Walter Savage Landor

“ Epictetus.
Thou, indeed, mayest live much to thy ease and satisfaction with philosophy, having (they say) two thousand talents.
Seneca.
And a trifle to spare—pressed upon me by that godlike youth, my pupil Nero.
Epictetus.
Seneca! where God hath placed a mine, He hath placed the materials of an earthquake.
Seneca.
A true philosopher is beyond the reach of Fortune.
Epictetus.
The false one thinks himself so. Fortune cares little about philosophers; but she remembers where she hath set a rich man, and she laughs to see the Destinies at his door.* ”

“ Philosophers must bear bravely. The people expect it.
Epictetus.
Are philosophers, then, only philosophers for the people; and, instead of instructing them, must they play tricks before them? Give me rather the gravity of dancing dogs. Their motions are for the rabble; their reverential eyes and pendant paws are under the pressure of awe at a master; but they are dogs, and not below their destinies. ”

“ Epictetus.
If I regret what is and might not be, I may regret more what both is and must be. However, it is an amiable thing, and no small merit in the wealthy, even to trifle and play at their leisure hours with philosophy. It cannot be expected that such a personage should espouse her, or should recommend her as an inseparable mate to his heir.
Seneca.
I would.
Epictetus.
Yes, Seneca, but thou hast no son to make the match for; and thy recommendation, I suspect, would be given him before he could consummate the marriage. Every man wishes his sons to be philosophers while they are young ”