212 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING. [XXIl.13. 
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 throughly seasoned in religion and 
morality; lest their judgements be corrupted, and made 
apt to think that there are no true differences of things, 
but according to utility and fortune, as the verse de- 
scribes it, Prosperum et felix scelus virtus vocatur; and 
again, J//le crucem pretium sceleris tulit, htc diadema: which 
the poets do speak satirically, and in indignation on 
virtue’s behalf; but books of policy do speak it seriously 
and positively; for so it pleaseth Machiavel to say, Zhat 
if Casar had been overthrown, he would have been more 
odious than ever was Caiiline; as if there had been no 
difference, but in fortune, between a very fury of lust and 
blood, and the most excellent spirit (his ambition reserved) 
of the world? Again, is there not a caution likewise to 
be given of the doctrines of moralities themselves (some 
kinds of them), lest they make men too precise, arrogant, 
incompatible; as Cicero saith of Cato, Jx Marco Catone 
hec bona que videmus divina et egregia, ipsius scttole esse 
propria; que nonnunquam requtirimus, ea sunt omnia non 
a natura, sed a magistro? Many other axioms and advices 
there are touching those proprieties and effects, which 
studies do infuse and instil into manners. And so like- 
wise is there touching the use of all those other points, 
of company, fame, laws, and the rest, which we recited in 
the beginning in the doctrine of morality. 
14. But there is a kind of culture of the mind that 
