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/288

236 possible to make use of our Desire and Aversion, without Hindrance.

§. 5. I am better than you; for my Father hath been Consul. I have been a Tribune, says another, and not you. If we were Horses, would you say, My Father was swifter than yours? I have Abundance of Oats and Hay, and fine Trappings? What now, if, while you were saying this, I should answer; "Be if so. Let us run a Race then." Is there nothing in Man analogous to a Race in Horses, by which it may be known, which is better or worse? Is there not Honour, Fidelity, Justice? Show yourself the better in these; that you may be the better, as a Man. But if you tell me, you can kick violently; I will tell you gain, that you value yourself on the Property of an Ass. 



 N every Affair consider what precedes and follows; and then undertake it. Otherwise you will begin with Spirit; but, not having thought of the Consequences, when some of them appear, you will shamefully desist. "I would conquer at the Olympic Games." But consider what proceedsprecedes [sic] and follows, and then, if it be for your Advantage, engage in the Affair. You must conform to Rules; submit to a Diet; refrain Rh