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

SECT. VI. The absurdity of denying a Wise man all use of the Affections, is declin'd.

M.

IT is from good Nature that you are so mind∣ed; for we are not hew'd out of the hard Rock, but there is implanted in the very Nature of our Souls somewhat tender and soft, which is subject to be beaten with the Sense of Evil, as with hardness of Weather. And Crantor of prin∣cipal Renown in our Academy, said not impro∣perly. I am by no means of their mind, who cry up a strange unintelligible Notion of perfect insensibility; whereas there neither can nor should be any such disposi∣tion. My first option is, saith he, that I may not be ill; but if I be at any time, let me be sensible, whether any Incision be made, or part dismember'd; for that same dedolency is not acquir'd, but at the charges of long and sore Afflictions, whereby the Body is mortify'd, and the Soul harden'd. However we may do well to con∣sider, (f) whether this be not the Language of such as flatter our Infirmities, and fondly comply with our carnal Ease. But for our own parts, let us take up a bold Resolution, not only to lop off the out-boughs of our disquiet, but to pluck up the very Roots with all the Fibres and tendrels of them. Somewhat will perhaps nevertheless be left behind, such deep rooting have the Stumps of Folly taken in our Hearts; but that only will be left, which is of necessary use. Take this for a cer∣tain truth, unless the Soul be cur'd, which can never

be done without Philosophy, there will be no end of our Miseries. Wherefore, since we have begun, let us deliver up our selves to be her Patients. Recover we shall, if we be put willing, and I will carry it on further; for I shall not only speak to Discon∣tent, though I shall to that in the first place; but to every Distemper of the Soul, as I have laid it down, or every Disease of it, as the Greeks term them. And first, if it please you, let us proceed in the Stoicks way, who are wont to cast their Ar∣guments into strict and bare Syllogisms; then we will dilate after our own Fashion.

(f) Whether this be not the Language of such as flatter on Infirmities.] The subject of warrantable Mortification, is not what is natural, but what is corrupt; yet we shall do well, to give diligent heed, least an Enemy escape in the garb of a Friend.