Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/191

 Rh never envy'd and Brow-beat those that were Eminent in any Faculty, or Science ; either Orators, Historians, or Others, but on the contrary, encourag'd them in their their way; and promoted their Reputation. He observ'd Decency and Custom in all his Actions, and yet did not seem to mind them: He was not Fickle and Fluttering in his Humour, but constant both to Place and Undertaking. And I have seen him after violent Fits of the Head-ach, return fresh, and vigorous to Business. He kepf but few Things to himself, and those Were Secrets of Government. He was very moderate and frugal in Publick Shews, Triumphal Arches, Liberalities, and such like; being one that did not so much regard the Popularity as the Reason of an Action: 'Twas none of his custom to Bath at unusual Hours, or to be overrun with the Fancy of Building, to study Eating and Luxury; to value the Curiosity of his Cloaths, or the Shape, and Person of his Servants. Indeed his Dress at his Country Palaces was very Ordinary and Plain, where he would scarcely so much as put on a Cloak without making an excuse for't. To take him altogether, There Was nothing of Ruggedness, Immodesty, or Eagerness in his Temper. Neither did he ever seem to Drudg and Sweat at the Helm. Things wore dispatch'd at leisure, and with- Rh