[ 1976] Silence, when, and how comendable.
IT is said of the Ambassadors of the King of Persia,* 1.1 that coming to Athens (the then Metropolis of learning) in the time of the seaven Wisemen, they desired that every one would deliver in his sentence, that they might report unto their Master the wisedome of Greece, which accordingly was done, onely one of them was silent, which the Ambassadors observing, entreated him also to cast in his symbole with the rest; Tell your Prince (quoth he) there are of the Graecians that can hold their peace. and certainly there is a time, though an evill one, when a Prudent Man is to hold his peace,* 1.2 that is, when speaking will do no good; nor can he be wise that speaks much,* 1.3 nor he known for a Fool that says nothing; It is a great misery to be a Fool, but it is yet a greater that a Man cannot be a Fool but the must needs shew it; Some there have been, which have scorned the opinion of Folly in themselves, yet for a speech wherein they have hoped to shew most wit,* 1.4 have been censured of extream folly, by one that hath thought him∣self wiser; and another hearing his sentence again, hath condemned him for want of wit in censuring; Surely then, he is not a Fool that hath unwise thoughts, but he that utters them; Even concealed Folly is wisedome, and some∣times Wisedome uttered is Folly: therefore while others care how to speak, let eve∣ry Mans care be how to hold his peace.