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THE SECOND BOOKE 433
I can maintaine an opinion, but not make choice of
it: for in humane things what side soever a man leaneth
on, many apparences prevent themselves unto us, which
confirm us in them: and Chrysippus the Philosopher
was wont to say that he would learne nothing else of
his maisters, Zeno and Cleanthes, but their doctrines
simply: for proofes and reasons he would finde enough
of himselfe. Let me turne to what side I will, I ever
finde sufficient matter and liklyhood to keepe my selfe
unto it. Thus keepe I doubt and liberty to my selfe,
to chuse, untill occasion urge me, and then (to confesse
the truth), as the common saying is, I cast my feather
to the wind, and yeeld to fortunes mercie. A verie
light inclination and a slender circumstance carries me
away.
Dum in dubio est animus paulo momento hue atque illuc impellitu?.
1
While mind is in suspence, with small ado,
'Tis hither, thither, driven fro and to.
The uncertainty of my judgement is in many occurrences
so equally balanced as I would willingly compromise
it to the deciding of chance and of the dice.
And I note with great consideration of our humane
imbecilitie, the examples which the history of God it
selfe hath left us of this use, to remit the determination
of elections in doubtfull matters unto fortune and
hazard. Sors cecidit super Matthiam: 2 'The lot fell
upon Matthias.' Humane reason is a two-edged dangerous
sword; even in Socrates his hand, her most
inward and familiar friend, marke what a many-ended
staffe it is. So am I only fit to follow, and am easily
carried away by the throng. I doe not greatly trust
mine owne strength, to undertake to command or to
lead. I rejoyee to see my steps traced by others. If
I must run the hazard of an uncertaine choice, I would
rather have it be under such a one who is more assured
of his opinions, and more wedded to them, then I am of
1 TER. And. act i. sc. 3.
² ACTS, ch. i. v. 26.
II. 2 F