The workes of Lucius Annæus Seneca, both morrall and naturall Containing, 1. His bookes of benefites. 2. His epistles. 3. His booke of prouidence. 4. Three bookes of anger. 5. Two bookes of clemencie. 6. His booke of a blessed life. 7. His booke of the tranquilitie of the minde. 8. His booke of the constancie of a wiseman. 9. His booke of the shortnesse of life. 10. Two bookes of consolation to Martia. 11. Three bookes of consolation to Heluia. 12. His booke of consolation to Polibius. 13. His seuen bookes of naturall questions. Translated by Tho. Lodge, D. in Physicke.

The Argument of IVSTVS LIPSIVS.

THis booke was written during the time of his exile at such time as hee was deiected both in mind and body (wee must confesse it, and the wri∣ting testifieth it) about the third yeare of his banishment: for he open∣ly maketh mention of the first entrance into Britany, which was about that time: As touching POLYBIVS hee was one of the most pow∣erfull free men that belonged to CLAVDIVS, and receiued that title by reason of his studies, for he was learned in the Greeke and Latine tongues, and may wee gather honest appar••ntly by the prayses which SENECA loadeth him with; hee comforteth him in the death of his brother, and the whole disposition of the Booke is hidden, because both the beginning and diuers things else are missing: In that which is extant, this is his order: he denieth that wee should grieue at the death of one man, because the worlde it selfe and whatsoeuer is in it is condemned by that law: likewise because the griefe is vaine, and without fruit. Thirdly, that wee are borne to afflictions, and that we ought to fashion our selues thereunto. Fourthly, hee calleth to witnesse, the will of the dead, and sheweth his desire not to liue. Fifthly, that in constancy and example hee ought to exceed his other brothers, because hee was a worthy person, and all mens eyes were fixed on him. Sixthly, he wisheth him to take comfort from his studies which hee alwayes loued. This and such like vntill the 31. Chapter. From thence forward hee intermixeth the example of those who haue endured the like couragiously; amongst these (not with∣out vilde flattery) he produceth CAESARS example, whom hee wonderfully prai∣seth, and in conclusion once againe sendeth POLYBIV•• to his booke and studies, as a remedy of his griefe: wee cannot deny but this was SENECAES writing: I thinke not to the intent hee meant it should be published, but according to his present for∣tune abiectly, and too humbly written to a slaue (alasse) adorned with how many praises? I am ashamed, I am ashamed, whosoeuer published this, was an enemy to SENECA, and his glory.

OVT OF T••E 〈◊〉〈◊〉 CHAP.

IF thou compare our bodies with them, they are strong, if thou reduce them to the condition of nature that destroyeth all things, and recalleth them thither from whence shee made them, they are fraile; for what can mortall hands make im∣mo••••all? Those seuen miracles, and whatsoeuer else more wonderfull then these, the ambition of succeeding yeeres haue builded, shall bee seene leueled with the ground; the end of things are varied, and whatsoeuer hath had a beginning shal haue an end: Some maintaine that the wicked

shall perish, and if thou thinke it lawfull to belieue, so much then shall a day come that shall dissipate the same, and drowne the whole vniuerse (which con∣taineth all whatsoeuer is diuine and humane) into their ••ormer confusion and darkenesse: now then let him lament that list, by reason of the death of so ma∣ny persous that haue been, let him deplore the destruction of Carthage, Numan∣tium and Corinth, or whatsoeu••r places were notorious, eyther in their flou∣rishing or fall, when as this likewise as euidently appeareth vnto him, that euen that which hath nothing whereupon to fall, must perish; let him goe and complaine himselfe, that the Destinies (which must one day attempt and ex∣ecute so great a mischiefe) haue not spared him likewise.

CHAP. XXI.

* 1.1WHat man is hee of so proud and insolent arrogancy, that in this necessity of nature that reuoketh all things to the same end, will haue himselfe and his exempted out of the ranke of all others, and discharge some house from that ruine which shall deuoure the whole world. It is therefore a great comfort for a man to bethinke himselfe that the same hath hapned vnto him, which all others haue suffered before him,* 1.2 and all that follow him must endure, and therefore in my iudgement nature hath made that most common which is most grieuous, to the end that the equality thereof might in some sort leni••ie the cruelty of the fate. This likewise will yeeld thee no little comfort, if thou thinke that thy sor∣row will neither profit him whom thou bewailest, nor thy selfe; for thou woul∣dest not haue that long that is vnprofitable: For if sorrow would profit vs any thing; I refuse not to intermixe the remainder of those teares that my aduerse ••ortune hath left me with thine; yea more likewise will I finde out some rem∣nant of remorse, that may flow from mine eyes that are dried vp by so many teares which I haue spent by reason of the misfortunes of my house: if that may returne thee any profite, why ceasest thou? let vs complaine: I will take the cause in hand, and make it mine owne. O fortune that in all mens iudge∣ment art most vniust, vntill this present it was supposed that thou sparedst this worthy man, who by thy fauour had attained such credite, that his felicity (which is a thing both rare and lesse heard of) was not enuyed by any man; be∣hold thou hast impressed a sorrow in him more greater then he could receiue, but in the losse of the Emperour, & when thou haddest attempted and sought into him euery wayes, thou couldst not finde any fit meanes to assaile him but this:* 1.3 for what other iniury couldst thou haue done him? what; take away his money? neuer was he a slaue vn••o it, and now also as farre as in him lieth, hee casteth it from him; and in this his so great felicity and means of enriching him∣selfe, hee seeketh no greater fruit therby then the contempt therof. What take away his friends? Thou knewest he was so well beloued, that hee might easi∣ly substitute others in their places that were lost; for of all those great Lordes whom I haue knowne in the Emperours house, this man alone in my iudge∣ment was such a one that although it were expedient for all men to entertaine his friendship, yet their affection and desire to bee in his fauour, was farre more great then the assistance they pretended to reape by his countenance. What de∣priue him of his honour? but that is so setled in him, that thou hast no power to shake it. What, rob him of his health? thou knowest that his mind was so

well grounded in liberall sciences (wherein hee is not onely bred vp but borne) that all infirmities of the body whatsoeuer cannot abash him. What, take away his life? how little haddest thou hurt him? the excellency of his mind had pro∣mised him a life of longer continuance•• hee hath carefully endeauoured him∣selfe to eternize the better part of him, and to warrantize himselfe from death, by the excellent and learned works that hee hath composed. As long as learning shall be any wayes honoured, as long as the vigor of the latine tongue, and the grace of the Greeke shall haue credite amongst great men: so long shall this man liue amongst the men of most reputation, whose sufficiency and worth hee hath eyther equalled, or (if his modesty refuse this testimony) hath very neerely i∣mitated.

