368 HISTORY OF 



may be sufficient only for the functions of life, whereby the 

 depredation is the less. 



71. But if the diet shall not be altogether so rigorous and 

 mortifying, yet, notwithstanding, shall be always equal and 

 constant to itself, it worketh the same effect. We see it in 

 flames, that a flame somewhat bigger (so it be always alike 

 and quiet) consumeth less of the fuel, than a lesser flame 

 blown with bellows, and by gusts stronger or weaker. That 

 which the regiment and diet of Cornarus the Venetian 

 showed plainly, who did eat and drink so many years toge 

 ther by a just weight, whereby he exceeded a hundred years 

 of age, strong in limbs, and entire in his senses. 



72. Care also must be taken, that a body, plentifully 

 nourished, and not emaciated by any of these aforesaid diets, 

 omitteth not a seasonable use of Venus, lest the spirits in 

 crease too fast, and soften and destroy the body. So then, 

 touching a moderate quantity of spirits, and (as we may 

 say) frugal, thus much. 



73. The inquisition, touching bridling the motions of the 

 spirits, followeth next. Motion doth manifestly attenuate 

 and inflame them. This bridling is done by three means ; 

 by sleep, by avoiding of vehement labours, immoderate ex 

 ercise, and, in a word, all lassitude ; and by refraining irk 

 some affections. And, first, touching sleep. 



74. The fable tells us, that Epimenides slept many years 

 together in a cave, and all that time needed no meat, be 

 cause the spirit waste not much in sleep. 



75. Experience teacheth us that certain creatures, as 

 dormice and bats, sleep in some close places a whole winter 

 together; such is the force of sleep to restrain all vital 

 consumption. That which bees or drones are also thought 

 to do, though sometimes destitute of honey, and likewise 

 butterflies and other flies. 



76. Sleep after dinner (the stomach sending up no un- 

 pleasing vapours to the head, as being the first dews of our 

 meat) is good for the spirits, but derogatory and hurtful 

 to all other points of health. Notwithstanding in extreme 

 old age there is the same reason of meat and sleep, for both 

 our meals and our sleeps should be then frequent, but short 

 and little ; nay, and towards the last period of old age, a 

 mere rest, and, as it were, a perpetual reposing doth best, 

 especially in winter time. 



77. But as moderate sleep conferreth to long life, so much 

 more if it be quiet and not disturbed. 



78. These procure quiet sleep, violets, lettuce, especially 



