The Second Book 185 



In omni opere bono erit abtmdantia ; ubi autem verba sunt 

 plurima, ibi frequenter egestas} Here is noted, that words 

 and discourse abound most where there is idleness and want. 



Primus in sua causa Justus; sed venit altera pars, et 

 inquiret in eum.^ Here is observed, that in all causes the 

 first tale possesseth much; in sort that the prejudice 

 thereby wrought will be hardly removed, except some 

 abuse or falsity in the information be detected. 



Verba bilinguis quasi simplicia, et ipsa perveniunt ad inte- 

 riora ventris^ Here is distinguished, that flattery and 

 insinuation, which seemeth set and artificial, sinketh not far; 

 but that entereth deep which hath show of nature, Uberty, 

 and simplicity. 



Qui erudit derisorem, ipse sibi injuriam facit; et qui 

 arguit impium, sibi maculam generat.* Here caution is 

 given how we tender reprehension to arrogant and scornful 

 natures, whose manner is to esteem it for contumely, and 

 accordingly to return it. 



Da sapienti occasionem, et addetur ei sapiential Here 

 is distinguished the wisdom brought into habit, and that 

 which is but verbal, and swimming only in conceit ; for the 

 one upon occasion presented is quickened and redoubled, 

 the other is amazed and confused. 



Quomodo in aquis resplendent vultus prospicientium, sic 

 corda hominum manifesta sunt prudentibus.^ Here the 

 mind of a wise man is compared to a glass, wherein the 

 images of all diversity of natures and customs are re- 

 presented; from which representation proceedeth that 

 apphcation, 



Qui sapit, innumeris moribus aptus erit.' 



7. Thus have I stayed somewhat longer upon these sen- 

 tences pohtic of Salomon than is agreeable to the proportion 

 of an example; led with a desire to give authority to this 

 part of knowledge, which I noted as deficient, by so excel* 

 lent a precedent; and have also attended them with brief 

 observations, such as to my understanding offer no violence 

 to the sense, though I know they may be apphed to a more 

 divine use: but it is allowed, even in divinity, that some 

 interpretations, yea, and some writings, have more of the 



^ Prov. xiv, 23. • xviii. 17. 



• xviii. 8. • ix. 7. • ix, 9. 



•xxvii. 19. ' Ovid, Ays Am. \. 760. 



