XXIII. 17.] THE SECOND BOOK. 231 



Demosthenes calleth them, Alimenta socordice. So again 

 we see how false the nature of some deeds are, in that 

 particular which Mutianus practised upon Antonius Pri 

 mus, upon that hollow and unfaithful reconcilement which 

 was made between them ; whereupon Mutianus advanced 

 many of the friends of Antonius, Simul amicis ejus pr&- 

 feduras et iribunalus largiiur: wherein, under pretence to 

 strengthen him, he did desolate him, and won from him 

 his dependences. 



1 8. As for words, though they be like waters to phy 

 sicians, full of flattery and uncertainty, yet they are not to 

 be despised, specially with the advantage of passion and 

 affection. For so we see Tiberius, upon a stinging and 

 incensing speech of Agrippina, came a step forth of his 

 dissimulation, when he said, You are hurt because you do 

 not reign; of which Tacitus saith, Audita hac raram 

 occulti pectoris vocem elicuere ; correptamque Grceco versu 

 admonuit, ideo l&di quia non regnaret. And therefore the 

 poet doth elegantly call passions tortures, that urge men 

 to confess their secrets : 



Vino tortus et ira. 



And experience showeth, there are few men so true to 

 themselves and so settled, but that, sometimes upon heat, 

 sometimes upon bravery, sometimes upon kindness, some 

 times upon trouble of mind and weakness, they open 

 themselves ; specially if they be put to it with a counter- 

 dissimulation, according to the proverb of Spain, Di men- 

 tira.y sacaras verdad: Tell a lie and find a truth. 



19. As for the knowing of men which is at second 

 hand from reports ; men s weaknesses and faults are best 

 known from their enemies, their virtues and abilities from 

 their friends, their customs and times from their servants, 

 their conceits and opinions from their familiar friends, 



