100 THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING. 



chiefly we may see in those aphorisms which have place 

 amongst divine writings, composed by Solomon the king, of 

 whom the Scriptures testify that his heart was as the sands 

 of the sea, encompassing the world and all worldly matters, 

 we see, I say, not a few profound and excellent cautions, 

 precepts, positions, extending to much variety of occasions ; 

 whereupon we will stay a while, offering to consideration some 

 number of examples. 



(6) Sed et cunctis sermonibus qui dicuntur ne accommodes 

 aurem tuam, ne forte audias servum tuum maledicentem tibi. 

 Here is commended the provident stay of inquiry of that which 

 we would be loth to find : as it was judged great wisdom in 

 Pompeius Magnus that he burned Sertorius papers unperused. 



Vir sapiens, si cum stulto contender^, sive irascatur, sive 

 rideat, non inveniet requiem. Here is described the great 

 disadvantage which a wise man hath in undertaking a lighter 

 person than himself ; which is such an engagement as, 

 whether a man turn the matter to jest, or turn it to heat, 

 or howsoever he change copy, he can no ways quit himself 

 well of it. 



Qui delicate a pueritia nutrit servum suum, postea sentiet 

 eum contumacem. Here is signified, that if a man begin too 

 high a pitch in his favours, it doth commonly end in unkind- 

 ness and unthankfulness. 



Vidisti virum velocem in opere suo ? coram regibus stabit, 

 nee erit inter ignobiles. Here is observed, that of all virtues 

 for rising to honour, quickness of despatch is the best ; for 

 superiors many times love not to have those they employ too 

 deep or too sufficient, but ready and diligent. 



Vidi cunctos viventes qui ambulant sub sole, cum adolescente 

 secundo qui consurgit pro eo. Here is expressed that which 

 was noted by Sylla first, and after him by Tiberius. Plures 

 adorant solem orientem quam occidentem vel meridianum. 



Si spiritus potestatem habentis ascenderit super te, locum 

 tuum ne demiscris ; quia curatio faciet cessare peccata maxima. 

 Here caution is given, that upon displeasure, retiring is of all 

 courses the unfittest ; for a man leaveth things at worst, and 

 depriveth himself of means to make them better. 



Erat civitas parva, et pauci in ea viri : venit contra eain 

 rex magnus, et vallavit earn, instruxitque munitiones per 

 gyrum, et perfecta est obsidio ; inventusque est in ea vir pauper 

 et sapiens, et liber avit earn per sapientiam suam ; et nullus 

 deinceps recordatus est hominis illius pauper is. Here the 

 corruption of states is set forth, that esteem not virtue or 

 merit longer than they have use of it. 



