Page:Essays of Francis Bacon 1908 Scott.djvu/191

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OF TRAVEL
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the nation where he travelleth. Let him upon his removes from one place to another, procure recommendation to some person of quality residing in the place whither he removeth; that he may use his favour in those things he desireth to see or know. Thus he may abridge his travel with much profit. As for the acquaintance which is to be sought in travel; that which is most of all profitable, is acquaintance with the secretaries and employed men of ambassadors: for so in travelling in one country he shall suck the experience of many. Let him also see and visit eminent persons in all kinds, which are of great name abroad; that he may be able to tell how the life agreeth with the fame. For quarrels, they are with care and discretion to be avoided. They are commonly for mistresses, healths,[1] place, and words. And let a man beware how he keepeth company with choleric and quarrelsome persons; for they will engage him into[2] their own quarrels. When a traveller returneth home, let him not leave the countries where he hath travelled altogether behind him; but maintain a correspondence by letters with those of his acquaintance which are of most worth. And let his travel appear rather in his discourse than in his apparel[3] or gesture; and in his discourse let him be rather advised[4] in his answers, than forward to tell stories; and let it appear that

  1. Healths. Refusal to drink healths.
  2. Into. In.
  3. "Farewell, Monsieur Traveller: look, you lisp, and wear strange suits; disable all the benefits of your own country; be out of love with your nativity, and almost chide God for making you that countenance you are; or I will scarce think you have swam in a gondola." Shakspere. As You Like It. iv. 1.
  4. Advised. Circumspect, cautious.