.XXIII. 5 .] THE SECOND BOOK. 221 



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 luum maledicentem libi. 

 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 conlenderit, sive trasca/ur, 

 sive rtdeaf, 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 engage 

 ment 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 sentiel 

 cum contumacem. Here is signified, that if a man begin 

 too high a pitch in his favours, it doth commonly end in 

 unkindness and unthankfulness. 



Vidisti virum velocem in opere suo ? cor am 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 adoles- 

 cente 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 men- 

 dianum. 



Si spiritus potestatem halentis ascenderit super te, locum 

 tuum ne dimiseris ; quia curalio faciet cessare peccata 

 maxima. Here caution is given, that upon displeasure, 



