BOOK VIII
and Eudaemon, and others like them. All creatures of a day, dead long ago!—some not remembered even for a while, others transformed into legends,[1] and yet others from legends faded into nothingness! Bear then in mind that either this thy composite self must be scattered abroad, or thy vital breath be quenched, or be transferred[2] and set elsewhere.
26. It brings gladness to a man to do a man s true work. And a man's true work is to shew goodwill to his own kind, to disdain the motions of the senses, to diagnose specious impressions, to take a comprehensive view of the Nature of the Universe and all that is done at her bidding.
27. Thou hast three relationships—the first to the vessel thou art contained in; the second to the divine Cause wherefrom issue all things to all; and the third to those that dwell with thee.[3]
28. Pain is an evil either to the body—let the body then denounce it[4]—or to the Soul; but the Soul can ensure her own fair weather and her own calm sea,[5] and refuse to account it an evil. For every conviction and impulse and desire and aversion is from within,[6] and nothing climbs in thither.
29. Efface thy impressions,[7] saying ever to thyself: Now lies it with me that thin soul should harbour no wickedness nor lust nor any disturbing element at all; but that, seeing the true nature of all things,[8] I should deal with each as is its due. Bethink thee of this power that Nature gives thee.
