134 ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 



as to render its resolutions and actions imperfect and lame. 

 And even after this child of the mind is confirmed, and 

 gains strength by consent and habit, and comes forth into 

 action, it must still be nursed by Proserpina for a time; 

 that is, it skulks and hides its head in a clandestine man 

 ner, as it were underground, till at length, when the checks 

 of shame and fear are removed, and the requisite boldness 

 acquired, it either assumes the pretext of some virtue, or 

 openly despises infamy. And it is justly observed, that 

 every vehement passion appears of a doubtful sex, as hav 

 ing the strength of a man at first, but at last the impotence 

 of a woman. It is also excellently added, that Bacchus died 

 and rose again; for the affections sometimes seem to die and 

 be no more; but there is no trusting them, even though they 

 were buried, being always apt and ready to rise again when 

 ever the occasion or object offers. 



That Bacchus should be the inventor of wine carries 

 a fine allegory with it; for every affection is cunning and 

 subtile in discovering a proper matter to nourish and feed 

 it; and of all things known to mortals, wine is the most 

 powerful and effectual for exciting and inflaming passions 

 of all kinds, being indeed like a common fuel to them all. 



It is again with great elegance observed of Bacchus, that 

 he subdued provinces and undertook endless expeditions; 

 for the affections never rest satisfied with what they enjoy, 

 but with an endless and insatiable appetite thirst after some 

 what further. And tigers are prettily feigned to draw the 

 chariot; for as soon as any affection shall, from going on 

 foot, be advanced to ride, it triumphs over reason, and 

 exerts its cruelty, fierceness, and strength against all that 

 oppose it. 



It is also humorously imagined, that ridiculous demons 

 should dance and frisk about this chariot; for every passion 

 produces indecent, disorderly, interchangeable, and de 

 formed motions in the eyes, countenance, and gesture so 

 that the person under the impulse whether of anger, insult, 

 love, etc., though to himself he may seem grand, lofty, or 



