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/54

2 By no means.

Thus, for Instance, when you are to write to your Friend, Grammar will tell you what to write: but whether you are to write to your Friend at all, or no, Grammar will not tell you. Thus Music, with regard to Tunes: but whether it be proper or improper, at any particular Time, to sing or play, Music will not tell you.

What will tell, then?

That which contemplates both itself and all other Things.

And what is that?

The reasoning Faculty: for that alone is found to consider both itself, its Powers, its Value, and likewise all the rest. For what is it else that says Gold is beautiful? (for the Gold itself does not speak) Evidently that Faculty, which judges of the Appearances of Things. What else distinguishes Music, Grammar, the other Faculties, proves their uses, and shows their proper Occasions? Nothing but this.

§. 2. As it was fit then, this most excellent and superior Faculty alone, a right Use of the Appearances of Things, the Gods have placed in our own Power; but all other Matters, not in our Power. Was it because they would not? I rather think, that if they could, they had granted us these too: but they certainly could not. For, placed upon Earth, and confined to such a Body, and to such Companions, how was it possible that, in these Respects, we should not be hindered by Things without us?

§. 3. But what says Jupiter? "O Epictetus, if it were possible, I had made this little Body and Property of thine free, and not liable to Hindrance. But now do not mistake: it is not thy own, but only a finer Mixture of Clay.