Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/30

 ''tho' a lower Proficient could do it for three Farthings. Yes, Epicurus had put so much Philosophy in his Palate, that Bread and Water would Regale him, and make him almost wild with Satisfaction: As for Luxury, and Expence he despis'd the Relish, and abominated the Thoughts on't: Give him but a Glass of pure Element, and a little Hasty-pudding, and he would hardly have own'd that Jupiter had eaten better: This Diet if you are but rightly sharp has as much taste in't as you would wish: For very ordinary Meat and Drink will oblige the Sense, and lay Hunger asleep as effectually, as that which is counted the most Delicious.''

Eudoxus liv'd before Epicurus, and was a Person of the same Persuasion: Now Arislotle gives this Man an extraordinary Character for Sobriety, and makes him a great Master of his Palate : This Command of himself made his Opinion go much the farther : For People would not believe that any Byass of Interest, or Sensuality could govern him, but that 'twas pure Conviction and Force of Truth, which brought him to declare for the Preheminence of Pleasure. But as for Epicurus's Temperance, there's some Reason to question it. For Timochares assures us, that he was so far from being satisfied with a Meal of three Farthings, that 'twas his Method to eat up Rh