yet without praying[1] in aid of alchymists, there is a manifest image of this in the ordinary course of nature. For in bodies, union strengtheneth and cherisheth any natural action; and on the other side weakeneth and dulleth any violent impression: and even so it is of[2] minds.
The second fruit of friendship is healthful and sovereign for the understanding, as the first is for the affections. For friendship maketh indeed a fair day in the affections, from storm and tempest; but it maketh daylight in the understanding, out of darkness and confusion of thoughts. Neither is this to be understood only of faithful counsel, which a man receiveth from his friend; but before you come to that, certain it is that whosoever hath his mind fraught with many thoughts, his wits and understanding do clarify and break up, in the communicating and discoursing with another; he tosseth his thoughts more easily; he marshalleth them more orderly; he seeth how they look when they are turned into words: finally, he waxeth[3] wiser than himself; and that more by an hour's discourse than by a day's meditation. It was well said by Themistocles[4] to the king of Persia, That speech was
- ↑ Pray in aid, in law, to call in as aid, one who has an interest in the cause.
"and you shall find
A conqueror that will pray in aid for kindness,
Where he for grace is kneel'd to."
Shakspere. Antony and Cleopatra. v. 2.
- ↑ Of means here with regard to, concerning.
- ↑ Wax. To grow; to become. "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Matthew xxiv. 12.
- ↑ Themistocles, born in the latter part of the 6th century B.C., died about 460 B.C., perhaps as late as 447 B.C., Athenian statesman and commander.
