250 BACON 



tude.* The thing does not proceed wholly from the ingratitude 

 either of princes or people, but it is generally attended with the 

 envy of the nobility, who secretly repine at the event, though 

 happy and prosperous, because it was not procured by them- 

 selves. Whence they lessen the merit of the author and bear 

 him down. 



Aphorism 22 



The way of the slothful is a hedge of thorns f 



This aphorism elegantly shows that sloth is laborious in the 

 end : for diligent and cautious preparation guards the foot from 

 stumbling, and smooths the way before it is trod ; but he who 

 is sluggish, and defers all things to the last moment, must of 

 necessity be at every step treading as upon brambles and thorns, 

 which frequently detain and hinder him ; and the same may be 

 observed in the government of a family, where, if due care and 

 forethought be used, all things go on calmly, and, as it were, 

 spontaneously, without noise and bustle ; but if this caution be 

 neglected, when any great occasion arises, numerous matters 

 crowd in to be done at once, the servants are in confusion, and 

 the house rings. 



Aphorism 23 



He who respects persons in judgment does ill, and will forsake 

 the truth for a piece of bread g 



This aphorism wisely observes, that facility of temper is more 

 pernicious in a judge than bribery ; for bribes are not offered 

 by all, but there is no cause wherein something may not be found 

 to sway the mind of the judge, if he be a respecter of persons. 

 Thus, one shall be respected for his country, another for his 

 riches, another for being recommended by a friend, etc. So 

 that iniquity must abound where respect of persons prevails, 

 and judgment be corrupted for a very trifling thing, as it were 

 for a morsel of bread. 



Aphorism 24 



T A poor man, that by extortion oppresses the poor, is like a land- 

 Hood that causes famine h 



This parable was anciently painted by the fable of the leech, 

 full and empty ; for the oppression of a poor and hungry wretch 

 is much more grievous than the oppression of one who is rich 



