174 Bacon 



Another precept is, that which Aristotle mentioneth 

 by the way, which is to bear ever towards the contrary 

 extreme of that whereunto we are by nature inclined; 

 like unto the rowing against the stream, or making a 

 wand straight by bending 1 him contrary to his natural 

 crookedness. 2 



Another precept is, that the mind is brought to anything 

 better, and with more sweetness and happiness, if that 

 whereunto you pretend be not first in the intention, but 

 tanquam aliud agendo, because of the natural hatred of 

 the mind against necessity and constraint. Many other 

 axioms there are touching the managing of exercise and 

 custom; which being so conducted doth prove indeed 

 another nature; but being governed by chance doth 

 commonly prove but an ape of nature, and bringing forth 

 that which is lame and counterfeit. 



So if we should handle books and studies, and what 

 influence and operation they have upon manners, are 

 there not divers precepts of great caution and direction 

 appertaining thereunto ? Did not one of the fathers 3 in 

 great indignation call poesy, vinum dcemonum, because it 

 increaseth temptations, perturbations, and vain opinions? 

 Is not the opinion of Aristotle worthy to be regarded, 

 wherein he saith, That young men are no fit auditors of moral 

 philosophy, because they are not settled from the boiling heat 

 of their affections, nor attempered with time and experience ? 4 

 And doth it not hereof come, that those excellent books 

 and discourses of the ancient writers, (whereby they have 

 persuaded unto virtue most effectually, by representing 

 her in state and majesty, and popular opinions against 

 virtue in their parasites coats fit to be scorned and derided,) 

 are of so little effect towards honesty of life, because they 

 are not read and revolved by men in their mature and 

 settled years, but confined almost to boys and beginners ? 

 But is it not true also, that much less young men are fit 

 auditors of matters of policy, till they have been thoroughly 

 seasoned in religion and morality; lest their judgments be 

 corrupted, and made apt to think that there are no true 



1 Editions 1605 and 1624 have binding. 



* Eth. Nic. ii. 9, 5. 



3 Probably St. Augustine. 



*Eth. Nic. i. 3, 5. 



