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CHAP. XXVI.
THere is nothing therefore,* 1.1 that more nourisheth Anger then in∣temperate and impatient dissolutenesse, the minde is to bee han∣led hardly that hee may not feele the stroke: except it bee grie∣uous. We are angrie with these from whom we neither could receiue injurie, or those from whom we might receiue it. Some of the first are without sence, as wee haue beene wont often times to cast by a booke that is written in small letters, and haue torne a faultie, or as we cut our garments by reason they are not pleasing vnto vs in their fashion. How fond a thing is it to be angrie with these which haue not deserued our displeasure, nei∣ther feele the same? But we are angrie with those that made them. First, we are angrie almost ordinarily before we bethinke our selues of this distinction, a∣gaine happily the very workmen themselues will giue vs sufficient satisfaction. One of them could not doe better then he did, neither was he negligent in his occupation, vpon purpose to displease thee. Another did it not to offend thee. In conclusion, what is more braine-sick then to discharge and vent the choler, we haue gathered vpon things that haue no sense? And as it is a folly to be an∣grie with these that are inanimated creatures, so is it as foolish to be displeased with dumb beasts, because there is no injurie except it proceede from discourse and deliberation. They can therefore hurt vs as yron or a stone, but they can∣not doe vs injurie. But some there are that thinke themselues to be contemned, whereas some horses that are easily backt by another horse-man, are sturdie to another mans riding, as if by judgement, not by custome, and the arte of hand∣ling them, some beasts are vntractable to some men.