Page 167

Francis Bacon. (1561–1626) (continued)

1956

There is a wisdom in this beyond the rules of physic. A man’s own observation, what he finds good of and what he finds hurt of, is the best physic to preserve health.

Of Regimen of Health.

1957

Discretion of speech is more than eloquence; and to speak agreeably to him with whom we deal is more than to speak in good words or in good order.

Of Discourse.

1958

Men’s thoughts are much according to their inclination, 1 their discourse and speeches according to their learning and infused opinions.

Of Custom and Education.

1959

Chiefly the mould of a man’s fortune is in his own hands. 2

Of Fortune.

1960

If a man look sharply and attentively, he shall see Fortune; for though she is blind, she is not invisible. 3

Of Fortune.

1961

Young men are fitter to invent than to judge, fitter for execution than for counsel, and fitter for new projects than for settled business.

Of Youth and Age.

1962

Virtue is like a rich stone,—best plain set.

Of Beauty.

1963

God Almighty first planted a garden. 4

Of Gardens.

1964

And because the breath of flowers is far sweeter in the air (where it comes and goes, like the warbling of music) than in the hand, therefore nothing is more fit for that delight than to know what be the flowers and plants that do best perfume the air.

Of Gardens.

Note 1.
Of similar meaning, “Thy wish was father, Harry, to that thought.” See Shakespeare, page 90. [back]

Note 2.
Every man is the architect of his own fortune.—Pseudo-Sallust: Epist. de Rep. Ordin. ii. 1.

His own character is the arbiter of every one’s fortune.—Publius Syrus: Maxim 283. [back]

Note 3.
Fortune is painted blind, with a muffler afore her eyes, to signify to you that Fortune is blind.—William Shakespeare: Henry V. act iii. sc. 6. [back]

Note 4.
God the first garden made, and the first city Cain.
Abraham Cowley: The Garden, Essay v.

God made the country, and man made the town.
William Cowper: The Task, book i. line 749.

Divina natura dedit agros, ars humana ædificavit urbes (Divine Nature gave the fields, human art built the cities).—Varro: De Re Rustica, iii. 1. [back]

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