Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/313

 Rh and Consequence, and understood the Nature, and Use of Things. This was Noble Furniture for a Man's Head, and Happiness : But as for those great Princes, what a Load of Cares were they pester'd with, and how much Slaves to their Ambition ?

IV. Ne're disturb your self, for People will be untoward, and play the same Pranks over again, tho' you should fret your heart out.

V. In the first place, keep your self easie, for all things are govern'd by the Laws, and Order of Providence: Besides, you'l quickly go the way of all Flesh, as Augustus, Adrian, and the rest of the Emperours have done before you. Farther, Examine the matter to the bottom, and remember, that the top of your business is to be a Good Man : Therefore whatever the Dignity of Humane Nature requires of you, set about it presently , without Ifs, or Ands : And speak always according to your Conscience , but let it be done in the Terms of Good Nature and Civility.

VI. 'Tis the method of Providence, to change the Face of Things, and remove Fortune and Success from one place to another. All Conditions are subject to Revolution ; so that you need not be afraid Rh