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。
