Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/215

This page needs to be proofread.

Meditations, &c.
35

neither Solitude nor Company; And which is still more, he neither flies Death, nor pursues it; but is perfectly indifferent about the Length, and Shortness of his Life. And if he was to expire this Moment, the want of Warning would not surprise him; He'd ne'er struggle for more time, but go off with Decency and Honour. Indeed, he is solicitous about Nothing but his own Conduct, and for fear he should fail in the Functions of Reason, Prudence, and Generosity.

VIII. If you examine a Man that has been well Disciplined by Philosophy; you'll find nothing that's Unsound, Foul, or False in him : Nothing that's Servile, Foppish, or Fond; No selfish, no obnoxious, and absconding Prastices: To give him his due, his Business is always done; His Life may be short, but never imperfect: So that no Body can say he goes off the Stage before the Play is quite Acted.

IX. The Happiness of your Life depends upon the Quality of your Thoughts, therefore guard accordingly : And take care that you entertain no Notions unsuitable to Virtue and reasonable Nature; Now in order to this, you must be wary in your Assent, Obedient to the Gods, and Benevolent to Mankind.

X. As for other speculations, throw

D 2
them