or transported with the fury of passions, utter words full of disdain, Now men, endued with this vertue of easiness, (as cunning vaulters by a nimble sleight save themselves from the impetuous assault of the adversary) I, thereby drawing their reasons from some unexpected place, or by passing with a readiness of apprehension to a more plausible subject, or by sounding afar off with some extravagant words, so follow their understanding, that at length they condescend: using the same considerations which good players at ball have, who, not to suffer a rest, do not only stand attentive to send it to their companion, but with like heed provide to retake it, by accommodating their person and expecting it in the likeliest place. So they, to avoid all hinderances, do not only suit their own words, but also give favorable constructions to the speeches of the other agent, by dissembling the discontentments which might arise: even as the sun doth not altogether move with the highest heaven, nor yet is moved directly contrary, but fetching a compass a little overthwart, makes an oblike circle, and by variety of approaching and departing, keeps the world in good temperature. So Otho, being not well established, and knowing that he must moderate that discipline, which might seem to be exacted in such a case, in repressing a mutiny, imputeth the confusion and disturbances to a tender and excessive affection of the soldiers towards him, more zealous than considerate: nimiæ pietas vestra, &c. And thus he quieted those who (being by the guilt of rebellion excluded from all hope of pardon) might, according to the nature of man, (which hateth those whom it hath hurt) fall into desperation of recovering favour, when desperation in such times of commotions might draw them to a settled resolution to keepe themselves out of reach of correction. For if one play false, the best rule is to seeme not to perceive it: and if he begin (as suspected) to clear himself, to semble* never to have doubt * For dissemble: or perhaps the author might intend some amelioration of the word, in the way Lord Bacon sought to discriminate between simulation and dissimulation. ed of his fidelitie. Qui enim se non putat satisfacere, amicus esse, nullo modo potest. Therefore, Agrippina (in Tacitus) knowing her life attempted by Nero, knew well that her only remedy was to take no notice of the treasons. Neither is it the part of a servile fawning nature to answer them with moderation, which urge out of passion; but rather a quiet temper, grounded upon a certain and infallible confidence in virtue. A man must rule his affections, and make reason (like another automedon) to direct them: thereby to tolerate other men's defects, and make a virtuous resistance against pride, arrogancy, and other such unjust rebellions of passions. We must use the shield of mansuetude, which may mitigate the suddenness and fury of anger, compose the inner powers of the minde, and conforme the appetite of revenge to reason. For this affection, not regulated by an higher power, maketh a man forgetful of God and conscience, depriving the mind of the light of judgement, distempering the humours of the body, and giving them a prey to divers dangerous diseases." [ Profitable Instructions: describing what speciall Observations are to be taken by Travellers in all Nations, States, and Countries; pleasant and profitable. By the three much admired, Robert late Earle of Essex, Sir Philip Sidney, and Secretary Davison. London, printed for Benjamin Fisher, at the signe of the Talbot without Aldersgate. 1613. 12mo. pp. 122. A SENSIBLE epistle to the reader has the following apposite remarks : "The best scholler is fittest for a Traveller, as being able to make the most useful observation. Experience added to learning makes a perfect man. It must therefore be confessed, that to fit men for negotiation, the visiting of forraine countries is most necessary. This kingdom justly glories in many noble instruments, whose abilities have been perfitted by that meanes. But withall it cannot be denied, that many men, while they ayme at this fitness, make themselves unfit for any thing. Some goe over, full of good qualities and better opes; who having, as it were, emptied themselves in other places, return laden with nothing but the vices, if not the diseases, of the Countries which they have sene; and (which is most to be pitied) they are commonly the best wits, and purest receptacles of sound knowledge that are thus corrupted. It hath therefore been much desired that some men, who had themselves been Travellers, and had made least use of their Travels, would give some unfailing directions to others. Such are here presented to thee, and in such a volume as they may be an helpful, though unchargeable companion of thy travel. Pitty it is, that such monuments of wisdom should have perished, for the authors' sakes men famous in their times for learning, experience, nobility, and greatness of place." : The first piece in this little work consists of "most notable and excellent Instructions for Travellers." These are presumed to be by secretary Davison, of whom an article is given in the last edition of Biographia Britannica, where these instructions are not noticed. They comprise useful hints for inquiry, somewhat after the manner of those suggested by our statistical investigators. After these a new title appears, announcing Two excellent Letters concerning Travell. One written by he late Earle of Essex, the other by Sir Philip Sidney. The former of these is addressed "to the E. of R. in his travels," and dated from Greenwich, Jan. 4, 1596. The latter is entitled "A Letter to the same purpose," and addressed to his brother. I subjoin a brief extract from each. "A third way (says Lord Essex) to attaine to knowledge is observation, and not long life nor seeing much. Because, as he that rides a way often, and takes no care of notes or marks to direct him, if he come the same way again, to make him know where he is, if he come unto it, he shall never prove a good guide; so he that liveth long and seeth much, and observeth nothing, shall never prove any wise man. The true end of knowledge is clearness and strength of judgment, and not ostentation or ability to discourse: which I do the rather put your Lordship in mind of, because the most part of noblemen and gentlemen of our time have no other use nor end of their learning but their table-talk. But God knoweth they have gotten little, that have only this discoursing gift. For, though, like empty vessels, they sound loud when a man knocks upon their out sides; yet if you peere into them, you shall finde that they are full of nothing but winde." "You purpose, being a gentleman born, to furnish yourselfe with the knowledge of such things as may be serviceable for your countrey and calling: which certainly stands not in the change of air, (for the warmest sun makes not a wise man); no, nor in learned languages, (although they be of serviceable. use) for words are but words, in what language soever they be: and much lesse, in that all of us come home full of disguisements, not only of apparel, but of our countenances, (as though the credit of a traveller stood all upon his outside) but in the right informing your minde with those things which are most notable, in those places which you come unto. For hard sure it is to know England, without you know it by comparing it with some other country; no more than a man can know the swiftness of his horse, without seeing him well matched." THE fifteen tracts, of which the titles are here given, will be found among the royal collection of pamphlets presented by his present Majesty to the British Mu seum. The discontented Conference betwixt the two great associates, William [Laud] Archbishop of Canterbury, and Thomas late Earle of Strafford. Printed in the yeere 1641. Small 4to. 2 leaves. No. 14.. The Downfall of Greatnesse for the losse of Goodnesse, a poem: or a short survay of Thomas Lord Wentworth, late earle of Strafford, lord lieutenant generall of his Majesties army, generall president of the councill esta blished in the north parts of England, and of the county and citie of York, one of his Majesties most honourable privie councill, and knight of the noble order of the |