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/359

RV 307 (Chap. 1.) one comes, and saith, that Cæsar is already awake; another, that he is just going out. Then follow Perturbations, then Cares." Well: and when did you use to sup more pleasantly; formerly, or now? Hear what he says about this too. When he is not invited, he is distracted; and if he is, he sups like a Slave with his Master, solicitous all the while, not to say or do any thing foolish. And what think you? Is he afraid of being whipped, like a Slave? How can he hope to escape so well? No but as becomes so great a Man, Cæsar's Friend, of losing his Head.—And when did you bathe more quietly; when did you perform your Exercises more at your leisure, in short, which Life would you rather wish to live, your present, or the former? I could swear, there is no one so stupid and insensible, as not to deplore his Miseries, in proportion as he is more the Friend of Cæsar.

§. 9. Since then, neither they who are called Kings, nor the Friends of Kings, live as they like; who, after all, are free? Seek, and you will find for you are furnished by Nature with Means for discovering the Truth. But, if you are not able by these alone to find the Consequence, hear them who have fought it. What do they say? Do you think Freedom a Good?—"The greatest."—Can any one then, who attains the greatest Good be unhappy, or unsuccessful in his Affairs?—"No."—As many, therefore, as you see unhappy, lamenting, unprosperous, confidently pronounce them not free.—"I do."—Henceforth then we have done with buying and selling, and such like stated Conditions of becoming Slaves. For, if you have made these Concessions properly, whether a great or a little King, a Consular, or one twice a Consul, be unhappy, he is not free.—"Agreed." § 10.