Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/270

 90 ment, in other cases; every Artificer, and Profession, endeavouring to make the Thing fit, to answer the end for which it was intended. This for instance, is the Design of Vine-dressers, those that manage Horses, and make Dogs ; Their business is to make the most of things, and drive them up to the top of their Kind. And what other view has Learning and Education, but to improve the Faculties, and set them the right way at work ? 'Tis agreed then the main point lies here: compass but this, and let the World Rub: what ? Must your Inclinations always run Riot, and will you never keep them true to one thing ? Must you be still hankering after this Fancy and t'other? Why then let me tell you, you'l always be a Slave, always in Wants, and Disquiet. This Temper will let loose abundance of uneasy Passions upon you: 'Twill make you grow envious, full of Jealousie, and Suspition, and apt to overreach Those who are possessed of something you have a mind to. And when strong desires are unsatisfied, you'l find your self mightily disturb'd. And this will make you murmur, and grow mutinous against the Gods. But if you come once to pay a due Regard to your Reason; you'l be pleas'd with your self, serviceable to Society, and Com- Rh