Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/221

 Rh Fortune, she is not at all Solicitous about that. 'Tis true, she is not perfectly Indifferent, she moves forward with a Preference in her Choice; but then 'tis always with a Reserve of Acquiescence, and being easy in the Event. And if any thing comes cross, shee falls to Work upon't, and like Fire converts it into Fuel. For as this Element when 'tis weak is easily put out; but when once well Kindled, it seises upon what lies next, subdues it into its own Nature, and encreases by Resistance.

II. Let every Action tend to some Point, and be perfect in its Kind.

III. 'Tis the Custom of People to go to Unfrequented Places and Country Seats for Retirement; And this has been your Method formerly. But after all, this is but a Vulgar Fancy. For 'tis in your Power to withdraw into your self whenever you have a Mind to't. Now ones own Breast is a place the most free from Crowd and Noise in the World, if a Mans Retrospections are easy, his Thoughts entertaining, and his Mind well in Order. Your way is therefore to make frequent use of this Retirement, and Refresh your Virtue in't. And to this End, be always provided with a few short uncontested Notions, to keep your Understanding True, and make you easy in your Business. For Instance, what Rh