life contentedly, just as he dies who is in full activity, and well
pleased too with the things which are obstacles.

48. Remember that the ruling faculty is invincible, when self-collected
it is satisfied with itself, if it does nothing which it does not choose
to do, even if it resist from mere obstinacy. What then will it be when
it forms a judgment about anything aided by reason and deliberately?
Therefore the mind which is free from passions is a citadel, for man has
nothing more secure to which he can fly for refuge and for the future be
inexpugnable. He then who has not seen this is an ignorant man; but he
who has seen it and does not fly to this refuge is unhappy.

49. Say nothing more to thyself than what the first appearances report.
Suppose that it has been reported to thee that a certain person speaks
ill of thee. This has been reported; but that thou hast been injured,
that has not been reported. I see that my child is sick. I do see; but
that he is in danger, I do not see. Thus then always abide by the first
appearances, and add nothing thyself from within, and then nothing
happens to thee. Or rather add something like a man who knows everything
that happens in the world.

50. A cucumber is bitter--Throw it away.--There are briers in the road--
Turn aside from them.--This is enough. Do not add, And why were such
things made in the world? For thou wilt be ridiculed by a man who is
acquainted with nature, as thou wouldst be ridiculed by a carpenter and
shoemaker if thou didst find fault because thou seest in their workshop
shavings and cuttings from the things which they make. And yet they have
places into which they can throw these shavings and cuttings, and the
universal nature has no external space; but the wondrous part of her art
is that though she has circumscribed herself, everything within her which