Page:The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.pdf/105

his property spent, do not be hurried away with the notion that the man has really incurred the evils which he deplores. For see, it is not so much the misfortune over which he grieves, as the opinion which he has formed of it. Thou art bound, indeed, to comfort him, but not to share his erroneous impressions.

Remember that the part which the actor has to perform depends on the author of the piece, who alone determines whether it shall be short or long. If he assign the part of a cripple or a slave, 'tis thy business to conform. In every case, then, whether as leader or follower, 'tis thy duty to perform well, but what thou art to perform is assigned by another.

Let the raven croak, it can portend no ill to thee.

Mayest fail in fame or fortune—wife or child may die, but, as regards thyself, 'tis in thy power to turn every portent to account.

Mayest be invincible if thou dost engage in no combat in which the issue does not depend on thyself.

When thou beholdest any one loaded with honours, dignities, and all seeming prosperity, see that mere externals do not lead thee to pronounce him happy. For if happiness depend on things within thy reach, envy and emulation are alike superfluous. Therefore, desire neither station nor dignities, but to be free. Now there is but one road to this, that is, not to set a value on what is beyond thy power.

Remember, it is not so much he who abuses thee, that is author of the contumely, as thy own conclusions thereon. When any one, therefore, seeks to annoy thee, it is only in opinion that the insult resides. Gain but a little time, a little delay, and thou art master as before.

Keep death, and flight, and other evils, but more especially death, ever before thee, so shalt thou avoid vain desires, and banish all mean thoughts for ever.