about it." For he who once sets himself about such Considerations, and goes to calculating the Worth of external Things, approaches very near to those who forget their own Character. For, why do you ask me whether Death or Life be the more eligible? I answer, Life. Pain or Pleasure? I answer, Pleasure."But if I do not act a Part, I shall lose my Head."Go and act it then, but I will not."Why?"Because you esteem yourself only as one Thread of many that make up the Piece."What then?"You have nothing to care for, but how to be like the rest of Mankind, as one Thread desires not to be distinguished from the others. But I would be the Purple[1], that small and shining Thing, which gives a Lustre and Beauty to the rest. Why do you bid me resemble the Multitude then? At that Rate, how shall I be the Purple ?
§. 4. This Priscus Helvidius[2] too saw, and acted accordingly: for when Vespasian had sent to forbid his going to the Senate, he answered, "It is in your Power to prevent my continuing a Senator; but while I am one, I must go.""Well then, at least be silent there."" Do not ask my Opinion, and I will be silent."" But I must ask it."" And I must speak what appears to me to be right."" But if you do, I will put you to Death."" Did I ever tell you that I was immortal? You will do your Part, and I mine: It is yours to kill, and mine to die intrepid; yours to banish me, mine to depart untroubled."
§ 5.
- ↑ An allusion to the Purple Border, which distinguished the Dress of the Roman Nobility.
- ↑ Helvidius Priscus was no less remarkable for his Learning and Philosophy, than for the Sanctity of his Manners and the Love of his Country. He behaved however with too much Haughtiness, on several Occasions, to Vespasian, who sentenced him to Death with great Reluctance, and even forbad the Execution, when it was too late. Sueton. in Vesp. §. 15.
