Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/331

 Rh them new and shining from the Mint. And thus she neither wants any Foreign Oare, or Bye place to throw the Dross in : But is always abundantly furnish'd with Room, and Matter, and Art, within her self.

LI. Be not heavy in Business, nor disturb'd in Conversation, nor Rambling , and Impertinent in your Thoughts. Keep your Mind from running adrift; from sudden Surprize, and Transports, and don't overset your self with too much Employment. Do they Curse you? Do they threaten to Kill, and Quarter you? Let them go on : They can never murther your Reason, nor your Virtue : Those Privileges run for Life if you please. All this Barbarity signifies little. 'Tis much as if a Man that stands by a Lovely Spring should fall a railing on't : The Water is never the worse for his soul Language: And if he should throw in Dirt, or Dung, 'twould quickly disappear, and disperse, and the Fountain be as wholsome as ever : Which way now are you to go to work, to keep your Springs always running, and never Stagnate into a Pool? I'le tell you : You must be always Drudging at the Vertues of Freedom, and Independance ; Of Sincerity, Sobriety , and Good nature. Make your self but Ma- Rh