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/455

Rh Provide Things relating to the Body no farther than mere Use; as Meat, Drink, Cloathing, House, Family. But strike off, and reject, every thing relating to Show and Delicacy.

As far as possible, before Marriage, preserve yourself pure from Familiarities with Women: and, if you indulge them, let it be lawfully. But do not therefore be troublesome, and full of Reproofs, to those who use these Liberties; nor frequently boast, that you yourself do not.

If any one tells you, that such a Person speaks ill of you, do not make Excuses about what is said of you, but answer; "He doth not know my other Faults, else he would not have mentioned only these."

It is not necessary for you to appear often at public Spectacles: but if ever there is a proper Occasion for you to be there, do not appear more solicitous for any one, than for yourself; that is, with Things to be only just as they are, and him only to conquer who is the Conqueror: for thus you will meet with no Hindrance. But abstain entirely from Acclamations, and Derision, and violent Emotions. And when you come away, do not discourse a great deal on what hath passed, and what doth not contribute to your own Amendment. For it would appear by such Discourse, that you were immoderately struck with the Show.

Go not [of your own Accord] to the Rehearsals of any [Authors], nor appear [at them] readily. But if you do appear, preserve your Gravity and Sedateness, and at the same time avoid being morose. Rh