All the Works of Epictetus · 69 of 100

Book III, Chapter 11

1. There are some Punishments appointed, as by a Law, for such as disobey the divine Administration. Whoever shall esteem any thing good, except what depends on Choice, let him envy, let him covet, let him flatter, let him be full of Perturbation. Whoever esteems any thing else to be evil, let him grieve, let him mourn, let him lament, let him be wretched. —— And yet, though thus severely punished, we cannot desist.

Remember what the Poet says, of a Stranger.

A worse than Thou might enter here secure: No rude Affront shall drive him from my Door; For Strangers come from Jove ——

Homer.

2. This too you should be prepared to say, with regard to a Father: It is not lawful for me to affront you, Father; even if a worse than you should have come for all are from paternal Jove. And so of a Brother; for all are from kindred Jove. And thus we shall find Jove to be the Inspector of all the other Relations.