CHAP. XXX.
I Will also shew that this is approued by the Stoickes, not that I am constrained to doe nothing that repugneth a••ainst the saying of Zeno or Chrisippus, but because the dispute permittes me to in∣cline to their aduice; and to follow alwaies the opinion of one a∣lone, is to offer iniurie to the rest. Gladly would I wish it that all things were alreadie vnderstood, & that truth should be discouered & confessed by all men, we would not then change the opinions of the Stoicks: but now we seeke the truth with those men that teach the same. There are two great sorts that differ in this thing, the one of the Epicures, the other of the Stoicks; but both of them send a man to his repose, but the truth is that the wayes are diffe∣rent. The Epicure saith, That a wise-man shall not haue accesse to the Common-weale, except some accident happen that driueth him thereunto. And Zeno saith, That he shall haue accesse to the Common-weale, except there be somewhat that retayneth him. The one seeketh repose of set purpose, the other vpon occasion and cause. But this cause extendeth very farre, if the Common-weale be so desperate as it can∣not he helped, if it be possessed with mischiefs. The wise-man shall not labor in vain, neither hazard himselfe, knowing that it will be but lost time, especially if he haue little credite and lesse forces, and that the Common-weale be so sicke, that it neither can nor will giue him accesse or audience. Euen as a weake and consumed man will not enrowle himselfe to goe vnto the warres; and as no man will lanch a Ship into the Sea that leaketh, and hath watching tymbers: so a wise-man will not cast himselfe into a way where there is neither entrie nor a∣ny issue whatsoeuer. He then that hath all his commidities in their entyre, may stay in the hauen, and addict himselfe readily to good occupations, rather then make saile and to go and cast himselfe athwart the winds and waues; in briefe, the disciple of vertues may embrace this happie repose, wherin the most peace∣able men haue licence to maintaine themselues. This is required at each mans hands, that (if he may doe it) he profit diuers, at leastwise som, if not his neerest; or if he cannot, at leastwise himselfe. For when he maketh himselfe profitable to others, he procures the common good. As contrariwise, he that makes himselfe worse, first of all hurteth himselfe, then all those whom he might assist had hee beene a good man. So then he that behaueth himselfe well in his owne respect,