Reliquiae Wottonianae, or, A collection of lives, letters, poems with characters of sundry personages : and other incomparable pieces of language and art : also additional letters to several persons, not before printed / by the curious pencil of the ever memorable Sir Henry Wottan ...

THE APHORISMS OF EDUCATION.

Time is the plainest Legend, and every day a leaf is turned.

IF we look abroad, we shall see many proceed yearly out of the Schools of Experience, whereas few, in comparison, are commend∣ed unto Degrees by us: indeed the multi∣tude of those Schools infinitely exceeding our numbers; but especially because the means which they follow are far more obvious and easie. Libraries and Le∣ctures profiting none, but such as bring some measure of un∣derstanding with them; but the Occurrents of the World being easily entertained by the weakest capacities, assisted only with common sense: neither therefore is this Legend of time to be contemned by those whose Wits are more preg∣nant, or Studies furnished with greatest choice. The Stu∣dents of Common Law manifest the benefit arising from the use thereof; who as by reading their Year Books they re∣cover

the Experience by former Ages: so by dayly repair to the Courts of Justice, they suffer nothing of the present to pass unobserved. And I note, That whereas forreign Uni∣versities (in conferring Degrees) regard meerly the per∣formance of some solemn exercise: ours further require a certain expence of time, supposing (as I conceive) that howsoever exercise of form may be deceitfully dispatched of course: yet that he who lives some space among the assidu∣ous advantages and helps of Knowledg, (except he be of the Society of the Antipodes, who turn night into day, and take no notice of what is done) cannot chuse but receive so much upon ordinary observation, as may make him Master of some Art; which frequent opportunities, as they happily add something to those who are but idle lookers on, so, no doubt, they must advance perfection in those who are more studiously observant; every day presenting their Judge∣ments with matters examinable by the precepts they read, and most producing to their inventions, occurrents fit for further inquiry.

Every Nature is not a fit Stock to graft a Scholer on.

THe Spaniard (that wrote the Trial of Wits) under∣takes to shew what Complexion is fit for every Pro∣fession. I will not disable any for proving a Scholer; nor yet dissemble that I have seen many happily forced upon that course, to which by nature they seemed much indisposed. Sometimes the possibility of preferment prevailing with the credulous, expectation of less expence with the covetous, opinion of ease with the fond, and assurance of remoteness with the unkind parents, have moved them, without discre∣tion, to engage their children in adventures of Learning, by whose return they have received but small contentment:

But they who are deceived in their first designs, deserve less to be condemned, as such who (after sufficient trial) persist in their wilfulness are no way to be pitied. I have known some who have been acquainted (by the complaints of Governors, clamors of Creditors, and confessions of their Sons) what might be expected from them, yet have held them in with strong hand, till they have desperately quit, or disgracefully forfeited the places where they lived. De∣prived of which, they might hope to avoid some misery, if their Friends, who were so careful to bestow them in a Col∣ledg when they were young, would be so good as to provide a room for them in some Hospital when they are old.

He seldom speeds well in his course, that stumbles at his setting forth.

I Have ever been unwilling to hear, and careful not to ut∣ter predictions of ill success; Oracles proceeding as well from Superstitious ignorance, as curious Learning: and what I deliver in these words, occasioned by examples past, I desire may be applied for prevention rather then prejudice to any hereafter. To the same eff•…•…t I heard a discreet Censor lesson a young Scholer, negligent at his first en∣trance to the Elements of Logick and Philosophy, telling him, That a Child starved at nurse, would hardly prove an able man. And I have known some who attended with much expectation at their first appearing, have stained the Maidenhead of their Credit with some negligent perform∣ance, fall into irrecoverable dislike with others, and hard∣ly escape despair of themselves. They may make a better excuse, but not hope for more favour, who can impute the fault of their inauspicious attempts some where else; a cir∣cumstance necessarily to be considered where punishment is 〈◊〉〈◊〉: but where reward is proposed for worth, it is as

usually detained from those who could not, as from those who cared not to deserve it.

The way to Knowledg by Epitomies is too streight, by Commentaries too much about.

IT is sufferable in any to use what liberty they list in their own manner of Writing, but the contracting and extending the lines and sense of others, if the first Authors might speak for themselves, would appear a thankless of∣fice; and if the Readers did confer with the Originals, they would confess they were not throughly or rightly informed. Epitomies are helpful to the memory, and of good private use, but set forth for publick Monuments, accuse the in∣dustrious Writers of delivering much impertinency, and di∣vert many to close and shallow cisterns, whose leasure might well be acquainted with more deep and open springs. In brief, what I heard sometimes spoken of Ramus, I believe of those thrifty Compendiums; They shew a short c•…•…urse to those who are contented to know a little, and a sure way to such whose care is not to understand much. Commentaries are guilty of the contrary extreme, stifling the Text with infinite additions, and scruing those conceits from the words, which, if the Authors were set on the Rack, they would never acknowledge. He who is discreet in bestowing his pains, will suspect those places to be desert and barren, where the way cannot be found without a guide; and leave curiosity in enquest of obscurities, which, before it receive content, doth lose or tire it self with digressions.

