The Enchiridion, Section 33 — In Plain English

Epictetus — The Slave

Don't be eager to attend private readings and performances. But if you do go, stay serious and dignified. Just don't make yourself unpleasant to be around.

When you're about to meet with someone, especially someone who seems more important than you, ask yourself how Socrates or Zeno would handle it. Then you'll know what to do when things come up.

When you're going to see someone powerful, imagine that they might not be home. The doors might be locked. They might ignore you completely. If it's still your duty to go, accept whatever happens. Never tell yourself afterward, "That wasn't worth the trouble." That's petty thinking. It's what people do when they're controlled by things outside themselves.

Epictetus — The Slave Original

Be not prompt or ready to attend private recitations; but if you do attend, preserve your gravity and dignity, and yet avoid making yourself disagreeable.

When you are going to confer with anyone, and especially with one who seems your superior, represent to yourself how Socrates or Zeno would behave in such a case, and you will not be at a loss to meet properly whatever may occur.

When you are going before anyone in power, fancy to yourself that you may not find him at home, that you may be shut out, that the doors may not be opened to you, that he may not notice you. If, with all this, it be your duty to go, bear what happens and never say to yourself, "It was not worth so much"; for this is vulgar, and like a man bewildered by externals.