fore 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 himself 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 somewhat 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[1] otherwise, their enviers will be sure to give them that attribute, to the disadvantage of their greater virtues. It is loss also in business to be too full of respects, or to be curious[2] in observing times and opportunities. Salomon saith, He that considereth the wind shall not sow, and he that looketh to the clouds shall not reap.[3] A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds. Men's behaviour should be like their apparel, not too strait or point device,[4] but free for exercise or motion.[5]
- ↑ Sufficient. Capable; qualified; competent; fit.
"You 'll never meet a more sufficient man."
Shakspere. Othello. iii. 4.
- ↑ Curious. Minutely accurate; exact; precise.
- ↑ Ecclesiastes xi. 4.
- ↑ Point-device. Precise; nice; scrupulously neat; finical. "Then your hose should be ungarter'd, your bonnet unbanded, your sleeve unbutton'd, your shoe untied, and everything about you demonstrating a careless desolation. But you are no such man: you are rather point-device in your accoutrements." Shakspere. As You Like It. iii. 2.
- ↑ For Bacon's own admirable definition of behaviour as the 'garment of the mind,' read the Advancement of Learning, II. xxiii. 3.
