[A] [Greek:  oregomene] in this passage seems to have a passive sense.  It is difficult to find an apt expression for it and some of the other words.  A comparison with xi. 12, will help to explain the meaning.

46.  Nothing can happen to any man which is not a human accident, nor to an ox which is not according to the nature of an ox, nor to a vine which is not according to the nature of a vine, nor to a stone which is not proper to a stone.  If then there happens to each thing both what is usual and natural, why shouldst thou complain?  For the common nature brings nothing which may not be borne by thee.

47.  If thou art pained by any external thing, it is not this thing that disturbs thee, but thy own judgment about it.  And it is in thy power to wipe out this judgment now.  But if anything in thy own disposition gives thee pain, who hinders thee from correcting thy opinion?  And even if thou art pained because thou art not doing some particular thing which seems to thee to be right, why dost thou not rather act than complain?—­But some insuperable obstacle is in the way?—­Do not be grieved then, for the cause of its not being done depends not on thee.—­But it is not worth while to live, if this cannot be done.—­Take thy departure then from life contentedly, just as he dies who is in full activity, and well pleased too with the things which are obstacles.

48.  Remember that the ruling faculty is invincible, when self-collected it is satisfied with itself, if it does nothing which it does not choose to do, even if it resist from mere obstinacy.  What then will it be when it forms a judgment about anything aided by reason and deliberately?  Therefore the mind which is free from passions is a citadel, for man has nothing more secure to which he can fly for refuge and for the future be inexpugnable.  He then who has not seen this is an ignorant man; but he who has seen it and does not fly to this refuge is unhappy.

49.  Say nothing more to thyself than what the first appearances report.  Suppose that it has been reported to thee that a certain person speaks ill of thee.  This has been reported; but that thou hast been injured, that has not been reported.  I see that my child is sick.  I do see; but that he is in danger, I do not see.  Thus then always abide by the first appearances, and add nothing thyself from within, and then nothing happens to thee.  Or rather add something like a man who knows everything that happens in the world.

50.  A cucumber is bitter—­Throw it away.—­There are briers in the road—­Turn aside from them.—­This is enough.  Do not add, And why were such things made in the world?  For thou wilt be ridiculed by a man who is acquainted with nature, as thou wouldst be ridiculed by a carpenter and shoemaker if thou didst find fault because thou seest in their workshop shavings and cuttings from the things which they make.  And yet they have places into which they can throw these shavings and