CHAP. XV.
TO make thee know (saith he) that wrath hath somewhat gene∣rous in it,* 1.1 thou shalt find that the Germanes and Scithians (which are free Nations) are much inclined vnto wrath; which commeth to passe because their spirits (which by nature are strong and so∣lide) are easily moued and prone vnto Anger, especially before they be tempered and mollified by discipline. There are certain passions which neuer take holde-fast but on the strongest spirits: euen as the most strongest and fruitfullest Coppise grow on the land which is least manured, and a Forrest flo∣risheth in a fruitfull soyle. Therfore the mindes that by nature are most strong∣est endure Anger, & being fierie & ho••e, suffer nothing that is little and feeble; but that vigor is imperfect, as in all things without Art, which grow only by the benefit•• of nature, which except they be quickly tamed, that which was dispo∣sed to become valour is conuerted into audaciousnes and rashnes. What, are not those spirits which are gentle and tractable lesse vicious? and are they not accompanied with m••rcie, loue, and honest shame? I will therefore shew thee a good disposition euen in those things that are euill; but therefore are they not vices, although they are signes of a better nature. Moreouer, all these Nations free in their fiercenesse, according to the custome of Lions and Wolues, as they cannot serue, so they cannot command: for they haue not the force of a hu∣mane vnderstanding, but such as is beastly and intractable; but no man can go∣uerne, except he that can be gouerned.