Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/62

Chap. 8. brave Chieftains use; I have dar'd out your whole Forces into the Field; and now I mean to deal with them, in a Skirmish first and then a joyned Battail: In our Skirmish, there are three Affections (Great Enemies to Constancy) which at the first onset are to be thrown under Foot, these are Simulation, Piety and Pitty: I'le begin with Simulation.

You are not able you say to endure these publick evils, that they are not only grievous to you but Death it self. Are you in good earnest, or whether is not there here some imposture and cousenage? At this a little heated: Nay said I do you ask this in earnest, or whether is it mockery of my Grief, and on purpose to provoke me? I am serious reply'd he, for there are not a few of this Spittle of yours that impose upon their Physicians, and Counterfeit a publick Grief which yet in reality is but a private one. I demand therefore Rh