Epictetus received his visitor coolly, not believing in his sincerity.

"You will only criticise my style," said he; "not really wishing to learn principles."-- "Well, but," said the orator, "if I attend to that sort of thing; I shall be a mere pauper, like you, with no plate, nor equipage, nor land."-- "I don't WANT such things," replied Epictetus; "and besides, you are poorer than I am, after all.

Patron or no patron, what care I?
You DO care.

I am richer than you.

I don't care what Caesar thinks of me.