Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/313

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Meditations, &c.
133

and Consequence, and understood the Nature, and Use of Things. This was Noble Furniture for a Man's Head, and Happiness : But as for those great Princes, what a Load of Cares were they pester'd with, and how much Slaves to their Ambition ?

IV. Ne're disturb your self, for People will be untoward , and play the same Pranks over again, tho' you should fret your heart out.

V. In the first place , keep your self easie, for all things are govern'd by the Laws, and Order of Providence: Besides, you'l quickly go the way of all Flesh, as Augustus, Adrian, and the rest of the Emperours have done before you. Farther, Examine the matter to the bottom , and remember, that the top of your business is to be a Good Man : Therefore whatever the Dignity of Humane Nature requires of you, set about it presently , without Ifs, or Ands : And speak always according to your Conscience , but let it be done in the Terms of Good Nature and Civility.

VI. 'Tis the method of Providence, to change the Face of Things , and remove Fortune and Success from one place to another. All Conditions are subject to Revolution ; so that you need not be afraid

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