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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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i88 MARCUS ANTONINUS BOOK xn<br />

which comes in season, <strong>to</strong> whom it is all one<br />

whether he follows the law <strong>of</strong> Reason in few acts<br />

or in many, <strong>to</strong> whom it matters not whether his<br />

outlook on the world be long or short for that<br />

man death has no terrors.<br />

36 Man, you have been a citizen <strong>of</strong> the great<br />

world city. Five years or fifty, what matters it ?<br />

To every man his due, as law allots. Why then<br />

protest ? No tyrant gives you your dismissal,<br />

no unjust judge, but nature who gave you the<br />

admission. It is like the prae<strong>to</strong>r discharging<br />

some player whom he has engaged.<br />

'<br />

But the<br />

five acts are not complete ; I have played but<br />

three.' Good :<br />

life's drama, look you, is com-<br />

plete in three. The completeness is in his hands,<br />

who first authorised your composition, and now<br />

your dissolution ; neither was your work. Serenely<br />

take your leave ; serene as he who gives you the<br />

discharge.

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