Short Fragments and Testimonia from Known Works 77
when that long-awaited moment comes, he says one must make one's
exit. He instructs the man considering escape not to be negligent, and
expresses the hope that there is a salutary escape, even from the most
difficult situations, providing we neither hasten before the right time nor
hold back when the time has come.
Plutarch Against Colotes 1127de (134 U) [I-43]
(1127d) Again, I think, in writing to Idomeneus he urges him not to
live as a slave to laws and opinions, as long as they do not occasion
troubles caused by a blow from one's neighbour. So if those who abolish
laws and political institutions abolish human life, (1127de) then this is
what Epicurus and Metrodorus do; for they urge their adherents to avoid
public life and express disgust for those who participate in it, abusing
the earliest and wisest lawgivers and urging contempt for the laws, provid-
ing there is no fear of beatings and punishment.
A Deathbed Letter (from Philodemus,
Pragmateiai 31 Diano; 177 U, 78 A)
[I-44]"As I write this, it is the seventh day that I have been unable to urinate
and have had pains of the kind which lead to death. So, if anything
should happen, take care of Metrodorus' children for four or five years,
spending no more on them than you now spend on me in a year."
Stobaeus Anthology 3.17.23 (vol. 3 p. 495
W-H; 135 U, 53 A)
[I-45]"If you wish to make Pythocles wealthy, do not give him more money;
rather, reduce his desires."
Plutarch Against Colotes 1117e (130 U, 54 A) [I-46]
"So send us some offerings for the care of our sacred body, on your
own behalf and that of the children. For so it occurs to me to say to you."
Seneca Letters on Ethics 21.3 (132 U, 55 A) [I-47]
"If you are affected by glory, my letters will make you more famous
than all those things which you cherish and because of which you are cher-
ished."