Of Liberality, Prodigality, and Covetousnesse.
HE conceived,* 1.1 that
they who took mony of any, owned them for their Masters in the meanest degree of servi∣tude.
That
wisdome is prostituted as well as beauty,* 1.2 by taking mony for it; that he who meets with an ingenious person, ought to acquaint him with all the good he can gratis, where∣by he acquires a friend, and doth the part of a good member of the common-wealth; is the summe of his second discourse with Antipho.
He said,* 1.3 if a rich man be proud of his wealth, that
he could not praise him, till he knew how he would employ it.
None can safely manage a horse without a bit,* 1.4 nor riches without reason.
He compared
covetous persons to birds,* 1.5 one devoures what ever it meets till it choakes it selfe, the rest falling upon what the first left, are one after another choaked also.
The wealth of covetous persons is like the Sun after he is set,* 1.6 delights none.
He that gives to a rich man throwes water into the Sea.* 1.7
The life of a covetous person is like the feasts made for the dead,* 1.8 he hath all, but enjoyes nothing.
He compared
the wealth of prodigalls to fig-trees,* 1.9 grow∣ing on a precipice, for these, none are the better, but Kites, and Crowes; for those only harlots and flatterers.
Being demanded who were covetous, he answered,* 1.10
such as seek after sordid gain, and neglect their necessary friends.
Wine changeth with the Vessell,* 1.11 riches follow the man∣ners of the owner.