17. Remember that you are an actor in a drama, of such a kind as the author pleases to make it.
If short, of a short one; if long, of a long one.
If it is his pleasure you should act a poor man, a cripple, a governor, or a private person, see that you act it naturally.
For this is your business, to act well the character assigned you; to choose it is another's.
Book: Handbook
Subtitle: The ancient summary of Epictetus's teachings and philosophy
Author: Epictetus
Chapter: Chapter Seventeen (Chapter 17 of 53)
Sections in this chapter:
Section 1:
17. Remember that you are an actor in a drama, of such a kind as the author pleases to make it.
If short, of a short one; if long, of a long one.
If it is his pleasure you should act a poor man, a cripple, a governor, or a private person, see that you act it naturally.
For this is your business, to act well the character assigned you; to choose it is another's.