best, our thoughts and hopes, obtaining in exchange pride, gloria mundi, that is, the pomp of the funeral oration. This is to make reparations for everything. Even in our days the funeral orator is the greatest public benefactor.
521
Eweeptional vanity.—You man has one great equality, which is a source of congratulation to him: his glance scornfully glides past the rest of his character—which comprises almost his full character. But he recovers from himself when proceeding as though to his sanctuary; even the road to it appears to him an ascent on broad, soft steps:—and is it therefore that you call him vain, ye cruel ones?
522
Wisdom void of hearing.—To hear every day what people say about him or to find out what they think of him may kill even the strongest man. Our neighbours suffer us to live for the sole reason that they may, day for day, carry the right over us. They would certainly not abide us if we were right or wanted to be right. In short, let us offer a sacrifice to the general harmony; let us not listen when they speak of, praise, blame, wish, hope for us; nay, not even think of it.
