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Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

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ix TO HIMSELF 139<br />

on what is not in your own power, and become a<br />

that the<br />

slave and cringer ? And who <strong>to</strong>ld you<br />

do not assist us even <strong>to</strong> what is in our own<br />

gods<br />

power ? Begin there with your prayers, and you<br />

will see. Instead <strong>of</strong> ' '<br />

Oh ! <strong>to</strong> enjoy her caresses !<br />

pray you against lusting after the enjoyment.<br />

Instead <strong>of</strong> '<br />

'<br />

Rid me <strong>of</strong> ! my enemy<br />

against<br />

my<br />

desire for the riddance. Instead <strong>of</strong> '<br />

little one !<br />

'<br />

pray you<br />

Spare<br />

pray you that your fears may be<br />

at rest. Be this the direction <strong>of</strong> your prayers,<br />

and watch what comes.<br />

Says Epicurus<br />

' When<br />

I was sick, I did not 41<br />

converse about my bodily ailments, nor discuss<br />

such matters with my visi<strong>to</strong>rs ; but continued <strong>to</strong><br />

dwell upon the principles <strong>of</strong> natural philosophy,<br />

and more particularly how the understanding,<br />

while participating in such disturbances <strong>of</strong> the<br />

flesh, yet remains in unperturbed possession <strong>of</strong><br />

its proper good. And I would not,' he adds,<br />

'give the doc<strong>to</strong>rs a chance <strong>of</strong> blustering and<br />

making ado, but let life go on cheerily and<br />

well.' Imitate Epicurus in sickness, if you are<br />

sick, or in any other visitation. To be loyal <strong>to</strong><br />

philosophy under whatsoever circumstances, and<br />

not join the babel <strong>of</strong> the silly and the ignorant,

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