THE SECOND BOOK 347 



This knowledge hath three parts, according to the three 

 summary actions of society; which are Conversation, 

 Negotiation, and Government. For man seeketh in 

 society comfort, use, and protection : and they be three 

 wisdoms of divers natures, which do often sever ; wisdom 

 of the behaviour, wisdom of business, and wisdom of state. 



The wisdom of Conversation ought not to be over 

 much affected, but much less despised ; for it hath not 

 only an honour in itself, but an influence also into business v * 

 and government. The poet saith, 



Nee vultu destrue verba tuo: 



a man may destroy the force of his words with his 

 countenance : so may he of his deeds, saith Cicero ; 

 recommending to his brother affability and easy access ; 

 Nil interest habere ostium apertum, vultum clausum ; it is 

 nothing won to admit men with an open door, and to 

 receive them with a shut and reserved countenance. So 

 we see Atticus, before the first interview between Caesar 

 and Cicero, the war depending, did seriously advise Cicero 

 touching the composing and ordering of his countenance 

 and gesture. And if the government of the countenance 

 be of such effect, much more is that of the speech, and 

 other carriage appertaining to conversation ; the true 

 model whereof seemeth to me well expressed by Livy, 

 though not meant for this purpose ; Ne aut arrogans 

 videar, aut obnoxius; quorum alterum est alienae liber tatis 

 obliti, alterum suae : the sum of behaviour is to retain a 

 man's own dignity, without intruding upon the liberty of 

 others. On the other side, if behaviour and outward 

 carriage be intended too much, first it may pass into 

 affection, and then quid deformius quam scenam in vitam 

 transferre^ to act a man's life? But although it proceed 

 not to that extreme, yet it consumeth time, and employeth 

 the mind too much. And therefore as we use to advise 

 young students from company keeping, by saying, Amid 

 fures temporis, so certainly the intending of the discretion 

 of behaviour is a great thief of meditation. Again, such 

 as are accomplished in that honor of urbanity please 



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