The Occasion of Writing this Life.

HAd there been any hope, Tomaso's ma∣lice wou'd ever have had an end, I had expected it; but seeing that my suffring one injury, but invited a second, and that a third, &c. and that, as my patience at first heapt hot burning coals upon his head, so afterwards it poured Oyle upon the Fire, and made it but flame the more; I knew not what Re∣solution to take. I knew him a man of a dan∣gerous Tongue, and therefore desired to have nothing to do with him; not that I feared what he cou'd say of me, but only, what I cou'd say of him, being loth to use the advantage I had over him; but since he wou'd needs urge me, and there was no end of his malice: I resolv'd at last, if a little sprinkling wou'd not quench the fire, to cast on whole Cataracts, but I wou'd do't; how ever, I owe him for this security, that I cannot make him more mine enemy then be is.