Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/194

14 I had the Happiness of being acquainted with those celebrated Philosophers, Apollonius, Rusticus, and Maximus: For having a clear Idea of the Rules of Practice, and the true way of Living; and the Impression frequently refresh'd; so that considering the extraordinary Assistances and Directions of the Gods, 'tis impossible for me to miss the Road of Nature and right Reason, unless by refusing to be guided by the Dictates, and almost sensible Inspirations of Heaven. 'Tis the Favour of these superior Beings, that my Constitution has held out so well, under a Life of Fatigue and Business: That I never had any infamous Correspondence with Benedicta or Theodotus ; And that after some Amours, and intemperate Sallies, I took up, and recover'd: That when I fell out with Rusticus, as it frequently happen'd, I was not transported into any Act of Violence: That I had the satisfaction of my Mother's Life and Company a considerable while, tho she was very near dying when she was Young. To give more Instances of their Bounty; 'Tis they that kept me from standing in need of any Man's Fortune: And that when I was willing to Relieve the Necessities of Others, I was never told that the Exchequer or Privy Purse, were out of Cash. And farther, 'tis from them Rh