Three sources of grief — three answers. A systematic analysis of λύπη (grief) by its source. (1) Pained by the external? — Then DOGMA"it is not that but your judgment about it (τὸ σὸν κρῖμα) that troubles you", and the judgment EXERCISE"you can wipe out (ἐξαλεῖψαι) — now" (cf. 4.7; 8.40). (2) Pained by your own disposition (διάθεσις)? — Who prevents you from "correcting the doctrine" (διορθῶσαι τὸ δόγμα)? (3) Pained that you are not doing a good deed? — "Then act rather than grieve" (μᾶλλον ἐνέργει ἢ λυποῦ).

The dead end — and the fitting exit. The dialogue reaches its limit: "— But something stronger stands in the way. — Then do not grieve: the cause of the inaction is not in you (οὐ παρὰ σέ)" — you did what you could, the rest is not yours. "— But it is not worth living if this is undone. — MOTIFThen depart from life good-naturedly (εὐμενής), as one who dies in action — and 'gracious to what stood in the way' (ἵλεως τοῖς ἐνισταμένοις)." Even the last exit (death) is furnished without rancour: neither at the obstacle nor at life. An echo of "the smoke, and I depart" (5.29) and of the soldier awaiting the recall (3.5). There are no term-lemmata in the text. The governing discipline is assent (to remove the judgment), the sustaining one desire (to act, or to depart without vexation).