236 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING, [XXIII. 30. 
30. Next to the well understanding and discerning of 
a man’s self, there followeth the well opening and re- 
vealing a man’s self; wherein we see nothing more 
usual than for the more able man to make the less 
show. For there is a great advantage in the well set- 
ting forth of a man’s virtues, fortunes, merits; and 
again, in the artificial covering of a man’s weaknesses, 
defects, disgraces; staying upon the one, sliding from 
the other; cherishing the one by circumstances, gracing 
the other by exposition, and the like. Wherein we see 
what Tacitus saith of Mutianus, who was the greatest 
politique of his time, Omnium que dixerat feceratque arte 
guadam ostentator: which requireth indeed some art, lest 
it turn tedious and arrogant; but yet so, as ostentation 
(though it be to the first degree of vanity) seemeth to me 
rather a vice in manners than in policy: for as it is said, 
Audacter calumniare, semper aliquid heret: so, except it 
be in a ridiculous degree of deformity, Audacter te vendita, 
semper aliquid here’, For it will stick with the more 
ignorant and inferior sort of men, though men of wisdom 
and rank do smile at it and despise it; and yet the 
authority won with many doth countervail the disdain 
ofafew. But if it be carried with decency and govern- 
ment, as with a natural, pleasant, and ingenious fashion; 
or at times when it is mixed with some peril and unsafety 
(as in military persons); or at times when others are most 
envied ; or with easy and careless passage to it and from 
it, without dwelling too long, or being too serious; or 
with an equal freedom of taxing a man’s self, as well 
as gracing himself; or by occasion of repelling or put- 
ting down others’ injury or insolency; it doth greatly 
add to reputation: and surely not a few solid natures, 
that want this ventosity and cannot sail in the height 
