THE SECOND BOOK 207 



fcnd despise it ; and yet the authority won with many 

 doth countervail the disdain of a few. But if it be 

 carried with decency and government, as with a natural, 

 pleasant, and ingenious fashion ; or at times when it is 

 mixed with some peril and unsafe ty (as in military 

 persons) ; or at times when others are most envied ; 

 or vith easy and careless passage to it and from it, 

 without dwelling too long, or being too serious ; or 

 with an equal freedom of taxing a man s self, as well 

 as gracing himself ; or by occasion of repelling or put 

 ting down others injury or insolency ; it doth greatly 

 add to reputation : and surely not a few solid natures, 

 that want this ventosity and cannot sail in the height 

 of the winds, are not without some prejudice and dis 

 advantage by their moderation. 



31. But for these flourishes and enhancements of 

 virtue, as they are not perchance unnecessary, so it is 

 at least necessary that virtue be not disvalued and 

 imbased under the just price ; which is done in three 

 manners : by offering and obtruding a man s self ; 

 wherein men think he is rewarded, when he is accepted ; 

 by doing too much, which will not give that which is 

 well done leave to settle, and in the end induceth 

 satiety ; and by finding too soon the fruit of a man s 

 virtue, in commendation, applause, honour, favour ; 

 wherein if a man be pleased with a little, let him 

 hear what is truly said ; Cave ne insuetus rebus 

 majoribus videaris, si haec te res parva sicuti magna 

 delectat. 



32. But the covering of defects is of no less im 

 portance than the valuing of good parts ; which may be 

 done likewise in three manners, by caution, by colour, 

 and by confidence. Caution is when men do inge 

 niously and discreetly avoid to be put into those things 

 for which they are not proper : whereas contrariwise 

 bold and unquiet spirits will thrust themselves into 

 matters without difference, and so publish and proclaim 

 all their wants. Colour is when men make a way for 

 themselves to have a construction made of their faults 

 or wants, as proceeding from a better cause or intended 



