Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/187

 Rh lations, and for keeping this Inclination from growing too strong for Justice and Truth. He likewise made me acquainted with the Character and Sentiments of those Celebrated Patriots and Philosophers, Cato, Brutus, Thraseas, Helvidius, and Dio; and gave me the Idea of a Commonwealth, in which the general Interest was consider'd without Preference, or Partiality in the Constitution; And also of a Monarchy, where the Liberty of the Subject was principally regarded. To mention some more of my Obligations to him : 'Twas of him I learn'd not to grow Wise by Starts, and broken Fancies, but to be a constant Admirer of Philosophy and Improvement : That a Man ought to be Generous and Obliging ; Hope the best of Matters, and never question the Affection of his Friends : To be free in shewing a reasonable dislike of another, and no less clear in his own Expectations and Desires; and not to put his Friends to the Trouble of Divining what he would be at.

XV. The Proficiency I made under Maximus was to Command my self, and not to be overborn with any Impotency of Passion or Surprise. To be full of Spirits under Sickness and Misfortune. To appear with Modesty, Obligingness, and Dignity of Behaviour. To turn off Business smooth- Rh