Fray Luis and Neo-Stoicism

“For, in truth, what is in the body powerful enough to put at peace the one who is ruled by such a reason and will? Perhaps the desire for the goods of this life will worry him or the fear of its evils break his rest? Will he change on account of an ambition for honor or love of riches, or come out of himself brought on by an enthusiasm for poisonous delights? How will poverty perturb him who only desires a short passage through this life? How will the hunger for high dignities and honors unquiet him who tramples upon all that is valued on the earth? How could adversity, contradiction, different changes, and blows of fortunes put a dent in him who has all his goods secure in himself?”
“Neither does good worry him, nor evil frighten him, nor does happiness puff him up, nor fear makes him shirk back, nor do promises lead him on or threats unsettle him, nor is he one that either prosperous or adverse circumstances can change. If he loses his property, he is glad as free from a heavy weight. If he lacks friends, he has God in his soul, Whom he embraces continually. If hatred or envy set other people’s heart against him, since he knows they cannot take away his good, he fears them not. He is staid amidst change and secure in frightening times. When everything around him goes to ruin he remains firmer still and as that great eloquent man said, ‘he shines in the darkness and is not moved from his place’” (Cicero, Pro Publio Sestio Oratio, LX).

(From On the Names of Christ by Fray Luis de León, Book II: Prince of Peace)