All the Works of Epictetus · 36 of 100

Book II, Chapter 4

1. As he was saying, that Man is made for Fidelity; and that whoever subverts this, subverts the peculiar Property of Man; one of those who pass for Men of Literature happened to come in, who had been found guilty of Adultery, in that City. But, continues Epictetus, if, laying aside that Fidelity for which we were born, we form Designs against the Wife of our Neighbour, what do we do? What else but destroy and ruin —— What? Fidelity, Honour, and Sanctity of Manners. —— Only these? And do not we ruin Neighbourhood? Friendship? Our Country? In what Rank do we place ourselves? How am I to consider you, Sir? As a Neighbour? A Friend? What Sort of one? As a Citizen? How shall I trust you? Indeed, if you were some sorry Vessel, so noisome that no Use could be made of you; you might be thrown on a Dunghill, and no Mortal would take the Trouble to pick you up: but if, being a Man, you cannot fill any one Place in human Society, what shall we do with you? For, suppose you cannot hold the Place of a Friend, can you hold even that of a Slave? And who will trust you? Why, then, should not you also be contented to be thrown upon some Dunghill, as a useless Vessel, and indeed as mere Dung? Will you say, after this, Hath no one any Regard for me, a Man of Letters? Why, you are wicked, and fit for no Use. Just as if Wasps should take it ill that no one hath any Regard for them; but all shun, and whoever can, beats them down. You have such a Sting, that whoever you strike with it, is thrown into Troubles and Pangs. What would you have us do with you? There is no-where to place you.

2. What, then, are not Women, by Nature, common?

I admit it: and so is a Pig at Table common to those who are invited. But, after it is distributed, go, if you think proper, and snatch away the Share of him who sits next you; or slily seal it, or stretch out your Hand, and taste; and, if you cannot tear away any of the Meat, dip your Fingers and lick them. A fine Companion! A Socratic Guest indeed! Again: Is not the Theatre common to all Citizens? Therefore come, when all are seated, if you think proper, and turn any one of them out of his Place. Thus Women are common by Nature: but when the Legislator, like the Master of an Entertainment, distributes them, will not you, like the rest of the Company, be contented with desiring a Share for yourself; but must you pilfer, and taste what belongs to another?

But I am a Man of Letters, and understand Archedemus.

With all your Understanding of Archedemus, then, be an Adulterer, and a Rogue: And, instead of a Man, a Wolf, or an Ape. For where is the Difference?