192 ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING. [Book 



some curious observations in rhetoric, but chiefly poesy, as we consider 

 it, in respect of the verse, and not of the argument; wherein though 

 men in learned tongues do tie themselves to the ancient measures, yet 

 in modern languages it seemeth to me, as free to make new measures 

 of verses as of dances ; for a dance is a measured pace, as a verse is 

 a measured speech. In these things the sense is better judge than 

 the art ; 



Coenoe fercula nostroe, 

 Mallem convivis, quam placuisse cods. 



And of the servile expressing antiquity in an unlike and unfit subject, 

 it is well said, &quot; Quod tempore antiquum videtur, id incongruitate est 

 maxime novum.&quot; 



For ciphers, they are commonly in letters or alphabets, but may be 

 in words. The kinds of ciphers, besides the simple ciphers, with 

 changes, and intermixtures of nulls and non-significants, are many, 

 according to the nature or rule of the infolding : wheel-ciphers, key- 

 ciphers, doubles, etc.. But the virtues of them, whereby they are to 

 be preferred, are three ; that they be not laborious to write and read ; 

 that they be impossible to decipher ; and in some cases, that they be 

 without suspicion. The highest degree whereof is to write omnia per 

 omnia; which is undoubtedly possible with a proportion quincuple at 

 most, of the writing infolding to the writing infolded, and no other 

 restraint whatsoever. This art of ciphering hath for relative an art of 

 deciphering, by supposition unprofitable, but, as things are, of great 

 use. For suppose that ciphers were well managed, there be multitudes 

 of them which exclude the decipherer. But in regard of the rawness 

 and unskilfulness of the hands through which they pass, the greatest 

 matters are many times carried in the weakest ciphers. 



In the enumeration of these private and retired arts, it may be 

 thought I seek to make a great muster-roll of sciences, naming them 

 for show and ostentation, and to little other purpose. But let those 

 which are skilful in them judge, whether I bring them in only for 

 appearance, or whether in that which I speak of them, though in few 

 words, there be not some seed of proficience. And this must be 

 remembered, that as there be many of great account in their countries 

 and provinces, which when they come up to the seat of the estate, are 

 but of mean rank, and scarcely regarded ; so these arts being here 

 placed with the principal and supreme sciences, seem petty things; yet 

 to such as have chosen them to spend their labours and studies in 

 them, they seem great matters. 



For the method of tradition, I see it hath moved a controversy in 

 our time. But as in civil business, if there be a meeting, and men fall 

 at words, there is commonly an end of the matter for that time, and 

 no proceeding at all : so in learning, where there is much controversy, 

 there is many times little inquiry. For this part of knowledge of 

 method seemeth to me so weakly inquired, as I shall report it deficient. 



Method hath been placed, and that not amiss, in logic, as a part 

 of judgment : for as the doctrine of syllogisms comprehendeth the 



