ness of the children be extraordinary, then it is good not to cross it; but generally the precept is good, optimum elige, suave et facile illud faciet consuetudo.[1] Younger brothers are commonly fortunate, but seldom or never where the elder are disinherited.
VIII. Of Marriage and Single Life.
He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief. Certainly the best works, and of greatest merit for the public, have proceeded from the unmarried or childless men; which both in affection and means have married and endowed the public. Yet it were great reason that those that have children should have greatest care of future times; unto which they know they must transmit their dearest pledges. Some there are, who though they lead a single life, yet their thoughts do end with themselves, and account future times impertinences.[2] Nay, there are some
- ↑ Choose the best, and custom will make it pleasant and easy. A saying of Pythagoras, quoted by Plutarch, De Exilio. 8.
"Maxims to make one get up:
1st. Optimum eligete, et consuetudo faciet jucundissimum.
2d. I must get up at last, it will be as difficult then as now.
3d. By getting up I gain health, knowledge, temper, and animal spirits."
A Memoir of the Reverend Sydney Smith. By his Daughter, Lady Holland. Edited by Mrs. Austin. Vol. I. p. 171 (Third edition. 1855). - ↑ Impertinences. Latin sense of the word, things irrelevant.
"O, matter and impertinency mixed!
Reason is madness!"
Shakspere. King Lear. iv. 6.
