LXV
　　WhenayouthwasgivinghimselfairsintheTheatreandsaying，"Iamwise，forIhaveconversedwithmanywisemen，"
　　Epictetusreplied，"Itoohaveconversedwithmanyrichmen，yetIamnotrich!"
　　LXVI
　　Weseethatacarpenterbecomesacarpenterbylearningcertainthings：thatapilot，bylearningcertainthings，becomesapilot。Possiblyalsointhepresentcasethemeredesiretobewiseandgoodisnotenough。Itisnecessarytolearncertainthings。Thisisthentheobjectofoursearch。ThePhilosopherswouldhaveusfirstlearnthatthereisaGod，andthatHisProvidencedirectstheUniverse；further，thattohidefromHimnotonlyone’sactsbutevenone’sthoughtsandintentionsisimpossible；secondly，whatthenatureofGodis。Whateverthatnatureisdiscoveredtobe，themanwhowouldpleaseandobeyHimmuststrivewithallhismighttobemadelikeuntohim。IftheDivineisfaithful，healsomustbefaithful；iffree，healsomustbefree；ifbeneficent，healsomustbebeneficent；ifmagnanimous，healsomustbemagnanimous。ThusasanimitatorofGodmusthefollowHimineverydeedandword。
　　LXVII
　　IfIshowyou，thatyoulackjustwhatismostimportantandnecessarytohappiness，thathithertoyourattentionhasbeenbestowedoneverythingratherthanthatwhichclaimsitmost；
　　and，tocrownall，thatyouknowneitherwhatGodnorManis——
　　neitherwhatGoodorEvilis：why，thatyouareignorantofeverythingelse，perhapsyoumaybeartobetold；buttohearthatyouknownothingofyourself，howcouldyousubmittothat？
　　Howcouldyoustandyourgroundandsufferthattobeproved？
　　Clearlynotatall。Youinstantlyturnawayinwrath。YetwhatharmhaveIdonetoyou？Unlessindeedthemirrorharmstheill—favouredmanbyshowinghimtohimselfjustasheis；unlessthephysiciancanbethoughttoinsulthispatient，whenhetellshim：——"Friend，doyousupposethereisnothingwrongwithyou？
　　why，youhaveafever。Eatnothingto—day，anddrinkonlywater。"
　　Yetnoonesays，"Whataninsufferableinsult!"Whereasifyousaytoaman，"Yourdesiresareinflamed，yourinstinctsofrejectionareweakandlow，youraimsareinconsistent，yourimpulsesarenotinharmonywithNature，youropinionsarerashandfalse，"heforthwithgoesawayandcomplainsthatyouhaveinsultedhim。
　　LXVIII
　　Ourwayofliferesemblesafair。Theflocksandherdsarepassingalongtobesold，andthegreaterpartofthecrowdtobuyandsell。Buttherearesomefewwhocomeonlytolookatthefair，toinquirehowandwhyitisbeingheld，uponwhatauthorityandwithwhatobject。Sotoo，inthisgreatFairoflife，some，likethecattle，troublethemselvesaboutnothingbutthefodder。Knowallofyou，whoarebusiedaboutland，slavesandpublicposts，thatthesearenothingbutfodder!SomefewthereareattendingtheFair，wholovetocontemplatewhattheworldis，whatHethatadministersit。CantherebenoAdministrator？isitpossible，thatwhileneithercitynorhouseholdcouldendureevenamomentwithoutonetoadministerandseetoitswelfare，thisFabric，sofair，sovast，shouldbeadministeredinordersoharmonious，withoutapurposeandbyblindchance？ThereisthereforeanAdministrator。WhatisHisnatureandhowdoesHeadminister？AndwhoarewethatareHischildrenandwhatworkwereweborntoperform？HaveweanycloseconnectionorrelationwithHimornot？
　　SucharetheimpressionsofthefewofwhomIspeak。Andfurther，theyapplythemselvessolelytoconsideringandexaminingthegreatassemblybeforetheydepart。Well，theyarederidedbythemultitude。Soarethelookers—onbythetraders：
　　aye，andifthebeastshadanysense，theywouldderidethosewhothoughtmuchofanythingbutfodder!
　　LXIX
　　IthinkIknownowwhatIneverknewbefore——themeaningofthecommonsaying，Afoolyoucanneitherbendnorbreak。PrayheavenImayneverhaveawisefoolformyfriend!Thereisnothingmoreintractable。——"Myresolveisfixed!"——Whysomadmansaytoo；butthemorefirmlytheybelieveintheirdelusions，themoretheystandinneedoftreatment。
　　LXX
　　——"O!whenshallIseeAthensanditsAcropolisagain？"——
　　Miserableman!artthounotcontentedwiththedailysightsthatmeetthineeyes？canstthoubeholdaughtgreaterornoblerthantheSun，Moon，andStars；thantheoutspreadEarthandSea？IfindeedthousapprehendestHimwhoadministerstheuniverse，ifthoubearestHimaboutwithinthee，canstthoustillhankeraftermerefragmentsofstoneandfinerock？WhenthouartabouttobidfarewelltotheSunandMoonitself，wiltthousitdownandcrylikeachild？Why，whatdidstthouhear，whatdidstthoulearn？
　　whydidstthouwritethyselfdownaphilosopher，whenthoumightesthavewrittenwhatwasthefact，namely，"IhavemadeoneortwoConpendiums，IhavereadsomeworksofChrysippus，andI
　　havenoteventouchedthehemofPhilosophy’srobe"!
　　LXXI
　　Friend，layholdwithadesperategrasp，ereitistoolate，onFreedom，onTranquility，onGreatnessofsoul!Liftupthyhead，asoneescapedfromslavery；daretolookuptoGod，andsay：——"DealwithmehenceforthasThouwilt；ThouandIareofonemind。IamThine：IrefusenothingthatseeethgoodtoThee；
　　leadonwhitherThouwilt；clothemeinwhatgarbThoupleasest；
　　wiltThouhavemearulerorasubject——athomeorinexile——
　　poororrich？AllthesethingswillIjustifyuntomenforThee。
　　Iwillshowthetruenatureofeach……"
　　WhowouldHerculeshavebeenhadheloiteredathome？noHercules，butEurystheus。Andinhiswanderingsthroughtheworldhowmanyfriendsandcomradesdidhefind？butnothingdearertohimthanGod。WhereforehewasbelievedtobeGod’sson，asindeedhewas。SotheninobediencetoHim，hewentaboutdeliveringtheearthfrominjusticeandlawlessness。
　　ButthouartnotHercules，thousayest，andcanstnotdeliverothersfromtheiriniquity——notevenTheseus，todeliverthesoilofAtticafromitsmonsters？Purgeawaythineown，castforththence——fromthineownmind，notrobbersandmonsters，butFear，Desire，Envy，Malignity，Avarice，Effeminacy，Intemperance。
　　Andthesemaynotbecastout，exceptbylookingtoGodalone，byfixingthyaffectionsonHimonly，andbyconsecratingthyselftoHiscommands。Ifthouchoosestaughtelse，withsighsandgroansthouwiltbeforcedtofollowaMightgreaterthanthineown，everseekingTranquillitywithout，andneverabletoattainuntoher。Forthouseekestherwheresheisnottobefound；andwheresheis，therethouseekesthernot!
