The Enchiridion   

have enjoyed it; and set before you, in opposition to these, how you
will be glad and applaud yourself if you abstain. And even though
it should appear to you a seasonable gratification, take heed that
its enticing, and agreeable and attractive force may not subdue you;
but set in opposition to this how much better it is to be conscious
of having gained so great a victory.
35. When you do anything from a clear judgment that it ought to be
done, never shun the being seen to do it, even though the world should
make a wrong supposition about it; for, if you don't act right, shun
the action itself; but, if you do, why are you afraid of those who
censure you wrongly?
36. As the proposition, "Either it is day or it is night," is extremely
proper for a disjunctive argument, but quite improper in a conjunctive
one, so, at a feast, to choose the largest share is very suitable
to the bodily appetite, but utterly inconsistent with the social spirit
of an entertainment. When you eat with another, then, remember not
only the value of those things which are set before you to the body,
but the value of that behavior which ought to be observed towards
the person who gives the entertainment.
37. If you have assumed any character above your strength, you have
both made an ill figure in that and quitted one which you might have
supported.
38. When walking, you are careful not to step on a nail or turn your
foot; so likewise be careful not to hurt the ruling faculty of your
mind. And, if we were to guard against this in every action, we should
undertake the action with the greater safety.
39. The body is to everyone the measure of the possessions proper
for it, just as the foot is of the shoe. If, therefore, you stop at
this, you will keep the measure; but if you move beyond it, you must
necessarily be carried forward, as down a cliff; as in the case of
a shoe, if you go beyond its fitness to the foot, it comes first to
be gilded, then purple, and then studded with jewels. For to that
which once exceeds a due measure, there is no bound.
40. Women from fourteen years old are flattered with the title of
"mistresses" by the men. Therefore, perceiving that they are regarded
only as qualified to give the men pleasure, they begin to adorn themselves,
and in that to place ill their hopes. We should, therefore, fix our
attention on making them sensible that they are valued for the appearance
of decent, modest and discreet behavior.
41. It is a mark of want of genius to spend much time in things relating
to the body, as to be long in our exercises, in eating and drinking,
and in the discharge of other animal functions. These should be done
incidentally and slightly, and our whole attention be engaged in the
care of the understanding.
42. When any person harms you, or speaks badly of you, remember that
he acts or speaks from a supposition of its being his duty. Now, it
is not possible that he should follow what appears right to you, but
what appears so to himself. Therefore, if he judges from a wrong appearance,
he is the person hurt, since he too is the person deceived. For if
anyone should suppose a true proposition to be false, the proposition