380 ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 



cute his will, and not himself be obliged to foMow events.&quot; 98 

 And if we attend, we shall find two different kinds of men 

 held equal to the management of affairs; for some know 

 how to make an advantageous use of opportunities, yet con 

 trive or project nothing of themselves; while others are 

 wholly intent upon forming schemes, and neglect the lay 

 ing hold of opportunities as they offer: but either of these 

 faculties is quite lame without the other. 



It is a fourth precept to undertake nothing that neces 

 sarily requires much time, but constantly to remember time 

 is ever on the wing 



&quot;Sed fugit interea, fugit irreparabile tempus. &quot; M 



And the only reason why those who addict themselves to 

 toilsome professions and employs, as lawyers, authors, etc., 

 are less versed in making their fortune, is the want of time 

 from their other studies to gain a knowledge of particulars, 

 wait for opportunities, and project their own rising. We see 

 in the courts of princes the most effectual men in making 

 their own fortunes, and invading the fortunes of others, are 

 such as have no public employ, but are continually plotting 

 their own rise and advantage. 



A fifth precept is, that we in some measure imitate 

 nature, which does nothing in vain; and this is not very 

 difficult, if we skilfully mix and interlace our affairs of all 

 kinds: for in every action the mind is to be so instructed 

 and prepared, and our intentions to be so dependent upon 

 and subordinate to each other, that if we cannot gain the 

 highest step, we may contentedly take up with the second, 

 or even the third. But if we can fix on no part of our pros 

 pect, then we should direct the pains we have been at to 

 some other end; so, as if we receive no benefit for the 

 present, yet at least to gain somewhat of future advantage. 

 But if we can obtain no solid good from our endeavor 

 neither in present nor in future, let us endeavor at least to 

 gain a reputation by it, or some one thing or other; always 



93 Philippic i. 51. M Georg. iii. 284. 



