For nought is done on earth apart from thee, Nor in thy vault of heaven, nor in the sea; Save for the reckless deeds of sinful men Whose own hearts lead them to perversity. 17 But skill to make the crookèd straight is thine, To turn disorder to a fair design; Ungracious things are gracious in thy sight, For ill and good thy power doth so combine 20 That out of all appears in unity Eternal Reason, which the wicked flee And disregard, who long for happiness, Yet God’s great Law can neither hear nor see; 24 Ill-fated folk! for would they but obey With understanding heart, from day to day Their life were full of blessing, but they turn Each to his sin, by folly led astray. 26 Glory would some thro’ bitter strife attain And some are eager after lawless gain; Some lust for sensual delights, but each Finds that too soon his pleasure turns to pain. 31 But, Zeus all-bountiful! the thunder-flame And the dark cloud thy majesty proclaim: From ignorance deliver us, that leads The sons of men to sorrow and to shame. 33 Wherefore dispel it, Father, from the soul And grant that Wisdom may our life control, Wisdom which teaches thee to guide the world Upon the path of justice to its goal. 35 So winning honour thee shall we requite With honour, lauding still thy works of might; Since gods nor men find worthier meed than this— The universal Law to praise aright. 39 _Translated by W. H. Porter._ =98.= Another short poem of Cleanthes identifies Zeus with fate, and points the same moral as to human duty: Lead me, O Zeus, and lead me, Destiny, What way soe’er ye have appointed me! I follow unafraid: yea, though the will Turn recreant, I needs must follow still[61]. In other poems characteristic Stoic doctrines are set forth with clearness and emphasis: ‘Look not at common opinion, and be not eager to be wise of a sudden; fear not the chatter of the many, in which there is no judgment and no modesty; for the crowd does not possess shrewd just and fair judgment, but amongst the few you may perchance find this[62].’ ‘Do you ask me of what kind the good is? Listen then. It is orderly, just, innocent, pious, self-controlled, useful, fair, necessary, severe, upright, always of advantage; fearless, painless, profitable, without smart; helpful, pleasing, sure, friendly, honourable, consistent; noble, not puffed up, painstaking, comforting, full of energy, biding its time, blameless, unchanging[63].’ ‘He who abstains from some disgraceful action yet all the while has desire for it, will some day do it, when he gets opportunity[64].’