Of Herbs.
ONE would think there should be but little nourishment in Herbs, by reason they are so much inclining to the nature of the Earth, which is of a drying Quality; but we find it other∣wise by the feeding and fatning of Beasts, which live upon the Herbs of the Field. But some may say, that that which will nourish Beasts, will starve Men, as Hay, and the Leaves of Trees, and the like: But I answer, It is onely Custome which hath made it not agreeable with the Stomacks of Men, and by that reason maketh ill digestion, and so nourisheth not. But it is not alwaies the Meat that causeth ill or no nourishment, but some∣times the Stomack: for an Ill Stomack shall corrupt Wholsome Meats, and a Good digestive-Stomack shall convert Unwholsome Meat to Good Nourishment, but may endanger the Stomack in using it often, not being accustomed to it before. But of all Ve∣getables, there are none that have so many and so excellent Qua∣lities as Herbs, not onely for curing both inward and outward Diseases, but in preventing Diseases, besides the nourishment of Men and Beasts.
But there are many that will choose places for their Habita∣tions to live in, for the Air, though they be incommoded much otherwise, and want the Varieties of Pleasures to entertain their Lives withall: for many think Long-life, though it be spent dully, Pleasure enough. But the Trouble and Care to keep Health, and the Fear to lose it, makes the Life not onely dull, having their Thoughts onely imployed upon that, but trouble∣some, and full of vexation, with barring themselves of those things that otherwise they would willingly enjoy. Thus we make Life worse than Death, if truly considered: for Death frights more than hurts. But some will say, that may be, if Death would come before Sickness; but it is to avoyd Pain, not to