OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN 15 



bodies have failed. So the care of posterity is most in them 

 that have no posterity. They that are the first raisers of 

 their houses are most indulgent towards their children ; 

 beholding them as the continuance not only of their kind 

 but of their work ; and so both children and creatures. 



The difference in affection of parents towards their 

 several children is many times unequal ; and sometimes 

 unworthy ; especially in the mother ; as Solomon saith, ' A 

 wise son rejoiceth the father, but an ungracious son shames 

 the mother.' A man shall see, where there is a house full 

 of children, one or two of the eldest respected, and the 

 youngest made wantons ; but in the midst some that are as 

 it were forgotten, who many times nevertheless prove the 

 best. The illiberality of parents in allowance towards their 

 children is an harmful error; makes them. base; acquaints 

 them with shifts ; makes them sort with mean company ; 

 and makes them surfeit more when they come to plenty. 

 And therefore the proof is best, when men keep their 

 authority towards their children, but not their purse. Men 

 have a foolish manner (both parents and schoolmasters and 

 servants) in creating and breeding an emulation between 

 brothers during childhood, which many times sorteth to 

 discord when they are men, and disturbeth families. The 

 Italians make little difference between children and nephews 

 or near kinsfolk ; but so they be of the lump, they care 

 not though they pass not through their own body. And, 

 to say truth, in nature it is much a like matter ; insomuch 

 that we see a nephew sometimes resembleth an uncle or a 

 kinsman more than his own parent ; as the blood happens. 

 Let parents choose betimes the vocations and courses they 

 mean their children should take; for then they are most 

 flexible ; and let them not too much apply themselves to 

 the disposition of their children, as thinking they will take 

 best to that which they have most mind to. It is true, that 

 if the affection or aptness of the children be extraordinary, 

 then it is good not to cross it ; but generally the precept is 

 good, optimum elige, suave et facile illud facie t consuetude. 

 Younger brothers are commonly fortunate, but seldom or 

 never where the elder are disinherited. 



