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

SECT. XVIII. The object of this Moderation must not be Vice.

HE therefore, that would look to set bounds to Vice, doth just as if he should fling himself down (d) the Cliff of Leucas, and think to stop when he pleas'd; for as he cannot do that, so neither can a mind disturb'd and imported, re∣strain it self, nor stay at what degree of Passion it will; for what things are pernicious in their growth, the same are vitious in their Original. Now Discon∣tent and the other Passions, to be sure, when heighten'd, are great Pests; therefore, so soon as admitted, have in them somewhat strongly Pesti∣lential, for these push themselves forward, when once the hold of Reason is left; and the very weak∣ness still feeds its own humour growing upon it self, till it is unawares carried adrift by the strength of its cur∣rent, into the main Ocean, nor finds any ground for Ancourage. So that it imports nothing, as to any difference, whether they approve moderate Passi∣ons, or moderate Injustice, moderate Cowardise,

moderate Intemperance; for he that sets bounds to Vices, in part admits those Vices. Which, as it is of it self detestable, so draws it the more inconve∣nience with it, because they stand on slippery ground, and being once put in motion, tumble down hill, and can by no means be staid.

(d) The Cliff of Leucas.] This was a steep Rock in Epi∣rus, from whence Cephalus and Sappho are said to have slung themselves into the Sea.