ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 189 



without the spur, one of them performs better than the other, 

 but with the spur the other far exceeds, this will be judged the 

 better horse : and to say that his mettle lies in the spur, is not 

 making a true judgment ; for since the spur is a common instru- 

 ment in horsemanship, and no impediment or burden to the 

 horse, he will not be esteemed the worse horse that wants it, 

 but the going well without it is rather a point of delicacy than 

 perfection. So glory and honor are the spurs to virtue, which, 

 though it might languish without them, yet since they are al- 

 ways at hand unsought, virtue is not less to be chosen for itself, 

 because it needs the spur of fame and reputation, which clearly 

 confutes the sophism. 



Sophism ii 



What is procured by our own znrtuc and industry is a greater 

 good; and what by another's, or by the gift of fortune, a less 



The reasons are i. Future hope, because in the favors of 

 others, or the gifts of fortune, there is no great certainty ; but 

 our own virtue and abilities are always with us : so that when 

 they have purchased us one good, we have them as ready, and 

 by use better edged to procure us another. 2. Because what 

 we enjoy by the benefit of others carries with it an obligation to 

 them for it, whereas what is derived from ourselves comes 

 without clog or incumbrance. Nay, when the Divine Provi- 

 dence bestows favors upon us, they require acknowledgments 

 and a kind of retribution to the Supreme Being; but in the 

 other kind, men rejoice (as the prophet speaks), and are glad ; 

 they offer to their toils, and sacrifice to their nets.* 3. Be- 

 cause what comes to us unprocured by our own virtue, yields 

 not that praise and reputation we affect ; for actions of great fe- 

 licity may produce much wonder, but no praise : so Cicero said 

 to Caesar, " We have enough to admire, but want somewhat to 

 praise." y 4. Because the purchases of our own industry are 

 commonly joined with labor and struggle, which have not only 

 some sweetness themselves, but give an edge and relish to en- 

 joyment. Venison is sweet to him that kills it. 



There are four opposites or counter-colors to this sophism, 

 and may serve as confutations to the four preceding colors re- 

 spectively. I. Because felicity seems to be a work of the Di- 

 vine favor, and accordingly begets confidence and alacrity in 

 ourselves, as well as respect and reverence from others. And 



