All the Works of Epictetus · 62 of 100

Book III, Chapter 4

1.When the Governor of Epirus had exerted himself indecently, in favour of a Comedian, and was, upon that Account, publicly railed at; and, when he came to hear it, was highly displeased with those who railed at him: Why: what Harm, says Epictetus, have these People done? They have favoured a Player; which is just what you did.

Is this a proper Manner then, of expressing their Favour?

Seeing you, their Governor, and the Friend and Vicegerent of Cæsar, express it thus, was it not to be expected, that they would express it thus too? For, if it is not right to express Favour, in this Manner, to a Player, be not guilty of it yourself; and, if it is, why are you angry at them, for imitating you? For whom have the Many to imitate, but you, their Superiors? From whom are they to take Example, when they come into the Theatre, but from you? “Do but look how Cæsar ‘ s Vicegerent sees the Play? Hath he cried out? I will cry out too. Hath he leaped up from his Seat? I too will leap up from mine. Do his Slaves sit in different Parts of the House, making an Uproar? I indeed have no Slaves; but I will make as much Uproar as I can myself, instead of ever so many.”

2.You ought to consider then, that when you appear in the Theatre, you appear as a Rule and Example to others, how they ought to see the Play. Why is it, that they have railed at you? Because every Man hates what hinders him. They would have one Actor crowned; you, another. They hindered you; and you, them. You proved the stronger. They have done what they could: they have railed at the Person who hindered them. What would you have then? Would you do as you please, and not have them even talk as they please? Where is the Wonder of all this? Doth not the Husbandman rail at Jupiter, when he is hindered by him? Doth not the Sailor? Do Men ever cease railing at Cæsar? What then, is Jupiter ignorant of this? Are not the Things that are said, reported to Cæsar? How then doth he act? He knows, that, if he was to punish all Railers, he would have nobody left to command.

3.When you enter the Theatre then, ought you to say, “Come, let Sophron be crowned?” No. But, “Come, let me preserve my Choice, in a Manner conformable to Nature, upon this Occasion. No one is dearer to me than myself. It is ridiculous then, that, because another Man gains the Victory as a Player, I should be hurt. Whom do I wish to gain the Victory? Him who doth gain it; and thus he will always be victorious, whom I wish to be so.” —— But I would have Sophron crowned. —— Why, celebrate as many Games as you will, at your own House; Nemean, Pythian, Isthmian, Olympic, and proclaim him Victor in all: but, in public, do not arrogate more than your Due, nor seize to yourself what lies in common; otherwise, bear to be railed at: for, if you act like the Mob, you reduce yourself to an Equality with them.