The Eight Book

This whole vibe can help you from getting all caught up in yourself; like, if you realize that you’re nowhere near getting praise from someone who’s been living that philosopher life since forever. ‘Cause let’s be real, you’ve done a whole bunch of stuff that doesn’t exactly scream “ideal life.” You’ve gone off track, and now it’s gonna be a struggle to get back on that philosopher status. Plus, your job and what you’re about totally clash with being a philosopher anyway. So like, if you actually get what’s important, don’t stress about your rep or getting props. Just focus on living the way that feels right for you, ya know? Figure out what’s true to your nature, and block out anything that’s distracting you. You’ve already learned that chasing after stuff like fancy reasoning, securing the bag, having a good rep, or indulging in pleasures doesn’t actually lead to happiness in the end. So where’s the happiness at then? It’s in doing what just straight-up feels right for a human. And how do you do that? By having solid beliefs about what’s good or bad, ’cause what you think affects how you act. And what beliefs are those exactly? The ones about what’s good for you, like being fair, disciplined, brave, and generous. And what’s bad for you is the opposite of that.

Yo, before you do anything, real talk – ask yourself this: “How’s this gonna vibe with me after I do it? Will I end up regretting it?” Real ones stay woke – we’re all gonna be dust soon, so why stress about petty stuff? The only thing that matters is keeping it real and doing what’s right for the greater good. Stay true to yourself and let that inner wisdom guide you, just like the universe follows its own laws. Don’t get caught up in all that fake noise, fam.
Fam – who even cares about those ancient dudes like Alexander, Caius¹, and Pompeius?² They were just a bunch of surface-level fools trippin’ on their own hype. Now peep this – true OGs like Diogenes,³ Heraclitus, and Socrates? Those legends saw through all the fake BS and got deep into the real nature of things. They had that inner wisdom on lock and didn’t let nobody control their vibe. But those other clowns? They were straight-up slaves to their own egos and delusions, fam. The more they tripped, the deeper their slavery ran. Stay woke, and don’t get caught up in that superficial nonsense, ya dig?
Listen up! What those clowns did in the past, they’ll keep on doing, even if you trip and hang yourself over it. First off, don’t let that mess get you all twisted, a’ight? Good and bad stuff happens according to the natural flow of the universe, and in a hot minute, everything’s gonna be dust anyway – nobody’s gonna remember the likes of Africanus⁴ or Augustus⁵, feel me? Then peep this: focus on the real deal, look deep into it, and remember you gotta stay a solid dude, true to your nature as a human being. Don’t get sidetracked from doing your thing, just spit what you feel is right, but do it with that chill, humble vibe, none of that fake nonsense, ya dig?
The universe is all about that constant flow, feel me? It’s like, everything’s just moving and changing, one thing becoming another, pieces shifting from here to there. But don’t trip, it’s all good! This cycle is as natural as it gets, so you don’t gotta stress over any new situations popping up. All that happens is just the usual, ordinary vibe of the cosmos doing its thing, keeping that balance and equality on lock. So chill, and let the universe work its magic, fam.
Every individual vibe has its own flow when it’s keeping it real and doing its thing, ya dig? Like, a reasonable nature is straight chillin’ when it ain’t trippin’ over fake thoughts and illusions, feel me? It’s just vibing on the level, focused on the greater good, not stressing over what it can’t control. And most importantly, it’s embracing whatever the universe throws its way, ’cause it’s all part of the same cosmic dance. It’s like a leaf flowing with the plant it’s connected to – they’re both pieces of the same natural puzzle. But here’s the real deal: human nature is part of something bigger that can’t be stopped or controlled. It’s got that inner wisdom and justice on lock, distributing everything equally based on its true worth. So don’t get caught up in comparing details, just peep the bigger picture and how all the pieces vibe together in perfect harmony, ya feel me?
You ain’t got time to be reading all that extra stuff, am I right? But hey, that just means you got time to focus on what really matters – working on yourself and not trippin’ over petty pleasures and pains. It’s all about rising above that superficial noise and keeping your eye on the bigger picture. Don’t even worry about those ungrateful fools – just keep doing you and looking out for their well-being too, you feel me? Stay woke, stay humble, and keep that inner wisdom on lock.

