OF THE COLOURS OF GOOD AND EVIL 151 



which if they escape prove excellent ; so that the kind is 

 inferior, because it is so subject to peril, but that which is 

 excellent being proved is superior ; as the blossom of March 

 and the blossom of May, whereof the French verse goeth : 



Burgeon de Mars, enfans de Paris, 

 Si un eschape, il en vaut dix. 



So that the blossom of May is generally better than the 

 blossom of March ; and yet the best blossom of March is 

 better than the best blossom of May. 



Sometimes because the nature of some kinds is to be 

 more equal and more indifferent, and not to have very 

 distant degrees, as hath been noted in the warmer climates 

 the people are generally more wise, but in the northern 

 climate the wits of chief are greater. So in many armies, 

 if the matter should be tried by duel between two cham- 

 pions, the victory should go on one side, and yet if it be 

 tried by the gross, it would go of the other side : for 

 excellencies go as it were by chance, but kinds go by a 

 more certain nature, as by discipline in war. 



Lastly, many kinds have much refuse, which countervail 

 that which they have excellent ; and therefore generally 

 metal is more precious than stone, and yet a diamond is 

 more precious than gold. 



in 



Quo a 1 ad veritatem refertur majus est quam quod ad opinionem. 

 Modus autem et probatio ejus quod ad opinionem pertinet 

 haec est, quod quis si clam putaret fore, facturus non esset. 



So the Epicures say of the Stoics' felicity placed in virtue; 

 that it is like the felicity of a player, who if he were left of 

 his auditory and their applause, he would straight be out of 

 heart and countenance ; and therefore they call virtue 

 bonum theatrale. But of riches the poet saith : 



Populus me sibilat, at mihi plaudo. 



And of pleasure, ~ , . 



Grata sub imo 



Gaudia corde premens, vultu simulante pudorem. 



