Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/368

 188 that this World will quickly be over with him, that he must take his leave of Mankind, and remove into an other Condition. In Consequence of these Thoughts, he is all Justice and Resignation. And as for what People think, or talk of him, or practise against him, he never minds it. He has but two Points to secure, that is, to be Honest in what he does, and contented with what he Receives, As for other Projects and Fancies, He has done with them. His Business is only to live by Reason, and to follow that Path which Nature has chalk'd out for him, for in so doing he has the Deity for his Guide.

XII. What need you be Anxious about the Event, when you may examine the Enterprize, and debate the Reasonableness of it ? If you find it practicable and proper, go on, and let nothing divert you. But if you can't see through it, make a halt, and take the best Advice upon the Case. And if your Measures happen to be broken by some new Emergency, make the most of what is in your Power, and always stick to the point of Honesty : For after all, that is the best Stake in the Hedge: For, tho' the grand Design may not succeed, yet when 'tis fairly undertaken, and well managed, it makes one easy under the Miscarriage : Rh