ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 283 



and honor are the spurs to virtue, which, though it might 

 languish without them, yet since they are always at hand 

 unsought, virtue is not less to be chosen for itself, because 

 it needs the spur of fame and reputation, which clearly 

 confutes the sophism. 



XI. What is procured by our own virlue and industry is a greater good; and 

 what by another s, or by the gift of fortune, a less 



The reasons are 1. Future hope, because in the favors 

 of others, or the gifts of fortune, there is no great certainty; 

 but our own virtue and abilities are always with us: so that 

 when they have purchased us one good, we have them as 

 ready, and by use better edged to procure us another. 2. 

 Because what we enjoy by the benefit of others carries with 

 it an obligation to them for it, whereas what is derived from 

 ourselves comes without clog or encumbrance. Nay, when 

 the Divine Providence bestows favors upon us, they require 

 acknowledgments and a kind of retribution to the Supreme 

 Being; but in the other kind, men rejoice (as the prophet 

 speaks), and are glad; they offer to their toils, and sacrifice 

 to their nets. 29 3. Because what comes to us unprocured by 

 our own virtue, yields not that praise and reputation we 

 affect; for actions of great felicity may produce much 

 wonder, but no praise: so Cicero said to Caesar, &quot;We have 

 enough to admire, but want somewhat to praise.&quot; 30 4. 

 Because the purchases of our own industry are commonly 

 joined with labor and struggle, which have not only some 

 sweetness themselves, but give an edge and relish to enjoy 

 ment. Venison is sweet to him that kills it. 31 



There are four opposites or counter-colors to this soph 

 ism, and may serve as confutations to the four preceding 

 colors respectively. 1. Because felicity seems to be a work 

 of the Divine favor, and accordingly begets confidence and 

 alacrity in ourselves, as well as respect and reverence from 

 others. And this felicity extends to casual things, which 



29 Habac. i. 15, 16. 



30 &quot;Quae miremur habemus, quse laudemus expectamus.&quot; Orat. pro Mar- 

 cellus. 31 Suavis cibus a venatu. 



