CX LIFE OF BACON. 



a consideration of that part of policy whereof philosophy 

 speaketh too much, and laws too little ; and that is, of 

 education of youth. Whereupon fixing my mind awhile, 

 I found straightways, and noted, even in the discourses of 

 philosophers, which are so large in this argument, a strange 

 silence concerning one principal part of that subject. For 

 as touching the framing and seasoning of youth to moral 

 virtues, (as tolerance of labours, continency from pleasures, 

 obedience, honour, and the like,) they handle it; but 

 touching the improvement and helping of the intellectual 

 poivers, as of conceit, memory, and judgment, they say 

 nothing; whether it were, that they thought it to be a 

 matter wherein nature only prevailed, or that they intended 

 it, as referred to the several and proper arts, which teach 

 the use of reason and speech. 



But for the former of these two reasons, howsoever it 

 pleaseth them to distinguish of habits and powers ; the ex 

 perience is manifest enough, that the motions and faculties 

 of the wit and memory may be not only governed and 

 guided, but also confirmed and enlarged, by customs and 

 exercise daily applied : as if a man exercise shooting, he 

 shall not only shoot nearer the mark, but also draw a 

 stronger bow. (a) And as for the latter, of comprehending 

 these precepts within the arts of logic and rhetoric ; if it 

 be rightly considered, their office is distinct altogether from 

 this point ; for it is no part of the doctrine of the use or 

 handling of an instrument, to teach how to whet or grind 

 the instrument to give it a sharp edge, or how to quench, 

 it, or otherwise, whereby to give it a stronger temper. 



Wherefore, finding this part of knowledge not broken, I 

 have, but &quot; tanquam aliud agens,&quot; entered into it, and salute 

 you with it; dedicating it, after the ancient manner, first 

 as to a dear friend, and then as to an apt person ; for as 



() The same remark will be found in one oflris Essays. 