No more complaining about the struggles of living that courtly life, whether it’s out in public or just to yourself. We get it, the struggle is real, but ain’t nobody tryna hear that whiny noise. You gotta keep it real and focus on what really matters, you feel me?

Real talk – repentance is all about that inner reflection and self-critique when you’ve slacked off on something that was actually good for you. And let’s be real, anything that’s good is also gonna be profitable, so a real honest, virtuous person is gonna take that seriously and keep it in mind. But you’ll never catch a real one regretting missing out on some carnal pleasure – that’s just straight-up not good or profitable, fam.

This right here is the real deal – you gotta break down everything that comes your way and really examine it. Like, what’s the true nature of it? What’s it made of? What’s its purpose and how long’s it gonna last? You feel me? Don’t just take things at face value, dig deeper and get to the core of it. That’s how you stay woke and keep it real, you know what I’m sayin’?

When you’re feeling hella sluggish and just can’t seem to get your act together, you gotta remind yourself – this ain’t just about you, it’s about doing what’s best for the whole squad, ya feel me? Like, your true purpose as a human is to look out for the greater good, not just chase after some fleeting pleasures. So don’t even trip about being seen as some wise philosopher, that ship has sailed. The only thing that matters is staying true to yourself and doing what your soul needs, not getting caught up in all that superficial noise. At the end of the day, we’re all just passing through, so why stress about petty stuff? Keep it real, stay woke, and let the haters hate – you do you, fam!

When you’re feeling hella sluggish and just can’t seem to get your act together, you gotta remind yourself – this ain’t just about you, it’s about doing what’s best for the whole squad, ya feel me? Like, your true purpose as a human is to look out for the greater good, not just chase after some fleeting pleasures. So don’t even trip about being seen as some wise philosopher, that ship has sailed. The only thing that matters is staying true to yourself and doing what your soul needs, not getting caught up in all that superficial noise. At the end of the day, we’re all just passing through, so why stress about petty stuff? Keep it real, stay woke, and let the haters hate – you do you, fam!

Yo, listen up fam! When you first meet someone, ask yourself right away: “What’s this person’s take on what’s good or bad, what’s pleasure or pain, what’s honor or dishonor, what’s life or death?” You feel me? It’s no big surprise if someone’s got a certain outlook, so don’t trip when they act accordingly. Remember, it’s like getting mad at a fig tree for bearing figs – the world’s just gonna do its thing, ya dig? Whether you’re talking to the Senate⁶ or just some random person, keep your speech on point and humble, fam. Don’t go all extra and fake with that perfect, proper talk about the world’s vanity and all that – just keep it real and reasonable, you know what I’m sayin’?

It’s all good if you gotta change your mind sometimes, and follow someone who can help you get it right. That’s just as legit as figuring it out on your own from the jump. At the end of the day, you ain’t gotta do anything beyond what your own mind and good judgment can handle, you feel me? So don’t be trippin’ on yourself – just focus on doing what you can, and don’t worry about the rest.

If it was something you did, and it was in your power to do it, would you do it? If it wasn’t, who you gonna blame, the atoms or the gods? ‘Cause either way, that’s some straight-up crazy talk. You can’t be blaming nobody, fam. But if it is in your power, then fix what’s messed up. If it ain’t, why even bother complaining? There’s no point in doing anything unless it’s gonna get you to some real goal, you feel me?

Whatever dies, however and wherever it dies, it ain’t gonna just disappear. It takes another form. It’s gonna stay right here, changing and shifting, and when it breaks down, it’s just gonna go back to its original elements. Those are the same elements that make up the world, and the same ones that make you up too. And when those elements change, they don’t complain about it – so why should you, fam?

Everything that exists was made for a purpose, just like a horse or a vine, ya feel me? So why you trippin’ over that? Even the sun itself would be like “I was made for something, bruh.” And every god’s got its own role to play. So what were we made for then? Just to chill and have a good time? Nah, that ain’t how common sense and reason see it. They ain’t tryna hear that nonsense.

Nature’s got its own endgame, just like everything else, you feel me? It’s all about that beginning and continuation, that constant flow of the universe doing its thing. It ain’t no surprise, it’s just the natural order of things. So don’t even trip about it, fam. It’s all part of that bigger cosmic dance, and we’re just along for the ride.

