23S ADVANCEMENT OF LAnm + a. [BOOK vi. 



neglected. And since we propose this as a desideratum, we 

 will, after our manner, give a sketch of it, in the way of 

 examples ; for precepts will not so well illustrate the thing 

 In deliberatives, we inquire what is good, what evil ; and of 

 good, which is the greater, and of evil, which the less. 

 Whence the persuader s task is to make things appear good 

 or evil, and that in a higher or lower degree ; which may be 

 performed by true and solid reasons, or represented by colours, 

 popular glosses, and circumstances of such force as to sway an 

 ordinary judgment ; or even a wise man that does not fully 

 and considerately attend to the subject. But besides this 

 power to alter the nature of the subject in appearance, and 

 so lead to error, they are of use to quicken and strengthen 

 such opinions and persuasions as are true ; for reasons nakedly 

 delivered, and always after one manner, enter but heavily, 

 especially with delicate minds ; whereas, when varied and 

 enlivened by proper forms and insinuations, they cause a 

 stronger apprehension, and often suddenly win the mind to a 

 resolution. Lastly, to make a true and safe judgment, 

 nothing can be of greater use and preservation to the mind 

 than the discovery and reprehension of these colours, show 

 ing in what cases they hold and in what not ; which cannot 

 be done without a comprehensive knowledge of things; but 

 when performed, it clears the judgment, and makes it less apt 

 to slip into error. n 



SOPHISM I. What men praise and celebrate, is yood ; what they dispraise 

 and censure, evil. 



This sophism deceives four ways; viz., either through 

 ignorance, deceit, party, or the natural disposition of the 

 praiser or dispraiser. 1. Through ignorance ; for what 

 signifies the judgment of the rabble in distinguishing good 

 and evil 1 Phocion took it right, who, being applauded by 

 the multitude, asked, What he had done amiss 1 2. Through 



n This paragraph is taken from the fragment of the Colours of Good 

 and Evil, usually printed as an appendix to the author s essays. That 

 fragment was reconsidered, Letter digested, -ind finished by the author, 

 in order to fit it for this place, in the De Augmentis Scientiarum ; to 

 which himself assigned it in the Latin edition. The reason oi its being 

 called a fragment . was, that the author had made a large collection of 

 such kind of sophisms in his youth ; but could only find tune in his 

 riper years, to add the fallacies and confutations of the following 

 twelve. .Shaw Plutarch. 



