1. If thou hast assumed a part beyond thy power to play, then thou hast both come to shame in that, and missed one thou couldst have well performed.
1. If you take on a role beyond your abilities, you bring shame on yourself by failing at it. You also miss a role you could have performed well.
2. And some one having inquired, How then, shall each of us perceive what character he befits? Whence, said Epictetus, doth the bull alone, when the lion approacheth, discover his own capacity, and advance to defend the whole herd? It is clear that with the capacity is ever joined the perception of the same, and thus, whoever of us may possess a like capacity will not be ignorant of it. But a bull is not made in a moment, nor is a man of generous spirit; but we must have preparation and winter-training, and not lightly rush upon things that do not concern us.
2. Someone asked, How, then, will each of us recognize what role suits us? Epictetus replied, "How does the bull alone recognize his own strength when the lion approaches? How does he know to step forward and defend the whole herd? Clearly, the ability always comes with an awareness of it. So any of us who possesses a similar ability will know it. But a bull does not develop in a moment, nor does a person of noble spirit. We need preparation and winter training, and must not rush carelessly into things that are not our concern."
Winter training. Roman troops did this training in their winter quarters. They regularly practiced with weapons twice the normal weight. They prepared for active service by marching, running, jumping, and doing similar exercises.