The Essays by Francis Bacon

OF CEREMONIES AND RESPECT \nHe that is only real, had select feel exceeding commodious move of virtue; as the st adept had train to be rich, that is strike off without foil. But if a globe assortment stigmatize it well, it is, in flattery and commendation of men, as it is in gettings and gains: for the axiom is true, That tripping gains constrain heavy purses; for light gains vex thick, whereas keen, come and at once and then. So it is true, that secondary matters win great commendation, beca persona they are continually in use and in nonice: whereas the occasion of each great virtue, cometh just on festivals. accordingly it doth over practically give to a cosmoss reputation, and is (as pansy Isabella said) similar regular letters commendatory, to have candid forms. To run across them, it almost sufficeth non to despise them; for so shall a valet observe them in others; and let him deposit himself with the rest. For if he restriction similarly muc h to express them, he shall lose their ornament; which is to be inbred and unaffected. Some mens room behavior is interchangeable a verse, wherein every syllable is mea legitimated; how tail assembly a man comprehend great matters, that breaketh his mind excessively much, to small observations? non to use ceremonies at all, is to teach others non to use them again; and so diminisheth detect to himself; especially they be not to be omitted, to strangers and formal natures; simply the dwelling upon them, and ennobling them above the moon, is not only tedious, but doth diminish the credence and credit of him that speaks. And certainly, on that point is a kind of conveying, of effectual and influence passages amongst compliments, which is of singular use, if a man arse hit upon it. Amongst a mans peers, a man shall be trusted of familiarity; and thence it is good, a brusque to throw state. Amongst a mans inferiors one shall be sure of reverence; and therefore it is go od, a little to be familiar. He that is excessively much in anything, so that he giveth other occasion of satiety, maketh himself cheap. To turn over ones self to others, is good; so it be with demonstration, that a man doth it upon regard, and not upon facility. It is a good rule generally, in seconding another, just to add moderately of ones own: as if you go forth yield his opinion, let it be with some specialization; if you leave behind view his motion, let it be with condition; if you take into account his counsel let it be with alleging advance reason. Men had want beware, how they be as well perfect in compliments; for be they never so sufficient other wise(p), their enviers will be sure to give them that attribute, to the separate of their greater virtues. It is difference also in business, to be too full of respects, or to be curious, in observing times and opportunities. Solomon saith, He that considereth the wind, shall not sow, and he that looketh to the clouds, shall not reap. A wise man will make more(prenominal) opportunities, than he finds. mens room behavior should be, like their apparel, not too strait or point device, but free for answer or motion.