pise them, then you will not only be a Partner of the Feasts of the Gods, but of their Empire also. For, by thus doing, Diogenes and Heraclitus[1], and others like them, deservedly became, and were called, divine.
XVI.
When you see any one weeping for Grief, either that his Son is gone abroad, or dead, or that he hath suffered in his Affairs; take heed, that the Appearance may not hurry you away with it. But immediately make the Distinction within your own Mind; and have it ready to say, "It is not the Accident [itself] that distresses this Person, for it doth not distress another Man; but the Judgment, which he forms concerning it." As far as Words go, however, do not disdain to condescend to him; and even, if it should so happen, to groan with him. Take heed, however, not to groan inwardly too.
XVII.
Remember that you are an Actor in a Drama, of such a Kind as the Author pleases to make it. If short, of a short one; if long, of a long one. If it be his Pleasure you should act a poor Man, a Cripple, a Governor, or a private Person, see that you act it naturally. For this is your Business, to act well the Character assigned you: to chuse it, is another's.
XVIII.
When a Raven happens to croak unluckily, let not the Appearance hurry you away with it: but immediately make the Distinction to yourself; and say, "None of these Things is portended to me; but either to my paultry Body, or Property, or Reputation, or Children, or Wife. But to me all Portents are lucky, if I will. For which-ever
- ↑ For Heraclitus, I suspect, should be read Hercules.
