Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

cxx INTRODUCTION SECT.
this it is which in varied notes of aspiration, disappoint-
ment, and resolve gives depth and pathos to the
Thoughts
of Marcus Aurelius. 'To be misunderstood
even by those whom one loves,' writes Amiel, 'is the
cross and bitterness of life. It is the secret of that sad
and melancholy smile on the lips of great men which so
few understand.' This, and the obstinate contradiction
between attainment and desire. To stand well-nigh
single-handed for reason and for right; to work with
worthless instruments ; to withhold vain interference and
correction ; to let second-bests alone ; to silence scruples
and endure compromise ; to crave for peace and spend
\Jiis years in l
hunting down Sarmatians ; to preside at the
tedious butchery of gladiatorial games with the heart that
cried, ' How long, how long ? ' 2 to turn forgiving eyes
and unreproachful lips upon the perilous debaucheries
of Lucius and the frailties of Faustina ;
and exiled for his people's sake ;
to live friendless
to cling to the belief in
reason and just dealing against the day-by-day experience
of unreason, violence, and greed; patiently, resolutely
dv)^crOaL /cat oVe^ea^ou, '
to endure and to refrain '
exhaust body and soul in the long effort to save Rome,
and in return for all this to partake always '
;
to
the king's
portion Well-doing, 111 3
report '; to be isolated, thwarted,
maligned, and misinterpreted this was no light bearing
of the cross. Through the cadences of patience and re-
nunciation and resolve there seems to float continually
the refrain of Epicurus
'
Pain past bearing brings an
end ;
' 4
pain that lasts, may be borne and accent and
3 vii. 36.
1 x. 10.
2 vi. 46.
4 vii. 33, 64, 66 ; viii. 36, 46 ; x. 3.