The five days debate at Cicero's house in Tusculum between master and sophister.

SECT. XXVI.—and in all laudible enterprizes.

DO we not see, (p) where those Games, which are called Playing for Mastery, are in high Reputation, that no Pain is declin'd by such as un∣dertake to strive for the Prize? In places too, (q) where Hunting and Horsemanship are in much esteem; they that would excel in that Skill, avoid no hardship. (r) What should I speak of our can∣vasing, what of the pursuit after Honours? What Fire would not they run thorough, who formerly carried those places by Majority of Voices? There∣fore Africanus was never wont to let Xenophon the Socratick go out of his hands, in whom he much commended this Passage, that the same labours are not equally grievous to the Commander, and to the com∣mon Souldier, because the very Honour did somewhat abate the Commanders Trouble. But so it cometh to pass, that an Opinion of Honour bears great sway among the generality of the indiscreet and false principled, who cannot attain to the true Sense of

it. Therefore they are carried away by the com∣mon Cry and Judgment of the Multitude, to think that Honourable which is commended by the most. But as for you, though you be in the Eyes of the Multitude, yet I would not have you stand to their judgment, nor esteem that to be best, which they esteem so; (s) you must follow your own Conscience; if you shall take complacency in your self, upon a sound judgment, then will you not only conquer your self, as I before directed you; but all Persons also, and all things. Propose this therefore to your self, that a largeness and loftiness of Spirit, mounted as high as may be, above the common level and lower Road of Man∣kind, being most conspicuous in looking down with contempt upon Pain, is the bravest thing in the World, and so much the braver, if it be re∣mov'd from the multitude, nor Court applause, and only please it self. And truly, in my judgment, all actions seem more laudable, that are done without Ostentation, and calling the People to witness. Not yet that we should avoid them, (for all good Works are best plac'd in the light,) but because Vertue can have no Theater more ample than its own Conscience.

(p) Where those Games.] In Greece.

(q) Where Hunting and Horsemanship.] In Persia.

(r) What should I speak of our canvassing.] The great Fatigues which Persons of Quality oblige themselves to undergo, when they Sue for any place of Honour and Trust, at the courtesie of a Popular Election, are excellently well described in a Treatise written express by Tully's Brother, Quimus Cicero, to direct him in the means he must use, when he stood for the Consulship; but because some do not love to be refer'd from Book to Book, I shall appeal to their own Experiences in the concern of those who stand for Knight

or Burgess in Parliament: The petty Arts on different hands, used to fix the Mobile; the profusion of Estates; and too often the most unblemish'd Reputation for Prudence and Integrity, set up, as a Stale, to the Interest of a Faction.

(s) You must follow your own Conscience.] A well-regulated Conscience, is Gods Vice-gerent, and in his Name acquite or condemns. Here are honest Prudentials, directing to gain a good Name, without Popularity or Ostentation.