Epictetus · The Handbook
Chapter 11
Never say about anything, “I have lost it,” but “I have given it back.” Has your child died? It was given back. Has your wife died? She was given back. “My land was taken.” Then that too was given back. “But the one who took it is a bad man.” What is it to you through whom the giver asked for its return? For as long as he gives it, take care of it as something that belongs to another – the way travelers treat an inn.
μηδέποτε ἐπὶ μηδενὸς εἴπῃς ὅτι «ἀπώλεσα αὐτό,» ἀλλ’ ὅτι «ἀπέδωκα.» τὸ παιδίον ἀπέθανεν; ἀπεδόθη. ἡ γυνὴ ἀπέθανεν; ἀπεδόθη. «τὸ χωρίον ἀφῃρέθην.» οὐκοῦν καὶ τοῦτο ἀπεδόθη. «ἀλλὰ κακὸς ὁ ἀφελόμενος.» τί δὲ σοὶ μέλει, διὰ τίνος σε ὁ δοὺς ἀπῄτησε; μέχρι δ’ ἂν διδῷ, ὡς ἀλλοτρίου αὐτοῦ ἐπιμελοῦ, ὡς τοῦ πανδοκείου οἱ παριόντες.