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CHAPTER XXXI
OF ANGER AND CHOLER
PLUTARKE is everywhere admirable, hut especially
where he judgeth of humane actions. The notable
things he reporteth may be perceived in the comparison
of Lycurgus and Numa, speaking of the great
simplicity we commit in leaving yong children under
the government and charge of their fatners and parents.
Most of our policies or commonwealths, saith Aristotle
(as the Cyclopes were wont) commit the conduct of
their wives and charge of their children to all men,
according to their foolish humour or indiscreete
fantasies. And well-nigh none but the Lacedemonian
and Cretensian have resigned the discipline of children
to the lawes. Who seeth not that in an estate all
things depend of nurture and education ? And all the
while, without discretion, it is wholly left to the
parents mercy how foolish and wicked soever they be.
Amongst other things, how often (walking through our
streets; have I desired to have a play or comedie made
in revenge of young boyes, which I saw thumpt, misused,
and well-nigh murthered by some haire-brained,
moodie, and through choler-raging fathers and mothers,
from out whose eyes a man might see sparkles of rage
to startle.
rabie jecur incendenteferuntur
Prcecipites, ut taxajuais abrupta, quibus mom
Subtrahitur, clivoquc lotus pendente recedit: 1
They headlong runne with rage, which doth enflame their liven
Like stones that broken fall from mountaine tops in shivers,
The hill withdrawes, and they are rould
From hanging cliffe which leaves their hold
1 Juv. Sat. vi. 548.
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