Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/274

 94 Morality, have such a determinate Number of Parts and Circumstances to render them compleat; These must be all taken care of, and performed in order; But then it must be done smoothly, without growing Hot upon meeting with Peevishness and Provocation.

XXVII. 'Tis a sort of Cruelty to balk People's Fancies, and not give them leave to pursue what they reckon their Interest. And with this you are chargable in some Measure your self, when you are angry with those that do amiss. Why so? Because they imagine they are carrying on their own Interest and Convenience. But that you'l say is their Mistake. I grant it; But then 'tis your part to lead them out on't, and to shew them their Error, without Passion; and Resentment.

XXVIII. What is Death? 'Tis a resting from Sensation, and Desire. A stop upon the Rambling of Thought, and a Release from the drudgery about your Carcass.

XXIX. Keep up your Spirits for Business as long as your Constitution lasts; for it would be ashame if your Mind should Faulter, and Give In, before your Body.

XXX. Have a care you han't too much of an Emperour in you, and that you don't fall into the liberties and Pride of your Predecessors? These Humours are Rh