Book 4
12
Wherever you deviate from any of these rules, the damage is immediate; not from anything external, but from the very action itself. What, then; is it possible by these means to be faultless? Impracticable; but this is possible, to use a constant endeavor to be faultless. For we shall have cause to be satisfied, if, by never remitting our pains, we shall be exempt at least from a few faults. But now, when you say you will begin to take pains to-morrow, be assured that it is the same thing as if you said, Today I will be shameless, impertinent, base, it shall be in the power of others to grieve me; I will be passionate, I will be envious to-day. See to how many evils you give yourself up. But all will be well tomorrow. How much better to-day? If it be for your interest to-morrow, how much more to-day, that it may be in your power to-morrow too, and that you may not again deter it until the third day.
Concerning such as are too communicative
