When thou art offended at any man's fault, forthwith turn to thyself and reflect in what like manner thou dost err thyself; for example, in thinking that money is a good thing, or pleasure, or a bit of reputation, and the like. For by attending to this thou wilt quickly forget thy anger, if this consideration also is added, that the man is compelled: for what else could he do? or, if thou art able, take away from him the compulsion.
If any have offended against thee, consider first: What is my relation to men, and that we are made for one another... Remember these nine rules, as if thou hadst received them as a gift from the Muses, and begin at last to be a man while thou livest.