Golden Sayings   

Has a man been raised to tribuneship? Every one that he
meets congratulates him. One kisses him on the eyes, another on
the neck, while the slaves kiss his hands. He goes home to find
torches burning; he ascends to the Capitol to sacrifice.-- Who
ever sacrificed for having had right desires; for having
conceived such inclinations as Nature would have him? In truth we
thank the Gods for that wherein we place our happiness.

XLIII

A man was talking to me to-day about the priesthood of
Augustus. I said to him, "Let the thing go, my good Sir; you will
spend a good deal to no purpose."
"Well, but my name will be inserted in all documents and
contracts."
"Will you be standing there to tell those that read them,
That is my name written there? And even if you could now be there
in every case, what will you do when you are dead?"
"At all events my name will remain."
"Inscribe it on a stone and it will remain just as well. And
think, beyond Nicopolis what memory of you will there be?"
"But I shall have a golden wreath to wear."
"If you must have a wreath, get a wreath of roses and put it
on; you will look more elegant!"

XLIV

Above all, remember that the door stands open. Be not more
fearful than children; but as they, when they weary of the game,
cry, "I will play no more," even so, when thou art in the like
case, cry, "I will play no more" and depart. But if thou stayest,
make no lamentation.

XLV

Is there smoke in the room? If it be slight, I remain; if
grievous, I quit it. For you must remember this and hold it fast,
that the door stands open.
"You shall not dwell at Nicopolis!"
Well and good.
"Nor at Athens."
Then I will not dwell at Athens either.
"Nor at Rome."
Nor at Rome either.
"You shall dwell in Gyara!"
Well: but to dwell in Gyara seems to me like a grievous
smoke; I depart to a place where none can forbid me to dwell:
that habitation is open unto all! As for the last garment of all,
that is the poor body; beyond that, none can do aught unto me.