　"Oh，youmeanthesoul。"
　　"Youtakemerightly；Idomeanthesoul。ByHeaven，IholdthatfarmorepreciousthanallelseIpossess。Canyoushowmethenwhatcareyoubestowonasoul？Foritcanscarcelybethoughtthatamanofyourwisdomandconsiderationinthecitywouldsufferyourmostpreciouspossessiontogotoruinthroughcarelessnessandneglect。"
　　"Certainlynot。"
　　"Well，doyoutakecareofityourself？Didanyoneteachyoutherightmethod，ordidyoudiscoverityourself？"
　　Nowherecomesinthedanger：first，thatthegreatmanmayanswer，"Why，whatisthattoyou，mygoodfellow？areyoumymaster？"Andthen，ifyoupersistintroublinghim，mayraisehishandtostrikeyou。ItisapracticeofwhichIwasmyselfawarmadmireruntilsuchexperiencesasthesebefellme。