CHAP. XXII.

THou hast therfore bethought thee of this one meanes, whereby thou mightest harm him most;4 1.4 for the better a man is, the more oftner is he accustomed to thy assaults, who art displeased with∣out election, and dr••••dfull amidst thy greatest benefites. Was it so great a matter for thee to warrantize this man from affliction, whom thy fauour in some sort seemed to haue sufficiently defenced, and not according to thy vsuall custome to haue light vpon him rashly? but if thou wilt let vs adde to these complaints the gentle nature of thy brother, rauished out of this world in the prime of his youth; hee deseured to haue thee to his brother, and thou vndoubtedly art most worthy to lament such a brother as hee was: all men giue an equall testimony of him, he is bewailed to thy honour, and pray∣sed for his own desert, there was nothing in him which thou wouldest not wil∣lingly acknowledge. For thine owne part thou wouldest haue shewed thy selfe good to an other brother, who might haue beene lesse good, but thy piety ha∣uing found an answerable subiect in this man, hath expressed it selfe more free∣ly. Although his meanes were great, yet neuer offended he any man, neither threatned he any man with thee who wert his brother: hee was formed ac∣cording to the example of thy modesty, considering what honour it was vnto him to bee so neerely allied vnto thee, and of what importance that was, so likewise knew hee how to manage such a charge. O cruell destinies, e∣nemies to all vertue; thy brother was taken out of this world before hee knew his owne felicity; I am not displeased or angry more then I should be, for there is nothing so difficult when a man is extremely vexed, as to finde out wordes that are answerable to his sorrow: yet againe, if this will yeelde vs any remedy wee will lament? Where one thoughts thou vniust and iniurious fortune? why hast thou so sodenly repented thy selfe of thy fauourable dealing? what cruelty was this to breake in amidst brothers, and by so bloudy a rapine to lesson such a company as liued in the greatest peace of the world? why wouldest thou trouble and diminish without cause a house so well furnished with vertuous young men? amongst whom, there was no one that degenerated. By this rec∣koning perfect innocency preuaileth nothing, ancient temperance is vnprofita∣ble, a soueraigne honour (accompanied with vnspeakeable modesty, and intire, and pure loue towards good letters, and an vpright conscience) shall be vnfruit∣full. Polybius mo••rneth, and being admonished in one brother, what hee is to feare of the rest, is euen afraid of those very comforts which should lenifle his

sorrow. Polybius mourneth and is sorrowfull, although he bee in great fauour with the Emperour: vndoubtedly therefore, O malignant fortune, thou hast made choice of this meanes, to shew that no man, no not Caesar himselfe can warrantize a man from thy fury.

CHAP. XXIII.

5 1.5WEe may accuse the Destinies longer, but we cannot change them, they continue obstinate and in••xorable; no man can moue them eyther with vpbraides, or teares, or perswasions: they acquit no man of any thing, they pardon nothing: let vs therefore spare our teares, because they are vnprofitable: for sooner will sorrow lodge vs with him then returne him vnto vs; since shee tormenteth vs, & com∣forteth vs not, let vs shake her off in good time, and let vs retire our minds from vaine solaces, and from a bitter desire of sorrow: for except reason restrain our teares, fortune will not. Goe to, turne thy selfe on euery side, and consider all men in this world: there is in euery place an ample and continuall cause of teares; one man is called to his dayly labour, by a laborious pouerty, an o∣ther tormented with insatiable ambition, an other feareth those riches he hath wished for, and is sicke of his owne desires, this man is afflicted with care, that man with labour, this man is tyred with a troupe of sutors that besiege his dores, this man is sorry that hee hath children, that man because he hath lost them: we shall sooner want teares then cause of sorrow. Considerest thou not what life it is that nature hath presented vs with, since shee would that teares should be the first presages of our coudition in this world? This is our begin∣ning whereunto all the course of our yeares haue relation: thus liue wee, and therefore wee ought to keepe a measure in this thing, which wee ought to doe so often: and then considering how many fatall accidents attend vs, if wholly wee cannot giue ouer our teares; at leastwise we ought to reserue some part of them for time to come.6 1.6 There is nothing wherein wee ought to bee more sparing then this whereof wee haue so frequent vse. Moreouer thou shalt bee very much comforted, if thou thinkest that thy brother, for whom thou afflictest thy selfe in this sort, taketh lesse pleasure in that thou doest then any man thou canst name: hee will not, or hee knoweth not that thou art thus tormented: It is therefore an vnprofitable labour to grieue for him, for if hee feeleth nothing, it is superfluous, and if he feeleth, hee taketh no pleasure therein.

CHAP. XXIIII.

BOldly dare I say, that there is no man in the whole world that is delighted in thy teares. What then? thinkest thou that thy bro∣ther is worse affectioned towards thee then any other man?7 1.7 that he should desire thy affliction, that hee should withdraw thee from thy businesses, that is, from thy studies, and from Caesar? this is farre vnlikely; for he hath loued thee as his brother•• honoured thee as his parent, and respected thee as his superiour; hee would thou shouldest remem∣ber him, but not torment thy selfe for him; what auaileth it thee therefore to

consume thy selfe with sorrow, which if the dead haue any sense, thy brother desireth it should be finished: for an other brother whose inclination might seeme vncertaine, I should put all these things in doubt, and I should say, thy brother desireth that thou shouldst be tortured with incessant teares; he is vn∣worthy of this affection, and if hee would not, then giue ouer thy vnprofitable griefe. Neither should an impious brother be so bewailed, neither would a pi∣ous be so lamented. But in this whose piety is so well approued, thou art to resolue thy selfe that nothing can bee more grieuous vnto him, then if this his death be distastfull vnto thee: if it vexe thee any wayes, if it troubleth and spen∣deth thine eyes vnworthy of so great misery, with causlesse shewers of com∣plaint. But nothing shall withdraw thy piety so much from vnprofitable teares as if thou thinke that thou oughtest to bee an example to thy brethren,* 1.8 where∣by they may be instructed to sustaine these iniuries of fortune with constancy. That now art thou to doe which great Captaines doe in desperate dangers or vncertaine, who purposely faine a merry demeasure, and cloake their discon∣tents with a pleasant countenance, for feare lest their Souldiers should bee dis∣couraged by discouering their gouernors discontent. Shew thou a countenance that is contrary to thy thought, and if thou canst purge thy selfe of all sorrow, at leastwise hide and containe it inwardly, lest it appeare, and endeauour thy selfe that thy brothers may imitate thee, who will thinke that honest whatsoe∣ner they see thee doe, and will assume their courage according to the temper of thy conntenance. Thou must both solace and comfort them; but thou canst notwithstand their sorrow, if thou make a wanton of thine owne.

