The Essays

Product description This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 Excerpt: ...is to be shunned, as an enemy to society and civil conversation. ) Who would not be astonished at Demophon's complexion, chief steward of Alexander's household, who was wont to sweat in the shadow, and quiver for cold in the sun? I have seen some to startle at the smell of an apple, more than at the shot of a piece; some to be frighted with a mouse, some ready to cast their gorge at the sight of a mess of cream, and others to be scared with seeing a featherbed shaken: as Germanicus, who could not abide to see a cock, or hear his crowing. There may haply be some hidden property of nature, which in my judgment might easily be removed, if it were taken in time. Institution hath gotten this upon me (I must confess with much ado) for, except beer, all things else that are man's food agree indifferently with my taste. The body being yet supple ought to be accommodated to all fashions and customs; and (always provided his appetites and desires be kept under) let a young man boldly be made fit for all nations and companies;vea, if need be, for all disorders and surfeitings( let him acquaint himself with all fashions; that nV may be able to do all things, and love to do none but those that are commendable.) Some strict philosophers commend not, but rather blame Callisthenes,1 for losing the good favour of his master Alexander, only because he would not pledge him as much as he had drunk to him. He shall laugh, jest, dally, and debauch himself with his prince. And in his debauchingCl would have him outgo all his fellows in vigour and constancy, and that he omit not to do evil, neither for want of strength or knowledge, but for lack of will. "Multum interest, utrum peccare quis nolit, aut nesciat " (SEN., Epist., xc): "There is a great difference, wheth...