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

SECT. VII. In Moral Subjects we must dilate on the Proofs.

S.

WHY as for the first, it cannot be deny'd, but they who fear nothing, have no trouble of mind upon them, covet nothing, are not elevated with any inordinate Mirth, must be happy; that therefore I grant you, but as for the other, it is no longer at my disposal, for it hath been concluded upon in the former Debates, that a Wise man is free from all Passion.

M.

Why? then the matter is over, for the que∣stion seems to be fully determin'd.

S.

It doth well nigh to be so.

M.

But that is the way in Mathematicks, not Philosophy, for when Geometricians would de∣monstrate any thing, if there be somewhat in or∣der to prove the matter in question, amongst what they have before demonstrated, that they take for granted and prov'd; they only make out what hath not been propos'd before: Philosophers, what∣ever matter they have in hand, heap up all that which is agreed upon in common, towards the eviction of that matter, however they have been elsewhere debated. Were it not so, why should a Stoick need to say much, if it should be propos'd whether Vertue be sufficient to Happiness of Life; it would be enough for him to answer, he had be∣fore demonstrated, nothing to be good, but what was honest; this being prov'd, it to be consequent that Happiness of Life is contented with Vertue;

and as this is to that, so that to be consequent to this, that if Happiness of Life be contented with Vertue, nothing else is good but what is honest. But they do not proceed after this sort; for their Books of Honesty, and of the chief Good, are apart; and although it be rightly deducible thence, that there is sufficiency in Vertue, to render the Life happy; yet they treat severally of it; for every matter is to be handled by its proper and natural Arguments and Motives; especially one of so great Importance; for you are much mistaken if you think any expression in all Philosophy more glori∣ous, or that there is any promise of Philosophy either more profitable or honourable; for what doth she profess? O wonderful! that she will make good, whoever obeys her Laws, shall always be arm'd against Fortune, shall have all warranties in himself, of a good and happy Life; in a word, shall ever be blessed. But let me advise with my self, what she performs. However in the mean time I much value what she undertakes; for Xerxes being cram'd with all the Bribes and Gifts of Fortune, yet not being contented with Cavalry, nor Infantry, nor multitude of Shipping, nor an infinite quantity of Gold propounded a reward to him that should find out any new Pleasure. Nor was he contented with that, for Lust can never be bounded; I wish we could at any reward invite one to furnish us any Argument, more firmly to be∣lieve this undertaking of Philosophy.