CHAP. XXV.

THis thing likewise may restraine thee from sorrowing extreame∣ly, if so bee thou informe thy selfe,* 1.9 that none of those things which thou doest can remaine hidden. The common consent of all men hath made thee great, maintaine that. Thou art enui∣roned with a troup of men that come to comfort thee, who care∣fully consider thy thought, and diligently obserue whether it bee fortified a∣gainst griefe besides, not onely if thou know how to vse prosperity discreetely; or if thou canst endure aduersity manfully: they obserue thine eyes. All things are more free vnto those whose passions may be couered. As touching thy self thou canst not hide thy self; fortune hath placed thee in al mens ••ies. Euery man shall know how thou hast carried thy selfe in this conflict; whether vpon the first assault thou gauest ouer thy weapons, or if thou hast stood confidently in the battell. Heretofore the fauour of the Emperour, and thine owne valour haue made thee rise to great estate, and therefore all bare and vulgar infirmitie ill befitteth thee. But there is nothing so vilde and so base, then for a man to suffer himselfe to bee deuoured in sorrow. In the same griefe it is not lawfull for thee to behaue thy selfe so as thy other brothers. The opinion which is con∣ceiued of thy studies and manners, permitteth thee not many things•• men re∣quire many things at thy hands, and expect much, if thou wouldest haue had all things lawfull for thee, thou sholdest not haue drawn al mens eies vpon thee. But now so much art thou to performe as thou hast promised all men, who prayse and applaude the endeuours of thy witte, who, whereas they haue no need of thy fortune, yet haue neede of thy witte. These are the watchmen of

thy mind. Thou canst therefore doe nothing that is vnworthy the profession of a perfect and learned man, but if diuers men will repent themselues, because they haue admired thee. Thou must not weepe immoderately, and although thou art not to loose a part of the day in sleepe, nor in seeking thy repose, forsake the bulke of affaires, and goe and trifle it in the Country, not vndertake with a sprightly conceit a long voyage to recreat thy body, being wearied with con∣tinuall trauell of thy weighty charge, nor to loose thy selfe in diuers pastimes in the Theaters, neither to spend the howers of the day according as it best liketh thee.

CHAP. XXVI.

* 1.10THere are many things which are vnlawfull for thee, which are per∣missible in men of base condition, and such as liue in obscurity. A great dignity and prosperity is a great seruitude. It is not lawfull for thee to doe any thing according to thine owne mind. Thou must giue audience to a thousand persons, reade an infinite of pe∣titions; thou must bee acco••ted by a num••erlesse number of sutors, posting from euery part of the world. Thou hadst need of a gouerned mind to dis∣patch readily and sodainely the affaires of the greatest Prince in all the word. I say it is not lawfull for thee to weepe, because thou art to heare diuers men that weepe; and to the end that their teares may be profitable vnto them that are in danger to obtaine the mercy of most milde Caesar; thine are to bee dried vp. Yet behold what will comfort thee greatly, and proue a singular remedy for thee:* 1.11 cast thine eyes vpon Caesar, when thou wouldest disburthen thy selfe of sorrowes. Consider what a charge his fauour hath imposed vpon thee, how much industry thou owest him, and then shalt thou vnderstand, that thou art no more to bee humbled by these crosses, then hee (if a man may giue any cre∣dite to fables) who beareth the whole world on his shoulders. For this cause diuers things are not lawfull for the Emperour, who may doe all that which he pleaseth. His vigilancy conserueth the houses of all men in particular: his tra∣uell giueth them repose, his industry maketh them liue at ease, and in delight. His occupation furnisheth them with time to disport themselues in. Since that time that Caesar dedicated himselfe to the world, and rauished himselfe from himselfe, and as the Planets which incessantly runne their courses, hee cannot rep••se, neither dispatch any thing of his owne affaires. So in the like sort, the same necessity is enioyned thee, thou art neither to respect thine owne profite, nor affect thy studies.* 1.12 As long as Caesar is Lord of the world, thou canst not ad∣dict thy selfe to pleasure, or griefe, nor to any thing els, thou art wholly Caesars, Adde hereunto that hauing alwayes made the world belieue that thou louest Caesar better then thine owne soule, it is not lawfull for thee as long as he liueth to complaine of thy fortune. Hee being in safety, all they that appertaine vnto thee are in security; thou hast lost nothing, thine eyes must not onely bee dried but bee ioyfull. In him thou hast all thinges, and hee to thee is as much as all. I will tell thee without impeachment of thy prudence and piety, that thou hast little respect of his greatnesse, that as long as thy body is in good health, thou giuest way to any thy sorrow whatsoeuer. But I wil shew thee another remedy which is not so strong as the precedent, yet is it more familiar, if at any time thou retire thy selfe into thy house, then wilt thou haue some cause to suspect

thy sorrow, for as long as thou shalt behold Caesars Godhead, sorrow will finde no accesse vnto thee, Caesar will possesse whatsoeuer is in thee, when thou de∣partest from him, then as if occasion were giuen, sorrow will finde out thy soli∣tude, and will creep by little and little into thy soule that desireth repose. Thou art not therefore to intermit any time of study,* 1.13 then will sciences and good let∣ters which thou hast so long and faithfully loued, requite thy endeauour, and auowing thee for their patron and affectionate seruant, will take thee into their safeguard. Then Homer and Virgil (who haue so much obliged all men vnto them, as thou hast made them obliged, hauing giuen order to make thē known to more men, then they themselues haue written verses) shall long time make abode with thee. All the time thou shalt commit and giue them to keepe, shall be assured. Imploy thy selfe then in couching, in writing the deeds of the Em∣perour thy Master, to the end that in all ages the Romane people may cele∣••••ate his memory, for he it is that will furnish thee with matter, and giue thee example to digest and set downe his actions.

CHAP. XXVII.

