the same point by point, giving fifteen several counsels, whereby a man may attain to this contentment and repose of spirit; the which we have distinguished particularly, and shewed in each one the substance of them, which I thought not good to insert in this place, because the summary should not exceed overmuch. Furthermore, the said counsels be enriched with notable examples, similitudes and sentences; which (no doubt) would have been much more forcible and effectual, if the principal indeed had been joined therewith, to wit, true piety and religion: which hath been clean omitted by the author, who indeed never knew what was the only true and perfect tranquillity of the soul. Howbeit, wonderful it is, how he should proceed so far as he doth, having no other help and means but his own self: which may so much the better serve our turns, considering that we have aids and guides far more excellent to bring us so far, as to make entry, and take assured possession of that sovereign good and felicity, whereof he here speaketh.]
Plutarch to Paccius sendeth greeting,—Overlate it was before I received your letter, wherein you requested me to write somewhat as touching the tranquillity of the soul, and withal of certain places in Plato's dialogue Timæus, which seem to require more exact exposition: but so it happened, that at the very same time, your friend and mine, Eros, had occasion to sail with speed to Rome, upon the receipt of certain letters from that right worshipful gentleman Fundanus, by virtue whereof he was to depart suddenly and to repair unto him with all expedition. By which occasion having not sufficient time and leisure to perform your request in such manner as I purposed, and yet unwilling that the man coming from me should be seen of you empty-handed; I have collected certain notes, chosen out of those commentaries which for mine own memory and private use I had compiled long before, concerning this argument, to wit, The Tranquillity and Contentment of Spirit: supposing that you also demand this present discourse, not for any pleasure that you take to read a treatise penned curiously, and affecting or hunting after fine phrases and exquisite words; but only in regard of some doctrine that may serve your turn and help you to the framing of your life as you ought; knowing withal full well (for the which I do congratulate and rejoice heartily on your behalf) that notwithstanding your inward acquaintance, friendship and favour with the best and principal persons of the city, and that for eloquence you come behind none that plead causes at the bar in open court, but are reputed a singular orator, yet for all that, you do not as that tragical Merops, suffer yourself foolishly and beyond the course of nature to be carried away as he was with the vainglory and applause of the
