The Hypocrite characterised. [ 1073]
THere is mention made of a Beast,* 1.1 called by the best Translators Chamois, by some others Camelo-pard, a kind of Camell, that hath an Horses neck, an Oxes foot, a Camells head, and is spotted like a Panther or a Leopard. Just such are all hypocriticall wretches, they have many shapes, wherein to act the part of their deep dissimulation: If you look upon their devotion,* 1.2 they appear to be Saints; in their dealings, you shall find them Devills: Oracles in their discourse, Goats in the bed, snares at the board, heavy censurers of others for sleight faults, boasters of their own goodnesse; the beating of whose pulse in matters of piety is unequal; In publick actions, hard, strong, and quick; in private matters, weak, soft, and dull; shrinking in persecution, for painted faces cannot endure to come nigh the fire.