This text is part of: Table of Contents: The Discourses of
Epictetus Of the varied appearances of things to the mind, and
what means are at hand by which to regulate them. That some
persons, failing to fulfil what the character of a man implies,
assume that of a philosopher. 1 The Spartans, to make a trial of
the fortitude of their children, used to have them publicly
whipped at the altar of Artemis; and often with so much severity
that they expired. The boys supported this exercise with so much
constancy as never to cry out, nor even groan. - C. 3 An
allusion to the purple border which distinguished the dress of
the Roman nobility. - C. 4 “Helvidius Priscus was no less
remarkable for his learning and philosophy than for the sanctity
of his manners and the love of his country. He behaved, however,
with too much haughtiness on several occasions, to Vespasian,
who sentenced him to death with great reluctance, and even
forbade the execution when it was too late.” Sueton. in Vesp.
15.-C. 5 Bato was a famous maste