　　LXXII
　　IfamanwouldpursuePhilosophy，hisfirsttaskistothrowawayconceit。Foritisimpossibleforamantobegintolearnwhathehasaconceitthathealreadyknows。
　　LXXIII
　　Givemebutoneyoungman，thathascometotheSchoolwiththisintention，whostandsforthachampionofthiscause，andsays，"AllelseIrenounce，contentifIambutabletopassmylifefreefromhindranceandtrouble；toraisemyheadaloftandfaceallthingsasafreeman；tolookuptoheavenasafriendofGod，fearingnothingthatmaycometopass!"Pointoutsuchaonetome，thatImaysay，"Enter，youngman，intopossessionofthatwhichisthineown。ForthylotistoadornPhilosophy。
　　Thinearethesepossessions；thinethesebooks，thesediscourses!"
　　Andwhenourchampionhasdulyexercisedhimselfinthispartofthesubject，Ihopehewillcomebacktomeandsay：——
　　"WhatIdesireistobefreefrompassionandfromperturbation；
　　asonewhogrudgesnopainsinthepursuitofpietyandphilosophy，whatIdesireistoknowmydutytotheGods，mydutytomyparents，tomybrothers，tomycountry，tostrangers。"
　　"Enterthenonthesecondpartofthesubject；itisthinealso。"
　　"ButIhavealreadymasteredthesecondpart；onlyIwishedtostandfirmandunshaken——asfirmwhenasleepaswhenawake，asfirmwhenelatedwithwineasindespondencyanddejection。"
　　"Friend，youareverilyaGod!youcherishgreatdesigns。"
　　LXXIV
　　"Thequestionatstake，"saidEpictetus，"isnocommonone；
　　itisthis：——Areweinoursenses，orarewenot？"
　　LXXV
　　Ifyouhavegivenwaytoanger，besurethatoverandabovetheevilinvolvedtherein，youhavestrengthenedthehabit，andaddedfueltothefire。Ifovercomebyatemptationoftheflesh，donotreckonitasingledefeat，butthatyouhavealsostrengthenedyourdissolutehabits。Habitsandfacultiesarenecessarilyaffectedbythecorrespondingacts。Thosethatwerenottherebefore，springup：therestgaininstrengthandextent。ThisistheaccountwhichPhilosophersgiveoftheoriginofdiseasesofthemind：——Supposeyouhaveoncelustedaftermoney：ifreasonsufficienttoproduceasenseofevilbeapplied，thenthelustischecked，andthemindatonceregainsitsoriginalauthority；whereasifyouhaverecoursetonoremedy，youcannolongerlookforthisreturn——onthecontrary，thenexttimeitisexcitedbythecorrespondingobject，theflameofdesireleapsupmorequicklythanbefore。Byfrequentrepetition，themindinthelongrunbecomescallous；andthusthismentaldiseaseproducesconfirmedAvarice。
　　Onewhohashadfever，evenwhenithaslefthim，isnotinthesameconditionofhealthasbefore，unlessindeedhiscureiscomplete。Somethingofthesamesortistruealsoofdiseasesofthemind。Behind，thereremainsalegacyoftracesandblisters：
　　andunlesstheseareeffectuallyerased，subsequentblowsonthesamespotwillproducenolongermereblisters，butsores。Ifyoudonotwishtobepronetoanger，donotfeedthehabit；giveitnothingwhichmaytenditsincrease。Atfirst，keepquietandcountthedayswhenyouwerenotangry："Iusedtobeangryeveryday，theneveryotherday：nexteverytwo，nexteverythreedays!"andifyousucceedinpassingthirtydays，sacrificetotheGodsinthanksgiving。
　　LXXVI
　　Howthenmaythisbeattained？——Resolve，nowifneverbefore，toapprovethyselftothyself；resolvetoshowthyselffairinGod’ssight；longtobepurewiththineownpureselfandGod!
　　LXXVII
　　Thatisthetrueathlete，thattrainshimselftoresistsuchoutwardimpressionsasthese。
　　"Stay，wretchedman!suffernotthyselftobecarriedaway!"
　　Greatisthecombat，divinethetask!youarefightingforKingship，forLiberty，forHappiness，forTranquillity。RememberGod：calluponHimtoaidthee，likeacomradethatstandsbesidetheeinthefight。
　　LXXVIII
　　WhothenisaStoic——inthesensethatwecallastatueofPhidiaswhichismodelledafterthatmaster’sart？Showmeamaninthissensemodelledafterthedoctrinesthatareeveruponhislips。Showmeamanthatissick——andhappy；anexile——andhappy；
　　inevilreport——andhappy!Showmehim，Iaskagain。SohelpmeHeaven，IlongtoseeoneStoic!Nay，ifyoucannotshowmeonefullymodelled，letmeatleastseeoneinwhomtheprocessisatwork——onewhosebentisinthatdirection。Domethatfavour!
　　Grudgeitnottoanoldman，tobeholdasighthehasneveryetbeheld。ThinkyouIwishtoseetheZeusorAthenaofPhidias，bedeckedwithgoldandivory？——Nay，showme，oneofyou，ahumansoul，desiringtobeofonemindwithGod，nomoretolayblameonGodorman，tosuffernothingtodisappoint，nothingtocrosshim，toyieldneithertoanger，envy，norjealousy——inaword，whydisguisethematter？onethatfromamanwouldfanbecomeaGod；onethatwhilestillimprisionedinthisdeadbodymakesfellowshipwithGodhisaim。Showmehim!——Ah，youcannot!Thenwhymockyourselvesanddeludeothers？whystalkabouttrickedoutinothermen’sattrire，thievesandrobbersthatyouareofnamesandthingstowhichyoucanshownotitle!
　　LXXIX
　　Ifyouhaveassumedacharacterbeyondyourstrength，youhavebothplayedapoorfigureinthat，andneglectedonethatiswithinyourpowers。
　　LXXX
　　Fellow，youhavecometoblowsathomewithaslave：youhaveturnedthehouseholdupsidedown，andthrowntheneighbourhoodintoconfusion；anddoyoucometomethenwithairsofassumedmodesty——doyousitdownlikeasageandcriticisemyexplanantionofthereadings，andwhateveridlebabbleyousayhascomeintomyhead？Haveyoucomefullofenvy，anddejectedbecausenothingissentyoufromhome；andwhilethediscussionisgoingon，doyousitbroodingonnothingbuthowyourfatheroryourbrotheraredisposedtowardsyou：——"Whataretheysayingaboutmethere？atthismomenttheyimagineIammakingprogressandsaying，Hewillreturnperfectlyomniscient!