I Dare not induce and perswade thee so farre according to thy ac∣customed elegancy to set downe the fables of AEsope,* 1.14 a worke as yet vnattempted by our Romane wits: for it is a hard matter for a mind so vehemently deiected as thine is, so quickly to vn∣dertake this more pleasing and pleasant studies, yet shalt thou know that thy mind will be fortified, and recouer himselfe, if hee may giue o∣uer these grauer studies, and employ himselfe in those that are more delightfull and free: for in the grauer, the austerity of things which hee shall intreat vp∣on, will draw the same, although it bee sicke and at debate in it selfe, but in those that shal breede delight, thy spirit shall take no pleasure, but at such time as it shall bee setled and quieted in it selfe. Thou onghtest therefore to exercise thy selfe in matters of importance, and then to temper thy mind with more pleasing studies. This likewise will comfort thee very much, if oftentimes thou debate in this sort with thy selfe.* 1.15 Whether am I sorrowfull in respect of my selfe, or in regarde of him that is deceased? if for the loue of my selfe, it is in vaine that I perswade my selfe, that I am a good brother, and the griefe which beginneth is excusable, because it is honest, and estranged from piety in this, because it hath regard to profite. But there is nothing that worse beseemeth a good man then to haue a will to consider, how much hee hath eyther won or lost by the death of his brother. If I complaine me for the loue of him, I must needes approue it by one of these two succeeding considerations, that is to say, that eyther the dead haue a feeling or no feeling. If they haue no sense, my brother hath escaped all the incommodities of life, and is restored vnto that place wherein hee was before hee was borne, and being voide of all euill, hee neyther feareth nor desireth, nor suffereth any thing. What madnes is this in me, that I neuer giue ouer grieuing for him who shall neuer bee aggrieued? if the dead haue any sence, the soule of my brother being as it were dischar∣ged out of a long prison, is now in freedome and full liberty, shee searcheth and beholdeth with content the workes of Nature, shee discouereth them from a high place wherin she sees all humane things, & neerly approcheth the diuine: in search whereof shee was so long time vainely tormented. Why

therefore afflict I my selfe with the losse of him who either is blessed, or is no body. To bewaile him that is blessed, it is enuy to lament him that is no more; is madnesse.

CHAP. XXVIII.

OR art thou displeased hereat, because in thy iudgement thy bro∣ther is depriued of great goods which followed and attended him?* 1.16 When thou shalt bethinke thy selfe that there are many things which hee hath left, consider that there are more thinges which hee feareth not. Anger shall not vexe him, sicknesse shall not aflict him, suspition shall not prouoke him, gnawing and hatefull enuy that is alwayes an enemy to other mens proceedings, shall not attend him, fe••••e shall not presse him, inconstant fortune that now taketh from one to giue it to another, shall torment him no more: If thou calculate well, thy brother hath gotten more then he hath lost. But hee shall no more enioy his riches, neyther his owne honour, or the countenance hee hath had by thee; he neither shal re∣ceiue or doe pleasures any more. Thinkest thou him miserable, because hee hath left these thinges, or happy because hee desireth them no more? Belieue mee he is more blessed that hath no need of fortune, then hee that is much troubled in entertaining her.* 1.17 All these goods which delight vs by reason of their faire but fallacious appearance, as money, estates, credite, and other such like which corrupt couetous and ambitious mens minds, are possessed with paine, and beheld with enuy; they oppresse those that are adorned with them, and threaten more then they profite. They are slippery and vncertaine, they are neuer firmely possessed, for although a man were not in doubt of that which is to come,* 1.18 yet so it is that the maintenance of a great prosperity is ac∣cōpanied with many cares, if thou wilt giue credit to those who more inwardly examine the truth, all our life is but a punishment. Being cast into this so deep and troubled a sea, tormented with continuall ebbes and floates, that now ray∣seth vs vp with sodaine encreases, and straight forsaketh vs with greater losses, and continually tossing vs, wee neuer remaine in a setled place, wee liue in sus∣pence and incertainety, who are beaten one against another, and sometimes we are shipwrackt, but alwayes fearefull. Sayling in this so stormy sea, and expo∣sed to all tempests, we finde no hauen but in death. Enuy not thy brother ther∣fore, he is at rest, now at length hee is free, now at length hee is secure, now at length hee is eternall.* 1.19 He hath left the Emperour and all his race, thy selfe and all his brothers behinde him. Before that fortune turned her fauourable face from him, hee forsooke her euen then when shee stood vnto him, and heaped fauours vpon him with a plentifull hand. But now hee enioyeth an open and freer heauen from an humble low Tabernacle, hee hath attained so conspicu∣ous a place, whatsoeuer it be that receiued those blessed soules that are deliue∣red out of these earthly bonds into his blessed bosome, that now he freely wan∣dreth and beholdeth all the goods of nature with exceeding pleasure. Thou art deceiued, thy brother hath not lost the light, but hath attained a more se∣curer. It is a way that we must all walke. Why complaine we of desteny? hee hath not left vs, but gone before vs.

CHAP. XXIX.

BElieue it, there is a great happinesse in dying happy,* 1.20 nothing is as∣sured, no not for the length of one day, onely humane affaires be∣ing so obscure and confused, as they bee who will vndertake to re∣solue whether thy brothers death had wrought him enuy,* 1.21 or whether it hath procured him good? Besides this, there is an o∣ther consideration, which is to comfort thee, for thou oughtest to think that in loosing such a brother, thou hast receiued no iniury, but that thou hast beene greatly fauoured, because that so long time it hath beene in thy power, to enuy and make vse of his piety. Vnreasonable is that man that hath not giuen his be∣nefactor that credite to dispose of that hee giueth according to his best liking. and that man is couetous, that in stead of calling that gaine which a man giueth him, complaineth that hee hath lost that which hee hath restored. Vngratefull is hee that saith, that iniury is the end of pleasure. And foolish is he that thin∣keth there is no fruit but in things present, that contenteth not himselfe with those things that are past, esteeming those things for certaine goods which ap∣peare not any more, because hee ought not to bee afraid that they are lost. Too much scantleth he his wayes, who thinketh that hee enioyeth nothing but those things that hee hath and seeth, and esteemeth them as much as nothing which he hath had, and hath no more, ••or all pleasures abandon others very sodainely, it is a thing that slippeth away, that passeth, and is taken from vs al∣most before it commeth; wee must therefore beflect our thoughts vpon the time that is past, and recall to memorie, and oftentimes ruminate on all that which hath euer giuen vs pleasure. The remembrance of delights and con∣tentments is more assured and endureth longer time, then the presence of them: remember this therefore amongst thy greate•••• goods, that thou hast had a good brother: thinke not how long time hee might as yet haue liued with thee, but how long time hee hath remained with thee. Nature gaue him both to thy selfe,* 1.22 and the rest of thy brothers, not as a thing proper vnto you, but shee hath lent him you, and when shee thought good shee hath redemanded him, not satisfying thy will herein, but her owne arrest. If a man should bee angrie for paying a debt for which hee allowed no interest, should hee not be thought a most wicked fellow? Nature hath giuen thy brother life, and thy selfe likewise, and afterwards vsing her owne right, she hath redemanded her debt from him, shee thought fitte to challenge. Shee is not in fault (whose condition was very well knowne; but we ought to accuse the couetousnesse of mortall men, who sometimes eyther forget what nature is, and neuer remember themselues of their condition, except it be then, when they are brought in memory thereof. Reioyce therefore that thou hast had so good a brother,* 1.23 and take in good part the vse thou hast had of him, although it were shorter then thou couldest haue wished it. Thinke that it was most pleasing to thee that thou hadst, and hu∣mane that which thou hast lost. It is an vnreasonable matter to bee sorrowfull, because thou hast so small a time enioyed thy brother, and not to be glad that thou hast once enioyed his presence. But hee died saiest thou at such time as I leaft thought of it. Euery one suffereth himselfe to be deceiued by his sleight beliefe, and when wee loue a thing, we will not forget that it is subiect vnto death. But nature hath protested that shee will exempt no man from this ne∣cessity, which is imposed vpon all men. Wee see dayly both our acquaintance