It’s like tossing up a ball, fam. What’s the difference if it goes up or down? Or if it just hits the ground? It’s the same with a bubble – what’s the point if it just keeps floating around or pops? Even a candle, you feel me? So why you trippin’ over fame or death? That body of yours, that’s just some nasty, withered, old mess. And this whole life, it’s over in a hot minute. The ones who praise you, the ones who remember you, they’ll all be dust too. And the whole world, it’s just one tiny speck in the grand scheme of things, you dig?

Facts – the real deal here is what you gotta focus on. Is it the actual matter itself, or the belief, or the action, or the true meaning and significance behind it all? That’s what you need to be considering, you feel me?

Yo, listen up fam – you brought this on yourself, no doubt about it. But why you trippin’ over it? You could be making moves to get it right, but instead you’d rather wait until tomorrow to be a better person. What’s up with that, bruh? The time is now, you feel me? Quit slackin’ and start puttin’ in that work today.

You gotta ask yourself, “Should I do this thing?” Well, if the answer’s yes, then let’s get it done! And when life throws some adversity your way, just roll with it, you feel me? Keep in mind that everything comes from that higher power, that source of all things. So whatever happens, just know it’s all part of the bigger plan.

Yo, let’s talk about this whole bathing thing, fam. You know how much time we waste on that? It’s just oil, sweat, and straight-up filth, bro – like, the nasty, crusty leftovers from all the ointments and stuff we slather on our bodies. And that’s pretty much how it is with most of our lives, you feel me? Every worldly thing we get caught up in is just as gross and pointless when you really look at it.

Yo, check it – Lucilla⁷ was out here burying Verus,⁸ and then she got buried by others. Same thing happened with Secunda Maximus, then Secunda herself. Epitynchanus, Diotimus,⁹ then Epitynchanus. Antoninus Pius,¹⁰ Faustina his wife, then Antoninus. That’s just how it goes, fam. First Celer, Adrianus, then Adrianus. And those super serious, philosophical types, where they at now? Charax, Demetrius the Platonic, Eudaemon – all those austere dudes, they were just around for a hot minute, then they were gone, forgotten. Some of them didn’t even last a day before they were just straight-up fables. The point is, whatever you’re made of, it’s all gonna get scattered sooner or later. Your life, your soul, it’s either gonna be done or just moved to some other spot. That’s just how the universe rolls, you feel me?

The real joy in life is doing what’s true and proper for a human being. That means being kind and caring towards your fellow humans, ignoring those fleeting pleasures and impulses, and really understanding the nature of the universe and your place in it. There are three main things to focus on: First, the apparent causes and reasons behind what happens in the world. Second, tracing it all back to the original source, God, who’s behind everything that goes down. And third, figuring out how to use that knowledge to help and benefit the people you interact with. At the end of the day, that’s where the real fulfillment is at, fam. Forget about trying to be some wise philosopher – just keep it real and do what your soul needs, you feel me? The only thing that matters is staying true to yourself and looking out for the greater good, not getting caught up in that superficial noise.

Yo fam, let’s talk about this pain thing, a’ight? If you think it’s some evil vibe, then either it’s gotta be about the body – but real talk, the body itself can’t even feel that mess. Or maybe it’s about the soul? But listen up, the soul’s got the power to keep her chill and not let that pain trip get to her, ya dig? ‘Cause at the end of the day, all that judgment and decision-making, all that desire or avoidance, it’s coming from within. And unless you let that evil idea in through your own thoughts, that sense of pain can’t penetrate into your soul, fam. You feel me?

Listen up, it’s time to cut out all that meaningless nonsense and keep it real with yourself, ya dig? Tell yourself this on the regular: “I got the power to keep my soul free from all that wack wickedness, lust, and thirsty cravings. I can stay chill and not let myself get twisted up in drama and confusion. Instead, I’ll peep everything for what it truly is and treat it all according to its real worth.” Remember, nature blessed you with that inner strength to stay woke, so use it, fam!

Whether you’re talking to the Senate or just some random person, keep your speech on point and humble, you know what I’m sayin’? Don’t go all extra and fake with that perfect, proper talk about the world’s vanity and all that – just keep it real and reasonable, you feel me?

