CHAP. XXX.
THese things (my Liberalis) haue I thought necessarie to be spoken,* 1.1 both because it concerned me to say somewhat of great benefits when we were discoursing on small; and also because the bold∣nesse of this horrible vice floweth from thence into all other things. For vnto whom will he be thankfull for good turnes; or what benefit will he esteeme great and worthie the requiting, who despiseth the highest benefits? To whome will hee confesse himselfe indebted for his health and life, that denieth that he hath receiued his being from the Gods, to whom he prayeth daily for the same? Whosoeuer therefore giueth instructi∣ons of thankfulnesse vnto men, negotiateth the affaires of men and Gods; to whom, being vnpurueyed of nothing, and freed from the desire of affecting or coueting any thing, yet to them may men notwithstanding be both acknow∣ledging and thankfull. There is no cause why any man should lay the blame of his thankelesse mind vpon his owne weakenesse or pouertie, and say, What shall I doe? How or when may I find any possibilitie to remunerate and ac∣knowledge the benefits of my superiors, the Lords of all things? To requite is an ••asie matter: for if thou beest a niggard, thou mayest requite without ex∣pence; and if thou beest slouthfull, without labour. In that very moment wherein thou art obliged, if thou listest, thou mayest make euen with any man whatsoeuer, because that he who willingly hath receiued a benefit, hath restored the same.