Discretion is the most universal Art, and hath more Professors then Students.

DIscretion, as I understand it, consists in the useful knowledg of what is fit and comely; of necessary di∣rection in the practice of moral duties, but most esteemed in the composing and framing civil behaviour: men ordi∣narily being better content to be dishonest, then to be con∣scious to themselves that they are unmannerly. Few study it, because it is attained rather by a natural felicity, then by any indeavour or pains; and many profess it, presuming on sufficiency to censure others: and as unable to discern themselves, concerning their own defects, as unaccustomed to be rightly informed. It little concerns men indifferent what we do in that kind; and our friends are either no∣thing offended therewith, or unwilling to offend us with their relation: our enemies seldom speak of it in our hear∣ing; and when we hear, we as hardly believe them.

They who travel far, easily miss their way.

TRavel is reputed a proper means to create men wise, and a possible to make them honest, because it forces circumspectness on those abroad, who at home are nursed in security; and perswadeth good behaviour and tempe∣rance to such, who (far from friends and means) are wil∣ling to have little to do with the Lawyer or Physician. Men coming into other Countries, as if born into a strange world, with some discretion above them, which teacheth both to distrust others, and keep themselves sober; and to s•…•…ift off those homely fashions which Nature and Custome in their years of simplicity had put on them. But these ef∣fects are not general, many receiving more good in their

Bodies by the tossing of the Ship, whilst they are at Sea, then benefit in their Minds by breathing in a forreign Air, when they come to Land. Yet they are as desirous men should observe they have travelled, as careful in their tra∣vels to observe nothing; and therefore if they be not able to make it known by their relation and discourse, it shall appear by their clothes and gesture: Some attain to greater perfection, being able to shew at what charge they have seen other places, by their excellency in some other rare vices, or irregularity in strange opinions. As the times are, he is commended that makes a saving Voyage, and least dis∣credits his Travels, who returns the same man he went.

Somewhat of the Gentleman gives a tincture to a Scholer, too much stains him.

HE who advised the Philosopher (altogether devoted to the Muses) sometimes to offer Sacrifice at the Al∣tars of the Graces, thought Knowledg to be imperfect with∣out Behaviour, which experience confirms, able to shew, that the want thereof breeds as much disrespect to many Scholers with the Observers of Ceremonies, as improper affectation moves distaste in some substantial judgements. Indeed slovenliness is the worst sign of a hard Student, and civility the best exercise of the remiss: yet not to be exact in the phrase of Complement, or gestures of Courtesie, the indifferent do pardon to those who have been otherwise bu∣sied; and rather deride, then applaud such, who think it perfection enough to have a good outside, and happiness to be seen amongst those who have better; pleasing them∣selves more in opinion of some proficiency, in terms of hunt∣ing or horsemanship, which few that are studious under∣stand, then they blush to be known ignorant in that which every man ought to know: To which vanity I have known

none more enclined, then those whose birth did neither re∣quire, nor fortunes encourage them to such costly idleness; who at length made sensible by necessity, haply have the grace to repent, but seldom times the gift to recover.

Books and Friends are better received by weight then number.

THe necessities of Life do warrant multitude of em∣ployments, and the variety of Nature's excuse the diversity of delights: but to my discretion that course seems most desirable, whose business occasions no further trouble, nor leisure requires other Recreations then may indifferently be entertained with Books and Friends. They are indeed happy who meet with such whom they may trust in both kinds; and undoubtedly wise, that can well apply them: the imperfect apprehension and misuse never pro∣ducing any good effect: For so we see capacious under∣standings (by continual inquiry and perusal of all sorts of Authors) thrive no better in their knowledg then some men of good disposition (addicted generally to acquaintance) are gainers by the reckoning, when they cast up their expence of time; the hunger of the one breedeth a Consumption, and the others thirst not determining but by some humorous Disease: nay, they who seem to respect choice, sometimes err perniciously: Which the French man observed, who maintained his Country was much the worse by old mens studying the venome of Policy, and young mens reading the dregs of Fancy. And it is manifest that in our little Com∣monwealth of Learning, much disparagement is occasioned, when able Spirits (attracted by familiarity) are inflamed with Faction, and good Natures (carried away with the stream of more pleasant company) are drowned in good Fellowship.

Love that observes Formality is seated rather in the brain, then in the heart.

