The Fourth Book : Essays and Discourses 133 



LVIII 



That men are apt to find fault with each other's actions ; 

 believing they prove themselves wise in finding fault with 



their neighbours. 



LIX 



That a wise man will draw several occasions to the point 

 of his design, as a burning glass doth the several beams of the 

 sun. 



LX 



That although actions may be prudently designed, and 

 valiantly performed ; yet none can warrant the issue ; for 

 Fortune is more powerful than prudence, and had Caesar not 

 been fortunate, his valour and prudence would never have 

 gained him so much applause. 



LXI 



That ill fortune makes wise and honest men seem fools and 

 knaves ; but good fortune makes fools and knaves seem wise 

 and honest men. 



LXII 



That ill fortune doth oftener succeed good, than good fortune 

 succeeds ill ; for those that have ill fortune do not so easily 

 recover it, as those that have good fortune are apt to lose it. 



LXIII 



That he had observed, that seldom any person did laugh, 

 but it was at the follies or misfortunes of other men ; by 

 which we may judge of their good natures. 



LXIV 



I have heard my Lord say, that when he was in banishment, 

 he had nothing left him but a clear conscience, by which he 



