XXII. 17.] THE SECOND BOOK. 231 
Demosthenes calleth them, Alimen/a socordie. So again 
we see how false the nature of some deeds are, in that 
particular which Mutianus practised upon Antonius Pri- 
mus, upon that hollow and unfaithful reconcilement which 
was made between them; whereupon Mutianus advanced 
many of the friends of Antonius, Simul amicis gus pre- 
Jecturas et tribunatus largitur: wherein, under pretence to 
strengthen him, he did desolate him, and won from him 
his dependences. 
18. As for words, though they be like waters to phy- 
sicians, full of flattery and uncertainty, yet they are not to 
be despised, specially with the advantage of passion and 
affection. For so we see Tiberius, upon a stinging and 
incensing speech of Agrippina, came a step forth of his 
dissimulation, when he said, You are hurt because you do 
not reign; of which Tacitus saith, Audifa hec raram 
occultt pectoris vocem elicuere; correplamque Graco versu 
admonutt, ideo ledi quia non regnaret. And therefore the 
poet doth elegantly call passions tortures, that urge men 
to confess their secrets: 
Vino tortus et ira. 
And experience showeth, there are few men so true to 
themselves and so settled, but that, sometimes upon heat, 
sometimes upon bravery, sometimes upon kindness, some- 
times upon trouble of mind and weakness, they open 
themselves; specially if they be put to it with a counter- 
dissimulation, according to the proverb of Spain, Dz men- 
tira, y sacaras verdad: Tell a lie and find a truth. 
19. As for the knowing of men which is at second 
hand from reports ; men’s weaknesses and faults are best 
known from their enemies, their virtues and abilities from 
their friends, their customs and times from their servants, 
their conceits and opinions from their familiar friends, 