　　IwishIcouldbecomeomniscientbeforeIreturn；butthatwouldbeverytroublesome。Noonesendsmeanything——thebathsatNicopolisaredirty；thingsarewretchedathomeandwretchedhere。"Andthentheysay，"NobodyisanythebetterfortheSchool。"——WhocomestotheSchoolwithasincerewishtolearn：
　　tosubmithisprinciplestocorrectionandhimselftotreatment？
　　Who，togainasenseofhiswants？WhythenbesurprisedifyoucarryhomefromtheSchoolexactlywhatyoubringintoit？
　　LXXXI
　　"Epictetus，Ihaveoftencomedesiringtohearyouspeak，andyouhavenevergivenmeanyanswer；nowifpossible，I
　　entreatyou，saysomethingtome。"
　　"Isthere，doyouthink，"repliedEpictetus，"anartofspeakingasofotherthings，ifitistobedoneskilfullyandwithprofittothehearer？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Andareallprofitedbywhattheyhear，oronlysomeamongthem？Sothatitseemsthereisanartofhearingaswellasofspeaking……Tomakeastatueneedsskill：toviewastatuearightneedsskillalso。"
　　"Admitted。"
　　"AndIthinkallwillallowthatonewhoproposestohearphilosophersspeakneedsaconsiderabletraininginhearing。Isthatnotso？Thetellmeonwhatsubjectyourareabletohearme。"
　　"Why，ongoodandevil。"
　　"Thegoodandevilofwhat？ahorse，anox？"
　　"No；ofaman。"
　　"DoweknowthenwhatManis？whathisnatureis？whatisthideawehaveofhim？Andareourearspractisedinanydegreeonthesubject？Nay，doyouunderstandwhatNatureis？canyoufollowmeinanydegreewhenIsaythatIshallhavetousedemonstration？DoyouunderstandwhatDemonstrationis？whatTrueorFalseis？……mustIdriveyoutoPhilosophy？……ShowmewhatgoodIamtodobydiscoursingwithyou。Rousemydesiretodoso。Thesightofapastureitlovesstirsinasheepthedesiretofeed：showitastoneorabitofbreadanditremainsunmoved。Thuswealsohavecertainnaturaldesires，aye，andonethatmovesustospeakwhenwefindalistenerthatisworthhissalt：onethathhimselfstirsthespirit。Butifhesitsbylikeastoneoratuftofgrass，howcanherouseaman’sdesire？"
　　"Thenyouwillsaynothingtome？"
　　"Icanonlytellyouthis：thatonewhoknowsnotwhoheisandtowhatendhewasborn；whatkindofworldthisisandwithwhomheisassociatedtherein；onewhocannotdistinguishGoodandEvil，BeautyandFoulness，……TruthandFalsehood，willneverfollowReasoninshapinghisdesiresandimpulsesandrepulsions，noryetinassent，denial，orsuspensionofjudgement；butwillinonewordgoaboutdeafandblind，thinkinghimselftobesomewhat，whenheisintruthofnoaccount。Isthereanythingnewinallthis？Isnotthisignorancethecauseofallthemistakesandmischancesofmensincethehumanracebegan？……"
　　"ThisisallIhavetosaytoyou，andeventhisagainstthegrain。Why？Becauseyouhavenotstirredmyspirit。ForwhatcanIseeinyoutostirme，asaspiritedhorsewillstirajudgeofhorses？Yourbody？Thatyoumaltreat。Yourdress？Thatisluxurious。Youbehavior，yourlook？——Nothingwhatever。Whenyouwanttohearaphilosopher，donotsay，Yousaynothingtome’；
　　onlyshowyourselfworthyorfittohear，andthenyouwillseehowyouwillmovethespeaker。"
　　LXXXII
　　Andnow，whenyouseebrothersapparentlygoodfriendsandlivinginaccord，donotimmediatelypronounceanythingupontheirfriendship，thoughtheyshouldaffirmitwithanoath，thoughtheyshoulddeclare，"Forustoliveapartinathingimpossible!"Fortheheartofabadmanisfaithless，unprincipled，inconstant：nowoverpoweredbyoneimpression，nowbyanother。Asknottheusualquestions，Weretheybornofthesameparents，rearedtogether，andunderthesametutor；butaskthisonly，inwhattheyplacetheirrealinterest——whetherinoutwardthingsorintheWill。Ifinoutwardthings，callthemnotfriends，anymorethanfaithful，constant，braveorfree：
　　callthemnotevenhumanbeings，ifyouhaveanysense……ButshouldyouhearthatthesemenholdtheGoodtolieonlyintheWill，onlyinrightlydealingwiththethingsofsense，takenomoretroubletoinquirewhethertheyarefatherandsonorbrothers，orcomradesoflongstanding；but，sureofthisonething，pronounceasboldlythattheyarefriendsasthattheyarefaithfulandjust：forwhereelsecanFriendshipbefoundthanwhereModestyis，wherethereisaninterchangeofthingsfairandhonest，andofsuchonly？
　　LXXXIII
　　NomancanrobusofourWill——nomancanlorditoverthat!
　　LXXXIV
　　Whendiseaseanddeathovertakeme，IwouldfainbefoundengagedinthetaskofliberatingmineoewWillfromtheassaultsofpassion，fromhindrance，fromresentment，fromslavery。
　　ThuswouldIfaintobefoundemployed，sothatImaysaytoGod，"HaveIinaughttransgressedThycommands？HaveIinaughtpervertedthefaculties，thesenses，thenaturalprinciplesthatThoudidstgiveme？HaveIeverblamedTheeorfoundfaultwithThineadministration？WhenitwasThygoodpleasure，Ifellsick——
　　andsodidothermen：bymywillconsented。BecauseitwasThypleasure，Ibecamepoor：butmyheartrejoiced。NopowerintheStatewasmine，becauseThouwouldstnot：suchpowerIneverdesired!HastThoueverseenmeofmoredolefulcountenanceonthataccount？HaveInoteverdrawnnighuntoTheewithcheerfullook，waitinguponThycommands，attentivetoThysignals？WiltThouthatInowdepartfromthegreatAssemblyofmen？Igo：I
　　giveTheeallthanks，thatThouhastdeemedmeworthytotakepartwithTheeinthisAssembly：tobeholdThyworks，tocomprehendthisThineadministration。"
　　SuchIwouldwerethesubjectofmythoughts，mypen，mystudy，whendeathovertakesme。
　　LXXXV
　　Seemethitnothingtoyou，nevertoaccuse，nevertoblameeitherGodorMan？toweareverthesamecountenanceingoingforthasincomingin？ThiswasthesecretofSocrates：yetheneversaidthatheknewortaughtanything……Whoamongstyoumakesthishisaim？Wereitindeedso，youwouldgladlyenduresickness，hunger，aye，deathitself。
　　LXXXVI
　　HowareweconstitutedbyNature？Tobefree，tobenoble，tobemodest（forwhatotherlivingthingiscapableofblushing，oroffeelingtheimpressionofshame？）andtosubordinatepleasuretotheendsforwhichNaturedesignedus，asahandmaidandaminister，inordertocallforthouractivity；inordertokeepusconstanttothepathprescribedbyNature。
　　LXXXVII
　　Thehusbandmandealswithland；physiciansandtrainerswiththebody；thewisemanwithhisownMind。
　　LXXXVIII
　　WhichofusdoesnotadmirewhatLycurgustheSpartandid？A
　　youngcitizenhadputouthiseye，andbeenhandedovertohimbythepeopletobepunishedathisowndiscretion。Lycurgusabstainedfromallvengeance，butonthecontraryinstructedandmadeagoodmanofhim。Producinghiminpublicinthetheatre，hesaidtotheastonishedSpartans：——"Ireceivedthisyoungmanatyourhandsfullofviolenceandwantoninsolence；Irestorehimtoyouinhisrightmindandfittoservehiscountry。"
　　LXXXIX
　　Amoney—changermaynotrejectCaesar’scoin，normaythesellerofherbs，butmustwhenoncethecoinisshown，deliverwhatissoldforit，whetherhewillorno。SoisitalsowiththeSoul。OncetheGoodappears，itattractstowardsitself；evilrepels。ButaclearandcertainimpressionoftheGoodtheSoulwillneverreject，anymorethanmendoCaesar’scoin。OnthishangseveryimpulsealikeofManandGod。
　　XC
　　AskedwhatCommonSensewas，Epictetusreplied：——
　　AsthatmaybecalledaCommonEarwhichdistinguishesonlysounds，whilethatwhichdistinguishesmusicalnotesisnotcommonbutproducedbytraining；sotherearecertainthingswhichmennotentirelypervertedseebythenaturalprinciplescommontoall。SuchaconstitutionoftheMindiscalledCommonSense。
　　XCI
　　Canstthoujudgemen？……thenmakeusimitatorsofthyself，asSocratesdid。Dothis，donotdothat，elsewillI
　　casttheeintoprision；thisisnotgoverningmenlikereasonablecreatures。Sayrather，AsGodhathordained，sodo；elsethouwiltsufferchastisementandloss。Askestthouwhatloss？Noneotherthanthis：Tohaveleftundonewhatthoushouldsthavedone：tohavelostthefaithfulness，thereverence，themodestythatisinthee!Greaterlossthanthisseeknottofind!
