Translated by W. H. Porter.
98. Another short poem of Cleanthes identifies Zeus with fate, and points the same moral as to human duty:
Lead me, O Zeus, and lead me, Destiny,
What way soe’er ye have appointed me!
I follow unafraid: yea, though the will
Turn recreant, I needs must follow still[61].
In other poems characteristic Stoic doctrines are set forth with clearness and emphasis:
‘Look not at common opinion, and be not eager to be wise of a sudden; fear not the chatter of the many, in which there is no judgment and no modesty; for the crowd does not possess shrewd just and fair judgment, but amongst the few you may perchance find this[62].’
‘Do you ask me of what kind the good is? Listen then. It is orderly, just, innocent, pious, self-controlled, useful, fair, necessary, severe, upright, always of advantage; fearless, painless, profitable, without smart; helpful, pleasing, sure, friendly, honourable, consistent; noble, not puffed up, painstaking, comforting, full of energy, biding its time, blameless, unchanging[63].’
‘He who abstains from some disgraceful action yet all the while has desire for it, will some day do it, when he gets opportunity[64].’