Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/51

 round again, and not only excuses Epicurus, wipes out his Infamy, and Blanches his Reputation; but likewise gives him a great Character, says his Priniciples are Remarkable for Justice and Piety, and if you examine them nicely, for Mortification too. And lastly, he is sometimes guilty of the same Trifling, which he finds fault with in Zeno and Chrysippus. He is Gay sometimes when he should be Solemn, and Flourishes when he should strike home. He makes a Pass with a Pin, and rather pricks a Subject than pierces it. He gives you sometimes a turn of Fancy, instead of Solid Proof; His Notions are now and then so superfine, that the least Resistance turns the Edge of them. They have generally a Point, but no Weight of Body for Execution. This may be looked on as an Excess of clear Dealings; but I am not the first that have taken this Freedom with Seneca; several Great Men have pass'd the same Judgement upon him long since. However I desire not to be understood as if I had a mind to detract from the Worth, or discourage the Reading of this Philosopher, who was really a Person of an extraordinary Genius; and has always had Men of Sense and Learning to admire him. My meaning is only to shew, Rh