234 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING. [XXIII. 22. 



in conclusion but only to this, to make a better and freer 

 choice of those actions which may concern us, and 

 to conduct them with the less error and the more 

 dexterity. 



23. The second precept concerning this knowledge is, 

 for men to take good information touching their own 

 person, and well to understand themselves : knowing 

 that, as S. James saith, though men look oft in a glass, 

 yet they do suddenly forget themselves; wherein as 

 the divine glass is the word of God, so the politic glass 

 is the state of the world, or times wherein we live, in the 

 which we are to behold ourselves. 



24. For men ought to take an unpartial view of their 

 own abilities and virtues ; and again of their wants and 

 impediments ; accounting these with the most, and those 

 other with the least ; and from this view and examination 

 to frame the considerations following. 



25. First, to consider how the constitution of their 

 nature sorteth with the general state of the times ; which 

 if they find agreeable and fit, then in all things to give 

 themselves more scope and liberty; but if diifering and 

 dissonant, then in the whole course of their life to be 

 more close retired, and reserved : as we see in Tiberius, 

 who was never seen at a play, and came not into the 

 Senate in twelve of his last years; whereas Augustus 

 Caesar lived ever in men s eyes, which Tacitus observeth, 

 alia Tiberio morum via. 



26. Secondly, to consider how their nature sorteth with 

 professions and courses of life, and accordingly to make 

 election, if they be free; and, if engaged, to make the 

 departure at the first opportunity : as we see was done 

 by Duke Valentine, that was designed by his father to a 

 sacerdotal profession, but quitted it soon after in regard 



