Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/401

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Meditations, &c.
221

quality and Perpetuity of their Motion, of the Fineness and Purity of their Matter, and how frankly they lye open to Observation; for a Star never wears a Mask, nor puts any Cloaths on.

XXVIII. Remember how unconcern'dly Socrates wore a Sheep-skin ; when Xantippe [1] had got his Coat on , and run out with it. And how handsomly he Laugh'd off the Matter to his Friends , who were strangely out of Countenance by seeing him in such a Disguise.

XXIX. People don't pretend to teach others to Write, and Read, till they have been taught themselves : This Rule holds stronger in the Niceties, and Importance of Life ; in which no Man is fit to Govern, till he has first Learn'd to Obey.

XXX. Be Dumb, Slaves han't the Priviledge of speaking. [2]

XXXI. I smiled within my self.

XXXII. They'l treat their Parents with Rebellious, Language. [3]

XXXIII. He is a Mad-man that expects Figs on the Trees in Winter ; And he is little better that calls for his Children again, when they are Dead and Buried.

XXXIV. Epictetus would have a Man when he is Kissing , and Caressing his Child, say to himself at the same time ; To morrow perhaps this Pretty thing may

Dye
  1. His Wife.
  2. A Tragick Poet quoted by Philode Libert. viri boni Hom. Odyss.
  3. Hesiod. Oper. Lib. 1. V. 184. These shreds of Poetry seem to be set down by the Emperour as Hints for farther Meditation. Gatak.