Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/111

 Rh He could not endure Trifling, but counted it a great Crime to throw away the least Minute to no Purpose. That time, which in Compliance to Custom, he spent at the Publick Shews, was not altogether lost; for even then, 'twas always his Method either to Write, or Read. In his Voyages and Expeditions, and when he he was most embarrass'd with Business, he made the usual Intermissions for Sleep, and Recreation, turn to some very significant Account. These Intervals he generally employ'd in conversing with himself, in examining his Conduct, the State of his Mind, and the Quality and Condition of his Enterprises; 'Tis to this Vigilance, and Care of himself, that we are indebted for his Excellent Meditations. By the Date of his two first Books, we are inform'd that the one was written at Carnuntum, and the other in his Camp amongst the Quadi, when the Emperour was ingag'd in the most formidable War of his whole Reign. This great Frugality of Time produced several other Pieces which have fallen short in the Conveyance. The loss of his Commentaries, or the History of his Life, which he left for his Son's Instruction ; is that which is most to be lamented.