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240 MONTAIGNE'S ESSAYES
and all we take that is pleasant is not ever nourishing
and wholesome: So likewise, what our minde
drawes from learning leaveth not to be voluptuous,
although it neither nourish nor be wholesome. Note
what their saying is : c The consideration of nature
is a food proper for our mindes, it raiseth and puffeth
ns up, it makes us by the comparison of heavenly
and nigh things to disdaine base and low matters.
The search of hidden and great causes is very pleasant,
yea unto him that attaines nought but the reverence
and feare to judge of them.' These are the
very words of their profession. The vaine image
of this crazed curiositie is more manifestly seen in
this other example, which they for honour-sake have
so often in their mouths. Eudoxus wished, and
praid to the Gods, that he might once view the
Sunne neere at hand, to comprehend his forme, his
greatnesse and his beautie : on condition he might
immediately be burnt and consumed by it. Thus with
the price of his owne life would he attaine a Science,
whereof both use and possession shall therewith bee
taken from him ; and for so sudden and fleeting knowledge
lose and forgoe all the knowledges he either
now hath, or ever hereafter may have. I can not
easily be perswaded that Epicurus, Plato, or Pythagoras
have sold us their atomes, their ideas, and their
numbers for ready payment. They were over wise
to establish their articles of faith upon things so uncertaine
and disputable. But in this obscuritie and
ignorance of the world, each of these notable men
hath endeavoured to bring some kinde of shew or
image of light; and have busied their mindes about
inventions that might at least have a pleasing and
wilie apparance, provided (notwithstanding it were
false) it might be maintained against contrary oppositions
: Vnicuiquce ista pro ingenio finguntur, non ex
Scientice vi; ' These things are conceited by every man
as his wit serves, not as his knowledge stretches and
reaches.' An ancient Phylosopher being blamed for
professing that Philosophic, whereof in his judgement