Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/310

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130
Marcus Antoninus's

many Ages, yet they not only bear with a wicked World, but provide Liberally for it into the Bargain : And are you that are just going off the Stage sick of the Company ? Are you tired with ill Men already, and yet one of those unhappy Mortals your self?

LXXII. 'Tis great Folly to run from other Peoples Faults, and not part with your own : This is going quite the wrong way to work, grasping at a Project impracticable , and losing an Advantage which lies in your power.

LXXIII. Whatever Business tends neither to the Improvement of your Reason, nor the benefit of Society, conclude it beneath you, and manage accordingly.

LXXIV. When you have done a kindness, and your Neighbour is the better for't, what need you be so Ignorant , as to look any farther , and lye gaping for Reputation and Requital?

LXXV. Nobody is ever tired with Favours, and Advantages : Now to Act in Conformity to the Laws of Nature and Reason, is certainly an Advantage? Don't you therefore grow weary of doing good Offices, for by obliging others, you are really kind to your self.

LXXVI. There was a time when God and Nature was employed in making the

World :