THE WISDOM OF THE ANCIENTS. 63 



perfect embryo, it is nourished and preserved in the 

 human soul, which is as it were a father unto it, and 

 represented by Jupiter; but especially in the inferior 

 part thereof, as in a thigh, where also it causeth so 

 much trouble and vexation, as that good determina 

 tions and actions are much hindered and lamed 

 thereby : and when it comes to be confirmed by con 

 sent and habit, and breaks out as it were into act, it 

 remains yet a while with Proserpina as with a nurse; 

 that is, it seeks corners and secret places, and as it 

 were, caves under ground, until the reins of shame 

 and fear being laid aside in a pampered audacious 

 ness, it either takes the pretext of some virtue, or 

 becomes altogether impudent and shameless. And 

 it is most true, that every vehement passion is of a 

 doubtful sex, as being masculine in the first motion, 

 but feminine in prosecution. 



It is an excellent fiction that of Bacchus s reviv 

 ing ; for passions do sometimes seem to be in a dead 

 sleep, and as it were utterly extinct ; but we should 

 not think them to be so indeed ; no, though 

 they lay as it were in their grave : for let there be 

 but matter and opportunity offered, and you shall 

 see them quickly to revive again. 



The invention of wine is wittily ascribed unto 

 him ; every affection being ingenious and skilful in 

 finding out that which brings nourishment unto it ; 

 and indeed, of all things known to men, wine is 

 most powerful and efficacious to excite and kindle 

 passions of what kind soever, as being in a manner 

 common nurse to them all. 



