oftentimes it falleth out, the more heedless, the
more happy; have been perswaded that all things
are so governed by fortune, that the wisdome of
man can neither alter nor amend them: and
therefore to spend much time or tedious labour,
either in carefull circumspection, or heedfull pre∣vention
of that which is unchangeable, they hold
as vain as the washing of an Aethiopian to make
him white. Of this opinion Sylla seemed to
be; professing himself better born to fortune then
to the wars, and acknowledging his happiest
victories to have proceeded from his most heed∣less
and unadvised resolutions. And the great
Alexander so carried himself, as though he had
been of the same opinion, of whom Curtius
saith; Quoties illum fortuna à morte revoca∣vit
quoties temere in pericula vectum perpe∣tua
felicitate protexit! How many a time did
Fortune call him back from the brink of death!
how often did she happily defend and save him,
when he had by his rashness brought himself in∣to
dangers! And Plutarch saith, that he had
power of time and place.
Others are not willing to ascribe so much to
Fortune, as to make themselves the Tennis-ball
to her Racket: and yet they are content to allow
her half of every thing they go about, reserving
the other moitie to their own directions. And
so like partners in an adventure, they labour to
improve their share for their best advantage.
Some other there are that will allow Fortune
no part at all in their actions, but do confront her
with a goddess of greater power, and make indu∣stry
the means to annul her Deitie. Of this opini∣on
was Timotheus the Athenian, who having at∣chieved
many notable victories, would not allow
of the conceipt of the painter, that had made a
table wherein Fortune was taking in those
cities, (which he had won) with a net whilst he
himself slept: but protested against her in that
behalf, and would not give her any part in that
businesse.
And thus the heathen world varied as much
in their opinions touching Fortune, as Fortune
her self did in her events to themward: which
were so divers and changeable, as were able to
ensnare the deepest wits, and confound the wise∣dome
of the greatest judgements: whereby the
word Fortune usurped a Deity, and got an opi∣nion
of extraordinary power in the regiment of
humane actions. But our Christian times have
a readier lesson, wherein is taught a soveraign
Providence, guiding and directing the thoughts
of mens hearts, with the faculties and powers of
the Soul, together with their externall actions,
to such ends as shall seem best to that omnipo∣tent
wisedome, to whom all our abilities serve
as instruments and means to effect his purposes,
notwithstanding our particular intendments, or
what the heart of man may otherwise deter∣mine.
And therefore such as will make their
wayes prosperous unto themselves, and receive
that contentment which their hope expecteth, or
their labours would deserve, must use those helps
which the rules of Christianity do teach in that
behalf, and may better be learned from a Divine,
then from him that writeth Treatises of War.