Of wisdome three bookes written in French by Peter Charro[n] Doctr of Lawe in Paris. Translated by Samson Lennard

CHAP. XXIIII. Hope, Despaire.

OVr desires and concupiscences gather heat and redou∣ble their force by hope, which inflameth with the soft and gentle aire thereof our foolish desires, kindleth in our mindes a fire, from whence ariseth a thicke smoake, which blindeth our vnderstanding; carrieth with it our thoughts, holds them hanging in the clouds, makes vs dreame waking. So long as our hopes endure, or desires endure with them: it is a play-game wherewith Nature busieth our mindes. Contrariwise, when despaire is once lodged neere vs, it tor∣menteth our soules in such sort, with an opinion of neuer ob∣teining that we desire, that all businesse besides must yeeld

vnto it. And for the loue of that which wee thinke neuer to obteine, wee lose euen the rest of whatsoeuer wee possesse. This passion is like vnto little children, who to be reuenged of him that hath taken one of their play-games from them, cast the rest into the fire. It is angry with it selfe, and requi∣reth of it selfe the punishment of it owne follie and infelicitie. After those passions that respect the apparent good, come we to those that respect the euill.