Page:Plutarch - Moralia, translator Holland, 1911.djvu/420

398 calumniations sib to furies in hell, he chose such a strait and narrow place to inhabit, where he might lead a life in quietness and repose, secured from all such busy affairs. And Tiberius Caesar, in his latter days, lived seven years (even until his death) in the little island Caprea, in such wise, as the very temple and imperial throne of the whole world retired and drawn in (as it were) into the heart, for all that time never went out from thence; and yet for his part, the ordinary cares incident unto the empire, which were brought from all parts and came upon him to amuse his head continually on every side, would not permit him to enjoy clearly without turbulent anguish of mind that intended rest and quietness of his in the said island. But even that man, who may by his departure into some little island be freed and delivered from no small troubles and calamities, is notwithstanding miserable if he do not eftsoons say unto himself when he is apart, yea, and chant oftentimes these verses of Pindarus:

Exempt I am from civil tumults and seditions; I am not subject to the command of princes and governors; my hand is not in the charge and administration of state affairs, nor in any public ministries or services, which hardly admit excuse or refusal. For considering that Callimachus seemeth not unwisely in one place to say thus: Measure not wisdom by the Persian schcene: why then should we (meting felicity with schosnes and parasangs) complain, lament and torment ourselves, as if we were unhappy, if our fortune be to dwell in a little isle which is not in circuit above two hundred furlongs, and nothing near four days' sailing about, as Sicily is? for what good can a spacious and large region do for to procure felicity, or make a man to lead a quiet and peaceable life? Hear you not how Tantalus in the tragedy crieth out, and saith thus:

and a little after he proceedeth to this speech: