Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/293

 Rh own Nature self-sufficient, and must create her wants before she can feel them. This priviledge makes her Impregnable, and above Restraint; unless the Teazes, and puts Fetters upon her self.

XVII. What is Happiness but wise Thinking, or a Mind rightly dispos'd ? Why then does Fancy break in and disturb the Scene? Be gone! I'le have nothing to do with the Impostures of Imagination! However since they have Custom to plead in their Excuse, let them withdraw, and I'le forgive them.

XVIII. Is any one afraid of Dissolution and Change ? I would gladly know what can be done without it ? If the Course of Nature, and the method of the Universe, won't reconcile us to the Expectation, we are somewhat unreasonable. Pray must not your Wood be turn'd into a Coal, before your Bath can be ready for you? Must not your Meat be changed in your Stomack to make it fit to Nourish you ? Indeed what part of Life or Convenience can go forward without Alteration? Now in all likelyhood a Revolution in your Carcass, and Condition, may be as serviceable to the World in general, as those Alterations abovementiond are to you. Rh