The Vanity of using many Words. [ 1504]
TErtullian expressing the nature of Dreams, saith; Conspice gladiatorem sine armis,* 1.1 vel Aurigam sine curriculis, &c. Look but upon a Fencer without weapons, a Coach-driver without his running Chari••t, acting and practising all the postures and feats of his skill; there is fighting, there is a stirring; but it is an empty moving and gesturing, Notwithstanding those things do seem to be done, which are not seen to be done; They are done in the acting of them, but not in effecting any thing by them: So it is in many words, there is of∣ten much Fencing, but no Weapons wherewith the Enemy is wounded; there is much running,* 1.2 but no Chariot that winneth the race. Much seemeth to be said, but it is to as much purpose, as if nothing were said, all is an empty moving of the tongue; And if there be any matter of worth in the multitude of Words,* 1.3 it is but by chance, as when a blind Man shooteth many arrows, per∣haps one may be near the mark; And so in the multiplying of many words▪ perhaps some there may be which carry some weight, some matter with them; but usually in a multitude of Words, th••re is no multitude of matter, and in the idle tossing of many words, what can there be but a fulnesse of Folly, when a Fools voice is known by them, Eccles. 5. 3.