CHAP. XII.
* 1.1IF it be in our election to bestow what we list, Let vs present such thinges as may continue longest, to the end that the good which we doe, and gifts wee bestow, may bee lasting and of long conti∣nuance.* 1.2 Because amongst those that receiue, there are few so thankefull that they remember them of that they haue receiued, except they haue it alwaies in their sight. And the vngratefull also, when the present and fauour is alwaies in their eies, are thereby drawne into the memorie thereof, which suffereth them not to forget themselues, but rendreth and re∣doubleth the memorie of him that gaue the same. So much the rather there∣fore let vs seeke out thinges that are of continuance, because we ought neuer to vpbraide a benefit but suffer the present it selfe to quicken and reuiue decaying memorie. More willingly will I giue siluer plate than readie monie, more wil∣lingly statues, than apparell, and such thinges as in a short time are worne out by vse. Few there are that remember to giue thanks a••ter they haue pocket∣ted the present. Many there are that no longer make estimate of a good turne, than whilest they may make vse thereof. If therefore it possibly might bee so, I would not that my gift should be consummate, or worne out of memorie, my desire is it should be extant, and of long continuance, and accompanie my friend and liue ioyntly with him. There is no man so foolish that had neede to bee taught;* 1.3 that hee should not inuite his friend, and present him with the pub∣lique shewes of fencing, and baiting of sauage beasts, when as these proclaimed sports haue beene performed and shewen, or Sommer suites for Winter time, and Winter garments in heate of Sommer; wee neede no more than common sense to make vs know what is fitting and acceptable. Wee must respect the time, the places, the persons, because in the moments of time, or occasion, some thinges are gratefull and vngratefull. How much more acceptable is it if we giue that, which the person to whom wee giue hath not, than that where∣with he is abundantly stored? if we present him with that which hee hath long sought and could not finde, than that which is merchandable and easily bought in euery place? Our gifts ought rather to be exquisite and rare, than pretious and rich, and such and so extraordinarie, that he that seemeth to haue least want of any thing by reason of his abundance, may accept and hold them deare for their raritie and noueltie.* 1.4 Were they but common apples which in a short space by reason of their abundance would bee displeasant to the whole world, yet if a man make a present of them in their prime ripenesse, and when there is a scarcitie of them, they will bee farre more acceptable and esteemed. These