herself about, is; that which is here, to transfer it thither,
to change it, and thence again to take it away, and to carry it
to another place. So that thou needest not fear any new thing.
For all things are usual and ordinary; and all things are
disposed by equality. VI. Every particular nature hath content,
when in its own proper course it speeds. A reasonable nature doth
then speed, when first in matter of fancies and imaginations,
it gives no consent to that which is either false uncertain.
Secondly, when in all its motions and resolutions it takes its
level at the common good only, and that it desireth nothing,
and flieth from nothing, bet what is in its own power to compass
or avoid. And lastly, when it willingly and gladly embraceth,
whatsoever is dealt and appointed unto it by the common nature.
For it is part of it; even as the nature of any one leaf,
is part of the common nature of all plants and trees.
But that the nature of a leaf, is part of a nature both
unreasonable and unsensibIe, and which in its proper end
may be hindered; or, which is servile and slavish: whereas
the nature of man is part of a common nature which cannot
be hindered, and which is both reasonable and just.
From whence also it is, that accord ing to the worth of everything,
she doth make such equal distribution of all things, as of duration,
substance form, operation, and of events and accidents.
But herein consider not whether thou shalt find this equality
rn everything abu;oluteiy and by itself; but whether
in all the particulars of some one thing taken together,
and compared with all the particulars of some other thing,
and them together likewise.
VII. Thou hast no time nor opportunity to read. What then?
Hast thou not time and opportunity to exercise thyself, not to
wrong thyself; to strive against all carnal pleasures and pains,
and to aet the upper hand of them; to contemn honour and vainglory;
and not only, not to be angry with them, whom towards thee thou doest
find unsensible and unthankful; but also to have a care of them still,
and of their welfare? VIII. Forbear henceforth to complain
of the trouble of a courtly life, either in public before others,
or in private by thyself.