VII.
As in a Voyage, when the Ship is at Anchor, if you go on Shore, to get Water, you may amuse yourself with picking up a Shell-fish, or an Onion, in your Way; but your Thoughts ought to be bent towards the Ship, and perpetually attentive, lest the Captain should call; and then you must leave all these Things, that you may not be thrown into the Vessel, bound Neck and Heels, like a Sheep. Thus likewise in Life, if, instead of an Onion, or a Shell-fish, such a Thing as a Wife or a Child be granted you, there is no Objection: but if the Captain calls, run to the Ship, leave all these Things, regard none of them. But, if you are old, never go far from the Ship: lest, when you are called, you should be unable to come in time.
VIII.
Require not Things to happen as you with; but with them to happen as they do happen; and you will go on well.
IX.
Sickness is an Impediment to the Body, but not to the Faculty of Choice, unless itself pleases. Lameness is an Impediment to the Leg, but not to the Faculty of Choice: and say this to yourself with regard to every thing that happens. For you will find it to be an Impediment to something else; but not to yourself.
X.
Upon every Accident, remember to turn towards yourself, and enquire, what Powers you have for making a proper Use of it. If you see a handsome Person, you will find Continence a Power against this: if Pain be presented to you, you will find Fortitude: if Ill-Language, you will find Patience. And thus habituated, the Appearances of Things will not hurry you away along with them.
