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CHAPTER XVII
OF PRESUMPTION
THERE is another kind of glory, which is an over-good
opinion we conceive of our worth. It is an inconsiderate
affection, wherewith wee cherish our selves, which presents
us unto our selves other then we are. As an
amorous passion addeth beauties and lendeth graces to
the subject it embraceth, and maketh such as are therewith
possessed, with a troubled conceit and distracted
judgement, to deeme what they love, and iinde what
they affect, to bee other, and seeme more perfect, then
in trueth it is. Yet would I not have a man, for feare
of offending in that point, to misacknowledge himselfe,
nor thinke to bee lesse then hee is: A true judgement
should wholly and in every respect mainetaino his right.
It is reason, that as in other things, so in this subject
he see what truth presenteth unto him. If he be
Caesar, let him boldly deeme himselfe the greatest
Captaine of the world. We are nought but ceremonie:
ceremonie doth transport us, and wee leave the substance
of things ; we hold-fast by the boughs, and leave
the trunke or body. Wee have taught ladies to blush,
onely by hearing that named which they nothing feare
to doe. Wee dare not call our members by their proper
names, and feare not to employ them in all kind of
dissolutenese. Ceremonie forbids us by words to expresse
lawfull and naturall things ; and we beleeve it.
Reason willeth us to doe no bad or unkwfull things,
and no man giveth credit unto it Here I find my
selfe entangled in the lawes of Ceremonie, for it neither
allowes a man to speake ill or good of himselfe. Therefore
will wee leave her at this time. Those whom
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