BOOK VI
6. The best way of avenging thyself is not to do likewise.[1]
7. Delight in this one thing and take thy rest therein—from social act to go on to social act, keeping all thy thoughts on God.
8. The ruling Reason it is that can arouse and deflect itself, make itself whatever it will,[2] and invest everything that befalls with such a semblance as it wills.
9. In accordance with the Nature of the Universe is accomplished each several thing. For surely this cannot be in accordance with any other nature, that either envelops it from without, or is enveloped by it within, or exists in external detachment outside it.
10. Either a medley and a tangled web[3] and a dispersion abroad, or a unity and a plan and a Providence. If the former, why should I even wish to abide in such a random welter and chaos? Why care for anything else than to turn again to the dust at last.[4] Why be disquieted? For, do what I will, the dispersion must overtake me. But if the latter, I bow in reverence, my feet are on the rock, and I put my trust in the Power that rules.
11. When forced, as it seems, by thine environment to be utterly disquieted, return with all speed into thy self, staying in discord no longer than thou must. By constant recurrence to the harmony,[5] thou wilt gain more command over it.
12. Hadst thou at once a stepmother and a mother
