Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/182

 2 IV. I am to thank my Great Grandfather for not running the Risque of a Publick Education, for providing me good Masters at home, and making me sensible, that I ought to return them a large and honourable Acknowledgment.

V. From my Governour I learn'd not to over-value the Diversions of the Race-Ground, and Amphitheater, nor to dote upon the Liveries and Distinctions of Jockeys and Gladiators. He taught me also to put my own Hand to Business upon occasion, to endure Hardship and Fatigues, and to throw the Necessities of Nature into a little Compass. That I ought not to meddle with other Peoples Matters, nor be easy in giving Credit to Informers. VI. Diognetus gave me the Hint not to keep Quails for the Pit, or bestow my Pains and Inclination upon Trifles : Not to be led away with the Impostures of Wizards and Figure-flingers, who pretend they can discharge Evil Spirits, and do strange Feats by the strength of a Charm. This Diognetus help'd me to the Faculty of bearing Freedom and Plain-dealing in others ; brought me to Relish Philosophy, and apply my self to't ; and procured me the Instruction of those celebrated Men, Bacchius, Tandacides, and Marcianus. He likewise put me upon improving my self