OF 

 THE COLOURS OF GOOD AND EVIL 



IN deliberatives the point is, what is good and what is 

 evil, and of good what is greater, and of evil what is the 

 less. 



So that the persuader's labour is to make things appear 

 good or evil, and that in higher or lower degree ; which as 

 it may be performed by true and solid reasons, so it may 

 be represented also by colours, popularities and circum- 

 stances, which are of such force, as they sway the ordinary 

 judgment either of a weak man, or of a wise man not fully 

 and considerately attending and pondering the matter. 

 Besides their power to alter the nature of the subject in 

 appearance, and so to lead to error, they are of no less use 

 to quicken and strengthen the opinions and persuasions 

 which are true : for reasons plainly delivered, and always 

 after one manner, especially with fine and fastidious minds, 

 enter but heavily and dully : whereas if they be varied and 

 have more life and vigour put into them by these forms 

 and insinuations, they cause a stronger apprehension, and 

 many times suddenly win the mind to a resolution. Lastly, 

 to make a true and safe judgment, nothing can be of 

 greater use and defence to the mind, than the discovering 

 and reprehension of these colours, shewing in what cases 

 they hold, and in what they deceive : which as it cannot 

 be done, but out of a very universal knowledge of the 

 nature of things, so being performed, it so cleareth man's 

 judgment and election, as it is the less apt to slide into 

 any error. 



149 



