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THE SECOND BOOKE 207
wherein sciences flourished most, we could never learne
they had any speciall excellencie in their life. Wee
see the Graecian hath been put to his plunges in seeking
to discharge himselfe from some notable imputations
in his life. Was it ever found that sensualitie and
health are more pleasing unto him that understands
Astrologie and Grammar?
Iliterati num minus nervi rigent ? ¹
As stiffe unlearned sinnewes stand,
As theirs that much more understand.)
or shame and povertie lesse importunate and vexing ?
Scilicet et morbis, et debilitate carebis,
Et luctum, et curam effugies, et tempora vitoe
Longa tibi posthaec fato meliore dabuntur?
Thou shalt be from disease and weaknesse free,
From moane, from care, long time of life to thee
Shall by more friendly fate affoorded be.
I have in my daies seene a hundred artificers, and
as many labourers, more wibe and more happy than
some Hectors in the Universities and whom I would
rather resemble. Me thinks learning hath a place
amongst things necessarie for mans life, as giorie,
noblenesse, dignitie, or at most as riches, and such
other oualities, which indeed stead the same; but afaroff
ana more in conceipt than by Nature. We have
not much more need of offices, of rules, and lawes how
to live in our common-wealth than the cranes and ants
have in theirs. Which notwithstanding, we see how
orderly and without instruction they maintaine themselves.
If man were wise he would value everything
according to its worth, and as it is either more profitable
or more necessarie for life. He that shall number
us by our actions and proceedings, shall doubtlesse
finde many more excellent ones amongst the ignorant
than among the wiser sort: I meane in all kinde of
vertues. My opinion is, that ancient Rome brought
¹ HOR. Epod. viiL 17.
² JUVEN. Sat. xiv. 156.