Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/156

Chap. 22. totter, or whether it fall; whether it languish only, or wholly perish: Afflict not your self overmuch, but espouse that noble courage of Crates, who when Alexander asked him, if he could wish his Country might be restor'd? To what purpose reply'd he, possibly another Alexander will overturn it again: These are the speeches of great and wise Men.

As Achilles was well advised in Homer; for otherwise as Creon in the Fable, embracing his burning Daughter, freed her not; but himself perished with her in the same Flames: So Lipsius, you will sooner drown your self in your own Tears, than with them extinguish these publick Fires of your Country. While Langius was Rh