?0 BACON 



dissonant to human ears or human judgment; and though this ignor- 

 ance be justly rewarded with ass's ears, yet they are put on and worn, 

 not openly, but with great secrecy; nor is the deformity of the thing 

 seen or observed by the vulgar. 



We must not find it strange if no amours are related of Pan, besides 

 his marriage with Echo; for nature enjoys itself, and in itself all other 

 things: he that loves, desires enjoyment; but in profusion there is no 

 room for desire; and therefore Pan, remaining content with himself, 

 had no passion, unless it be for discourse, which is well shadowed 

 out by Echo, or talk; or when it is more accurate, by Syrinx, or 

 writing.*' But Echo makes a most excellent wife for Pan, as being 

 no other than genuine philosophy, which faithfully repeats his words, 

 or only transcribes exactly as nature dictates; thus representing the 

 true image and reflection of the world, without adding a tittle. The 

 calling the moon aside into a deeply embrowned wood, seems to refer 

 to the convention between the sense and spiritual things. For the 

 ear of Endymion and Pan are different, the moon of her own accord 

 in the latter case stooping down from her sphere as Endymion lay 

 asleep, intimating that divine illuminations oft glide gently into the 

 understanding, cast asleep and withdrawn from the senses. But if 

 they be called by sense, representing Pan, they afford no other light 

 than that 



" Quale, per incertam lunam, sub luce maligna, 

 Est iter in sylvis." Virgil.* 



It tends also to the support and perfection of Pan or nature, to be 

 without offspring; for the world generates in its parts, and not in 

 the way of a whole, as wanting a body external to itself wherewith 

 to generate. 



Lastly, for the supposed or spurious prattling daughter of Pan, it 

 is an excellent addition to the fable, and aptly represents the talkative 

 philosophies that have at all times been stirring, and filled the world 

 with idle tales; being ever barren, empty, and servile, though some- 

 times indeed diverting and entertaining, and sometimes again trouble- 

 some and importunate. 



PERSEUS, OR WAR* 

 Explained of the Preparation and Conduct necessary to War 



"The fable relates, that Perseus was despatched from the east by 

 Pallas, to cut off Medusa's head, who had committed great ravage 

 upon the people of the west; for this Medusa was so dire a monster, 

 as to turn into stone all those who but looked upon her. She was 

 a Gorgon, and the only mortal one of the three; the other two being 

 invulnerable. Perseus, therefore, preparing himself for this grand 

 enterprise, had presents made him from three of the gods: Mercury 

 gave him wings for his heels; Pluto, a hemlet; and Pallas, a shield 

 and a mirror. But though he was now so well equipped, he posted 

 not directly to Medusa, but first turned aside to the Greae, who were 

 half-sisters to the Gorgons. These Grese were gray-headed, and like 



