Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/315

 Rh VIII. You have no leisure to read Books, what then? You have leisure not to be Haughty, or play the Knave. 'Tis in your power to be Superiour to your Sences, and paramount over Pleasure and Pain. To be deaf to the Charms of Ambition, and look down upon Fame and Glory. 'Tis in your power not only to forbear being angry with People for their Folly, and Ingratitude, but over and above, to cherish their Interest, and take care of them.

IX. Never censure a Court Life, nor seem dissatisfied with your own.

X. Repentance is a reproof of a Man's Conscience, for the neglect of some Advantages. Now whatever is Morally good is Profitable, and ought to be the Concern of a Man of Probity : But no Good Man was ever inwardly troubled for the Omission of any pleasure, or the balking of his Senses: From whence it follows, that pleasure strictly speaking, is neither profitable, nor Good.

XI. To go to the Bottom of a Thing, these Questions should be answered, what is it in its proper Nature and Distinction? Of what sort of Matter, and Form does it consist? What share of Force and Action has it in the World? and how long is it likely to stay there? Rh