Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/276

 96 Frighted, or Surpriz'd: Not too suspicious, nor in the least over-run with Impertinence, and Conceit: Expence and Figure was none of his Fancy; As one might easily perceive, by his Palace, his Furniture, his Habit, his Eating, and his Attendance. Lenity was his Humour, and Fatiguing his Delight. He was so Temperate in his Diet, that he was able to fit at the Council Board till Night, without withdrawing into another Room; For the Necessities of Nature never return'd upon him till their usual time. He was firm in his Friendship, and steady and agreeable in the Manner of showing it. He gave his Courtiers all the Freedom Imaginable to contradict him; And was pleased with the Proposal of a better Expedient than his own. To conclude he was a Religious Prince, but on this side Superstition, pray imitate these good Qualities of his, that you may have the Satisfaction of them at your last Hour.

XXXI. Rouse and recollect yourself: and you'l perceive your Trouble lay only in a Scene of Imagination: And when you are well awaken, Turn the Tables, and Carry the Contemplation through Life; And then the World in a Dream, and the Wold out on't, will appear much what the same thing. Rh