The good of Quietnesse, and evill of Contention. [ 1215]
LOok but upon a pleasant Pond, full of sweet Fish, how do they sport themselves up and down in it,* 1.1 and multiply continually unto a great encrease? But let the sluce be once taken up, the Fishes are quickly gone, the waters stay not till they be gone also, and nothing but mud and mire is left behind. So it is that in a quiet life, the affairs and endeavours of Men do prosper, and their estate is encreased to plenty and abundance, so that they even bathe themselves in the comfort and con∣tentments that they find therein;* 1.2 but let the waters of strife break in, the gap of Contention be opened, all comforts fleet away, and usually the estate sinks lower and lower, untill it be dryed up to beggery and misery:* 1.3 Such is the good of Quiet∣nesse, and the evill that attendeth upon contention, I is therefore good Counsell to make up all breaches assoon as they doe appear, or rather by watchfulnesse keep all so firm, that no breach may appear, for the evill of contention is a great deal bet∣ter prevented then remedied.