Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/410

 230 the World has none : And if the Waves run too high, let them roll off your Carkass, and your Fortune, but there's no Necessity your Mind should be driven with them.

XV. A Lamp unless you put it out, holds it Light, and shines without interruption : And can you find in your heart to see your Honesty sink in the Socket, to out-last your Sobriety , and let your Virtue be extinguish'd before you ?

XVI. When you fancy any one has Tranfgress'd, say this to your self. How do I know 'tis a Fault ? And granting it is, it may be his Conscience has corrected him. And if so, he has given himself a sowr Box on the Ear : Besides, you are to remember, that to wish an ill Man should not do Amiss, is just as wise as it would be to desire an unripe Fig should not tast of the Tree; that Children should not squaul in the Cradle, nor Horses Neigh, nor a great many other Things Act according to the necessity of their Condition. Pray, how would you have a Man of such an unfortunate Disposition behave himself? If you believe the Case may be remedied, and are such a Doctor at his Disease, do so much as cure him.

XVII. If 'tis not Decent never do it, if 'tis not true, never speak it; let this always be your Rule.