Let me break it down for you – all those big shots like Augustus, his whole crew, his wife, kids, nephews, in-laws, even his sister and homies like Agrippa and Maecenas – they were living large back then, right? But peep this: they all ended up biting the dust, just like everyone else. Same deal with all the other royal fam-squads after Augustus’ time, no matter how blinged out they were when they were alive. Death don’t discriminate, ya dig? Then you got whole bloodlines like the Pompeys wiped out, with some gravestones straight-up saying “THE LAST OF THEIR LINEAGE” – can you even imagine? All that stress their ancestors went through, trying to keep the family name going, and boom – it’s a wrap. At the end of the day, somebody’s gotta be the last one standing in every fam. So don’t get too caught up in all that royal hype, ’cause we all end up as dust eventually, fam

Let me break it down for you – focus on doing what you can to the fullest in each moment, feel me? Don’t stress about the extra stuff you can’t control. If some obstacle pops up, just roll with it and embrace the new vibe. It’s all part of the same cosmic dance, so stay chill and let the universe guide you. As long as you’re keeping it real and doing your thing with integrity, nothing can truly hold you back, ya dig?

Here’s the deal – don’t get too attached to all that material stuff, ya feel me? Just roll with the punches and embrace whatever vibe the universe throws your way. If some blessings come through, enjoy ’em while they last, but don’t get too caught up. And if they get taken away, just let ’em go without trippin’. It’s all part of the cosmic dance, so stay chill and keep your inner peace, no matter what happens on the surface level, you dig?

If you ever saw a hand, foot, or head just chillin’ on its own, cut off from the rest of the body, that’s how you gotta picture someone who’s trippin’ over some petty stuff that happened. They’re basically cuttin’ themselves off from the bigger picture, ya dig? Same goes for anyone actin’ against that whole “we’re all in this together” vibe, or just bein’ straight-up uncharitable. Whoever you are, you’re that fool who got booted out of the natural order of things. You were born as part of the squad, but now you’ve gone rogue, fam. But here’s the real deal – you can always get back in the game! The universe don’t play like that with any other part – once it’s cut off, it can’t rejoin. But check how dope that higher power is, puttin’ so much love on us humans! We were made to stay united from the jump, but even if we stray, the universe has our backs to come back and reclaim our rightful place in the crew, just like before. That’s that real cosmic love right there, you feel me?

The universe is one dope mama, ya feel me? She’s all about that cosmic flow, bringing everything back to her no matter how much it tries to resist. It’s like, even if you’re out here trippin’ and going against the grain, she’ll still find a way to loop you back in and make you part of the bigger picture, whether you like it or not. So every obstacle or setback you face in this life, just embrace it as a chance to level up and stay true to your higher purpose. The universe got your back, fam – she wants you to use those challenges as stepping stones to reach your full potential and tap into that natural state of happiness and fulfillment. It’s all part of the grand design, so roll with the punches and let the cosmic vibes guide you, ya dig?

Don’t let the whole “life is tough” vibe get you down, feel me? Don’t go trippin’ and stressing over all the potential problems and struggles that could pop up. Instead, when some real mess hits the fan, take a step back and ask yourself: “What’s the actual issue here that’s buggin’ me out?” You’ll realize it ain’t even worth sweatin’ over. And don’t get caught up dwelling on the past or worrying about the future – that’s just a waste of energy, bruh. Focus on the present moment and keep your chill. If something’s really testing your patience, take a deep breath and remind yourself it’s only temporary. You got the inner strength to power through, fam. Just stay woke and don’t let the small stuff shake you.

You don’t see Panthea and Pergamus chillin by their master’s graves. or Chabrias and Diotimus posted up at Adrianus’ tomb. What’s the point, bruh? You think their masters can even sense they’re there? And even if they could, why would they care? It’s not like they’re immortal or anything. At the end of the day, everyone’s gotta get old and bite the dust. When you really think about it, what is this whole life thing but a big ol’ bag of blood and nasty corruption? We’re all just dust in the wind, fam. Don’t get too caught up in that superficial nonsense.

If you’re all about that quick-thinking vibe, make sure you’re keeping it real with your judgment and decision-making skills too, ya dig? Don’t just be trippin’ off impulse, fam. Stay woke and use that discretion, feel me?

When it comes to the whole deal with humans, I ain’t seein’ no virtue that goes against being a real one, ya dig? But there is one thing that can help you resist all that fake pleasure and thirsty cravings: self-control. That’s the real MVP right there, keepin’ you woke and not gettin’ caught up in all that superficial nonsense. Stay disciplined and keep your eye on the prize, fam!

