Miscellanies in Prose and Verse

It must, therefore, be admitted that this perfect man, who was full of human and divine virtues, lost nothing. His goods were surrounded with solid and insurmountable fortifications. You must not compare with these the walls of Babylon, which Alexander entered; nor the walls of Carthage or Numantia, which were captured by one hand; nor the capitol, or the citadel; for these possess a mark of hostility. But the walls which defend the wise man are safe from flames and incursion; they afford no entrance, are unconquerable, and so lofty, that they reach even to the gods.

Nor must it be said that such a wise man as this is nowhere to be found; since Stilpo, and many other illustrious instances that might be adduced from history, sufficiently prove that this is no vain ornament of human wit. Such a character is indeed rare, and is only to be found at great intervals of ages; for that which surpasses the accustomed and vulgar mode is not frequently produced. In short, that which injures ought to be more powerful than that which is injured; but vice is not stronger than virtue. The wise man therefore cannot be injured. An injury cannot be attempted against the good except by the bad; for among the good there is peace. But if only he who is more infirm can be injured, and the bad man is more infirm than the good, and an injury