. . .
If death surprise me thus employed, it is enough if I can stretch forth
my hands to God and say, "The faculties which I received at Thy hands
for apprehending this thine Administration, I have not neglected. As far
as in me lay, I have done Thee no dishonour. Behold how I have used the
senses, the primary conceptions which Thous gavest me. Have I ever laid
anything to Thy charge? Have I ever murmured at aught that came to pass,
or wished it otherwise? Have I in anything transgressed the relations
of life? For that Thou didst beget me, I thank Thee for that Thou hast
given: for the time during which I have used the things that were Thine,
it suffices me. Take them back and place them wherever Thou wilt! They
were all Thine, and Thou gavest them me."--If a man depart thus minded,
is it not enough? What life is fairer and more noble, what end happier
than his?
(APPENDIX A)
Fragments Attributed to Epictetus
I
A life entangled with Fortune is like a torrent. It is turbulent
and muddy; hard to pass and masterful of mood: noisy and of brief
continuance.
II
The soul that companies with Virtue is like an ever-flowing source. It
is a pure, clear, and wholesome draught; sweet, rich, and generous of
its store; that injures not, neither destroys.
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