The works of Francis Bacon, lord chancellor of England.

APOPHTHEGMS. 127
a company of knaves and fools, and there's half- sir," said the apprentice, " but if Joseph's misa-crown for you, I will never stand changing of tress had been as handsome as mine is, he could
money." not have forborne."
22. A witty rogue coming into a lace shop, 25. When my Lord President of the Council
said he had occasion for some lace, choice whereof was newly advanced to the Great Seal, Gondornar
being showed him, he at last pitched upon one came to visit him; my lord said, "cThat he was
pattern, and asked them how much they would to thank God and the king for that honour; but
have for so much as would reach from ear to ear, yet, so he might be rid of the burden, he could
for so much he had occasion for; they told him very willingly forbear the honour. And that he
for so much: so some few words passing between formerly had a desire, and the same continued
them, he at last agreed, and told down his money with him still, to lead a private life." Gondomar
for it, and began to measure on his own head, answered that he would tell him a tale, ", Of an
thus saying, ", One ear is here, and the other is old rat that would needs leave the world: and
nailed to the pillory in Bristol, and I fear you acquainted the young rats that he would retire
have not so much of this lace by you at present into his hole, and spend his days solitarily; and
as will perfect my bargain; therefore this piece would enjoy no more comfort: and commanded
of lace shall suffice at present in part of payment, them, upon his high displeasure, not to offer to
and provide the rest with all expedition." come in unto him. They forbore two or three
23. A woman being suspected by her husband days; at last, one that was more hardy than the
for dishonesty, and being by him at last pressed rest, incited some of his fellows to go in with
very hard about it, made him quick answer with him, and he would venture to see how his father
many protestations,, That she knew no more of did; for he might be dead. They went in, and
what he said than the man in the moon:" Now found the old rat sitting in the midst of a rich
the captain of the ship called," The Moon" was Parmesan cheese." So he applied the fable after
the very man she so much loved. his witty manner.
24. An apprentice of London being brought 26. Mr. Houland, in conference with a young
before the chamberlain by his master, for the sin student, arguing a case, happened to say, "I
of incontinency, even with his own mistress; the would ask you but this question." The student
chamberlain thereupon gave him many Christian presently interrupted him to give him an answer.
exhortations, and at last he mentioned and pressed Whereunto Mr. Houland gravely said; ", Nay,
the chastity of Joseph when his mistress tempted though I ask you a question, yet I did not mean
him with the like crime of incontinency. ", Ay, you should answer me, I mean to answer myself."
ORNAMENTA RATIONALIA,*
A SUPPLY (BY THE PUBLISHER)
OF
CERTAIN WEIGHTY AND ELEGANT SENTENCES,
SOMIE MADE, OTHERS COLLECTED BY THE LORD BACON; AND BY HIM PUT UNDER THE
ABOVESAID TITLE; AND AT PRESENT NOT TO BE FOUND.
A COLLECTION OF SENTENCES OUT OF THE MIMI OF PUBLIUS; ENGLISHED BY THE PUBLISHER.
I.' ALEATOR, quanto in arte est melior, tanto 3. " Bis vincit, qui se vincit in victoria."
est nequior." He conquers twice, who upon victory overA gamest'ir, the greater master he is in his comes himself.
art, the worse man he is. 4. t" Cum vitia prosint, peccat, qui recte facit."
2. "Arcum.intensio frangit; animum, remissio." If vices were upon the whole matter profit
Much bending breaks the bow; much unbend- able, the virtuous man would be the sinner.
iAg, the mind. 5. 4" Bene dormit, qui non sentit quod male dor
* Tenison's Baconiana, page 60. miat."