and strangers carried to their graues, yet thinke wee vpon an other matter, and call it a sodaine accident, which during our whole life time hath beene tolde vs that it should come to passe. This is not therefore the iniquity of the Fates, but the deprauednesse of mans mind, who is displeased because he must depart from that abroad, which was onely lent him for a time.

CHAP. XXX.

* 1.24HOw farre more iuster was he, who receiuing tidings of ••he death of his sonne, vttered a worthy speech correspondent and answe∣rable to his worthy mind•• I knew when I begat him that h••e should die. Wonder thou not that such a man begat such a sonne that could die couragiously. The death of his sonne was no nouel∣ty to him:* 1.25 For what wonder is this for a man to die, whose whole life is nought else but a iourney vnto death. I knew when I begate him that hee should die: and afterwards hee annexed a thing of a greater note, prudence and constancy; I brought him vp to this end. So are wee all whosoeuer enters into life, is destina∣ted to death. Let all of vs therefore content our selues with that which is gi∣uen vs, and restore it againe when wee are required. Let our minds be alwayes addressed, and neuer feare that which must needes fall out; nor expect that al∣wayes which is vncertaine. Shall I call to remembrance in this place, the great Chiefetaines in warre, their children, and diuers persons honoured by diuers Consulates and triumphes, who are dead by the hands of inexorable Destiny? whole Kingdomes with their Kings, whole peoples and nations haue ended their course. All men, nay more, all things tend vnto their end. Although that in regard of the particular they are different. One is taken away, and dyeth in the midst of his rece, another in the entry, another in his extreame olde age, be∣ing now wearied and desirous to depart, is scarsely permitted to die. The times of death are different, yet all of vs tend to the same place. I know not whether it bee more foolish to bee ignorant of the law of mortality, or more impuden∣cy to refuse the same.* 1.26 But I pray thee take some time to ouerlooke these things, which with great trauel of thy mind thou hast worthily celebrated; namely the Poems of Homer and Virgil, which thou hast so readily and cunningly continu∣ed in proofe, that although the quantity & composition of the vertue, appeare no more, yet the grace of the same remaineth. For thou hast in such sort tur∣ned them from Greeke into Latine, and from Latine into Greeke, that thou hast attained all those perfections that are requisite in him, that translateth from one tongue into an other. There is no one booke in all those writings that furnisheth thee not with a great number of examples of the vnconstancy of mans life, of vncertaine accidents and casualties, that succeed and flow from di∣uers courses. Consider with what Maiesty of speech thou hast presented these things, at such time as thou art ashamed to loose thy courage so seen, and to discend so low after thou hast spoken so high. Demeasure not thy selfe like him that of late admired thy writings, and asked how it was possible that so feeble a spirit as thine was could conceiue so great and so solide things; but rather cast thine eyes aside from these afflictions that torment thee, and turne them to∣ward so many excellent consolations, in regarding thy brothers so vertuous, thy wife and thy sonne. Fortune hath parted stakes with thee, in taking away thy brother, and leauing thee all the rest in security and safety.

CHAP. XXXI.

DIshonour not thy selfe so much,* 1.27 as to giue the whole world occa∣sion to belieue that one sorrow hath more power ouer thee, then these so many solaces. Behold thy brothers, thy wife, and thy sonne wounded with the same sorrow that thou art, with∣out hauing any meanes to helpe thee, nay contrary thou s••••st, that they expect thou shouldest succour them. And therefore the lesse spiri•••• and knowledge they haue, the more needfull is it, that thou resist this euill that concerneth you all. And it is in some sort a kind of comfort to demand a mans sorrow amongst many, and because many partake with thee in thine, there should be very little remainder for thy selfe. I will not cease to represent vnto thee the Emperour Cl••••dius, as long as hee shall gouerne the world, and make it knowne that the Empire is farre better maintained by benefites then by armes, thou needest not feare that thou shouldst feele any crosse: thou hast sufficient security, and a consolation in him alone. Raise and rowse thy selfe, and as often as teares beginne to drie thine eyes, fixe them so often vpon Caesar, and by beholding so great and ••o excellent a power, thine eyes shall bee dried; his brightnesse will so rauish them that they cannot admire any other thing but himselfe, and will keepe them fixed vpon himselfe. Hee it is whome thou beholdest day and night, and from whom thy heart is neuer estranged, & whose admiration must deuoure thee? This is hee that can assist thee against fortune•• and I doubt not ••ince hee is a Prince so courteous, and so well affected towards all his seruants, but that hee hath already applyed diuers remedies to thy wounds, and ministred diuers medicines to thy paines, for feare they should en∣crease. And what? although hee had done none of all these, doth not the one∣ly presence and remembrance of him comfort & animate thee greatly? Vouch∣safe all you gods and goddesses to giue him a long and happy life: let him ex∣ceede Augustus bo••h in actions and yeeres, and so long as hee shall liue in this world, let him bee exempted from beholding the death of any of his. Let his dominion of long continuance be adotned with all iustice. Let the Emperour leaue his sonne for their Lord, and receiue him as an associate to his Father, be∣fore they accept him as a successor. Let the time runne slowly, and only du∣ring the life of our childrens children, wherein his subiects shall ranke him a∣mongst the number of the gods.

CHAP. XXXII.

