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14 THE ENCHIRIDION OF EPICTETUS.
III.
Pause then and note unerring Nature's law;
'Twixt things opposed a due distinction draw:
What is a slave by Nature's fix'd decree,
Mistake not for the chainless and the free.
(a) All foreign right with thy whole heart disown,
Nor deem another's privilege thine own:
(b) Since straying without the limits of thy sphere
Brings grief of mind and soul-corroding care;
Ire, discontent, possess thy mind within;
And rage employs thy tongue 'gainst God and men.
Who knows another's rights, and knows his own,
And bounds his wishes by just claims alone
Who grants to all what things to them belong,
Thro' Life's rough way moves peacefully along.
Act thus:-thou need'st not outward violence fear;-
Serene and peaceful shall be thy career.
For thee no foe in ambuscade shall lie,
To watch thy footsteps with a treach'rous eye.
In legal conflicts, broils, and party rage
Thy will shall never lead thee to engage.
None at thy hands shall injury receive;
And none shall cause thy honest heart to grieve.
'Twixt things opposed a due distinction draw:
What is a slave by Nature's fix'd decree,
Mistake not for the chainless and the free.
(a) All foreign right with thy whole heart disown,
Nor deem another's privilege thine own:
(b) Since straying without the limits of thy sphere
Brings grief of mind and soul-corroding care;
Ire, discontent, possess thy mind within;
And rage employs thy tongue 'gainst God and men.
Who knows another's rights, and knows his own,
And bounds his wishes by just claims alone
Who grants to all what things to them belong,
Thro' Life's rough way moves peacefully along.
Act thus:-thou need'st not outward violence fear;-
Serene and peaceful shall be thy career.
For thee no foe in ambuscade shall lie,
To watch thy footsteps with a treach'rous eye.
In legal conflicts, broils, and party rage
Thy will shall never lead thee to engage.
None at thy hands shall injury receive;
And none shall cause thy honest heart to grieve.
(a) I speak not as it were for want. For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content therewith. Philippians, 4 chap., 11 ver.
(b) Strive not in a matter which doth not concern thee, and sit not in judgment with sinners. Ecclesiasticus, 11 chap., 9 ver. Vide etiam, I Tim., 6 chap., 9 ver.
