Fragment XLIII

◄Fragment XLII - Fragment XLIV►

Thrasea[1] was in the habit of saying, "I should rather be put to death today than be banished tomorrow." What then did Rufus[2] say to him? "If you choose that as the heavier misfortune, what a foolish choice to make! But if as the lighter, who has given you the choice? Are you not willing to train yourself to be satisfied with what has been given you?"

◄Fragment XLII - Fragment XLIV►

1 Thrasea Paetus, one of the most conspicuous of the Stoic statesmen, was finally condemned to death in 66 for his criticism of Nero.

2 Musonius was regularly called Rufus by his pupil Epictetus.