Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/12

Rh ''How does he despise the Pursuits of Fame, and the glittering Objects of Ambition? And that in no empty Rhodomontades, and Tumour of Expression: No, he pulls off the Paint, discovers the inward Coarseness, and brings such Evidence of the Insignificancy of these things, that he perfectly commands the Reader's Assent, and forces him into his own Opinion. Now an Emperours Argument against a Fondness for Pleasure, or Power, comes better Recommended than from a private Philosopher: For in this Case a Man speaks from Experiment, and disputes against the Privilege of his Condition: Here the usual Pretence of Envy, or Ignorance is out of Doors; And nothing but Dint of Reason could drive him upon so unacceptable a Conclusion.''

''The Generosity of his Principles are no less remarkable. He shews the Iniquity of a selfish Temper; that Ill Nature is a Contradiction to the Laws of Providence and the Interest of Mankind; A Punishment no less than a Fault, to those that have it. All the great Offices of Humanity, Justice, and Acquiescence are enforced with unusual Advantage: His Turns of Reason being often as surprizing for their Strength, as for their Novelty. In short; Abating for some of the Errors above-mention'd, he seems to have drawn up an Admirable Scheme of Natural'' Rh