oe. ties 
218 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING. (xx. 3. 
much affected, but much less despised; for it hath not 
only an honour in itself, but an influence also into busi- 
ness and government. The poet saith, Wec vultu destrue 
verba tuo: a man may destroy the force of his words 
with his countenance: so may he of his deeds, saith 
Cicero, recommending to his brother affability and easy 
access; lVil interest habere ostium apertum, vullum clausum ; 
it is nothing won to admit men with an open door, and 
to receive them with a shut and reserved countenance. 
So we see Atticus, before the first interview between 
Cesar and Cicero, the war depending, did seriously 
advise Cicero touching the composing and ordering of 
his countenance and gesture. And if the government of 
the countenance be of such effect, much more is that 
of the speech, and other carriage appertaining to con- 
versation ; the true model whereof seemeth to me well ex- 
pressed by Livy, thought not meant for this purpose: We 
aut arrogans videar, aut obnoxtus; quorum alterum est 
aliene libertatis oblitt, alterum sue: the sum of behaviour 
is to retain a man’s own dignity, without intruding upon 
the liberty of others. On the other side, if behaviour 
and outward carriage be intended too much, first it may 
pass into affectation, and then Qucd deformius quam 
scenam in vitam transferre, to act a man’s life? But 
although it proceed not to that extreme, yet it consumeth 
time, and employeth the mind too much. And therefore 
as we use to advise young students from company 
keeping, by saying, Amzcz fures temporis: so certainly the 
intending of the discretion of behaviour is a great thief 
of meditation. Again, such as are accomplished in that 
form of urbanity please themselves in it, and seldom 
aspire to higher virtue; whereas those that have defect in 
it do seek comeliness by reputation; for where reputation 
