Discourses - Book IV   

do not wish. Is it His will that I be put to the rack? It is my will
then to die; it is my will then to be put to the rack. Who, then, is
still able to hinder me contrary to my own judgement, or to compel me?
No more than he can hinder or compel Zeus.
Thus the more cautious of travelers also act. A traveler has heard
that the road is infested by robbers; he does not venture to enter
on it alone, but he waits for the companionship on the road either
of an ambassador, or of a quaestor, or of a proconsul, and when he has
attached himself to such persons he goes along the road safely. So
in the world the wise man acts. There are many companies of robbers,
tyrants, storms, difficulties, losses of that which is dearest. "Where
is there any place of refuge? how shall he pass along without being
attacked by robbers? what company shall he wait for that he may pass
along in safety? to whom shall he attach himself? To what person
generally? to the rich man, to the man of consular rank? and what is
the use of that to me? Such a man is stripped himself, groans and
laments. But what if the fellow-companion himself turns against me and
becomes my robber, what shall I do? I will be 'a friend of Caesar':
when I am Caesar's companion no man will wrong me. In the first place,
that I may become illustrious, what things must I endure and suffer?
how often and by how many must I he robbed? Then, if I become Caesar's
friend, he also is mortal. And if Caesar from any circumstance becomes
my enemy, where is it best for me to retire? Into a desert? Well, does
fever not come there? What shall be done then? Is it not possible to
find a safe fellow traveler, a faithful one, strong, secure against
all surprises?" Thus he considers and perceives that if he attaches
himself to God, he will make his journey in safety.
"How do you understand 'attaching yourself to God'?" In this
sense, that whatever God wills, a man also shall will; and what God
does not will, a man shall not will. How, then, shall this he done? In
what other way than by examining the movements of God and his
administration What has He given to me as my own and in my own
power? what has He reserved to Himself? He has given to me the
things which are in the power of the will: He has put them in my power
free from impediment and hindrance. How was He able to make the
earthly body free from hindrance? And accordingly He has subjected
to the revolution of the whole, possessions, household things,
house, children, wife. Why, then, do I fight against God? why do I
will what does not depend on the will? why do I will to have
absolutely what is not granted to ma? But how ought I to will to
have things? In the way in which they are given and as long as they
are given. But He who has given takes away. Why then do I resist? I do
not say that I shall be fool if I use force to one who is stronger,
but I shall first be unjust. For whence had I things when I came
into the world? My father gave them to me. And who gave them to him?
and who made the sun? and who made the fruits of the earth? and who
the seasons? and who made the connection of men with one another and
their fellowship?
Then after receiving everything from another and even yourself,
are you angry and do you blame the Giver if he takes anything from