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.

CHAP. XIIII.

SOme thinges there are which proue so harmefull and preiudiciall to those that receiue the same, that to denie them, and not to giue them, proueth to be fauour and benefit. This say I, because we ought rather to intend the profit, than the affection and will of those that require our fauours. For oft-times we wish and labour for those thinges that are damageable vnto vs. Neither can wee iudge how harmefull it is, because our affection blindeth and perturbeth our iudgement; but when the desire is pacified and allaid, when that ardent impression and im∣pulsion of the minde (which exileth from it selfe all good counsaile) is extin∣guished and abated, then abhorre we those pernicious Authors of those vnhap∣pie and euill gifts.* 1.1 Euen as to sicke men wee denie water, and to those that are melancholie and loath their li••es, a knife; or to such as are in loue, all that which

their inflamed and ardent affection, or rather desperation, doteth after. So ought we to perseuer diligently and humbly in denying and refusing all that which may doe much harme to those who miserably and blindly demaund it at our hands. Furthermore, it importeth euerie man to haue a care and obseruation, not onely of the beginning of his gifts, but of the end and issue also, which they ought to haue; and so procure, that they may be such things, that not onely giue content in the receiuing, but delight also when they are receiued. Many there are that say, I know that this will not be profitable vnto him, but what shall I doe? He entreateth me, and I cannot denie his suit: let him looke vnto it, he shall complaine of himselfe, and not of me. Thou abusest thy selfe, and art deceiued: it is of thee and none other (and that iustly) he will complaine, as soone as he shall recouer his senses and perfect wits; and that passion which perturbed and inflamed his mind, remitteth and ceaseth. And why should hee not hate such a man who assisted him to his damage and danger? To condes∣cend vnto his request that asketh that which will be harmefull vnto him, is a cruell bountie, and a pleasing and affable hatred: Let vs giue such things as may please more and more by their vse, and that may neuer breede any damage. I will not giue money which in my knowledge shall be giuen vnto a harlot, be∣cause I desire not to be partaker in any dishonest action, or in euill counsell.* 1.2 If I can, I will at leastwise retyre him; if not, I will not boulster or further his sinne. Whether it be choller that transporteth him farther than becommeth him, or heat of ambition misleadeth him from the secur••st course, I will not so farre forget my selfe, that hereafter he may say, He hath killed me with kindnesse. Oftentimes there is verie little difference betwixt a friends gift and an enemies wishes and execution. All the mischiefe an enemie can wish vs, the foolish affection of a friend may bring vs: There is nothing more absurd (and yet this oftentimes falleth out) than not to know a difference betwixt hate and fauour.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Discretion in be∣neuolence.
• * 1.2

  Limitations in bountie.