the clattering of so many tongues. If then neither applause,
what is there remaining that should be dear unto thee? This I think:
that in all thy motions and actions thou be moved, and restrained
according to thine own true natural constitution and Construction only.
And to this even ordinary arts and professions do lead us.
For it is that which every art doth aim at, that whatsoever it is,
that is by art effected and prepared, may be fit for that work that it
is prepared for. This is the end that he that dresseth the vine,
and he that takes upon him either to tame colts, or to train
up dogs, doth aim at. What else doth the education of children,
and all learned professions tend unto? Certainly then it is that,
which should be dear unto us also. If in this particular it go
well with thee, care not for the obtaining of other things.
But is it so, that thou canst not but respect other things also?
Then canst not thou truly be free? then canst thou not have
self-content: then wilt thou ever be subject to passions.
For it is not possible, but that thou must be envious, and jealous,
and suspicious of them whom thou knowest can bereave thee of
such things; and again, a secret underminer of them, whom thou
seest in present possession of that which is dear unto thee.
To be short, he must of necessity be full of confusion within himself,
and often accuse the Gods, whosoever stands in need of these things.
But if thou shalt honour and respect thy mind only, that will make
thee acceptable towards thyself, towards thy friends very tractable;
and conformable and concordant with the Gods; that is,
accepting with praises whatsoever they shall think good to appoint
and allot unto thee.

XVI. Under, above, and about, are the motions of the elements;
but the motion of virtue, is none of those motions, but is somewhat