will put a chain upon my leg; but he cannot bind my soul.
No; but he will kill you. Then I will die. If presently, let me go, that
I may presently be freer than himself: but if not till anon, or
to-morrow, I will dine first, or sleep, or do what reason or nature
calls for, as at other times. This, in Gentile philosophy, is the same
with the discourse of St. Paul, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I
am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know
how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed, both to be
full and to be hungry; both to abound and suffer need."

We are in the world like men playing at tables; the chance is not in our
power, but to play it is; and when it is fallen we must manage it as we
can: and let nothing trouble us, but when we do a base action, or speak
like a fool, or think wickedly,--these things God hath put into our
powers; but concerning those things which are wholly in the choice of
another, they cannot fall under our deliberation, and therefore neither
are they fit for our passions. My fear may make me miserable, but it
cannot prevent what another hath in his power and purpose; and
prosperities can only be enjoyed by them who fear not at all to lose
them; since the amazement and passion concerning the future takes off
all the pleasure of the present possession. Therefore, if thou hast lost
thy land, do not also lose thy constancy; and if thou must die a little
sooner, yet do not die impatiently. For no chance is evil to him that is
content: and to a man nothing is miserable unless it be unreasonable. No
man can make another man to be his slave unless he hath first enslaved
himself to life and death, to pleasure or pain, to hope or fear: command
these passions, and you are freer than the Parthian kings.

VII. TO LUCASTA, ON GOING TO THE WARS.

RICHARD LOVELACE.--1618-1658.

Tell me not, sweet, I am unkind,
That from the nunnery
Of thy chaste breast and quiet mind,
To war and arms I fly.

True, a new mistress now I chase,
The first foe in the field;
And with a stronger faith embrace
A sword, a horse, a shield.

Yet this inconstancy is such
As you, too, shall adore,--
I could not love thee, dear, so much,
Lov'd I not honor more.

VIII. ANGLING.

IZAAK WALTON.--1593-1683.

_From_ THE COMPLETE ANGLER.

_Venator._--O my good master, this morning walk has been spent to my