Answers to Sutours; But let it rather be said, When he sits in Place[1], he is another Man.
XII
OF BOLDNESSE
It[2] is a triviall[3] Grammar Schoole Text[4], but yet worthy a wise Man's Consideration. Question was asked of Demosthenes, What was the Chiefe Part[5] of an Oratour? He answered, Action; what next? Action; what next again? Action. He said it, that knew it best, And had by nature himselfe no Advantage in that he commended. A strange thing, that that Part of an Oratour which is but superficiall, and rather the vertue of a Player, should be placed so high above those other Noble Parts of Invention, Elocution, and the rest; Nay, almost alone, as if it were All in All. But the Reason is plaine. There is in Humane Nature gene rally more of the Foole then of the Wise; And therfore those faculties by which the Foolish part of Men's Mindes is taken are most potent. Wonderfull[6] like is the Case of Boldnesse in Civill Businesse; What first? Boldnesse; What Second, and Third? Boldnesse. And yet Boldnesse is a Childe of Ignorance and Basenesse, farre inferiour to other Parts. But, neverthelesse, it doth fascinate, and binde hand and foot those that are either shallow in Iudgment or weake in Courage, which are the greatest Part; Yea, and prevaileth with wise men at weake times. Therfore, we see it hath done wonders in Popular[7] States, but with Senates and Princes lesse; And more ever upon the first entrance of Bold Persons into Action then soone after; For Boldnesse is an ill keeper of promise. Surely, as there are Mountebanques for the Naturall Body, So are there Mountebanques for the Politique[8] Body ; Men that