　　XCII
　　"Hissonisdead。"
　　Whathashappened？
　　"Hissonisdead。"
　　Nothingmore？
　　"Nothing。"
　　"Hisshipislost。"
　　"Hehasbeenhaledtoprision。"
　　Whathashappened？
　　"Hehasbeenhaledtoprision。"
　　Butthatanyofthesethingsaremisfortunestohim，isanadditionwhicheveryonemakesofhisown。But（yousay）Godisunjustisthis。——Why？Forhavinggiventheeenduranceandgreatnessofsoul？Forhavingmadesuchthingstobenoevils？
　　Forplacinghappinesswithinthyreach，evenwhenenduringthem？
　　Foropenuntotheeadoor，whenthingsmakenotforthygood？——
　　Depart，myfriendandfindfaultnomore!
　　XCIII
　　YouaresailingtoRome（youtellme）toobtainthepostofGovernorofCnossus。Youarenotcontenttostayathomewiththehonoursyouhadbefore；youwantsomethingonalargerscale，andmoreconspicuous。Butwhendidyoueverundertakeavoyageforthepurposeofreviewingyourownprinciplesandgettingridofanyofthemthatprovedunsound？Whomdidyouevervisitforthatobject？Whattimedidyoueversetyourselfforthat？Whatage？Runoverthetimesofyourlife——byyourself，ifyouareashamedbeforeme。Didyouexamineyourprincipleswhenaboy？
　　Didyounotdoeverythingjustasyoudonow？Orwhenyouwereastripling，attendingtheschooloforatoryandpractisingtheartyourself，whatdidyoueverimagineyoulacked？Andwhenyouwereayoungman，entereduponpubliclife，andwerepleadingcausesandmakinganame，whoanylongerseemedequaltoyou？Andatwhatmomentwouldyouhaveenduredanotherexaminingyourprinciplesandprovingthattheywereunsound？WhatthenamItosaytoyou？"Helpmeinthismatter!"youcry。Ah，forthatI
　　havenorule!Andneitherdidyou，ifthatwasyourobject，cometomeasaphilosopher，butasyoumighthavegonetoaherb—selleroracobbler。——"Whatdophilosophershaverulesfor，then？"——Why，thatwhatevermaybetide，ourrulingfacultymaybeasNaturewouldhaveit，andsoremain。Thinkyouthisasmallmatter？Notso!butthegreatestthingthereis。Well，doesitneedbutashorttime？Canitbegraspedbyapasser—by？——graspit，ifyoucan!
　　Thenyouwillsay，"Yes，ImetEpictetus!"
　　Aye，justasyoumightastatueoramonument。Yousawme!
　　andthatisall。Butamanwhomeetsamanisonewholearnstheother’smind，andletshimseeisinturn。Learnmymind——showmeyours；andthengoandsaythatyoumetme。Letustryeachother；ifIhaveanywrongprinciple，ridmeofit；ifyouhave，outwithit。Thatiswhatmeetingaphilosophermeans。Notso，youthink；thisisonlyaflyingvisit；whilewearehiringtheship，wecanseeEpictetustoo!Letusseewhathehastosay。
　　Thenonleavingyoucry，"OutonEpictetusforaworthlessfellow，provincialandbarbarousofspeech!"Whatelseindeeddidyoucometojudgeof？
　　XCIV
　　Whetheryouwillorno，youarepoorerthanI!
　　"WhatthendoIlack？"
　　Whatyouhavenot：Constancyofmind，suchasNaturewouldhaveitbe：Tranquillity。Patronornopatron，whatcareI？butyoudocare。Iamricherthanyou：IamnotrackedwithanxietyastowhatCaesarmaythinkofme；Iflatternoneonthataccount。ThisiswhatIhave，insteadofvesselsofgoldandsilver!yourvesselsmaybeofgold，butyourreason，yourprinciples，youracceptedviews，yourinclinations，yourdesiresareofearthenware。
　　XCV
　　Toyou，allyouhaveseemssmall：tome，allIhaveseemsgreat。Yourdesireisinsatiable，mineissatisfied。Seechildrenthrustingtheirhandsintoanarrow—neckedjar，andstrivingtopulloutthenutsandfigsitcontains：iftheyfillthehand，theycannotpullitoutagain，andthentheyfalltotears。——
　　"Letgoafewofthem，andthenyoucandrawouttherest!"——
　　You，too，letyourdesirego!covetnotmanythings，andyouwillobtain。
　　XCVI
　　Pittacuswrongedbyonewhomhehaditinhispowertopunish，lethimgofree，saying，Forgivenessisbetterthanrevenge。Theoneshowsnativegentleness，theothersavagery。
　　XCVII
　　"Mybrotheroughtnottohavetreatedmethus。"
　　True：buthemustseetothat。Howeverhemaytreatme，I
　　mustdealrightlybyhim。Thisiswhatlieswithme，whatnonecanhinder。
　　XCVIII
　　Neverthelessamanshouldalsobepreparedtobesufficientuntohimself——todwellwithhimselfalone，evenasGoddwellswithHimselfalone，sharesHisreposewithnone，andconsidersthenatureofHisownadministration，intentuponsuchthoughtsasaremeetuntoHimself。Soshouldwealsobeabletoconversewithourselves，toneednoneelsebeside，tosighfornodistraction，tobendourthoughtsupontheDivineAdministration，andhowwestandrelatedtoallelse；toobservehowhumanaccidentstouchedusofold，andhowtheytouchusnow；whatthingstheyarethatstillhavepowertohurtus，andhowtheymaybecuredorremoved；toperfectwhatneedsperfectingasReasonwoulddirect。
　　XCIX
　　Ifamanhasfrequentintercoursewithothers，eitherinthewayofconversation，entertainment，orsimplefamiliarity，hemusteitherbecomelikethem，orchangethemtohisownfashion。
　　Alivecoalplacednextadeadonewilleitherkindlethatorbequenchedbyit。Suchbeingtherisk，itiswelltobecautiousinadmittingintimaciesofthissort，rememberingthatonecannotrubshoulderswithasoot—stainedmanwithoutsharingthesootoneself。Whatwillyoudo，supposingthetalkturnsongladiators，orhorses，orprize—fighters，or（whatisworse）onpersons，condemningthisandthat，approvingtheother？Orsupposeamansneersandjeersorshowsamalignanttemper？Hasanyamongustheskillofthelute—player，whoknowsatthefirsttouchwhichstringsareoutoftuneandsetstheinstrumentright：hasanyofyousuchpowerasSocrateshad，inallhisintercoursewithmen，ofwinningthemovertohisownconvictions？Nay，butyoumustneedsbeswayedhitherandthitherbytheuninstructed。Howcomesitthenthattheyprovesomuchstrongerthanyou？Becausetheyspeakfromthefulnessoftheheart——theirlow，corruptviewsaretheirrealconvictions：
　　whereasyourfinesentimentsarebutfromthelips，outwards；
　　thatiswhytheyaresonervelessanddead。Itturnsone’sstomachtolistentoyourexhortations，andhearofyourmiserableVirtue，thatyouprateofupanddown。ThusitisthattheVulgarprovetoostrongforyou。Everywherestrength，everywherevictorywaitsyourconviction!
