No More Learning

747. REGRESSION SPOILS RESOLUTION.

Hast thou attempted greatness? then go on:
Back-turning slackens resolution.


748. CONTENTION.

Discreet and prudent we that discord call
That either profits, or not hurts at all.


749. CONSULTATION.

Consult ere thou begin'st; that done, go on
With all wise speed for execution.

_Consult_, take counsel. The word and the epigram are suggested by
Sallust's "Nam et, prius quam incipias, consulto, et ubi
consulueris, mature facto opus est," Cat. i.


750. LOVE DISLIKES NOTHING.
Whatsoever thing I see,
Rich or poor although it be;
'Tis a mistress unto me.

Be my girl or fair or brown,
Does she smile or does she frown,
Still I write a sweetheart down.

Be she rough or smooth of skin;
When I touch I then begin
For to let affection in.

Be she bald, or does she wear
Locks incurl'd of other hair,
I shall find enchantment there.

Be she whole, or be she rent,
So my fancy be content,
She's to me most excellent.

Be she fat, or be she lean,
Be she sluttish, be she clean,
I'm a man for ev'ry scene.


751. OUR OWN SINS UNSEEN.

Other men's sins we ever bear in mind;
_None sees the fardell of his faults behind_.

_Fardell_, bundle.


752. NO PAINS, NO GAINS.

If little labour, little are our gains:
Man's fortunes are according to his pains.


754. VIRTUE BEST UNITED.

By so much, virtue is the less,
By how much, near to singleness.