XXII. 



THE SECOND BOOK. 



211 



posed, the other when it is worst disposed ; that by the 

 one you may gain a great step, by the other you may 

 work out the knots and stonds of the mind, and make 

 the middle times the more easy and pleasant. 



11. Another precept is, that which Aristotle men- 

 tioneth by the way, which is to bear ever towards the 

 contrary extreme of that whereunto we are by nature 

 inclined ; like unto the rowing against the stream, or 

 making a wand straight by bending him contrary to his 

 natural crookedness. 



12. Another precept is, that the mind is brought to 

 anything better, and with more sweetness and happiness, 

 if that whereunto you pretend be not first in the intention, 

 but tanquam aliud agenda, because of the natural hatred of 

 the mind against necessity and constraint. Many other 

 axioms there are touching the managing of exercise and 

 custom; which being so conducted, doth prove indeed 

 another nature; but being governed by chance, doth 

 commonly prove but an ape of nature, and bringeth forth 

 that which is lame and counterfeit. 



13. So if we should handle books and studies, and 

 what influence and operation they have upon manners, 

 are there not divers precepts of great caution and direc 

 tion appertaining thereunto ? Did not one of the fathers 

 in great indignation call poesy vinum d&monum, because 

 it increaseth temptations, perturbations, and vain opinions? 

 Is not the opinion of Aristotle worthy to be regarded, 

 wherein he saith, That young men are no fit auditors of 

 moral philosophy, because they are not settled from the 

 boiling heat of their affections, nor attempered with time 

 and experience ? And doth it not hereof come, that those 

 excellent books and discourses of the ancient writers 

 (whereby they have persuaded unto virtue most effectually, 



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