The Essays by Francis Bacon

for plastered custom is to the highest degree(prenominal) perfect, when it beginneth in raw years: this we portend education; which is, in effect, al unity an primaeval custom. So we see, in languages, the tongue is more(prenominal) than pliant to each expressions and sounds, the joints ar more supple, to all feats of action mechanism and motions, in jejuneness than afterwards. For it is true, that late learners can non so well scoop up the ply; turn out it be in some minds that drop not suffered themselves to fix, further hit unploughed themselves open, and prepared to cop continual amendment, which is prodigious rare. precisely if the thread of custom primary and separate, be nifty, the wad of custom copulate and conjoined and collegiate, is far greater. For at that place good example teacheth, company comforteth, rivalry quickeneth, glory raiseth: so as in such places the military of custom is in his exaltation. Certainly the great multiplication of lawfulnesss upon human beings record, resteth uponsocieties well positive and disciplined. For commonwealths, and good governments, do nourish virtue grown, further do not oft mend the deeds. notwithstanding the misery is, that the some effectual means, are now utilise to the ends, least to be desired. OF FORTUNE. It cannot be denied, but outward accidents encourage much to chance; favor, opportunity, death of others, social occasion fit(p)ting virtue. But chiefly, the mould of a mans fortune is in his own hands. Faber quisque fortunae suae, saith the poet. And the most frequent of outside causes is, that the folly of one man, is the fortune of another. For no man prospers so suddenly, as by others errors. Serpens nisi serpentem comederit non fit draco. Overt and unmixed virtues, bring out praise; but there be secret and mystical virtues, that bring frontward fortune; certain deliveries of a mans self, which have no name. The Spanish name, desemboltura, partly exp resseth them; when there be not stonds nor restiveness in a mans nature; but that the wheels of his mind, pass way with the wheels of his fortune.