Between Heathenism and Christianity - College of Stoic Philosophers
Between Heathenism and Christianity - College of Stoic Philosophers
Between Heathenism and Christianity - College of Stoic Philosophers
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De Providentia<br />
tlinn n "Regulup,<br />
the same person, even though he<br />
might not openly admit it, would also rather be born<br />
a Terentia. Do you pronounce Socrates unfortunate<br />
because ho drained the executioner s cup as if it had<br />
been the draught <strong>of</strong> immortality, <strong>and</strong> discoursed about<br />
death up to the moment it overtook him? "Was his<br />
lot an unhappy one because his blood congealed <strong>and</strong><br />
his vital force stopped by the gradually advancing<br />
rigor <strong>of</strong><br />
death?<br />
11. How much more is he to be envied than those<br />
who are served from goblets studded with gems, for<br />
whom a male prostitute, accustomed to submit to<br />
every kind <strong>of</strong> abuse, whose virility is gone<br />
or at least<br />
doubtful, dissolves the snow that floats in a golden<br />
chalice? Whatever they drink they vomit up, to<br />
their chagrin, <strong>and</strong> taste again mixed with bile; but he<br />
willingly <strong>and</strong> with joy drains the poisonous draught.<br />
For Cato it is sufficient that the unanimous verdict <strong>of</strong><br />
mankind has raised him to the pinacle <strong>of</strong> felicity;<br />
him destiny selected as one who was fitted to contend<br />
against everything that is to be dreaded.<br />
12. Is the enmity <strong>of</strong> the powers that be a serious<br />
matter? let him be opposed at the same time by<br />
Pompey. Caesar, Crassus. Is it hard to bear when<br />
one is less honored than worse men? let him be sacri<br />
ficed for Vatinius. Is it a hard thing to be involved<br />
in civil wars? throughout the whole world let him<br />
fight for the good cause, equally renowned for his<br />
misfortunes as for his bravery. Is it hard to take<br />
one s own life? let him do it. What do I wish to<br />
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