rest in their sole authority, or take all upon trust from them,
provided the plagues of judging and pronouncing against them be
away; such as are envy, bitterness, precipitation, impudence, and
scurrilous scoffing. For to all the observations of the ancients we
have our own experience, which if we will use and apply, we have
better means to pronounce. It is true they opened the gates, and
made the way that went before us, but as guides, not commanders:
Non domini nostri, sed duces fuere. {19a} Truth lies open to all;
it is no man's several. Patet omnibus veritas; nondum est occupata.
Multum ex illa, etiam futuris relicta est. {19b}

Dissentire licet, sed cum ratione.--If in some things I dissent from
others, whose wit, industry, diligence, and judgment, I look up at
and admire, let me not therefore hear presently of ingratitude and
rashness. For I thank those that have taught me, and will ever; but
yet dare not think the scope of their labour and inquiry was to envy
their posterity what they also could add and find out.

Non mihi credendum sed veritati.--If I err, pardon me: Nulla ars
simul et inventa est et absoluta. {19c} I do not desire to be equal
to those that went before; but to have my reason examined with
theirs, and so much faith to be given them, or me, as those shall
evict. I am neither author nor fautor of any sect. I will have no
man addict himself to me; but if I have anything right, defend it as
Truth's, not mine, save as it conduceth to a common good. It
profits not me to have any man fence or fight for me, to flourish,
or take my side. Stand for truth, and 'tis enough.

Scientiae liberales.--Arts that respect the mind were ever reputed
nobler than those that serve the body, though we less can be without