XXIII. 7.) ” THE SECOND BOOK. .— 225 
know they may be applied to a more divine use: but 
it is allowed, even in divinity, that some interpretations, 
yea, and some writings, have more of the eagle than 
others; but taking them as instructions for life, they 
mought have received large discourse, if I would have 
broken them and illustrated them by deducements and 
examples. 
8. Neither was this in use only with the Hebrews, but 
it is generally to be found in the wisdom of the more 
ancient times; that as men found out any observation 
that they thought was good for life, they would gather 
it and express it in parable or aphorism or fable. But 
for fables, they were vicegerents and supplies where 
examples failed: now that the times abound with his- 
tory, the aim is better when the mark is alive. And 
therefore the form of writing which of all others is fittest 
for this variable argument of negotiation and occasions 
is that which Machiavel chose wisely and aptly for govern- 
ment; namely, discourse upon histories or examples. For 
knowledge drawn freshly and in our view out of particu- 
lars, knoweth the way best to particulars again. And it 
hath much greater life for practice when the discourse 
attendeth upon the example, than when the example 
_attendeth upon the discourse. For this is no point of 
order, as it seemeth at first, but of substance. For 
when the example is the ground, being set down in an 
history at large, it is set down with all circumstances, 
which may sometimes control the discourse thereupon 
made, and sometimes supply it, as a very pattern for 
action; whereas the examples alleged for the discourse’s 
sake are cited succinctly, and without particularity, and 
carry a servile aspect towards the discourse which they 
are brought in to make good. 
Q 
