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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Ellis Walker, Epictetus in Poetical Paraphrase 29


XXIX. 

If to please others, studying to be dear
In their kind thoughts, you move beyond your sphere
And look abroad, respect and praise to gain,
And the poor outward trifle call'd a name;
You lose the character you wish to bear,
You lose your station of philosopher.
Let it suffice that such yourself you know,
No matter whether other men think so:
Let it be to yourself, if wise you'd seem;
And 'tis enough, you gain your own esteem. 

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