are imperious and arrogant, or angry and scolding from their elevated
place. But a short time ago to how many they were slaves and for what
things; and after a little time consider in what a condition they will
be.

20. That is for the good of each thing, which the universal nature brings
to each. And it is for its good at the time when nature brings it.

21. "The earth loves the shower"; and "the solemn ether loves"; and the
universe loves to make whatever is about to be. I say then to the
universe, that I love as thou lovest. And is not this too said, that
"this or that loves [is wont] to be produced"?

22. Either thou livest here and hast already accustomed thyself to it, or
thou art going away, and this was thy own will; or thou art dying and
hast discharged thy duty. But besides these things there is nothing. Be
of good cheer, then.

23. Let this always be plain to thee, that this piece of land is like any
other; and that all things here are the same with things on the top of a
mountain, or on the sea-shore, or wherever thou choosest to be. For thou
wilt find just what Plato says, Dwelling within the walls of a city as in
a shepherd's fold on a mountain. [The three last words are omitted in the
translation.]

24. What is my ruling faculty now to me? and of what nature am I now
making it? and for what purpose am I now using it? is it void of
understanding? is it loosed and rent asunder from social life? is it
melted into and mixed with the poor flesh so as to move together with it?