Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/245

 Rh Honesty prompts you to say, or do any thing, ne'er Baulk your self, or start at the matter. If other People are particular in their Fancies and Opinions, mind them not : Be you govern'd by the Reason within you; pursue that which is most for your own, and the Common Interest. For to speak strictly, these Two are but one and the same.

IV. I'le jog on in that Path which Nature has Chalk'd out, till my Legs sink under me; and then I shall be at Rest, and expire into that Air which has given me Breath ; fall upon that Earth which has maintain'd my Parents, help'd my Nurse to her Milk, and supply'd me with Meat and Drink for so many years; and tho its Favours have been often abus'd, still suffers me to Tread upon't.

V. Wit and Smartness are not mightily your Talent : What then ? There are a great many other good Qualities in which you can't pretend Nature has fail'd you : Improve them as far as you can, and let's have that which is perfectly in your Power. You may if you please, behave your self like a Man of Gravity, and good Faith, endure Hardship, and despise Pleasure; want but a few things, and complain of nothing; you may be dispassionate, stand upon your own Legs, and be Great if you Rh