XXIII. 7-] THE SECOND BOOK. 



know they may be applied to a more divine use: but 

 it is allowed, even in divinity, that some interpretations, 

 yea, and some writings, have more of the eagle than 

 others; but taking them as instructions for life, they 

 mought have received large discourse, if I would have 

 broken them and illustrated them by deducements and 

 examples. 



8. Neither was this in use only with the Hebrews, but 

 it is generally to be found in the wisdom of the more 

 ancient times; that as men found out any observation 

 that they thought was good for life, they would gather 

 it and express it in parable or aphorism or fable. But 

 for fables, they were vicegerents and supplies where 

 examples failed: now that the times abound with his 

 tory, the aim is better when the mark is alive. And 

 therefore the form of writing which of all others is fittest 

 for this variable argument of negotiation and occasions 

 is that which Machiavel chose wisely and aptly for govern 

 ment ; namely, discourse upon histories or examples. For 

 knowledge drawn freshly and in our view out of particu 

 lars, knoweth the way best to particulars again. And it 

 hath much greater life for practice when the discourse 

 attendeth upon the example, than when the example 

 attendeth upon the discourse. For this is no point of 

 order, as it seemeth at first, but of substance. For 

 when the example is the ground, being set down in an 

 history at large, it is set down with all circumstances, 

 which may sometimes control the discourse thereupon 

 made, and sometimes supply it, as a very pattern for 

 action ; whereas the examples alleged for the discourse s 

 sake are cited succinctly, and without particularity, and 

 carry a servile aspect towards the discourse which they 

 are brought in to make good. 



Q 



