Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/178

Chap. 4. but to lead the way. For in this Path of Constancy and Vertue Lipsius, we have made but a small, a very small progress. As yet we are not comparable to the more Heroick and excellent Persons, though possibly a little more assured than the utterly enfeebled and debauched sort. But you whose Youthfull inclinations are Generous and Lofty, prepare your self; and agreeable to my instructions, assay that path which doth directly lead to firmness and Constancy. The way I speak of is Wisdom, whose smooth and even path, I beseech and advise you no longer to decline: Hath learning and the Nine Goddesses hitherto delighted you? I approve it. For I know the Mind ought first to be subacted and prepar'd with this more pleasing and external knowledge, as being before unfit to have divine Seeds intrusted with it. But withall I approve not that you should so farr dote Rh