Page:All the works of Epictetus - which are now extant; consisting of his Discourses, preserved by Arrian, in four books, the Enchiridion, and fragments (IA allworksofepicte00epic).pdf/286

RV 234 (Chap. 13.) than Children? What do they do, when they are left alone? They take up Shells and Dust: they build Houses; then pull them down: then build something else: and thus never want Amusement. Suppose you were all to sail away; am I to sit, and cry, because I am left alone, and solitary? Am I so unprovided with Shells and Dust? But Children do this from Folly; and we are wretched from Wisdom.

§. 3. Every great Faculty is dangerous to a Beginner. Study first how to live like a Person in Sickness; that in time you may know how to live like one in Health. Abstain from Food. Drink Water. Totally repress your Desire, for some time, that you may at length use it according to Reason; and, if according to Reason, [as you may,] when you [come to] have some Good in you, you will use it well. No: but we would live immediately as Men already wise; and be of Service to Mankind.Of what Service? What are you doing? Why have you been of Service to yourself? but you would exhort them. You exhort! Would you be of Service to them, show them, by your own Example, what kind of Men Philosophy makes; and be not impertinent. When you eat, be of Service to those who eat with you; when you drink, to those who drink with you. Be of Service to them, by giving way to all, yielding to them, bearing with them; and not by throwing out your own ill Humour upon them.

