§ 3. Humane Remedies of Despair.
THe cause of Despair and the condition of those who Despair, being sufficiently known, we must fortifie our selves against this pernicious passion with all the courage and prudence we can use. If we consi∣der the humane Remedies, they will teach us, that the inconstancy of things on the earth which overwhelme us, may raise us, that the state of this inferiour world is as a wheel, whereon we do nought but go up and come down; and that when we have the most happinesse, then is the time we fall to the lowest degree of misery. When the unfortunate are descended into abysses, the prosperous leap up in their places. We have seen of them, as the Wise-man observeth, that have mounted to Empires from the deep dungeons of a prison, as did Michael the Emperour, who was unexpectedly snatched out of the hands of Leo when he had resolved to burn him alive: was taken from black Caverns, born to the Palace as yet nasty and all horrid, and on his Imperiall Throne made to file off the fetters on his feet, for that the key of them could not be found. The proud Sesostris, King of Egypt, who pompously walk∣ed along in a chariot harnessed out with Kings, was diverted from his insolency by one of those miserable Princes, who taught him a lesson of the revolution of humane things by the resemblance of the wheels of the chariot of triumph, whereuhto pride had lifted him. Experience will tell us, that many for having lightly believed their evil fortune, were deprived of very great prosperities; and became unfortunate for no other reason, but that they thought themselves such before their time.
Perseverance will instruct us, that in worldly af∣fairs, as are marriages, offices, benefices, suits in law, commerce, good turns, and recompences; we must not still fall off out of mood, but patiently expect the hour of our good hap, whilst there is any reasonable likelihood, Scardion in the third Book of his History, recounteth an excellent passage of Pope Innocent the Seventh, who employed a famous Painter named Andrew Mattineus, in adorning his Chappel of the Vatican. This brave work-man bent himself to it with affection, and therein used his most exquisite inventi∣ons, hoping that he who set him awork, would largely requite his merit in so notable a power to oblige all the world. He notwithstanding saw his labours daily to go on, but felt no rewards coming, which one day put him into Choler, with a resolution to be revenged by some trick of his Art. The Pope had commanded him to paint the seven deadly Sins, but he instead of ta∣king his proportions for seven places, added thereunto an eighth, wherein he purposed to make a hideous monster. Innocent more fully informing himself of his design, the Painter answered, he left this place there to represent Ingratitude, as the most capitall of all Vices. The Pope well understanding what he would say, smiled, and said, Matineus, I give consent thou paint Ingratitude as ugly as thou pleasest, but on this condition, that thou place Patience directly over against it, which of all Virtues is the most courageous, from which thou art very much alienated, being unable a little to expect patiently the good I have resolved to do thee: and presently he gave him a good Benefice for his sons preferment.
Lastly, commonly fame will shew us there are people, whose ears are like those gates through which nothing was suffered to passe but direfull things. They burden themselves with all the worst, and become elo∣quent in the mishap of their friends, as if they infinite∣ly obliged them by learning their disastres. We shall easily find a remedy for the evil we apprehend, by not being over credulous in giving ear to these news-carriers whom Poets will have to be the messengers of Hell. Constancy will assure us, that the evil opinion one hath of his own affairs troubleth the whole businesse; that