Page:Plutarch - Moralia, translator Holland, 1911.djvu/193

Rh when by proof we see that we cannot reach thereto, and find that the success is not answerable to our conceit, we grumble by and by against fortune, and we blame our destiny; whereas we should accuse our own folly and rashness. For neither he that would seem to shoot an arrow out of a plough, or ride upon an ox back to hunt the hare, can say that he is unlucky; nor he that goeth about to catch the hart and hind with fisher's drag-nets, or with gins, snares and traps, may justly find fault with his fortune, and give out that some wicked angel doth cross him, or malignant spirit haunt him, if he fail and miss of his purpose: but surely such are to condemn their own foolishness and inconsiderate temerity, in attempting things impossible.

And what might be the cause of such errors and gross oversight? surely our fond and blind self-love. This is it that causeth men to affect ever to be foremost; this moveth them to strive and contend for the highest place; this maketh them opinionative in everything, aiming and reaching at all things unsatiably, and never rest contented. For it sufficeth them not to be both rich and learned; eloquent withal and mighty; good fellows at the table and pleasant companions; minions and favourites of kings and princes; rulers of cities and governors of provinces; unless they may be masters also of the swiftest and hottest hounds for running; the principal horses for service and stomach; quails and cocks of the best game for fight; If they fail in any of these, they be cast down, and their hearts are done. Denys, the elder of that name, not being contented and satisfied in mind that he was the most mighty and puissant tyrant in his time; but because he was not a better poet than Philoxenus; nor able to discourse and dispute so learnedly as Plato; in great choler and indignation he cast the one into a dungeon within the stone quarries, where malefactors, felons and slaves were put to punishment; and confined the other as a caitiff, and sent him away into the isle Ægine. Alexander the Great was not of that disposition, who when Brison, the famous runner, in the race contended with him for the best game in footmanship, and for the nonce, to please the king, seemed to faint and lag behind, and so to yield the honour of the course unto him; being advertised thereof, was mightily offended and displeased with him for it. Very wisely, therefore, and aptly to this purpose the poet Homer, when he had given this commendation of Achilles:

Like unto him there is not one in field Of all the Greeks that serve with spear and shield,