　　C
　　Ingeneral，anymethodsofdisciplineappliedtothebodywhichtendtomodifyitsdesiresorrepulsions，aregood——forasceticends。Butifdonefordisplay，theybetrayatonceamanwhokeepsaneyeonoutwardshow；whohasanulteriorpurpose，andislookingforspectatorstoshout，"Ohwhatagreatman!"
　　ThisiswhyApolloniussowellsaid："Ifyouarebentuponalittleprivatediscipline，waittillyouarechokingwithheatsomeday——thentakeamouthfulofcoldwater，andspititoutagain，andtellnoman!"
　　CI
　　Studyhowtogiveasonethatissick：thatthoumayesthereaftergiveasonethatiswhole。Fast；drinkwateronly；
　　abstainaltogetherfromdesire，thatthoumayesthereafterconformthydesiretoReason。
　　CII
　　Thouwouldstdogooduntomen？thenshowthembythineownexamplewhatkindofmenphilosophycanmake，andceasefromfoolishtrifling。Eating，dogoodtothemthateatwiththee；
　　drinking，tothemthatdrinkwiththee；yielduntoall，giveway，andbearwiththem。Thusshaltthoudothemgood：butventnotuponthemthineownevilhumour!
　　CIII
　　Evenasbadactorscannotsingalone，butonlyinchorus：sosomecannotwalkalone。
　　Man，ifthouartaught，strivetowalkaloneandholdconversewiththyself，insteadofskulkinginthechorus!atlengththink；lookaroungthee；bestirthyself，thatthoumayestknowwhothouart!
　　CIV
　　YouwouldfainbevictorattheOlympicgames，yousay。Yes，butweightheconditions，weightheconsequences；thenandthenonly，laytoyourhand——ifitbeforyourprofit。Youmustlivebyrule，submittodiet，abstainfromdaintymeats，exerciseyourbodyperforceatstatedhours，inheatorincold；drinknocoldwater，nor，itmaybe，wine。Inaword，youmustsurrenderyourselfwhollytoyourtrainer，asthoughtoaphysician。
　　Theninthehourofcontest，youwillhavetodelvetheground，itmaychancedislocateanarm，sprainanankle，gulpdownabundanceofyellowsand，bescourgewiththewhip——andwithallthissometimeslosethevictory。Countthecost——andthen，ifyourdesirestillholds，trythewrestler’slife。Elseletmetellyouthatyouwillbebehavinglikeapackofchildrenplayingnowatwrestlers，nowatgladiators；presentlyfallingtotrumpetingandanontostageplaying，whenthefancytakesthemforwhattheyhaveseen。Andyouareeventhesame：wrestler，gladiator，philosopher，oratorallbyturnsandnoneofthemwithyourwholesoul。Likeanape，youmimicwhatyousee，toonethingconstantnever；thethingthatisfamiliarcharmsnomore。
　　Thisisbecauseyouneverundertookaughtwithdueconsideration，norafterstrictlytestingandviewingitfromeveryside；no，yourchoicewasthoughtless；theglowofyourdesirehadwaxedcold……
　　Friend，bethinkyoufirstwhatitisyouwoulddo，andthenwhatyourownnatureisabletobear。Wouldyoubeawrestler，consideryourshoulders，yourthighs，yourlions——notallmenareformedtothesameend。Thinkyoutobeaphilosopherwhileactingasyoudo？thinkyougoonthuseating，thusdrinking，givingwayinlikemannertowrathandtodispleasure？Nay，youmustwatch，youmustlabour；overcomecertaindesires；quityourfamiliarfriends，submittobedespisedbyyourslave，tobeheldinderisionbythemthatmeetyou，totakethelowerplaceinallthings，inoffice，inpositionsofauthority，incourtsoflaw。
　　Weighthesethingsfully，andthen，ifyouwill，laytoyourhand；ifasthepriceofthesethingsyouwouldgainFreedom，Tranquillity，andpassionlessSerenity。
　　CV
　　HethathathnomusicalinstructionisachildinMusic；hethathathnolettersisachildinLearning；hethatisuntaughtisachildinLife。
　　CVI
　　Cananyprofitbederivedfromthesemen？Aye，fromall。
　　"What，evenfromareviler？"
　　"Why，tellmewhatprofitawrestlergainsfromhimyouexerciseshimbeforehand？Theverygreatest：hetrainsmeinthepracticeofendurance，ofcontrollingmytemper，ofgentleways。
　　Youdenyit。What，themanwholaysholdofmyneck，anddisciplinesloinsandshoulders，doesmegood，……whilehethattrainsmetokeepmytemperdoesmenone？Thisiswhatitmeans，notknowinghowtogainadvantagefrommen!Ismyneighbourbad？Badtohimself，butgoodtome：hebringsmygoodtemper，mygentlenessintoplay。Ismyfatherbad？Badtohimself，butgoodtome。ThisistherodofHermes；touchwhatyouwillwithit，theysay，anditbecomesgold。Nay，butbringwhatyouwillandIwilltransmuteitintoGood。Bringsickness，bringdeath，bringpovertyandreproach，bringtrialforlife——
　　allthesethingsthroughtherodofHermesshallbeturnedtoprofit。
　　CVII
　　Tillthenthesesoundopinionshavetakenfirmrootinyou，andyouhavegainedameasureofstrengthforyoursecurity，I
　　counselyoutobecautiousinassociatingwiththeuninstructed。
　　ElsewhateverimpressionsyoureceiveuponthetabletsofyourmindintheSchoolwilldaybydaymeltanddisappear，likewaxinthesun。Withdrawthensomewherefarfromtgesun，whileyouhavethesewaxensentiments。
　　CVIII
　　Wemustapproachthismatterinadifferentway；itisgreatandmystical：itisnocommonthing；norgiventoeveryman。
　　Wisdomalone，itmaybe，willnotsufficeforthecareofyouth：
　　amanneedsalsoacertainmeasureofreadiness——anaptitudefortheoffice；aye，andcertainbodilyqualities；andaboveall，tobecounselledofGodHimselftoundertakethispost；evenasHecounselledSocratestofillthepostofonewhoconfuteserror，assigningtoDiogenestheroyalofficeofhighreproof，andtoZenothatofpositiveinstruction。Whereasyouwouldfainsetupforaphysicianprovidedwithnothingbutdrugs!Whereandhowtheyshouldbeappliedyouneitherknownorcare。
　　CIX
　　Ifwhatcharmsyouisnothingbutabstractprinciples，sitdownandturmthemoverquietlyinyourmind：butneverdubyourselfaPhilosopher，norsufferotherstocallyouso。Sayrather：Heisinerror；formydesires，myimpulsesareunaltered。IgiveinmyadhesiontowhatIdidbefore；norhasmymodeofdealingwiththethingsofsenseundergoneanychange。
　　CX
　　WhenafriendinclinedtoCynicviewsaskedEpictetus，whatsortofpersonatrueCynicshouldbe，requestingageneralsketchofthesystem，heanswered：——"Wewillconsiderthatatleisure。AtpresentIcontentmyselfwithsayingthismuch：IfamanputhishandtosoweightyamatterwithoutGod，thewrathofGodabidesuponhim。Thatwhichhecovetswillbutbringuponhimpublicshame。Notevenonfindinghimselfinawell—orderedhousedoesamanstepforwardandsaytohimself，Imustbemasterhere!Elsethelordofthathousetakesnoticeofit，and，seeinghiminsolentlygivingorders，dragshimforthandchastiseshim。
　　SoitisalsointhisgreatCity，theWorld。HerealsoisthereaLordoftheHouse，whoordersallthing：——
　　"ThouaretheSun!inthineorbitthouhastpowertomaketheyearandtheseasons；
　　tobidthefruitsoftheearthtogrowandincrease，thewindsariseandfall；
　　thoucanstinduemeasurecherishwiththywarmththeframesofmen；gomakethycircuit，andthusministeruntoallfromthegreatesttotheleast!……
　　"ThoucanstleadahostagainstTroy；beAgamemnon!"