BY formality, I mean something more then ceremony and Complement (which are the gesture and phrase of dissemblers,) even a solemn reservedness, which may well consist with honesty: not but that I admire a constant gravity, which upon no assurance will bewray the least im∣perfection to any: but confess, I am far from suspecting simplicity, which (careful to observe more real duties towards all) is bold to trespass in points of Decorum amongst some, which without blushing could not be confest to others. A sign, from whence the greatest Reasoner draws an Argument of good affection, which (as divine Charity covers many offences) in the experience of com∣mon humanity is content to dispence with. And although Policy shews it to be the safest course to give advantage to none, yet an ingenuous nature thinks that he is scarce able to distinguish betwixt an enemy and a friend, that stands wholly upon his own guard.

An enemy is better recovered by great kindness, then a friend assured.

THere are some relicks of goodness found even in the worst natures, and out of question seeds of evil in those who are esteemed best; whence it may appear less strange, that hearts possest with rancour and malice, are overcome with beneficence, and minds otherwise well qua∣lified, prove sometimes ungrateful; the one fore't to con∣fess satisfaction received far more then was due; the other to acknowledge a debt of greater value then they are able to pay; howsoever, smaller courtesies seem not visible,

great ones inducing an obligation upon Publick Re∣cord.

The sincerest Liberality consists in refusing, and the most innocent Thrift in saving.

THe bestowing of gifts is more glorious then the refu∣sing of bribes; because gifts are commonly deliver∣ed in publick, whereas men use not to confess what they owe, or offer what they ought not, before witnesses. Bu•…•… in true estimation, it is as honourable a vertue not to re∣ceive, as to disperse benefits; it being of greater merit wholly to abstain from things desirable, then after fruiti•…•… to be content to leave them; as they who magnifie single life, prefer Virginity much before Widowhood. Yet some (in whom this kind of bounty is little observed) are un∣worthily censur'd for keeping their own, whom tenderness how to get honestly teacheth to spend discreetly; where•…•… such need no great thriftiness in preserving their own, w•…•… assume more liberty in exacting from others.

Commendations proceeding from Subtilty, captive the Object; from Simplicity, the Author.

THere is a skil to purchase, and pay debts only with fair words, drawing on good offices, and requiti•…•… them with Commendations; the felicity whereof hath made Flattery the most familiar Rhetorick, a leaving the old method of Perswasion, by insinuating the worth of him who desires to receive; and with more ease raising a self conceit in the man who is apt to swallow such light Bribery, and not often indisposed to digest unthankefulness so curi∣ously seasoned. But it is no great inconvenience that kind∣ness

should be bestowed gratis, or upon cheap conditions; the loss is, when men of plain meaning adventure on the exchange and use of this coyn, who, forward to profess their belief, ingage the credit of their wisdome on the be∣haviour of such, whose actions are not within their power, and become bound in Suretiship, without the help of a Scri∣vener: which inconsiderate affection makes many earnest Speakers in defence of injuries done to others, and silent Patients of wrongs unexpectedly befalling themselves; de∣sire to make good their error, pressing their tongues to so unjust service; or care to dissemble it, debarring them from the general liberty of poor complaint.

Expectation prepareth applause with the weak, and prejudice with the stronger Judgements.

THe fashion of commending our friends abilities before they come to trial, sometimes takes good effect with •…•…he common sort, who, building their belief on Authority, •…•…rive to follow the conceit of their betters; but usually •…•…mongst men of independent judgements, this bespeaking of •…•…pinion, breeds a purpose of stricter examination; and if •…•…he report be answered, procures only a bare acknowledge∣•…•…ent; whereas if nothing be proclaimed or promised, they •…•…re perhaps content to signifie their own skil in testifying •…•…others desert: otherwise great wits, jealous of their •…•…redit, are ready to suppress worth in others, to the ad∣•…•…ancing of their own, and (if more ingenuous) no far∣•…•…er just, then to forbear detraction; at the best rather •…•…sposed to give praise upon their own accord, then to make •…•…ayment upon demand or challenge.

The testimony of sufficiency is better entertained then the report of Excellency.

THe nature of some places necessarily requires 〈◊〉〈◊〉 competently endowed, but where there is choice none think the appointment to be a duty of Justice bound respect the best desert: nay, the best conceive it a work free bounty, which men of mean qualities are likely to •…•…∣knowledge, and the worldly make it a business of pro•…•… unto which the most deserving are least apt to subscrib•…•…. But besides these unlucky influences from above, this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 success may be occasioned either by the too great confide•…•… of those who hope to rise, or the jealous distrust of s•…•… are already raised, whilest they too much presuming 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their own desert, neglect all auxiliary strength, these s•…•…∣pecting some diminution to their own, stop the passage anothers worth; that being most certain, Alterius vi•…•…∣tuti invidet, qui diffidit suae.

