WHAT is by nature free, cannot be disturbed or restrained by anything but itself. But its own principles disturb it. Thus, when the tyrant says to anyone: “I will chain your leg”: he who values his leg, cries out for pity: while he who sets the value on his own will and choice, says: “If you imagine it for your interest, chain it." — "What! do not you care?" — No; I do not care. — "I will show you that I am master." — You? How should you? God has set me free. What! do you think He would suffer His own son to be enslaved? You are master of my carcase. Take it. — “So that when you come into my presence, you pay no regard to me?” — No; but to myself.
EPICTETUS. DISCOURSES. Book i. §19. ¶2
