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/444

392 say of any thing, "I have lost it;" but, "I have restored it." Is your Child dead? It is restored. Is your Wife dead? She is restored. Is your Estate taken away? Well: and is not that likewise restored? But he who took it away is a "bad Man." What is it to you, by whose Hands He, who gave it, hath demanded it back again? While He gives you to possess it, take care of it; but as of something not your own, as Passengers do of an Inn.

you would improve, lay aside such Reasonings as these. "If I neglect my Affairs, I shall not have a Maintainance: if I do not correct my Servant, he will be good for nothing." For it is better to die with Hunger, exempt from Grief and Fear, than to live in Affluence with Perturbation: and it is better your Servant should be bad, than you unhappy.

Begin therefore from little Things. Is a little Oil spilt? A little Wine stolen? Say to yourself, "This is the Purchase paid for Apathy, for Tranquillity, and nothing is to be had for nothing." And when you call your Servant, consider, it is possible he may not come at your Call; or, if he doth, that he may not do what you would have him do. But he is by no means of such Importance, that it should be in his Power to give you any Disturbance,

you would improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid with regard to Externals. Rh