130 OF AN HOLY WAR. 



Sultans all the night long : Martius said. MARTIUS. 

 The distribution of this conference, which was made 

 by Eupolis yesternight, and was by us approved, 

 seemeth to me perfect, save in one point ; and that 

 is, not in the number, but in the placing of the parts. 

 For it is so disposed, that Pollio and Eupolis shall 

 debate the possibility or impossibility of the action, 

 before I shall deduce the particulars of the means 

 and manner by which it is to be achieved. Now I 

 have often observed in deliberations, that the entring 

 near hand into the manner of performance, and ex 

 ecution of that which is under deliberation, hath 

 quite overturned the opinion formerly conceived, of 

 the possibility or impossibility. So that things, that 

 at the first shew seemed possible, by ripping up the 

 performance of them, have been convicted of impos 

 sibility ; and things that on the other side have 

 shewed impossible, by the declaration of the means 

 to effect them, as by a back light, have appeared 

 possible, the way through them being discerned. 

 This I speak not to alter the order, but only to desire 

 Pollio and Eupolis not to speak peremptorily, or 

 conclusively, touching the point of possibility, till 

 they have heard me deduce the means of the exe 

 cution : and that done, to reserve themselves at liberty 

 for a reply, after they had before them, as it were, a 

 model of the enterprise. This grave and solid ad 

 vertisement and caution of Martius was much com 

 mended by them all. Whereupon Eupolis said: 

 EUPOLIS. Since Martius hath begun to refine that 

 which was yesternight resolved ; I may the better 



