ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 271 



Let us look all around us, and observe where things lie open, 

 where they are inclosed and blocked up, where they stoop, and 

 \\hcre they mount, and not misemploy our strength where the 

 way is impassable : in doing this we shall prevent repulse, not 

 stick too long in particulars, win a reputation of being moderate, 

 give little offence, and lastly, gain an opinion of felicity ; whilst 

 the things that would probably have happened of themselves, 

 will be attributed to our own industry. 



A third precept, which seems somewhat to cross the former, 

 though not when well understood, is, that we do not always 

 wait for opportunities, but sometimes excite and lead them. 

 This Demosthenes intimates in a high strain, when he says, 

 " That as it is a maxim for the general to lead his army, so a 

 wise man should lead things, make them execute his will, and 

 not himself be obliged to follow events." k And if we attend, 

 we shall find two different kinds of men held equal to the man- 

 agement of affairs; for some know how to make an advan- 

 tageous use of opportunities, yet contrive or project nothing of 

 themselves; whilst others are wholly intent upon forming 

 schemes, and neglect the laying hold of opportunities as they 

 offer; but either of these faculties is quite lame without the 

 other. 



It is a fourth precept to undertake nothing that necessarily 

 requires much time, but constantly to remember time is ever on 

 the wing 



" Sed fugit interea, fugit irreparabile tempus." Virgil.' 



And the only reason why those who addict themselves to toil- 

 some professions and employs, as lawyers, authors, etc., are 

 less versed in making their fortune, is the want of time from 

 their other studies to gain a knowledge of particulars, wait 

 for opportunities, and project their own rising. We see in the 

 courts of princes the most effectual men in making their own 

 fortunes, and invading the fortunes of others, are such as have 

 no public employ, but are continually plotting their own rise 

 and advantage. 



A fifth precept is, that we in some measure imitate nature, 

 which does nothing in vain ; and this is not very difficult, if 

 we skilfully mix and interlace our affairs of all kinds : for in 

 every action the mind is to be so instructed and prepared, 

 and our intentions to be so dependent upon and subordinate 

 to each other, that if we cannot gain the highest step, we 



