To Philip 2.
MOst Philosophers assert beneficence to be somthing equall to God. To speak the truth, the whole life of Mankind is comprised in conferring and returning Benefits, So as, some bestow, others receive, others return. Hence is it just to commise∣rate all that are in adversity, for pitty is the signe of a mild Soul▪ sternness of a rude, it being dishonest & impious to neglect vertue in misfortunes. For this I commend our disciple Theophrastus, who saith, we never repent of doing good, it brings forth good fruit the prayers and praises of the obliged. Wise men therefore must study to oblige many, thinking that, beside the praise, there may some advantage accrew from hence in the change of Affaires, and if not all, at least some one of those to whom he hath done good, may be in a capacity to requite him. For this reason, en∣deavour to be ready in doing good, but give not way to your passions, for that is kingly and civill, this barbarous and odious. As you see occasion, practise and neglect not this usefull advise.