TOuch him nor O Fortune,* 1.28 neyther imploy thy forces against him, but in as much as thou art profitable, suffer him to heale man∣kind too long trauelled with sicknesse and misery, permit him to restore and reestablish all that which the fury of his Predecessor hath shaken. Let this starre euer shine that hath enlightned the world that was plunged in obscurity, and deuoured in darkenesse. Let him pa∣cifie Almany, giue entry vnto England, triumph both for his owne, and his Fa∣thers victories. His clemency the chiefe of all his vertues, promiseth mee that I shall bee one of the beholders; for hee hath not so humbled me, but he may exalt me, what say I humbled? hee hath not onely relieued, but hee hath

sustained me at such time as fortune had deiected me, and when as I was head∣long cast downe to the ground, he hath courteously and mercifully raised me by his diuine hand. Hee interceded to the Senate in my behalfe, and hath not onely giuen mee life, but required it likewise; let him determine in what sort hee would haue my cause estimated, eyther his iusti••e shall finde it good, or his clemency shall make it whatsoeuer befall me, be it that hee knoweth, or that hee would that I should bee innocent, it shall be•• alwayes a bene••ite of his towards me; Meanewhile the greatest comfort that I haue in my mise∣ries, is to see his mercy spred ouer all the world, which when it hath digged out many after the ruine of so many yeeres, and out of that very angle wherein I am buried, and brought them to light, I feare not, nay more I trust, that hee will not leaue me alone desolate. But hee best knoweth the time wherein hee ought to comfort and relieue euery man, for mine owne part, I will endeuor to the vttermost, that hee may not be ashamed to succour mee. How happie is thy clemency O Caesar which hath caused those that are banished to liue in greater assurance vnder thy gouernment, then Princes did vnder Caligula? The banished feare not, they expect not howerly for a Hangman to come and dis∣patch them, neither are they abashed when they see the shippes approach, as by thy fauor there is some measure in their aduersity, so hope they for a more prosperous condition, and they content themselues in some sort in the exile, be∣cause it so pleaseth thee. Thou must know that the flushings of thy lightning are not to bee feared, but darted of set purpose, when those that are attainted therewith reuerence it.

CHAP. XXXIII.

* 1.29THis price therefore, who is the publike solace of all men, hath or else I am deceiued already recreated thy mind, and hath apply∣ed greater remedies to this thy so great wound: Hee hath al∣ready confirmed thee euery wayes, and with an exquisite me∣mory hath related vnto thee all the examples which are proper to enduce thee to moderate thy griefe, and hy his ordinary ••loquence hath dis∣couered vnto thee all the precepts of Philosophie. A man therfore cannot find out any who is more fitting to speake vnto thee then hee is. His wordes will be of greater weight then mine, and shall be so much reuer••nced as so many Ora∣cles, which hy thy diuine authority shall crush all the forces of thy sorrowes.* 1.30 Suppose therefore thar he speaketh vnto thee after this manner. Fortune hath not onely made choise of thee to examplifie her cr••elty vpon. There neither is nor was any house in this whole world without some lament. I will ouer∣slip common examples•• which although they are lesse, yet are they wonder∣full. I wil reduce thee to our Annals and publik•• Chronicles. Seest thou al these images, which haue filled Caesars imperiall hate•• there is not one of them that is not touched with some calamity of his parents or friends, euery one of these men who by their vertue shall astonish the ages to come•• haue been aggrieued at the death of those that touched them neere, or haue been wi••h great sorrow lamented by their friends after their death. What neede I recount vnto thee Scipio of Africa, who during the time of his banishme••t was resolued of his brothers death. This brother that had deliuered his brother out of prison, could not warrant him from death. All men saw how impatiently Scipio suf∣fered

the iniury that was done vnto his brother whom he loued so much: for the same day that hee deliuered his brother from the hands of the Sergeant: hee presented himselfe as a priuate man before the Tribune of the people, to obtaine fauour. Meanewhile he endured the death of his brother, with no lesse courage then he had shewed in preseruing his life. Shall I reckon vp vnto thee AEmitianus Scipio; who almost at one time saw his fathers triumph, and the ob∣sequies of his two brethren? yet notwithstanding although he were very yong, and but as yet an Infaut, he endured this sodaine ruine of his family as constant∣ly falling vnder the triumph of his father; as such a personage as hee should do, who was borne to that end, that Rome should not be without a Scipio, nor Car∣thage without ruine.

••HAP. XXXIIII.

SHall I tell thee of the amity of the two Luculli that was dissolued by death?* 1.31 Shall I reckon vnto thee the Pompeis whome cruell fortune permitted not to perish vnder one ruine? Sextus Pompèy ouerliued his sister, by whose decease the firme bonds of the Ro∣mane Empire, and the peace thereof were broken. He ouerliued his brother likewise, whom fortune had raised to this end, that his ouerthrow might not bee lesse then the ruine of his father; yet after this fall of his, hee proued both sufficient to disgest this sorrow, and to maintaine a warre. In∣finite are the examples on euery side of brethren that haue died one after ano∣ther, and I say on the contrary part, that scarsely shalt thou finde two brothers that haue liued so long as them both. But I will content my selfe with the ex∣ample of those of our house: supposing that no man will bee so deuoid of rea∣son and judgement, who vnderstanding that fortune hath taken pleasure to make Emperours weepe, will complaine that she hath driuen others to sorrow. Augustus lost his deerest sister Octauia, neither did Nature take from him the necessity of mourning, to whom shee had destinated heauen•• contrariwise, this Prince afflicted with all sorts of death of those that touched him neerest lost besides her his sisters sonne, who should haue beene his heire. And left I should enter into a particular account of his sorrowes, hee lost his sonne in lawes, his children, his Nephewes, and no man amongst all mor••all men, had more fee∣ling that hee was a man then hee did, whilest hee liued amongst men; yet not∣withstanding his heart, the most peaceable that a man might imagine, disgested so many bitter griefes, and so made himselfe victorious not onely ouer forrain nations, but also of his passions. Caius Caesar the Nephew of mine vncle by the mothers side, euen vpon the entrance of his youthly yeeres, lost his brother Lucius most deare vnto him, a Prince as yong as himselfe, during the prepa∣ration of the Parthian warre, and receiued a greater wound in mind then that was which afterwards offenced his body, yet endured he both the one and the other, both piously and stoutely. The Emperour mine vncle by the fathers side, saw his yonger brother, and my father die in his armes, at such time as hee was ready to enter the heart of Almayne, and hee subdued the most sauage na∣tions of the world, and made them subiect to the Romane Empire; yet kept hee a measure in his sorrow, and gaue order that others should containe them∣selues, reducing the Army not onely aggrieued but desolate, and astonished, and who generally demanded the body of their generall Drusus to the Romane

custome and manner in mourning, iudging this that hee was obliged not one∣ly to obserue the rules of military profession, but a measure in bewailing the dead. He could not represse other mens teares, except first of all hee had re∣strained his owne.

CHAP. XXXV.

