Kitap 2
8
But it will be said: What need of this lofty look, and dignity of face?
8
I answer, that I have not yet so much dignity as the case demands; for I do not yet trust to what I have learned, and accepted. I still fear my own weakness. Let me but take courage a little, and then you shall see such a look, and such an appearance, as I ought to have. Then I will show you the statue when it is finished, when it is polished. Do you think I will show you a supercilious countenance? Heaven forbid! For Olympian Zeus doth not haughtily lift his brow, but keeps a steady countenance, as becomes him who is about to say,— My promise is irrevocable, sure. Iliad, 1.526
8
Such will I show myself to you; faithful, modest, noble, tranquil.
8
What, and immortal too, and exempt from age and sickness?
8
No. But sickening and dying as becomes the divine within me. This is in my power; this I can do. The other is not in my power, nor can I do it. Shall I show you the muscular training of a philosopher?
8
What muscles are those?
8
A will undisappointed, evils avoided, powers duly exerted, careful resolutions, unerring decisions.
8
These you shall see.
That some persons, failing to fulfil what the character of a man implies, assume that of a philosopher.
9
It were no slight attainment, could we merely fulfil what the nature of man implies. For what is man? A rational and mortal being. Well; from what are we distinguished by reason? From wild beasts. From what else? From sheep, and the like.
