[ 1652] Impossible to arrive at a full perfection of Learning in this life.
IT was well said of Sigismund the Emperour, to a Doctor of Law, whom, for an excellent stratagem against the Enemy,* 1.1 he had Knighted not long be∣fore; When at an Assembly of Peers and Counsellors the Doctor doubted whether side he might with greater credit joyn unto,* 1.2 to his own of the Togati, or the other of the Militia; Is it doubtfull, said the Emperour, Whether Learning or Military experience is more Honourable?* 1.3 I can in one day make a thousand good Souldiers;* 1.4 but I am not able in a thousand years to make one tolerable Doctor; Imply∣ing, That the whole course of a Man's life was not time sufficient to arrive at a full perfection of Learning.* 1.5 We may read of them that have sailed about the World in three years, but as yet never heard of any, who in the whole course of their life, how laboriously soever passed over, were able to compasse the whole Circle of the Liberal Sciences;* 1.6 There was one called sometimes in regard of the excellency of his parts,* 1.7 A walking Library; another was said to dispute de omni Sc••bili; meer Hyperboles. For Socrates on his death-bed confessed, he had many things to learn, nor shall any Man after him come to the requisite perfection of Learning.