From various poets and comic writers: 'Getting angry at the things that happen to you won't help much. Those things can't feel your anger anyway. You'll just make yourself look foolish to both gods and people. Our lives are harvested like ripe grain—some stalks are still standing while others have fallen. But if the gods neglect me and my children, there must be some reason for it. As long as I have right and justice on my side... Don't grieve with others, don't shake with fear.'
Out of several poets and comics. 'It will but little avail thee, to turn thine anger and indignation upon the things themselves that have fallen across unto thee. For as for them, they are not sensible of it, &c. Thou shalt but make thyself a laughing-stock; both unto the Gods and men, &c. Our life is reaped like a ripe ear of corn; one is yet standing and another is down, &c. But if so be that I and my children be neglected by the gods, there is some reason even for that, &c. As long as right and equity is of my side, &c. Not to lament with them, not to tremble, &c.'