The Second Book 169 



wherein it is not the handling of a few of them in passage, 

 the better to describe the mediocrities of virtues, that can 

 satisfy this intention. For if it deserve to be considered, 

 that there are minds which are proportioned to great 

 matters, and others to small,^ (which Aristotle handleth, 

 or ought to have handled, by the name of magnanimity;) 

 doth it not deserve as well to be considered, that there are 

 minds proportioned to intend many matters, and others 

 to few? So that some can divide themselves: others can 

 perchance do exactly well, but it must be in few things 

 at once : and so there cometh to be a narrowness of mind, 

 as well as a pusillanimity. And again, that some minds are 

 proportioned to that which may be dispatched at once, or 

 within a short return of time; others to that which begins 

 afar off, and is to be won with length of pursuit : 



Jam turn tenditque fovetque.* 



So that there may be fitly said to be a longanimity, which 

 is commonly also ascribed to God as a magnanimity. So 

 further deserved it to be considered by Aristotle ; that there 

 is a disposition in conversation {supposing it in things which 

 do in no sort touch or concern a man's self,) to soothe and 

 please: and a disposition contrary to contradict and cross: 

 and deserveth it not much better to be considered, that there 

 is a disposition, not in conversation or talk, hut in matter 0} 

 more serious nature, {and supposing it still in things merely 

 indifferent^ to take pleasure in the good of another : and a 

 disposition contrariwise, to take distaste at the good of another? ^ 

 which is that property * which we call good nature or ill 

 nature, benignity or malignity: and therefore I cannot 

 sufficiently marvel that this part of knowledge, touching 

 the several characters of natures and dispositions, should 

 be omitted both in morality and policy; considering it is 

 of so great ministry and suppeditation to them both. A 

 man shall find in the traditions of astrology some pretty 

 and apt divisions of men's natures, according to the pre- 

 dominances of the planets ; lovers of quiet, lovers of action, 

 lovers of victory, lovers of honour, lovers of pleasure, lovers 

 of arts, lovers of change, and so forth. A man shall find in 



• Arist. Eth. Nic. iv. 7. • Virg. Mn. i. 22. 



• Eth. Nic. iv. 6. 



• In all three early editions this word is printed properly. 



