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/354

RV 302 (Chap. 1.) Fear, Envy, Pity; with disappointed Desires, and incurred Aversions?"No one."Do we then find any of the Wicked exempt from Sorrow, Fear, disappointed Desires, incurred Aversions?"Not one."Consequently then, not free.

§. 2. If a Person who hath been twice Consul should hear this, provided you add, "but you are a wise Man; this is nothing to you;" he will forgive you. But if you tell him the Truth; that, in point of Slavery, he doth not differ from those who have been thrice sold, what must you expect, but to be beaten? "For how, says he, am I a Slave? My Father was free, my Mother free . Besides, I am a Senator too, and the Friend of Cæsar; and have been twice Consul; and have myself many Slaves."In the first place, most worthy Sir, perhaps your Father too was a Slave of the same kind; and your Mother, and your Grandfather, and all your Ancestors successively. But even if they were ever so free, what is that to you? For what, if they were of a generous, you of a mean Spirit: they, brave; and you, a Coward: they, sober; and you, dissolute?

§. 3. And, "What, says he, is this towards being a Slave?" Do you think it nothing towards being a Slave, to act against your Will? Compelled, and lamenting?"Be it so. But who can compel me, but the Master of All, Cæsar?"By your own Confession then, you have one Master: and let not his being, as you say, Master of All, give you any Comfort; but know, that