them, as tillage, spinning, weaving, building, &c., without which we
could scarce sustain life a day. But these were the works of every
hand; the other of the brain only, and those the most generous and
exalted wits and spirits, that cannot rest or acquiesce. The mind
of man is still fed with labour: Opere pascitur.

Non vulgi sunt.--There is a more secret cause, and the power of
liberal studies lies more hid than that it can be wrought out by
profane wits. It is not every man's way to hit. There are men, I
confess, that set the carat and value upon things as they love them;
but science is not every man's mistress. It is as great a spite to
be praised in the wrong place, and by a wrong person, as can be done
to a noble nature.

Honesta ambitio.--If divers men seek fame or honour by divers ways,
so both be honest, neither is to be blamed; but they that seek
immortality are not only worthy of love, but of praise.

Maritus improbus.--He hath a delicate wife, a fair fortune, a family
to go to and be welcome; yet he had rather be drunk with mine host
and the fiddlers of such a town, than go home.

Afflictio pia magistra.--Affliction teacheth a wicked person some
time to pray: prosperity never.

Deploratis facilis descensus Averni.--The devil take all.--Many
might go to heaven with half the labour they go to hell, if they
would venture their industry the right way; but "The devil take
all!" quoth he that was choked in the mill-dam, with his four last
words in his mouth.