THE SECOND BOOK 365 



can bring about occasions to their ply ; and yet in the end, 

 when they see no other remedy, then they come to it 

 with disadvantage ; as Tarquinius, that gave for the third 

 part of Sibylla's books the treble price, when he might at 

 first have had all three for the simple. But from what- 

 soever root or cause this restiveness of mind proceedeth, it 

 is a thing most prejudicial ; and nothing is more politic 

 than to make the wheels of our mind concentric and 

 voluble with the wheels of fortune. 



Another precept of this knowledge, which hath some 

 affinity with that we last spake of, but with difference, 

 is that which is well expressed, Fatis accede Deisque, that 

 men do not only turn with the occasions but also run with 

 the occasions, and not strain their credit or strength to 

 over hard or extreme points, but choose in their actions 

 that which is most passable : for this will preserve men 

 from foil, not occupy them too much about one matter, 

 win opinion of moderation, please the most, and make a 

 show of a perpetual felicity in all they undertake ; which 

 cannot but mightily increase reputation. 



Another part of this knowledge seemeth to have some 

 repugnancy with the former two, but not as I understand 

 it; and it is that which Demosthenes uttereth in high 

 terms ; Et quemadmodum receptum est, ut exercitum ducat 

 imperator^ sic et a cordatis viris res ipsae ducendae ; ut quae ipsis 

 videntur, ea gerantur^ et non ipsi eventus persequi cogantur. 

 For if we observe, we shall find two differing kinds of 

 sufficiency in managing of business : some can make use of 

 occasions aptly and dexterously, but plot little ; some can 

 urge and pursue their own plots well, but cannot accom- 

 modate nor take in ; either of which is very imperfect 

 without the other. 



Another part of this knowledge is the observing a good 

 mediocrity in the declaring or not declaring a man's self; 

 for although depth of secrecy, and making way qualis 

 esf via navis in mari^ (which the French calleth sourdes 

 menees, when men set things in work without opening 

 themselves at all,) be sometimes both prosperous and 

 admirable ; yet many times Dissimulatio errores parit qui 



