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CHAPTER XXVIII
ALL THINGS HAVE THEIR SEASON
THOSE who compare Cato the Censor to Cato the
Younger that killed himselfe, compare two notahle
natures, and in forme neare one unto another. The
first exploited his sundrie waies and excelleth in
military exploits and utilitie of his publike vacations.
But the youngers vertue (besides that it were blasphemy
in vigor to compare any unto him) was much more
sincere and unspotted. For who will discharge the
Censors of envie and ambition that durst counterchecke
the honour of Scipio in goodnes and all other
parts of excellencie, farre greater and better than him
or any other man living in his age ? Amongst other
things reported of him, thisiis"bne, that in his eldest
yeares he gave himselfe with so earnest a longing to
learn the Greek tong, as if it had been to quench a
long burning thirst, a thing in mine opinion not very
honourable in him. It is properly that which we call
doting, or to become a childe againe. All things have
their season, yea the good and all. And I may say my
Paternoster out of season. As T. Quintius Flamimus
was accused, forasmuch as being generall of an army,
even in the houre of the conflict he was seene to withdraw
himselfe apart, amusing himselfe to pray God
although he gained the battel!.
Jmponitfinem sapiens et rebus honestis, 1
A wise-man will use moderation,
Even in things of commendation.
Eudemonidas seeing Xenocrates very old laboriously
1 JUVEN. Sat. vi. 344.
492