Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/212

 32 with Pleasure: He never minds other Peoples Thoughts, or Actions, unless Publick Reason and General Good require it. No; He confines himself to his own Business, and contemplates upon his Post, and Station; And endeavours to do the First as it should be, and believe well of the Latter: I say of the Latter; for Fate is both inevitable, and convenient. He considers that all Rational Beings are of Kin; and that General Kindness and Concern for the whole World, is no more than a piece of Humanity. That every ones Good Opinion is not worth the gaining; but only of those who live up to the Dignity of their Nature. As for others, he knows their way of Living, and their Company; their Publick, and their Private Disorders; And, why indeed should he value the Commendation of such People, who are so Vitious and Fantastical, as not to be able to please themselves?

V. Be not Haled, Selfish, Unadvised, or Passionate in any Thing you do; Don't affect Quaintness, and Points of Wit: neither Talk, nor Meddle more than is necessary. Take care that your Tutelar Genius has a creditable Charge to preside over; That you appear in the Character of your Sex, and Age; Act like a Roman Emperour, that loves his Country : and be al- Rh