Instead of doing all this, why don't you gather up what little time you have left and keep it peaceful — for others and for yourself? Why don't you make yourself loved by everyone while you're alive, and missed by everyone when you die? Why do you want to crush that man's arrogance just because he talks down to you? Why do you work so hard to destroy that other person who snaps and snarls at you — a low, worthless person, but still spiteful and nasty to those above him? Master, why are you angry with your slave? Slave, why are you angry with your master?
Instead of acting thus, why do you not rather draw together what there is of your short life, and keep it peaceful for others and for yourself? why do you not rather make yourself beloved by every one while you live, and regretted by every one when you die? Why do you wish to tame that man’s pride, because he takes too lofty a tone with you? why do you try with all your might to crush that other who snaps and snarls at you, a low and contemptible wretch, but spiteful and offensive to his betters? Master, why are you angry with your slave? Slave, why are you angry with your master?