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Such, then, are the differences between incontinence and intemperance; and again between continence and temperance, these differences being the counterpart of the former. For continence is not yet free from remorse and pain and indignation; but in the soul of the temperate man there is serenity on all occasions, freedom from violent changes, and sanity, by which the irrational is harmonized and blended with reason, when this is equipped with great persuasion and a wonderful gentleness. And you would say, as you looked at the man, Then, indeed, ceased the gale; a windless calm Arose; some god had laid the waves to rest,Homer, Od., xii. 168. since by reason the violent, raging, and furious movements of the desires had been quenched and those movements which Nature absolutely requires had been made sympathetic, submissive, friendly, and, when the man chose a course of action, willing to co-operate, so that they did not outstrip the dictates of reason, nor fall short of them, nor misbehave, nor disobey, but so that every impulse was easily led As new-weaned foal beside his mother runs,Semonides, Frag. 5; cf.Moralia, 84 d 136 a, 790 f, 997 d; Bernardakis, vol. vii. p. 150 (=Stobaeus, vol. v. p. 1024 ed. Hense). and confirmed the remark of XenocratesFrag. 3; cf.Moralia, 1124 e. about true philosophers, that they alone do willingly what all others do unwillingly because of the law, even as dogs by a blow and cats by a noise are turned from their pleasures and regard with suspicion the danger that threatens them.
