CHAP. II.] PRECEPTS FOR RISilfG IN LIFE. S33 



the beginning, and suddenly flying at the greatest things of 



all, rashly skip over those in the middle — thus neglecting the 



useful precept, "Attend to what is immediately before you," — - 



*' Quod nunc instat agamus."* 



Our second precept is, to beware of being carried by gi'eat- 

 ness and presumption of mind to things too difficult, and 

 thus of striving against the stream. It is a prudent advice, 

 in the raising of one's fortune, to yield to necessity. 



" Fatis accede, deisque.''^ 

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

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

 And where 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 

 ha))pened 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 

 wdll, and not himself be obliged to follow events."^ And if 

 we attend, we shall find two different kinds of men held 

 equal to the management of affaii'S ; for some know how to 

 make an advantageous use of opportunities, yet contrive or 

 project nothing of themselves ; whilst others are wholly in- 

 tent 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 neces- 

 sarily requires much time, but constantly to remember time 

 is ever on the wing, — 



** Sed fugit interea, fugit irreparabile tempus."* 

 And the only reason why those who addict themselves to 

 toilsome professions and employs, as lawyers, authors, <fec., are 



* Virg. Eclog. ix. 6Q. 



^ Lucan, viii. 486. Quoted also by Jeremy Taylor in his " Life ol 

 Pa-iat," Preface. « Philippift i. 61. • Ueorg. iij. 284. 



