214044_The_Essa ... rd_Of_Montaigne_Vol_II.pdf - OUDL Home

590 MONTAIGNE'S ESSAYES
water but seldome, for the weighty dregs it drawes
with it are not easily carried away except by violence :
as by experience is seene in a torrent that runneth
very swift, which sweepeth and clenseth the place
through which he passeth, much more than doth a
slow-gliding streame. Likewise it is good to have often
copulation with women ; for that openeth the passages,
and convaieth the gravell away : it is also hurtfull, for
it heateth, wearieth, and weakneth the reines. It is
good for one to bathe himselfe in warme water, forsomuch
as that looseth and moistneth the places where
the gravel and stone lurketh: it is also bad, because
this application of extemall heat helpeth the reines to
concoct, to harden and petrifie the matter disposed
unto it. To such as are at the bathes, it is more
healthful to eat but little at night, that the water they
are to drink the next morning, finding the stomacke
empty, and without any obstacle, it may worke the
greater operation : on the other side, it is better to eat
but a little at dinner, lest a man might hinder the
operation of the water, which is not yet perfect, and
not to charge the stomacke so suddenly, after this
other travell, and leave the office of digesting unto the
night, which can better do it then the day ; the body
and spirit being then in continual motion and action.
Loe heere how they in all their discourses juggle, daily,
and trifle at our charge, and are never able to bring mee
a proposition, but I can presently frame another to the
contrary of like force and consequence. Let them then
no longer raile against those who in any sicknes suffer
themselves gently to be directed by their owne appetite,
and by the couusell of nature, and who remit themselves
to common fortune. 1 have by occasion of my travels
seene almost all the famous bathes of Christendome,
and some years since have begun to use them: for in
generall I deeme bathing to be very good and healthy,
and I am perswaded we incurre no small incommodities
in our health by having neglected and lost this custome,
which in former times were generally observed very
neere amongst all nations, and is yet with divers at