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/56

RV 4 (Chap. 1.) Why, would you have all the World, then, lose their Heads for your Consolation? Why are not you willing to stretch out your Neck, like Lateranus, when he was commanded by Nero to be beheaded? For, shrinking a little, after receiving a weak Blow, he stretched it out again. And before this, when Epaphroditus, the Freedman of Nero, interrogated him about the Conspiracy; "If I have a Mind to say any thing, replied he, I will tell it to your Master."

§. 6. What then should we have at hand upon such Occasions? Why what else but—what is mine, and what not mine; what is permitted me, and what not.—I must die and must I die groaning too?—Be fetter'd. Must it be lamenting too?—Exiled. And what hinders me, then, but that I may go smiling, and chearful, and serene?—"Betray a secret"—I will not betray it; for this is in my own Power.—"Then I will fetter you."—What do you say, Man? Fetter me? You will fetter my Leg; but not Jupiter himself can get the better of my Choice. "I will throw you into Prison: I will behead that paltry Body of yours." Did I ever tell you, that I alone had a Head not liable to be cut off?These Things ought Philosophers to study; these ought they