Page 216
THis Apparence seems to be of strength, and rather Logi∣call, than Rhetoricall: yet is it very often a fallax. First be∣cause many things are casual, which if they escape, prove excellent; so that in kind they are inferior, because they are so subject to peril, and to perish before they come to per∣fection; but in the Jndividuall more noble. Of this sort is the Blossome of March, whereof the French Proverb goes
Burgeon de Mars, Enfans de Paris, Si un eschappe bien vaut dix.So that the Blossome of May generally is better than the Blos∣some of March, and yet in particular the best Blossome of March is better than the best Blossome of May. Secondly it deceives, because the nature of things in some kinds, or species, is to be more equall, in some kinds more inequall: as it hath bin ob∣served that warmer climates produce generally more acute wits; but in Northerne climates the wits of chief sur∣passe the acutest wits of hotter Regions. So in many Armies if the matter should be tried by duell between particular champions singled out, perchance the victory should goe on the one side; if it be tried by the grosse, it would goe on the other side: for excellencies, and eminencies goe, as it were, by chance, but kinds are governed by nature and Art. So likewise generally mettall is more precious than stone; and yet a Diamond is more precious than Gold.