HE THAT is only real, had need have exceed-
ing great parts of virtue; as the stone had
need to be rich, that is set without foil. But if a
man mark it well, it is, in praise and commenda-
tion of men, as it is in gettings and gains: for the
proverb is true, That light gains make heavy
purses; for light gains come thick, whereas great,
come but now and then. So it is true, that small
matters win great commendation, because they
are continually in use and in note: whereas the
occasion of any great virtue, cometh but on festi-
vals. Therefore it doth much add to a man's reputa-
tion, and is (as Queen Isabella said) like perpetual
letters commendatory, to have good forms. To at-
tain them, it almost sufficeth not to despise them;
for so shall a man observe them in others; and let
him trust himself with the rest. For if he labor too
much to express them, he shall lose their grace;
which is to be natural and unaffected. Some men's
behavior is like a verse, wherein every syllable is
measured; how can a man comprehend great mat-
ters, that breaketh his mind too much, to small
observations? Not to use ceremonies at all, is to
teach others not to use them again; and so dimin-
isheth respect to himself; especially they be not to
be omitted, to strangers and formal natures; but
the dwelling upon them, and exalting them above
the moon, is not only tedious, but doth diminish
the faith and credit of him that speaks. And cer-
tainly, there is a kind of conveying, of effectual
and imprinting passages amongst compliments,
which is of singular use, if a man can hit upon it.
Amongst a man's peers, a man shall be sure of
familiarity; and therefore it is good, a little to keep
state. Amongst a man's inferiors one shall be sure
of reverence; and therefore it is good, a little to be
familiar. He that is too much in anything, so that
he giveth another occasion of satiety, maketh him-
self cheap. To apply one's self to others, is good; so
it be with demonstration, that a man doth it upon
regard, and not upon facility. It is a good precept
generally, in seconding another, yet to add some-
what of one's own: as if you will grant his opinion,
let it be with some distinction; if you will follow
his motion, let it be with condition; if you allow
his counsel, let it be with alleging further reason.
Men had need beware, how they be too perfect in
compliments; for be they never so sufficient other-
wise, their enviers will be sure to give them that
attribute, to the disadvantage of their greater vir-
tues. It is loss also in business, to be too full of re-
spects, or to be curious, in observing times and
opportunities. Solomon saith, He that considereth
the wind, shall not sow, and he that looketh to
the clouds, shall not reap. A wise man will make
more opportunities, than he finds. Men's behavior
should be, like their apparel, not too strait or point
device, but free for exercise or motion.
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