* 1.32MArke Anthony my Grandfather inferior to none but him, by whome hee was ouercome, establishing the Romane Estate, and being one of the Triumuirate, raised aboue all men, and (except his two companions) seeing all things vnder his feet, heard news that his brother was slaine. O insolent Fortune, what pleasure ta∣kest thou in procuring mens miseries. At that time when Marke Anthony had the power of life and death amongst the Romane Citizens, his owne bro∣ther was commanded to death; yet endured hee this so hatefull a wound with the same magnanimity of mind, wherewith he had endured all other aduersi∣ties, and his mourning was of this nature, that hee solemnized his brothers funerals, with the bloudy massacre of twenty Legions. But to lay apart all o∣ther examples, and to the end that I may suppresse in my selfe other mens losses, Fortune hath assailed me twice in the death of my brothers, and I haue twice found this in my selfe, that I might bee hurt but not confounded: I lost my brother Germanicus, whom how entirely I loued, hee may perfectly vnderstand, who thinketh how much pious brothers loue their brothers; yet so gouerned I my affection, that I neither omitted any thing that might bee required at a good brothers hand, neither did ought that might be reprehen∣ded in a Prince. Thinke therefore that the parent of the common-weale re∣lateth these examples vnto thee, and sheweth thee how nothing is sacred or vnattainted by Fortune, who out of these houses durst lead our funerals from whence shee was to receiue her goods.* 1.33 Let no man therefore wonder, if For∣tune behaueth her selfe cruelly or vniustly: for can shee acknowledge any e∣quity towards priuate houses, or any modesty, whose implacable cruelty hath vsurped vpon the gods? Let vs exclaime against her not onely in priuate but in publike, yet will shee not bee changed, her eares are deafened against all prayers and complaints. This was Fortune in humane affaires, and this will shee be; there is nothing that shee dare not attempt, nothing that shee leaueth vntouched: shee will forcibly enter thorough all things, and accor∣ding to her accustomed manner, without making any difficulty to beare the dead into those houses, whereinto men enter by Temples, and to hang those dores with blacke, which before times were adorned with lawrell.

CHAP. XXXVI.

* 1.34THis one thing ler vs obtaine at her hands by vowes and publike prayers, except as yet shee hath not resolued to confound all humane race.) That if with a fauourable aspect shee continue as yet, behold the Romane name, that shee will be pleased to re∣serue vnto herselfe and to all men, this Prince who was raised to reestablish the decaying world: let her learne clemency of him, and by the mile∣dest

Prince of all others be instructed what mercy is. So then thou oughtest to considet all those of whome before time I haue made mention, either already receiued into heauen, or very neerely approch the same, and patiently endure fortune, who stretcheth her hand to thee also, wherewith she attempteth those likewise by name, by whom wee are accustomed to sweare. It behooueth thee to follow their constancy, and to sustain & surmount misfortunes, and as much as may bee lawfull for a man to follow the steppes of the gods. Although that in other things there is a great difference betwixt men, by reason, that some are more highly raised then others; yet is vertue planted in the midst o•• all men and disdaineth not any man, prouided that he thinke himselfe worthy of her. Be carefull to follow those who hauing any occasion to be displeased, because they are cloased in, and visited so neerely, notwithstanding haue thought that fortune offered them no outrage in equalling them with other men, but that it was the law of mortality, and thus were they neither vexed nor grieued, nei∣ther haue they shewed any faint and effeminate hearts in such like accidents: for not to feele a mans euils is the part of a beast, and not to endure them, is not the part of a man, yet can I not (after I haue ouerrunne all the Caesars from whom Fortune hath taken their brothers & sisters) ouerslippe this man whom wee ate to draw out of the number of the rest) whom Nature hath produced and brought to light, to the generall disgrace and destruction of all mankind, by whom the Common weale was vtterly ouerthrowne, and reduced againe by the clemency of our mercifull Prince. This Caligula that neither knew to grieue or reioyce accordiug as it beseemed his dignity, when his sister Drusilla was dead,* 1.35 retired himselfe out of the sight and conuersati∣on of all his Citizens, neither was hee present at his sisters obsequies, neither honoured hee her according to her dignitie, but retired himselfe into his Albarium? yet relieued hee the sorrow of these so haplesse funerals, by hea∣ring pleas, and other such like occupations. What shame was this for the Romane Empire? The sport of a Romane Prince that bewailed his sister, was to solace himselfe at dice. The same Caius with furious inconstancy, some∣times suffering his beard and haire to grow long, sometimes coursing along al the coasts of Italy and Sicily, not following the ordinary wayes, and neuer cer∣tainely assured whether hee would haue his sister bewailed or deified: for at the same time when hee reared Temples and honours to her, hee punished them by most cruell torments, who sufficiently bewayled not her death: for no lesse intemperate shewed hee himselfe in sustaining the shocke of these affli∣ctions. as he was immeasurably proud in his prosperities, for hee swelled a∣boue humane measure. Farre bee this example from euery Romane Citi∣zen, eyther to attenuate his sorrow by vntimely sports, or prouoke them in soyling himselfe with odious and base vncleannesse, or to delight in other mens euils, and not in humane solace. Yet see thou that thou change nothing of thy accustomed carriage, because thou hast resolued to loue those studies, which most fitly extoll a man to felicity, and most easily lessen his calamity, and they are those that are the greatest ornaments and solaces of mankind.

CHAP. XXXVII.

