336 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 



dull and neglected suffering, but of a wise and industrious 

 suffering, which draweth and contriveth use and advantage 

 out of that which seemeth adverse and contrary ; which is 

 that property which we call Accommodating or Applying. 

 Now the wisdom of application resteth principally in the 

 exact and distinct knowledge of the precedent state or 

 disposition unto which we do apply : for we cannot fit a 

 garment, except we first take measure of the body. 



So then the first article of this knowledge is to set down 

 sound and true distributions and descriptions of the several 

 characters and tempers of men's natures and dispositions, 

 specially having regard to those differences which are most 

 radical in being the fountains and causes of the rest, or 

 most frequent in concurrence or commixture ; wherein it 

 is not the handling of a few of them in passage, the better 

 to describe the mediocrities of virtues, that can satisfy this 

 intention ; for if it deserve to be considered, that there are 

 minds which are proportioned to great matters, an-d others 

 to small, (which Aristotle handleth or ought to have 

 handled by the name of Magnanimity,) doth it not deserve 

 as well to be considered, that there are minds proportioned 

 to intend many matters, and others to few? so that some 

 can divide themselves, others can perchance do exactly 

 well, but it must be but in few things at once ; and so 

 there cometh to be a narrowness of mind, as well as a 

 pusillanimity. And again, that some minds are pro- 

 portioned to that which may be dispatched at once, or 

 within a short return of time ; others to that which begins 

 afar off, and is to be won with length of pursuit ; 



"Jam turn tenditque fovetque : 



so that there may be fitly said to be a longanimity ; which 

 is commonly also ascribed to God as a magnanimity. So 

 further deserved it to be considered by Aristotle, that there 

 is a disposition in conversation (supposing it in things 

 which do in no sort touch or concern a man's self) to 

 soothe and please, and a disposition contrary to contradict 

 and cross ; and deserveth it not much better to be con- 

 sidered, that there is a disposition, not in conversation or 



