ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 75 



orderly, interchangeable, and deformed motions in the eyes, counte- 

 nance, and gesture so that the person under the impulse whether of 

 anger, insult, love, etc., though to himself he may seem grand, lofty, 

 or obliging, yet in the eyes of others appears mean, contemptible, or 

 ridiculous. 



The Muses also are found in the train of Bacchus; for there is scarce 

 any passion without its art, science, or doctrine to court and flatter it; 

 but in this respect the indulgence of men of genius has greatly de- 

 tracted from the majesty of the Muses, who ought to be the leaders 

 and conductors of human life, and not the handmaids of the passions. 



The allegory of Bacchus falling in love with a cast mistress is ex- 

 tremely noble; for it is certain that the affections always court and 

 covet what has been rejected upon experience. And all those who, by 

 serving and indulging their passions immensely raise the value of 

 enjoyment, should know that whatever they covet and pursue, whether 

 riches, pleasure, glory, learning, or anything else, they only pursue 

 those things that have been forsaken, and cast off with contempt by 

 great numbers in all ages, after possession and experience. 



Nor is it without a mystery that the ivy was sacred to Bacchus; and 

 this for two reasons First, because ivy is an evergreen, or flourishes 

 in the winter; and, secondly, because it winds and creeps about so 

 many things, as trees, walls, and buildings, and raises itself above 

 them. As to the first, every passion grows fresh, strong, and vigorous 

 by opposition and prohibition, as it were by a kind of contrast or 

 antiperistasis, like the ivy in the winter. And for the second, the 

 predominant passion of the mind throws itself, like the ivy, round all 

 human actions, entwines all our resolutions, and perpetually adheres 

 to and mixes itself in, among, or even overtops them. 



And no wonder that superstitious rites and ceremonies are attributed 

 to Bacchus, when almost every ungovernable passion grows wanton 

 and luxuriant in corrupt religions; nor again, that fury and frenzy 

 should be sent and dealt out by him, because every passion is a short 

 frenzy, and if it be vehement, lasting, and take deep root, it terminates 

 in madness. And hence the allegory of Pentheus and Orpheus being 

 torn to pieces is evident; for every headstrong passion is extremely 

 bitter, severe, inveterate, and revengeful upon all curious inquiry, 

 wholesome admonition, free counsel and persuasion. 



Lastly, the confusion between the persons of Jupiter and Bacchus 

 will justly admit of an allegory, because noble and meritorious actions 

 may sometimes proceed from virtue, sound reason, and magnanimity, 

 and sometimes again from a concealed passion and secret desire of ill, 

 however they may be extolled and praised; insomuch that it is not 

 easy to distinguish betwixt the acts of Bacchus and the acts of Jupiter. 



But perhaps we remain too long in the theatre it is time we should 

 advance to the palace of the mind. 