If you can just let go of all that ego and judgment about what seems messed up or offensive, you’ll be straight chillin’, feel me? Your true self, that’s your inner wisdom, it’s safe and secure. But if you’re like “Nah, I ain’t my wisdom” – a’ight, bet. Just don’t let that part of you get twisted up in negativity and sadness, ya dig? And if some other part is buggin’ out, let that fool deal with its own issues. The real you? That’s untouchable, fam. Stay woke!

Anything that’s holding you back or keeping you from living your best life, that’s the real enemy, ya feel me? Whether it’s messing with your senses, your desires, or even your mind and understanding, that’s some straight-up evil vibes right there. But listen up, you got the power to rise above all that nonsense! When pain or pleasure tries to get a grip on you, just let your senses handle that mess, don’t let it consume your whole vibe. If you hit a roadblock while chasing your goals, don’t sweat it – your rational side can’t be stopped by any obstacle or hater, ya dig? Nothing can penetrate that inner wisdom and strength you got locked down. It ain’t about some fire, iron, tyrant, or trolls talking smack – none of that superficial stuff can truly affect your soul if you stay woke. Just focus on keeping your mind right, embracing that inner peace and integrity. Let that fountain of positivity flow freely, and don’t let any dirt or negativity contaminate your pure essence, fam. Keep rising above and shining your light on the world!

If something is solid and unchanging, it will never switch up.

Why should I stress myself out when I’ve never intentionally caused harm to anyone else? Different things bring joy to different people. For me, what makes me happy is if I can think clearly and not have any negativity towards anyone or reject anything that comes my way as a normal human experience; if I can approach everything in life with a calm and positive attitude; be open-minded and deal with everything based on its true value.

Bruh, like, focus on living in the moment and loving yourself. Don’t stress about trying to impress future generations who might be just as annoying as the people you deal with now. Like, who cares if people have different opinions about you in the future? Just do you and be happy with yourself, fam.

Take me and do whatever you want with me: I don’t care. Because wherever you put me, I’ll still have that inner vibe that’s on my side; I’ll be totally chill and happy with both my overall mindset and the stuff I do that matches my true self.

Is this really worth it? Should I really be putting myself through this and end up feeling even worse than before? Feeling all down, messed up, or just completely overwhelmed and scared? What’s so great about it that you think it’s worth all that?

Nah bruh, nothing bad can happen to you that isn’t just part of being human. It’s like how things also happen to animals and plants in their own way. So, if everything that happens is normal and natural, why you so upset? Our common nature wouldn’t give us anything we can’t handle, bro. If you’re feeling down because of something external, remember it’s really just your thoughts and feelings about it causing the grief, and you can change that mindset. And if it’s your own behavior that’s bothering you, why not change your morals and beliefs? If you’re sad because you’re not doing what you think is right, why not just do it instead of stressing? If something’s stopping you, don’t beat yourself up about it. It’s not your fault. And even if, like, your life ain’t worth it unless you achieve your goal, as long as you’re kind to others, you can peace out. Killing it in life means going out with love for those who got in your way.

Remember like, your mind is like totally unstoppable when it’s like all focused and not letting outside stuff get to it. Like, even if it doesn’t make logical sense, it still stays strong. And if you can think things through with reason, that’s even better. So, keep your mind chill and not all emotional. No one can mess with a mind like that. If you don’t get it, you’re clueless. If you get it but don’t practice it, you’re not gonna be happy.

Keep it simple, don’t overthink things. If someone talks smack about you, don’t let it get to you. Just focus on what’s actually happening, not what you think might happen. If my kid is sick, that’s the fact, but thinking they might be in danger is just adding unnecessary stress. Stick to the facts and don’t let your thoughts run wild. Or better yet, look at things with a clear understanding of how the world works.

Is the cucumber nasty? Get rid of it. Brambles blocking the way? Sidestep. That’s enough. Don’t ask yourself, what’s the point of all this in the world? Because someone who knows nature’s secrets will just laugh at you; like a carpenter or a shoemaker would, if you went into their shops and complained about sawdust or leftover materials. Even though those guys aren’t keeping that stuff around just because they have nowhere else to put it; but the universe doesn’t have an outside place like that; that’s the brilliance of its craftsmanship, that it can transform anything within itself, even if it seems bad or useless, into something new. It doesn’t need to look elsewhere for more material or a dumping ground for what’s totally rotten. So, the universe is self-sufficient in terms of location, resources, and creativity.