　　"ThoucanstmeetHectorinsinglecombat；beAchilles!"
　　ButhadThersitessteppedforwardandclaimedthechiefcommand，hehadbeenmetwitharefusal，orobtaineditonlytohisownshameandconfusionofface，beforeacloudofwitnesses。"
　　CXI
　　Othersmayfencethemselveswithwallsandhouses，whentheydosuchdeedsasthese，andwrapthemselvesindarkness——aye，theyhavemanyadevicetohidethemselves。Anothermayshuthisdoorandstationonebeforehischambertosay，ifanycomes，Hehasgoneforth!heisnotatleisure!ButthetrueCynicwillhavenoneofthesethings；insteadofthem，hemustwraphimselfinModesty：elsehewillbutbringhimselftoshame，nakedandundertheopensky。Thatishishouse；thatishisdoor；thatistheslavethatguardshischamber；thatishisdarkness!
　　CXII
　　Death？letitcomewhenitwill，whetheritsmitebutapartofthewhole：Fly，youtellme——fly!ButwhithershallIfly？
　　CananymancastmebeyondthelimitsoftheWorld？Itmaynotbe!AndwhithersoeverIgo，thereshallIstillfindSun，Moon，andStars；thereIshallfinddreams，andomens，andconversewiththeGods!
　　CXIII
　　FurthermorethetrueCynicmustknowthatheissentasaMessengerfromGodtomen，toshowuntothemthatastouchinggoodandeviltheyareinerror；lookingforthesewheretheyarenottobefound，noreverbethinkingthemselveswheretheyare。
　　AndlikeDiogeneswhenbroughtbeforePhilipafterthebattleofChaeronea，theCynicmustrememberthatheisaSpy。ForaSpyhereallyis——tobringbackwordwhatthingsareonMan’sside，andwhatagainsthim。Andwhenhehaddiligentlyobservedall，hemustcomebackwithatruereport，notterrifiedintoannouncingthemtobefoesthatarenofoes，norotherwiseperturbedorconfoundedbythethingsofsense。
　　CXIV
　　Howcanitbethatonewhohathnothing，neitherraimant，norhouse，norhome，norbodilytendance，norservant，norcity，shouldyetlivetranquilandcontented？BeholdGodhathsentyouamantoshowyouinactanddeedthatitmaybeso。Beholdme!I
　　haveneitherhousenorpossessionsnorservants：thegroundismycouch；Ihavenowife，nochildren，noshelter——nothingbutearthandsky，andonepoorcloak。AndwhatlackIyet？amInotuntouchedbysorrow，byfear？amInotfree？……whenhaveI
　　laidanythingtothechargeofGodorMan？whenhaveIaccussedany？hathanyofyouseenmewithasorrowfulcountenance？AndinwhatwisetreatIthoseofwhomyoustandinfearandawe？Isitnotasslaves？WhowhenheseethmedothnotthinkthathebeholdethhisMasterandhisKing？
　　CXV
　　Givethyselfmorediligentlytoreflection：knowthyself：
　　takecounselwiththeGodhead：withoutGodputthinehanduntonothing!
　　CXVI
　　"Buttomarryandtorearoffspring，"saidtheyoungman，"willtheCynicholdhimselfboundtoundertakethisasachiefduty？"
　　Grantmearepublicofwisemen，answeredEpictetus，andperhapsnonewilllightlytaketheCyniclifeuponhim。Foronwhoseaccountshouldheembracethatmethodoflife？Supposehoweverthathedoes，therewillthenbenothingtohinderhismarryingandrearingoffspring。Forhiswifewillbeevensuchanotherashimself，andlikewiseherfather；andinlikemannerwillhischildrenbebroughtup。
　　Butinthepresentconditionofthings，whichresemblesanArmyinbattlearray，oughtnottheCynictobefreefromalldistractionandgivenwhollytotheserviceofGod，sothathecangoinandoutamongmen，neitherfetteredbythedutiesnorentangledbytherelationsofcommonlife？Forifhetransgressthem，hewillforfeitthecharacterofagoodmanandtrue；
　　whereasifheobservethem，thereisanendtohimastheMessenger，theSpy，theHeraldoftheGods!
　　CXVII
　　AskmeifyouchooseifaCynicshallengageintheadministrationoftheState。Ofool，seekyouanobleradministrationthatthatinwhichheisengaged？AskyouifamanshallcomeforwardintheAthenianassemblyandtalkaboutrevenueandsupplies，whenhisbusinessistoconversewithallmen，Athenians，Corinthians，andRomansalike，notaboutsupplies，notaboutrevenue，noryetpeaceandwar，butaboutHappinessandMisery，ProsperityandAdversity，SlaveryandFreedom？
　　AskyouwhetheramanshallengageintheadministrationoftheStatewhohasengagedinsuchanAdministrationasthis？Askmetooifheshallgovern；andagainIwillanswer，Fool，whatgreatergovernmentshallheholdthanheholdsalready？
　　CXVIII
　　Suchamanneedsalsotohaveacertainhabitofbody。Ifheappearsconsumptive，thinandpale，histestimonyhasnolongerthesameauthority。HemustnotonlyprovetotheunlearnedbyshowingthemwhathisSoulisthatitispossibletobeagoodmanapartfromallthattheyadmire；buthemustalsoshowthem，byhisbody，thataplainandsimplemanneroflifeundertheopenskydoesnoharmtothebodyeither。"See，Iamproofofthis!andmybodyalso。"AsDiogenesusedtodo，whowentaboutfreshoflookandbytheveryappearanceofhisbodydrewmen’seyes。ButifaCynicisanobjectofpity，heseemsamerebeggar；allturnaway，allareoffendedathim。Norshouldhebeslovenlyoflook，soasnottoscaremenfromhiminthiswayeither；onthecontrary，hisveryroughnessshouldbecleanandattractive。
　　CXIX
　　Kingsandtyrantshavearmedguardswherewithtochastisecertainpersons，thoughtheythemselvesbeevil。ButtotheCynicconsciencegivesthispower——notarmsandguards。Whenheknowsthathehaswatchedandlabouredonbehalfofmankind：thatsleephathfoundhimpure，andlefthimpurerstill：thathisthoughtshavebeenthethoughtofaFriendoftheGods——ofaservant，yetonethathathapartinthegovernmentoftheSupremeGod：thatthewordsareeveronhislips：——
　　Leadme，OGod，andthou，ODestiny!
　　aswellasthese：——
　　IfthisbeGod’swill，soletitbe!
　　whyshouldhenotspeakboldlyuntohisownbrethren，untohischildren——inaword，untoallthatareakintohim!
