Book 3
7
To be free, noble-spirited, modest. For what other animal blushes? What other has the idea of shame? But pleasure must be subjected to these, as an attendant and handmaid, to call forth our activity, and to keep us constant in natural operations.
7
But I am rich and want nothing.
7
Then why do you pretend to philosophize? Your gold and silver plate is enough for you. What need have you of principles?
7
Besides, I am Judge of the Greeks.
7
Do you know how to judge? Who has imparted this knowledge to you?
7
Caesar has given me a commission.
7
Let him give you a commission to judge of music; what good will it do you? But how were you made a Judge? Whose hand have you kissed,—that of Symphorus, or Numenius? Before whose door have you slept? To whom have you sent presents? After all, do you not perceive that the office of Judge puts you in the same rank with Numenius?
7
But I can throw whom I please into a prison. So you may a stone.
7
But I can beat whom I will too.
7
So you may an ass. This is not a government over men. Govern us like reasonable creatures. Show us what is best for us, and we will pursue it; show us what is otherwise, and we will avoid it. Like Socrates, make us imitators of yourself. He was properly a governor of men, who controlled their desires and aversions, their pursuits, their avoidances. Do this; do not that, or I will throw you into prison. This is not a government for reasonable creatures. But Do as Zeus has commanded, or you will be punished, and be a loser.
7
What shall I lose?
7
Simply your own right action, your fidelity, honor, decency. You can find no losses greater than these.
How we are to exercise ourselves in regard to the semblances of things.
