280. on Epicurus: . Oct. ass 
Yes Epicurus, I also desire above all things to 
keep myself from distraction and from uselefs de- 
sires, to retain my freedom, and to consider every 
thing as a man of courage, as a man, as a citizen, 
as a poor and fallible mortal; that the world is in 
continual change, that this life is seated in opinion 
and will quickly pafs away never to return, while 
virtue and happinefs being seated in the soul must 
be eternal like itself. ‘ 
While I was thus speaking, T found myself drawn 
involuntarily to my Portico in the summer house, 
that I might fhow to my visitor the statues of Lu- 
cretius Carus, of Pomponius Atticus, of Horace, and 
of Gafsendi ; but in moving along methought I struck 
my foot upon a stone and fell to the ground, which 
awakened me in trepidation from my _ pleasing 
dream. 
I started up suddenly from my place, and beheld 
with great confusion betore my face, the statue of Epi- 
curusin the nyche where I had fallen asleep. 
As soon as I had recovered myself I went away with 
pleasing alacrity to afsist in the sowing of my tur 
nip. 
Felix ille animi divisque simillimus ipsis 
Quem non mendaci resplendens gloria fuco 
Sollicitat, non fastosi mala gaudia luxus: 
Sed placidos sinit ve dies, et paupere cultu 
Exigit inocu tranquilla silentia vite. 
