XII. The Figure of the Soul , as we may call it, is then round and Uniform , when she neither Reaches after any thing Foreign ; nor shrinks in, out of Cowardize and Fear : When her superficies is thus Even, the Light plays better upon her: The prospect of Truth and Nature is enlarg'd; and she sees the World, and her self to the most Advantage.
XII. Does any one despise me ? What's that to me ? I'le take care not to give him any Reason for his Contempt. Does any one hate me? It may be so; I shan't concern my self about it. And more then that, another Man's Malice shall ne're spoil my Temper: I'le continue Kind and good Humoured to all the World, even to the Injurious Person himself. I'm always ready to shew him his Error, without Ruffling, or making a Merit of my own Patience; But frankly , and with all the Cordial Sincerity imaginable, as Phocion seem'd to behave himself towards the Athenians : [1] Indeed your Mind should always be so dispos'd, as to bear the narrowest Inspection, that the God's may examine you with Pleasure, and perceive that you are neither Angry, nor Uneasy at any Thing. Now if you follow the Current of your Nature, and do a handsome Action, where's the Harm on't?
- ↑ Phocion at his Execution charg'd his Son not to bear a Grudge against the Athenians, for putting him to Death. Plut.
