Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

1

14. His greatest enemies are, his flatterers; for though they ever speak on his side, yet their words still make against him.

15. The love which a king oweth to a weal public, should not be restrained to any one particular; yet that his more special favour do reflect upon some worthy ones, is somewhat necessary, because there are few of that capacity.

16. He must have a special care of five things, if he would not have his crown to be but to him infelix felicitas: " an unhappy felicity."

First, that " pretended sanctity" be not in the church; for that is " a two fold iniquity." Secondly, that "unprofitable equity" sit not in the chancery; for that is "absurd pity." Thirdly, that “ profitable iniquity" keep not the exchequer; for "that is cruel robbery."

Fourthly, that " an incautious mind though faithful be not his general; for that will bring but "repentance when too late."

Fifthly, that "an affected prudence" be not his secretary; for that is " a snake in the grass."

To conclude: as he is of the greatest power, so he is subject to the greatest cares, made the servant of his people, or else he were without a calling at all.

He then that honoureth him not, is next an atheist, wanting the fear of God in his heart.

Short Notes for Civil Conversation.

1. To deceive men's expectations generally, with cautel, argueth a staid mind, and unexpected constancy: namely, in matters of fear, anger, sudden joy or grief, and all things which may affect or alter the mind in public or sudden accidents, or such like.

2. It is necessary to use a stedfast countenance, not wavering with action, as in moving the head or hand too much; which showeth a fantastical, light and fickle operation of the spirit, and consequently light mind as gesture: only it is sufficient, with leisure, to use a modest action in either.

3. In all kinds of speech, either pleasant, grave, severe, or ordinary, it is convenient to speak leisurely, and rather drawingly, than hastily; because hasty speech confounds the memory, and oftentimes, besides unseemliness, drives a man either to a non-plus or unseemly stammering, harping upon that which should follow; whereas a slow speech confirmeth the memory, addeth a conceit of wisdom to the hearers, besides a seemliness of speech and countenance.

4. To desire in discourse to hold all arguments, is ridiculous, wanting true judgment; for in all things no man can be exquisite.

240 SHORT NOTES FOR CIVIL CONVERSATION.

5, 6. To have common places to discourse, and to want variety, is both tedious to the hearers, and shows a shallowness of conceit; therefore it is good to vary, and suit speeches with the present occasions; and to have a moderation in all our speeches, especially in jesting of religion, state, great persons, weighty and important business, poverty, or any thing deserving pity.

7. A long-continued speech, without a good speech of interlocution, showeth slowness: and a good reply, without a good set speech, showeth shallowness and weakness.

8. To use many circumstances, ere you come to the matter, is wearisome; and to use none at all, is but blunt.

9. Bashfulness is a great hindrance to a man, both in uttering his opinion, and understanding what is propounded unto him: wherefore it is good to press himself forward with discretion, both in speech, and company of the better sort.

Usus promptos facit.

"Practice makes men ready."

1

Miscellaneous Sentences.

COLLECTED FROM THE WRITINGS OF SIR

FRANCIS BACON, LORD VERULAM, VISCOUNT
ST. ALBANS.

1. A GAMESTER, the greater master he is in his art, the worse man he is.

2. Much bending breaks the bow; much unbending, the mind.

3. He conquers twice, who upon victory over_ comes himself.

4. If vices were upon the whole matter profitable,

the virtuous man would be the sinner.

5. He sleeps well, who feels not that he sleeps ill.

6. To deliberate about useful things, is the safest

delay.

7. The flood of grief decreaseth, when it can swell no higher.

8. Pain makes even the innocent man a liar.

9. In desire, swiftness itself is delay.

10. The smallest hair casts a shadow.

11. He that has lost his faith, what has he left to

live on?

12. A beautiful face is a silent commendation.

13. Fortune makes him a fool whom she makes

her darling.

14. Fortune is not content to do a man but one ill turn.

Y

15. The fortune which nobody sees, makes a man happy and unenvied.

16. O! what a miserable thing it is to be hurt by such a one of whom it is in vain to complain. 17. A man dies as often as he loses his friends. 18. The tears of an heir are laughter under a vizard.

19. Nothing is pleasant, to which variety does not give a relish.

20. He may bear envy, who is either courageous or happy.

21. None but a virtuous man can hope well in ill circumstances.

22. In taking revenge, the very haste we make is criminal.

23. When men are in calamity, if we do but laugh we offend.

24. He accuseth Neptune unjustly, who makes shipwreck a second time.

25. He that injures one, threatens an hundred.

26. All delay is ungrateful, hut we are not wise without it.

27. Happy he who dies ere he calls for death to take him away.

28. An ill man is always ill; but he is then worst

of all, when he pretends to be a saint.

29. Lock and key will scarce keep that secure,

which pleases every body.

« AnteriorContinuar »