86 THE WISDOM OF THE ANCIENTS. 



apprehend and hold it, as that it stir not or evade, 

 which is noted also by the Divine Philosopher, 

 Eccles. xii. 11. &quot; Verba sapientum,&quot; saith he, &quot; sunt 

 &quot; tanquam aculei et veluti clavi in altum defixi,&quot; 

 The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails 

 driven far in. 



Moreover, all science seems to be placed in steep 

 and high mountains ; as being thought to be a lofty 

 and high thing, looking down upon ignorance with 

 a scornful eye. It may be observed and seen also a 

 great way, and far in compass, as things set on the 

 tops of mountains. 



Furthermore, science may well be feigned to 

 beset the highways, because which way soever we 

 turn in this progress and pilgrimage of human life, 

 we meet with some matter or occasion offered for 

 contemplation. 



Sphynx is said to have received from the muses, 

 divers difficult questions and riddles, and to pro 

 pound them unto men, which remaining with the 

 muses, are free, it may be, from savage cruelty; 

 for so long as there is no other end of study and 

 meditation, than to know, the understanding is not 

 racked and imprisoned, but enjoys freedom and 

 liberty, and even in doubts and variety, finds a kind 

 of pleasure and delectation ; but when once these 

 enigmas are delivered by the muses to Sphynx, 

 that is, to practice, so that it be solicited and urged 

 by action, and election, and determination ; then 

 they begin to be troublesome and raging ; arid un 

 less they be resolved and expedited, they do won 

 derfully torment and vex the minds of men, distract- 



