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OFTENTIMES heretofore considering of this businesse that good attention, I did much wonder whence it should be that all Greece beeing of clime and temperature of aire, and Grecians in general bred and trained up after one fashion, should notwithstanding in manners and behaviour be so different and unlike. I therefore, O Polycles, having a long time observed the divers dispositions of men, having now lived ninety-nine years, have conversed with all sorts of natures bad and good, and comparing them togither: I took it my part to set down in this discourse their severall fashions and maners of life. For I am of opinion, my Polycles, that our children will prove the honester and better conditioned, if we shall leave them good precedents of imitation: that of good children they may prove better men. But now to the purpose: It shall be your endevour to attend and examine what I say. Therefore not to over-preface to that which must be sayd; I will begin with those which delight in cavilling. And first I will define the vice it self: Then I will describe a Caviller by his fashion and maners; afterwards, I will generally set down other affections of the mind. |
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