14
These are the outward preventions or remedies against diseases that may arise from the speaking of one’s self. There are some others inward, which Cato has recourse to when he tells us he was envied for neglecting his domestic affairs and being vigilant whole nights in those of his country. So with this: How shall I boast, who grew so easily, Though mustered ’mongst the common soldiery; Great in my fortune as the bravest be? And this: But I am loath to lose past labor’s gains; Nor will retreat from a fresh troop of pains.From the Philoctetes of Euripides, Frag. 785 and 787. For as they who obtain great possessions of houses or lands gratis and with little difficulty are under the eye of envy, but not if their purchases were troublesome and dear, so it is with them who arrive at honor and applause.
