Distinct from all the former. For by the Way, Nothing can no more produce Something, than Something can sink into Nothing: And thus in Proportion to the Reasoning upon my Constitution, our Understanding must have a Cause, and proceed from some Quarter or other.
V. Death, and Generation are both Mysteries of Nature, and somewhat resemble each other : For the first does but untwist those Elements, the latter had wrought together : Now there's nothing that a Man needs be ashamed of in all this; Nothing but what his Reason may Digest; And what results from his Make, and Constitution.
VI. Practices and Humours are generally of a Piece; Such Usage from such sort of Men, is in a manner necessary: To be surpriz'd at it, is in effect to Wonder at the eager Quality of Vinegar. [1] Pray consider that both you, and your Enemy are dropping off, and that e'er long your very Memories will be extinguished.
VII. Don't suppose you are Hurt, and your Complaint ceases, and then no Dammages will be done.
VIII. That which does not make a Man worse, does not make him Live worse; And by consequence he has no Harm by't either one way, or t'other.
- ↑ 'Tis probable the Emperor made this reflexion upon receiving some great injury.
