Pagina 417 van 734

Furthermore, to the character of Imperfect Self-Control is

opposed that of Self-Control, and to that of Softness that of

Endurance: because Endurance consists in continued resistance but

Self-Control in actual mastery, and continued resistance and

actual mastery are as different as not being conquered is from

conquering; and so Self-Control is more choice-worthy than

Endurance.

Again, he who fails when exposed to those temptations against

which the common run of men hold out, and are well able to do so,

is Soft and Luxurious (Luxury being a kind of Softness): the kind

of man, I mean, to let his robe drag in the dirt to avoid the

trouble of lifting it, and who, aping the sick man, does not

however suppose himself wretched though he is like a wretched

man.