5. What is thy art? To be good. And how is this accomplished well except
by general principles, some about the nature of the universe, and others
about the proper constitution of man?

6. At first tragedies were brought on the stage as means of reminding men
of the things which happen to them, and that it is according to nature
for things to happen so, and that, if you are delighted with what is
shown on the stage, you should not be troubled with that which takes
place on the larger stage. For you see that these things must be
accomplished thus, and that even they bear them who cry out, "O
Cithaeron." And, indeed, some things are said well by the dramatic
writers, of which kind is the following especially:--

"Me and my children if the gods neglect,
This has its reason too."

And again,--

"We must not chafe and fret at that which happens."

And,--

"Life's harvest reap like the wheat's fruitful ear."

And other things of the same kind.

After tragedy the old comedy was introduced, which had a magisterial
freedom of speech, and by its very plainness of speaking was useful in
reminding men to beware of insolence; and for this purpose too Diogenes
used to take from these writers.