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A MOST EXCELLENT AND LEARNED DIALOGVE, IN PRAISE OF SILENCE: DECLARING BOTH THE DIGNITIE AND DEFECTES OF THE TONGVE.
The Speakers in this Dialogue, are the right reuerend Lord Counte Claudio, Bishop of Placentia: and the most honorable Lord Lodo∣uico Rangone his brother, Marquesse of Gibello, &c.
It is here discoursed in a pleasing controuersie, whether Silence or spea∣king, merits most praise. And, the one contrarying the other very fa∣miliarly, eache striues to maintaine his cause by soundest reasons: somtimes producing authorities from holy writ, and other whiles from the auncientest Philosophers. At length (after a sweete and sententi∣ous arguing) they conclude, that there is more securitie in silence, then indiscreete talking: in regard, that while eache man striues to speake best, his owne conceite doeth soonest deceiue him. And this is confirmed by diuine proofes, wittie sayings of Philosophers, and na∣turall reasons.
Chap. 1.
The sweetnesse of hu∣mane conference is so pleasing,* 1.1 glad∣some and delightfull, as I receiue no meane iniurie (my Lord) by your si∣lence. This taciturnity of yours, is such a mighty affliction to me, as I can bet∣ter forbeare my dayly food, then to be thus depriued of your speeche. Seeing,
to a hart downe-pressed with sorrow (as mine is) much more auaileth the sweete language of a true friend, then the physick of a skilfull doctor to an infirme bodie, and more vertue haue friendly consolations, to free the hearte from all oppressing passions, then physicks sweetest sirrops,* 1.2 in restrayning the furie of a Feuer.And yet do you hold your peace? may it not suffice you,