THE SECOND BOOK 185 



10. Another precept is, to practise all things chiefly 

 at two several times, the one when the mind is best dis- 

 posed, the other when it is worst disposed ; that by the 

 one you may gain a great step, by the other you may 

 work out the knots and stonds of the mind, and make 

 the middle times the more easy and pleasant, 



11. Another precept is, that which Aristotle men- 

 tioneth by the way, which is to bear ever towards the 

 contrary extreme of that whereunto we are by nature 

 inclined ; like unto the rowing against the stream, or 

 making a wand straight by bending him contrary to 

 his natural crookedness. 



12. Another precept is, that the mind is brought to 

 anything better, and with more sweetness and happi- 

 ness, if that whereunto you pretend be not first in the 

 intention, but tanquam aliud agendo, because of the 

 natural hatred of the mind against necessity and con- 

 straint. Many other axioms there are touching the 

 managing of exercise and custom ; which being so 

 conducted, doth prove indeed another nature ; but 

 being governed by chance, doth commonly prove but 

 an ape of nature, and bringeth forth that which is lame 

 and counterfeit. 



13. So if we should handle books and studies, and 

 what influence and operation they have upon manners, 

 are there not divers precepts of great caution and direc- 

 tion appertaining thereunto ? Did not one of the 

 fathers in great indignation call poesy vinum daemonum, 

 because it increaseth temptations, perturbations, and 

 vain opinions ? Is not the opinion of Aristotle worthy 

 to be regarded, wherein he saith. That young men are 

 no fit auditors of moral philosophy, because they are 

 not settled from the boiling heat of their affections, nor 

 attempered with time and experience ? And doth it 

 not hereof come, that those excellent books and dis- 

 courses of the ancient writers (whereby they have 

 persuaded unto virtue most effectually, by representing 

 her in state and majesty, and popular opinions against 

 virtue in their parasites' coats fit to be scorned and 

 derided), are of so little effect towards honesty of life. 



