Page:Plutarch - Moralia, translator Holland, 1911.djvu/380

358 oration he would be out and to seek for a proper and fit term to express the conception of his mind, or else to recover that word again which was slipt and escaped out of his memory. As for Homer, he had such an opinion of his own perfection and his poetical vein in the rest of all his work, that he stuck not to set down the very first verse of his poem defective in measure, and not answerable to the rules of versifying. So much the rather, therefore, likely it is that they who set nothing before their eyes, nor aim at ought else but virtue only and honesty, will make use of the present occasion and the occurrence of affairs, fall out as they will, without regard of applause, hissing or any other noise whatsoever in token of liking or disliking their speech.

Now every man ought to consider not only his own speeches, but also his actions, namely, whether they carry with them more profit and sound truth than vain pomp and ostentation; for if the true love indeed of young folk, man or woman, requireth no witnesses, but resteth in the private contentment and enjoying of their sweet delights, although the same were performed and their desires fully accomplished secretly between them without the privity of any person: how much more credible is it that he who is enamoured of honesty and wisdom, using the company and fellowship familiarly of virtue by his actions, and enjoying the same, shall find in himself without saying one word an exceeding great contentment, and demand no other hearers or beholders but his own conscience? For like as he was but a vain fool who called unto his maid in the house and cried with a loud voice: Dionysia, come and see I am not proud and vain-glorious now as I was wont to be; even so he that hath done some virtuous and commendable act, and then goes forth to tell it abroad and spread the fruit thereof in every place, certain it is that such an one regards still outward vanities, and is carried with a covetous desire of vainglory, neither hath he ever had as yet a true sight indeed and perfect vision of virtue, but only a fantastical dream of her, imagining as he lies asleep that he seeth some wandering shadow and image thereof, and then afterward representeth thus unto his view that which he hath done, as a painted table to look upon.

Well, then, it is the property of him that proceedeth in virtue, not only when he hath bestowed something upon his friend, or done a good turn unto one of his familiars, for to make no words thereof; but also, when he hath given his voice justly, or delivered his opinion truly, among many others that are