that is, in all both words and deeds, ever to follow that which
is most sound and perfect. For such a resolution will free
a man from all trouble, strife, dissembling, and ostentation

THE FIFTH BOOK

I. In the morning when thou findest thyself unwilling to rise,
consider with thyself presently, it is to go about a man's work
that I am stirred up. Am I then yet unwilling to go about that,
for which I myself was born and brought forth into this world?
Or was I made for this, to lay me down, and make much of myself
in a warm bed? 'O but this is pleasing.' And was it then
for this that thou wert born, that thou mightest enjoy pleasure?
Was it not in very truth for this, that thou mightest always
be busy and in action? Seest thou not how all things in the
world besides, how every tree md plant, how sparrows and ants,
spiders and bees: how all in their kind are intent as it were
orderly to perform whatsoever (towards the preservation of this
orderly universe) naturally doth become and belong unto thin?
And wilt not thou do that, which belongs unto a man to do?
Wilt not thou run to do that, which thy nature doth require?
'But thou must have some rest.' Yes, thou must.
Nature hath of that also, as well as of eating and drinking,
allowed thee a certain stint. But thou guest beyond thy stint,
and beyond that which would suffice, and in matter of action,
there thou comest short of that which thou mayest.
It must needs be therefore, that thou dost not love thyself,
for if thou didst, thou wouldst also love thy nature,
and that which thy nature doth propose unto herself as her end.
Others, as many as take pleasure in their trade and profession,