than this, that she cannot be forced: yea though it so fall out,
that it be even against reason itself, that it cloth bandy.
How much less when by the help of reason she is able to judge
of things with discretion? And therefore let thy chief fort and
place of defence be, a mind free from passions. A stronger place,
(whereunto to make his refuge, and so to bccome impregnable)
and better fortified than this, bath no man. He that seeth not
this is unlearned. He that seeth it, and betaketh not himself
to this place of refuge, is unhappy. XLVII. Keep thyself
to the first bare and naked apprehensions of things,
as they present themselves unto thee, and add not unto them.
It is reported unto thee, that such a one speaketh ill of thee.
Well; that he speaketh ill of thee, so much is reported.
But that thou art hurt thereby, is not reported:
that is the addition of opinion, which thou must exclude.
I see that my child is sick. That he is sick, I see,
but that he is in danger of his life also, I see it not.
Thus thou must use to keep thyself to the first motions and
apprehensions of things, as they present themselves outwardly;
and add not unto them from within thyself through
mere conceit and opinion. Or rather add unto them:
hut as one that understandeth the true nature of all things
that happen in the world.

XLVIII. Is the cucumber bitter? set it away.

Brambles are in the way? avoid them. Let this suffice.
Add not presently speaking unto thyself, What serve these
things for in the world? For, this, one that is acquainted
with the mysteries of nature, will laugh at thee for it;