52. Three Prayers to Keep Close

The Enchiridion ends not with an argument but with three short prayers, kept close at all times. Epictetus hands you the last tools and closes the handbook.

Keep these sayings ready on every occasion:

Lead me on, O Zeus, and you, O Destiny, wherever your decrees have fixed my place. I follow cheerfully. Were I unwilling, wretched and wicked, I would follow still.

(attributed to Cleanthes)

Whoever rightly yields to Fate is counted wise among us, and knows the laws of heaven.

(attributed to Euripides)

Crito, if it pleases the gods, let it be so. Anytus and Meletus can kill me, but they cannot hurt me.

(spoken by Socrates)

What this means. When the wind is high, you will not have time to build an argument. You will have time only for a line you already know by heart. Learn a few. Keep them close.