　　CXX
　　DoesaPhilosopherapplytopeopletocomeandhearhim？
　　doeshenotrather，ofhisownnature，attractthosethatwillbebenefitedbyhim——likethesunthatwarms，thefoodthatsustainsthem？WhatPhysicianappliestomentocomeandbehealed？
　　（ThoughindeedIhearthatthePhysiciansatRomedonowadaysapplyforpatients——inmytimetheywereappliedto。）Iapplytoyoutocomeandhearthatyouareinevilcase；thatwhatdeservesyourattentionmostinthelastthingtogainit；thatyouknownotgoodfromevil，andareinshortahaplesswretch；afinewaytoapply!thoughunlessthewordsofthePhilosopheraffectyouthus，speakerandspeecharealikedead。
　　CXXI
　　APhilosopher’sschoolisaSurgery：pain，notpleasure，youshouldhavefelttherein。Foronenteringnoneofyouiswhole。
　　Onehasashoulderoutofjoint，anotheranabscess：athirdsuffersfromanissue，afourthfrompainsinthehead。AndamI
　　thentositdownandtreatyoutoprettysentimentsandemptyflourishes，sothatyoumayapplaudmeanddepart，withneithershoulder，norhead，norissue，norabscessawhitthebetterforyourvisit？Isitthenforthisthatyoungmenaretoquittheirhomes，andleaveparents，friends，kinsmenandsubstancetomouthoutBravotoyouremptyphrases!
　　CXXII
　　Ifanybeunhappy，lethimrememberthatheisunhappybyreasonofhimselfalone。ForGodhathmadeallmentoenjoyfelicityandconstancyofgood。
　　CXXIII
　　Shallweneverweanourselves——shallweneverheedtheteachingsofPhilosophy（unlessperchancetheyhavebeensoundinginourearslikeandenchanter’sdrone）：——
　　ThisWorldisonegreatCity，andoneifthesubstancewhereofitisfashioned：acertainperiodindeedthereneedsmustbe，whilethesegiveplacetothose；somemustperishforotherstosucceed；somemoveandsomeabide：yetallisfulloffriends——
　　firstGod，thenMen，whomNaturehathboundbytiesofkindredeachtoeach。
　　CXXIV
　　Nordidtheheroweepandlamentatleavinghischildrenorphans。Forheknewthatnomanisanorphan，butitistheFatherthatcarethforallcontinuallyandforevermore。NotbymerereporthadheheardthattheSupremeGodistheFatherofmen：seeingthathecalledHimFatherbelievingHimsotobe，andinallthathedidhadeverhiseyesfixeduponHim。Whereforeinwhatsoeverplacehewas，thereiswasgivenhimtolivehappily。
　　CXXV
　　Knowyounotthatthethingisawarfare？oneman’sdutyistomountguard，anothermustgoouttoreconnoitre，athirdtobattle；allcannotbeinoneplace，norwoulditevenbeexpedient。Butyou，insteadofexecutingyouCommander’sorders，complainifaughtharsherthanusualisenjoined；notunderstandingtowhatconditionyouarebringingthearmy，sofarasinyoulies。Ifallweretofollowyourexample，nonewoulddigatrench，nonewouldcastarampartaroundthecamp，nonewouldkeepwatch，orexposehimselftodanger；butallturnoutuselessfortheserviceofwar……Thusitisherealso。Everylifeisawarfare，andthatlongandvarious。Youmustfulfilasolider’sduty，andobeyeachorderatyourcommander’snod：aye，ifitbepossible，divinewhathewouldhavedone；forbetweenthatCommandandthis，thereisnocomparison，eitherinmightorinexcellence。
　　CXXVI
　　Haveyouagainforgotten？Knowyounotthatagoodmandoesnothingforappearance’sake，butforthesakeofhavingdoneright？……
　　"Istherenorewardthen？"
　　Reward!doyouseekanygreaterrewardforagoodmanthandoingwhatisrightandjust？YetattheGreatGamesyoulookfornothingelse；therethevictor’scrownyoudeemenough。Seemsittoyousosmallathingandworthless，tobeagoodman，andhappytherein？
　　CXXVII
　　Itbefitstheenottobeunhappybyreasonofany，butrathertobehappybyreasonofallmen，andespeciallybyreasonofGod，whoformedustothisend。
　　CXXVIII
　　What，didDiogeneslovenoman，hethatwassogentle，sotrueafriendtomenascheerfullytoenduresuchbodilyhardshipsforthecommonwealofallmankind？Buthowlovedhethem？AsbehovedaministeroftheSupremeGod，alikecaringformenandsubjectuntoGod。
　　CXXIX
　　IambyNaturemadeformyowngood；notformyownevil。
　　CXXX
　　Remindthyselfthathewhomthoulovestismortal——thatwhatthoulovestisnotthineown；itisgiventheeforthepresent，notirrevocablynorforever，butevenasafigorabunchofgrapesattheappointedseasonoftheyear……
　　"Butthesearewordsofevilomen。"……
　　What，callestthouaughtofevilomensavethatwhichsignifiessomeevilthing？Cowardiceisawordofevilomen，ifthouwilt，andmeannessofspirit，andlamentationandmourning，andshamelessness……
　　Butdonot，Ipraythee，callofevilomenawordthatissignificantofanynaturalthing：——aswellcallofevilomenthereapingofthecorn；forthatmeansthedestructionoftheears，thoughnotoftheWorld!——aswellsaythatthefalloftheleafisofevilomen；thatthedriedfigshouldtaketheplaceofthegreen；thatraisinsshouldbemadefromgrapes。Allthesearechangesfromaformerstateintoanother；notdestruction，butanorderedeconomy，afixedadministration。Suchisleavinghome，achangeofsmallaccount；suchisDeath，agreaterchange，fromwhatnowis，nottowhatisnot，buttoehatisnotnow。
　　"ShallIthennolongerbe？"
　　Notso；thouwiltbe；butsomethingdifferent，ofwhichtheWorldnowhathneed。Forthoutoowertbornnotwhenthouchosest，butwhentheWorldhadneedofthee。
　　CXXXI
　　Whereforeagoodmanandtrue，bearinginmindwhoheisandwhencehecameandfromwhomhesprang，caresonlyhowhemayfillhispostwithduedisciplineandobediencetoGod。
　　WiltthouthatIcontinuetolive？ThenwillIlive，asonethatisfreeandnoble，asThouwouldsthaveme。ForThowhastmademefreefromhindranceinwhatappertainethuntome。ButhastThounofurtherneedofme？IthankThee!UptothishourhaveIstayedforThysakeandnoneother’s：andnowinobediencetoTheeIdepart。
　　"Howdostthoudepart？"
　　AgainIsay，asThounwouldsthaveme；asonethatisfree，asThyservant，asonewhoseearisopenuntowhatThoudostenjoin，whatThoudostforbid。
　　CXXXII
　　WhatsoeverplaceorpostThouassignestme，soonerwillI
　　dieathousanddeaths，asSocratessaid，thendepartit。AndwherewiltThouhavebeme？AtRomeofAthens？AtThebesoronadesertisland？Onlyremembermethere!ShouldstThousendmewheremancannotliveasNaturewouldhavehim，Iwilldepart，notindisobediencetoThee，butasthoughThouwertsoundingthesignalformyretreat：IamnotdesertingThee——farbethatfromme!Ionlyperceivethatthouneedestmenolonger。
　　CXXXIII
　　IfyouareinGyaros，donotletyourminddwelluponlifeatRome，andallthepleasuresitofferedtoyouwhenlivingthere，andallthatwouldattendyourreturn。Ratherbeintentonthis——howhethatlivesinGyarosmayliveinGyaroslikeamanofspirit。AndifyouareatRome，donotletyourminddwelluponthelifeatAthens，butstudyonlyhowtoliveatRome。
　　Finally，intheroomofallotherpleasuresputthis——thepleasurewhichspringsfromconciousobediencetoGod。
　　CXXXIV
　　Toagoodmanthereisnoevil，eitherinlifeordeath。AndifGodsupplynotfood，hasHenot，asawiseCommander，soundedthesignalforretreatandnothingmore？Iobey，Ifollow——
　　speakinggoodofmyCommander，andpraisingHisacts。ForatHisgoodpleasureIcame；andIdepartwhenitpleasesHim；andwhileIwasyetalivethatwasmywork，tosingpraisesuntoGod!
