The Golden Sayings of Epictetus CLV

CLV

First study to conceal what thou art; seek wisdom a little while unto thyself. Thus grows the fruit; first, the seed must be buried in the earth for a little space; there it must be hid and slowly grow, that it may reach maturity. But if it produce the ear before the jointed stalk, it is imperfect—a thing from the garden of Adonis.(17) Such a sorry growth art thou; thou hast blossomed too soon: the winter cold will wither thee away!

(17) Potted plants of forced growth carried in the processions in honor of Adonis.