* 1.36NOw therefore drowne thy selfe more deepely in thy studies: now enuiron them about thee as the fortresses and bulwarkes of thy mind, neither let sorrow find any entrance in any part of thee: Publish likewise thy brothers memory in some one monu∣ment of thy writings, for this is the onely worke amidst all hu∣mane offices, which no tempests may hurt, no age consume: the rest that consist in gathering and laying stones in marble monuments, or earthly tombes that are raysed to a great height, will not continue long, for they them selues will bee consumed. The monuments of the mind are immortall; be∣stow these on thy brother, enshrine him in these. Thou shalt alwayes eter∣nize him better by thy lasting wit, then by bewailing him with fruitlesse sor∣row. As touching that which concerneth fortune, altho••gh that for the present a man may not plead her cause before thee (for all that which she hath giuen vs are hate••ull vnto vs for this very cause, that she hath taken somwhat from vs) yet then will wee speake of it when time hath made thee a more e∣quall iudge in her hehalfe, for then maiest thou reenter into fauour with her: for shee hath prouided many things whereby shee may amend this iniurie, for many things will shee now giue, whereby she may redeeme the same: to conclude thou receiuedst that at her hands which shee hath taken from thee, Vse not thy wit therefore against thy selfe,* 1.37 neither accompany thou thy sor∣row. Well I wot that thine eloquence can approue those things to bee great, which are but small. Againe, it can lessen great things, and bury them in ob∣scurity, but let her reserue her forces to some other purpose, and now let her employ them wholly in comforting thee. But beware that this thing likewis•• bee not vnprofitable for thee; for nature exacteth somewhat at our hands, an•• vanity striueth to shorten it: yet neuer will I entreat thee to giue ouer sorrow wholly. I know there are some men more obstinate and inflexible then prudent and couragious, who maintaine that a Wiseman should not b••e touched with sorrow. But these men seeme to haue neuer tasted of such like disasters, otherwise Fortune had driuen their proud wisdom from them, and had compelled th••m thogh against their wils to confesse the truth. Reason hath don enough, if she restraine the excesse of sorrow, but to haue it wholly rooted out, no man ought either to hope or desire it. Let him rather obserue this measure, it neither falleth into impietie or folly, and containe vs in that habite which becommeth a quiet and no disturbed mind. Let our teares flow, let them bee stayed: let our sighes be drawne from the bot∣tome of our hearts; yet let them haue an end. So gouerne thy mind that thou mayest approue thy selfe to Wise-men, and to thy brothers. La∣bour to deserue that thou mayest oft times remember thy brother, to the end thou mayest magnifie him in thy wordes, and that by a continuall thought and remembrance thou mayest represent him vnto thee. Where∣unto thou mayest finally attaine, if thou make his memory pleasant vn∣to thee, and not lamentable. For it is naturall for the mind to flie alwayes from that whereto she returneth with sorrow. Thinke vpon his modestie, thinke thou of his readinesse in his businesse, his diligence in executing them, his faithfulnesse in his promises. Let other men know, and do thou thy selfe remember all his deedes and words. Consider what he hath beene

and what can bee hoped that hee shall bee: For what cannot a man promise for such a brother. This Discourse haue I addressed vnto thee in the be••t sort I may, hauing my spirite almost spent and dulled with sorrow, which if it bee scarce answerable to thy expectation, or seeme to bee too weake to medicine thy sorrow, bethinke thy selfe how hard∣ly Latine wordes flow from him, whose eares are tired with the rude and vnpolished lan∣guage of the Barbarians.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Secon••••y ••here is nothing that be••alleth vs, that hath not be••allen others.
• * 1.2

  N••ither do our sorrowes pro••ite those whom wee bewaile nor our se••ues.
• * 1.3

  A probable 〈…〉〈…〉 Senacaes 〈…〉〈…〉 we 〈…〉〈…〉 the ••••gh••st minds.
• 4 1.4

  Some com∣plaints against our estate, seeme in some sort to bee able to lessen our grie••e.
• 5 1.5

  W••e ought not to grieue and to••ment our se••ues for that which is firme vnauoidable, & immutable.
• 6 1.6

  They that wee lament for sor∣row not them∣selues, nor are sorry for vs; nei∣ther take plea∣sure in our la∣mentatio••s.
• 7 1.7

  They cond••mn not our affection, but they wold not haue vs torm••••t our s••lues.
• * 1.8

  The eighth. We ought to bee much aduised of confidence and patience to those that suruiue.
• * 1.9

  The nin••h, The more emi∣nent our vocati∣on is, the lesse occasion haue we to make our neighbours be∣lieue that wee ••aue lost our courage, and that we are vnworthy to act that which is committed to our charge.
• * 1.10

  〈…〉〈…〉 Hee that is in authority must not soile himselfe with abiection of mind for a great mans example doth much harm on a sodaine then he can re∣medy all his life time.
• * 1.11

  Eloquence spent in vaine and pal∣pable flattery.
• * 1.12

  The eleuenth, Wee must consi∣der as well those goods that re∣maine with vs, as those at leas••wise which we haue least.
• * 1.13

  The twelfth, Study lenifieth sorrow.
• * 1.14

  The thirteenth, If we ha•••• the meanes to exer∣cise our minds in high and worthy thoughts, it will be sure & ex∣pedient to paci∣fie our griefes.
• * 1.15

  The foureteenth, Wee ought not to lament those that are dead in regard of our selues, for this were to loue our selues, nor for their sakes, for as touching their bodies th••y haue no sense, and as•• touching their soules, if they haue beene ver∣tuous, they are in repose.
• * 1.16

  The fifteenth, They are deliue∣red from the miseries and misfortunes of this life.
• * 1.17

  The vanity of riches.
• * 1.18

  Great fortune, great care.
• * 1.19

  The sixteenth, They that we call dead are liuing, and the liuing are dead.
• * 1.20

  The seuenteenth, He that dieth in prosperity hath no doubt aduan∣tage.
• * 1.21

  The eighteenth, We haue long time enuied those whom death re∣demandeth at our hands.
• * 1.22

  The nineteenth, Wee ought not to be grieued to repay that to God which hee hath lent vs, & appertaine to him, it sufficeth he craueth his owne without interest.
• * 1.23

  The twentieth, It is a thing de∣creed that all men must die, & therefore our friend cannot be exempted no more then o∣thers.
• * 1.24

  An example what we ought to doe.
• * 1.25

  The twentie one, We ought not to feare that which must necessarily happen, although it be in diuers sor••••.
• * 1.26

  The twenty two, The good bookes that are written either by our selues or others, may com••ort vs greatly, as also grauity in•• yeeres or reputations, and occupationr, which we ought carefully to ob∣serue.
• * 1.27

  The twenty thre Aten ••••ght to con••id••r the goods that re∣maine with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to oppose against them those that are redemanded from vs.
• * 1.28

  Seneca•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and secret insi∣nuatio••s.
• * 1.29

  To comfort with more effect hee induce••h Caesar to perswade Po∣lybius.
• * 1.30

  The twenty four. The examples of greater men that haue been af••••i∣cted should con∣firme our reso∣lution.
• * 1.31

  Other examples••
• * 1.32

  See Plutarch in this mans life and behold a true patterne of inconstant for∣tune.
• * 1.33

  The twenty fiue, If death spareth not the greater, why should she spare the small.
• * 1.34

  The twenty sixth If the great ones of this world beare their losses patiently, the lesser should fol∣low their exam∣ple.
• * 1.35

  Twenty seuenth, The inconstant fury of Caligula in the death of his sister, ought to teach wise men how to temper and go∣uerne their sor∣rowes, except they would haue their minds re∣p••••ted vnbride∣led.
• * 1.36

  Twenty eighth. A speciall conso∣lation to Poly∣bius, declaring that v••rtuous studi••s n••••des the grea••est sor∣row••s.
• * 1.37

  Against those that condemne sorrow, and what m••asure wee ought to obserue th••••ein,