He that appears often in the same place, gets li•…•… ground in the way to credit.

FAmiliar and frequent use, which makes things (first ungrateful) by continuance pleasing or tole•…•…∣ble, takes away the lustre from more excellent obje•…•… and reduceth them from the height of admiration, u•…•… low degrees of neglect, dislike, and contempt; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were not strange, if it wrought only among the Vul•…•… whose opin on (like their stomacks) is overcome wit•…•… •…•…∣tiety, or men of something a higher stage, the edge 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whose sight is abated and dulled by long gazing; but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 same entertainment is given by the Judicious and Learn•…•… either because they observe some defects, which at 〈◊〉〈◊〉

sight are less visible; or the Actors in this kind betray weakness in their latter attempts, usually straining so high at first, that they are not able to reach again in the rest; or by this often obtrusion not required, discover a good con∣ceit of their own Graces; and men so well affected to themselves are generally so happy, as to have little cause to complain of Corrivals.

The Active man riseth not so well by his strength, as the expert by his stirrop.

THey that climb towards preferment or greatness by their own vertue, get up with much ado and very slowly; whereas such as are raised by other means, usual∣ly ascend lightly and appear more happy in their sudden ad∣vancements, sometimes by the only strength of those who stand above, exercising their power in their dependants commonly by subordinate helps and assistance, which young men happily obtain from the commendations of friends, old men often compass by the credit of their wealth, who have a great advantage in that they are best able to purchase, and likely soonest to leave the room.

Few men thrive by one onely Art, fewer by many.

AMongst Tradesmen of meaner sort, they are not poorest, whose Shop windows open over a red Let∣tice; and the wealthiest Merchants imploy Scriveners for security at home, as much as Factors for their advantage abroad, both finding not more warrantable gains by negoti∣ating with the industrious, then profitable returns by deal∣ing with unthrifts. The disposition of the time, hath

taught this wisdome to more ingenuous professions, which are best entertained when they come accompanied with some other respects, whence preciseness is become a good habit to plead in, and Papistry a privy commendation to the pra∣ctise of Physick, contentious Zeal making most Clyents, and sensual Superstition yielding the best Patients. They who are intent by diverse means to make progress in their estate, cannot succeed well, as he that would run upon his hands and feet makes less speed then one who goes as nature taught him; the untoward moving of some unskilful parts, hindring the going forward of those which are better disposed.

It is good to profess betimes, and practise at leasure.

THere is a saying, That the best choice is of an old Physician and a young Lawyer: The rea∣son suppos'd, because where errors are fatal, ability of judgement and moderation are required; but where ad∣vantages may be wrought upon, diligence and quickness of wit are of more special use. But if it be considered who are generally most esteemed, it will appear, that opinion of the multitude sets up the one, and the favour of Authority upholds the other; yet in truth, a mans age and time are of necessary regard, such of themselves succeeding best, who in these or any other professions, neither defer their re∣solution too long, nor begin their practice too soon; where∣as ordinarily, they who are immaturely adventurous, by their iusufficiency hurt others; they who are tedious in de∣liberation, by some improvidence hinder them∣selves.

Felicity shews the ground where Industry builds a Fortune.

ARchimedes the great Engineer (who in defending Syracusa against Marcellus, shewed wonderful Experiments of his extraordinary skil,) was bold to say, That he would remove the world out of his place, if he had elsewhere to set his foot. And truly I be∣lieve so far, that otherwise he could not do it: I am sure, so much is evident in the Architecture of Fortunes; in the raising of which the best Art or endeavour is able to do no∣thing, if it have not where to lay the first stone; for it is possible with the like Skil to raise a frame when we have matter; but not to create something out of nothing: the first being the ordinary effect of industry, this only of Di∣vine Power. Indeed, many from very mean beginnings have aspired to very eminent place, and we usually ascribe it to their own worth, which no doubt in some is great; yet as in Religion we are bound to believe, so in truth the best of them will confess, that the first advantage was reached out meerly by a Divine hand, which also no doubt, did alwayes assist their after endeavours. Some have the felicity to be born heirs to good Estates, others to be made so beyond their hopes. Marriage (besides the good which oftentimes it confers directly) collaterally sometimes helps to Offices, sometimes to Benefices, sometimes to Dignities. Many rise by relation and dependance, it being a happy step to some, to have fallen on a fortunate Master, to some on a foolish, to some (few) on a good. There are divers other means, of which, as of these, I am not so fit to speak, but truly considered, they are all out of our own power, which he that presumeth most, cannot promise him∣self; and he that expects least, sometimes attains.