198 The Advancement of Learning 



In some other it is a lothness to leese labours passed, and a 

 conceit that they can bring about occasions to their ply; 

 and yet in the end, when they see no other remedy, then 

 they come to it with disadvantage; as Tarquinius, that 

 gave for the third part of Sibylla's books the treble price, ^ 

 when he might at first have had all three for the simple. 

 But from whatsoever root or cause this restiveness of mind 

 proceedeth, it is a thing most prejudicial; and nothing is 

 more politic than to make the wheels of our mind concentric 

 and voluble with the wheels of fortune. 



34. Another precept of this knowledge, which hath some 

 affinity with that we last spake of, but with difference, is 

 that which is well expressed, Fatis accede Deisque,^ that 

 men do not only turn with the occasions, but also run with 

 the occasions, and not strain their credit or strength to 

 over hard or extreme points; but choose in their actions 

 that which is most passable : for this will preserve men from 

 foil, not occupy them too much about one matter, win 

 opinion of moderation, please the most, and make a show 

 of a perpetual felicity in all they imdertake ; which cannot 

 but mightily increase reputation. 



35. Another part of this knowledge seemeth to have some 

 repugnancy with the former two, but not as I understand 

 it ; and it is that which Demosthenes uttereth in high terms ; 

 Et quemadmodum receptum est, ut exercitum ducat imperator, 

 sic et a cordatis viris res ipsce ducendcB ; ut quce ipsis videntur, 

 ea gerantur, et non ipsi eventus tantum persequi coganiur.^ 

 For, if we observe, we shall find two differing kinds of 

 sufficiency in managing of business; some can make use 

 of occasions aptly and dexterously, but plot little; some 

 can urge and pursue their own plots well, but cannot 

 accommodate nor take in ; * either of which is very imperfect 

 without the other. 



36. Another part of this knowledge is the observing a good 

 mediocrity in the declaring, or not declaring a man's self: 

 for although depth of secrecy, and making way, qualis est 

 via navis in mari,^ (which the French calleth sourdes menees, 



• For the same price, according to the Legend, Aul. Gell. i. 19. 



• Lucan, viii. 486. • Demosth. Phil. i. 51. 



• Explained by the Latin " qui occasiones quae opportune in- 

 cidunt non arripiunt." 



• Prov. XXX. 19. 