　　CXXXV
　　ReflectthatthechiefsourceofallevilstoMan，andofbasenessandcowardice，isnotdeath，butthefearofdeath。
　　Againstthisfearthen，Iprayyou，hardenyourself；tothisletallyourreasonings，yourexercises，yourreadingtend。Thenshallyouknowthatthusalonearemensetfree。
　　CXXXVI
　　Heisfreewholivesashewishestolive；towhomnonecandoviolence，nonehinderorcompel；whoseimpulsesareunimpeded，whosedesiresareattaintheirpurpose，whofallsnotintowhathewouldavoid。Whethenwouldliveinerror？——None。Whowouldlivedeceivedandpronetofall，unjust，intemperate，inabjectwhiningathislot？——None。Thendothnowickedmanliveashewould，andthereforeneitherishefree。
　　CXXXVII
　　Thusdothemorecautiousoftravellersact。Theroadissaidtobebesetbyrobbers。Thetravellerwillnotventurealone，butawaitsthecompanionshipontheroadofanambassador，aquaestororaproconsul。Tohimheattacheshimselfandthuspassesbyinsafety。Sodoththewisemanintheworld。Manyarethecompaniesofrobbersandtyrants，manythestorms，thestraits，thelossesofallamanholdsdearest。Whithershallhefallforrefuge——howshallhepassbyunassailed？Whatcompanionontheroadshallheawaitforprotection？Suchandsuchawealthyman，ofconsularrank？AndhowshallIbeprofited，ifheisstrippedandfallstolamentationandweeping？Andhowifmyfellow—travellerhimselfturnsuponmeandrobsme？WhatamItodo？IwillbecomeafriendofCaesar’s!inhistrainnonewilldomewrong!Inthefirstplace——OtheindignitiesImustenduretowindistinction!Othemultitudeofhandstherewillbetorobme!AndifIsucceed，Caesartooisbutamortal。WhileshoulditcometopassthatIoffendhim，whithershallIfleefromhispresence？Tothewilderness？Andmaynotfeverawaitmethere？
　　Whatthenistobedone？Cannotafellow—travellerbefoundthatishonestandloyal，stongandsecureagainstsurprise？Thusdoththewisemanreason，consideringthatifhewouldpassthroughinsafety，hemustattachhimselfuntoGod。
　　CXXXVIII
　　"HowunderstandestthouattachhimselftoGod？"
　　ThatwhatGodwills，heshouldwillalso；thatwhatGodwillsnot，neithershouldhewill。
　　"Howthenmaythiscometopass？"
　　ByconsideringthemovementsofGod，andHisadministration。
　　CXXXIX
　　Anddostthouthathastreceivedallfromanother’shands，repineandblametheGiver，ifHetakesanythingfromthee？Why，whoartthou，andtowhatendcomestthouhere？wasitnotHethatmadetheLightmanifestuntothee，thatgavetheefellow—workers，andsenses，andthepowertoreason？AndhowbroughtHetheeintotheworld？Wasitnotasoneborntodie；asoneboundtoliveouthisearthlylifeinsomesmalltabernacleofflesh；
　　tobeholdHisadministration，andforalittlewhilesharewithHiminthemightymarchofthisgreatFestivalProcession？Nowthereforethatthouhastbeheld，whileitwaspermittedthee，theSolemnFeastandAssembly，wiltthounotcheerfullydepart，whemHesummonstheeforth，withadorationandthanksgivingforwhatthouhastseenandheard？——"Nay，butIwouldfainhavestayedlongerattheFestival。"——Ah，sowouldthemysticsfainhavetheritesprolonged；soperchancewouldthecrowdattheGreatGamesfainbeholdmorewrestlersstill。ButtheSolemnAssemblyisover!Comeforth，departwiththanksgivingandmodesty——giveplacetoothersthatmustcomeintobeingevenasthyself。
　　CXL
　　Whyartthouthusinsatiable？whythusunreasonable？whyencumbertheworld？——"Aye，butIfainwouldhavemywifeandchildrenwithmetoo。"——What，aretheythenthine，andnotHisthatgavethem——Histhatmadethee？Giveupthenthatwhichisnotthineown：yieldittoOnewhoisbetterthanthou。"Nay，butwhydidHebringoneintotheworldontheseconditions？"——Ifitsuitstheenot，depart!Hehathnoneedofaspectatorwhofindsfaultwithhislot!ThemthatwilltakepartintheFeastheneedeth——thatwilllifttheirvoiceswiththerestmthatmenmayapplaudthemore，andexalttheGreatAssemblyinhymnsandsongsofpraise。ButthewretchedandthefearfulHewillnotbedispleasedtoseeabsentfromit：forwhentheywerepresent，theydidnotbehaveasataFeast，norfulfiltheirproperoffice；butmoanedasthoughinpain，andfoundfaultwiththeirfate，theirfortuneandtheircompanions；insensibletowhathadfallentotheirlot，insensibletothepowerstheyhadreceivedforaverydifferentpurpose——thepowersofMagnanimity，NobilityofHeart，ofFortitude，orFreedom!
　　CXLI
　　Artthouthenfree？amanmaysay。Sohelpmeheaven，Ilongandprayforfreedom!ButIcannotlookmymastersboldlyintheface；Istillvaluethepoorbody；Istillsetmuchstoreonitspreservationwholeandsound。
　　ButIcanpointtheeoutafreeman，thatthoumayestbenomoreinsearchofanexample。Diogeneswasfree。Howso？Notbecausehewasoffreeparentage（forthat，indeed，wasnotthecase），butbecausehewashimselffree。Hehadcastawayeveryhandlewherebyslaverymightlayholdofhimtoenslavehim，norwasitpossibleforanytoapproachandtakeholdofhimtoenslavehim。Allthingssatlooseuponhim——allthingsweretohimattachedbybutslenderties。Hadstthousiezeduponhispossessions，hewouldratherhaveletthemgothanhavefollowedtheeforthem——aye，haditbeenevenalimb，ormayhaphiswholebody；andinlikemanner，relatives，friends，andcountry。Forheknewwhencetheycame——fromwhosehandsandonwhattermshehadreceivedthem。Histrueforefathers，theGods，histrueCountry，heneverwouldhaveabandoned；norwouldhehaveyieldedtoanymaninobedienceandsubmissiontotheonenorincheerfullydyingfortheother。Forhewasevermindfulthateverythingthatcomestopasshasitssourceandoriginthere；beingindeedbroughtaboutforthewealofthathistrueCountry，anddirectedbyHiminwhosegovernanceitis。