Page:Plutarch - Moralia, translator Holland, 1911.djvu/160

138 feasts, their wealth and riches, their magnificent port and pomp in public places, their bountiful favours, and liberal gifts: But is there anything secret and hidden within. Take heed, I advise thee, how thou approach and come near, beware (I say) that thou do not stir and meddle therein.

The joy and mirth of a prince in prosperity cannot be concealed; he cannot laugh when he is disposed to play and be merry but it is seen; neither when he mindeth and doth prepare to shew some gracious favour or to be bountiful unto any is his purpose hidden; but mark what thing he keepeth close and secret, the same is terrible, heavy, stem, unpleasant, yea, ministering no access nor cause of laughter: namely, the treasure-house (as it were) of some rancour and festered anger; a deep design or project of revenge; jealousy of his wife, some suspicion of his own son; or diffidence and distrust in some of his minions, favourites and friends. Fly from this black cloud that gathereth so thick; for whensoever that which is now hidden shall break forth, thou shalt see what cracks of thunder and flashes of lightning will ensue thereupon.

But what be the means to avoid it? Marry (even as I said before), to turn and to withdraw thy curiosity another way; and principally to set thy mind upon matters that are more honest and delectable: Advise thyself and consider curiously upon the creatures in heaven, in earth, in the air, and in the sea. Art thou delighted in the contemplation of great or small things? if thou take pleasure to behold the greater, busy thyself about the sun; seek where he goeth down, and from when he riseth? Search into the cause of the mutations in the moon, why it should so change and alter as it doth, like a man or woman? what the reason is that she loseth so conspicuous a light, and how it cometh to pass that she recovereth it again?

How is it, when she hath been out of sight That fresh she seems and doth appear with light? First young and fair whiles that she is but new Till round and full we see her lovely hew: No sooner is her beauty at this height But fade she doth anon, who was so bright, And by degrees she doth decrease and wane Until at length she comes to naught again.

And these truly are the secrets of nature, neither is she offended and displeased with those who can find them out. Distrustest thou thyself to attain unto these great things? then search into smaller matters, to wit, what might the reason be that among trees and other plants, some be always fresh and green,