Rhetorick I had, and pleaded with as powerful arguments as I could finde, any promised more than I was able to perform, and nothing of this could get her forth, until I told her I would bring your Ladyship to visit her, and that forced her out; for she said, she would rather trouble you, than you should trouble her.
Lady Conversat.
Faith, Contemplation, thou art only sit to keep beasts com∣pany; for what difference is there betwixt beasts and men, but Conver∣sation.
Lady Contempl.
Indeed beasts want that folly of idle Conversation, and the error of speaking, as much as the vanity of dressing, and the custome of dissembling; for they spend their time more prudently, quietly, easily, ho∣nestly, so more happily; and if it were for no other reason than speaking, I had rather be a beast, than of mankinde.
Lady Conversat.
O fie, O fie, you are a beastly Lady.
Lady Contempl.
No, Madam, beasts have no false Titles of Honour, their honour lives in their natures, not in their names.
Lady Conversat.
Who that may choose, or have their liberty, would spend their time in idle thoughts?
Lady Contempl.
All that are wise, and would be happy; for should not we think that man were mad, that leaves a peaceful habitation, and thrusts him∣self in forein broyls? or should not we think a King were most unjust, that makes his peaceful and obedient subjects slaves to strange Princes? The Mind's a Common-wealth, and the Thoughts are the Citizens therein, and Reason rules as King, or ought to doe: But there is no reason we should vex our Thoughts with outward things, or make them slaves unto the world.
Lady Conversat.
But thoughts would want imployment, were it not for the world, and idlenesse were worse than slavish toyls.
Lady Contempl.
The thoughts, without the worlds materials, can Create millions of worlds, only with the help of Imagination.
Lady Conversat.
Then your Minde and the World are meer strangers.
Lady Contempl.
I say not so; for though the World draws not my Minde to wander up and down, yet my Minde draws the World to it, then pensils out each several part and piece, and hangs that Landskip in my Brain, on which my thoughts do view with Judgments eyes. Thus the world is in my Minde; although my Minde is not in the world.
Lady Conversat.
Then you inchant the world?
Lady Contempl.
I had rather inchant the world, than the world should in∣chant me.
Lady Conversat.
If the Minde be a Common-wealth, as you said even now it was, Pray tell me of what degree the Passions are of?
Lady Contempl.
They are the Nobles thereof, and Magistrates therein; each several Passion still governs in its turn and office.
Lady Conversat.
And what are the Appetites?
Lady Contempl.
The Appetites are none of the Mind's Citizens, but they are an unruly Rout that dwell in the Senses, which are the Suburbs of the Body: Indeed the Appetites are the Out-Lawries, and doe oft-times much hurt with their disorders, insomuch as they, many times, disturb the mindes tranquillity, and peace. But, Madam, lest the appetite of talking should di∣sturb the Mind, I shall kiss your Ladyships hand, and leave you to those that are more delightful and pleasanter company than I am.
Exit.