Don’t be lazy and careless; or reckless, and rebellious in your actions; nor argumentative, and irritating in your conversation; nor to wander and daydream in your thoughts and imaginations. Not to degrade your soul; nor aggressively to express it, or passionately to unleash it, nor ever to lack purpose.

‘They’re killing me, cutting me up; they’re harassing me with their curses.’ So what? Can you still stay true, wise, chill, and fair through all of this? Like, imagine being a fountain pouring out sweet and clear water – even if someone talks smack about you, your flow stays pure and clean. Even if someone tries to mess it up, it doesn’t affect you. So, how can you become more like a fountain and less like a well? Put in the effort to free yourself with love, honesty, and humility.

What do you think of someone who cares so much about getting attention and praise from others, even though they have no clue about their own purpose or the world around them? Do you really want to impress someone who is so lost and unhappy with themselves? It’s like, why would you seek approval from someone who can’t even find joy within themselves and is always regretting their actions?

Bro, not just now but forever, we should vibe with the same air around us, and also vibe mentally with the universal energy that surrounds everything. This energy is everywhere and flows through everything, just like air does.

Bad stuff in general doesn’t really harm the world. Specific bad stuff doesn’t actually harm anyone else, just the person doing it. And they have the power to stop whenever they want. As for me, I’m not affected by what my neighbor does. Even though we’re all connected, we each have our own thoughts and boundaries. Otherwise, someone else’s bad actions could affect me, and that’s not what God wants. Only my own actions have the power to make me unhappy.

The sun looks like it’s shining brightly. It’s spreading out but not overflowing. The rays are called beams because they stretch out. You can see what a sunbeam is by watching the sunlight come through a small hole into a dark room. It moves in a straight line. When it hits a solid object, it gets blocked but stays there. The mind should be like this, not overflowing but stretching out. It shouldn’t forcefully push through obstacles or fall down, but should stand tall and provide light where it’s welcomed. If something doesn’t accept the light, it’s missing out.

He who’s scared of dying is either scared of not feeling anything anymore, or that his feelings will be different. But he should just realize that either he won’t feel anything at all, which means there’s no feeling of pain; or if he does feel something, then it’s just another life, not really death.

All dudes are like meant to vibe together: so like, either like help them improve, or just like be cool with them.

Dude, like, your thoughts don’t always go in a straight line, ya know? When your mind is being careful and cautious, and thinking through things from different angles, it’s still making progress towards its goal, even though it might not seem like it at first glance.

To like, share, and get into everyone’s mindset that you’re dealing with: and also to be open and relatable to anyone else.

Caius Claudius Maximus (fl. 2nd century AD), a Roman politician, a Stoic philosopher and a teacher of Marcus Aurelius. No works by him are known to exist.[↩]
Pompeius, C. Pompeius Magnus (106-48 B.C.), a very successful general at the end of the Roman Republic.[↩]
Diogenes the Cynic or Diogenes of Sinope (412 or 404 – 323 BC) was a Greek philosopher and one of the founders of Cynicism.[↩]
Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus (236/235 - 183 BC) was a Roman general and statesman, most notable as one of the main architects of Rome’s victory against Carthage in the Second Punic War.[↩]
Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus (27BC – 14 AD) was the first Roman Emperor that ruled from 31 B.C. until his death in 14 AD. Julius Caesar was his maternal great-uncle, assassinated in 44 BC. [↩]
The Roman Senate was the highest and constituting assembly of ancient Rome and its aristocracy[↩]
Annia Aurelia Galeria Lucilla or Lucilla (148/150 – 182 AD) was the second daughter of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.[↩]
Lucius Verus (161 – 169 AD) Lucilla’s son, named after his father Lucius Verus.[↩]
Diotimus was a Stoic philosopher, who lived circa 100 BC.[↩]
Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius (86 – 161 AD) was a Roman emperor from AD 138 to 161. He was the fourth of the Five Good Emperors from the Nerva–Antonine dynasty.[↩]