Marcus remembers more about Antoninus Pius: he never spoke badly of others. He wasn't easily scared or suspicious. His speech was simple and honest, without fancy words or showing off. He was content with basic things — simple housing, plain bedding, ordinary clothes, basic food, and minimal help. He could work hard and be patient. He ate so little that he could go from morning to evening without needing to step away for bodily needs before his usual time. He was steady and loyal in friendship. When people boldly disagreed with him, he listened well. He was even happy when someone gave him better advice. He was religious but not superstitious. Remember all this about him. When your last hour comes, may it find you ready like he was — with a clear conscience.
Again, how he was no backbiter, nor easily frightened, nor suspicious, and in his language free from all affectation and curiosity: and how easily he would content himself with few things, as lodging, bedding, clothing, and ordinary nourishment, and attendance. How able to endure labour, how patient; able through his spare diet to continue from morning to evening without any necessity of withdrawing before his accustomed hours to the necessities of nature: his uniformity and constancy in matter of friendship. How he would bear with them that with all boldness and liberty opposed his opinions; and even rejoice if any man could better advise him: and lastly, how religious he was without superstition. All these things of him remember, that whensoever thy last hour shall come upon thee, it may find thee, as it did him, ready for it in the possession of a good conscience.