These, sensual men thought mad because they
would not be partakers or practisers of their madness. But they,
placed high on the top of all virtue, looked down on the stage of
the world and contemned the play of fortune. For though the most be
players, some must be spectators.
Mores aulici.--I have discovered that a feigned familiarity in great
ones is a note of certain usurpation on the less. For great and
popular men feign themselves to be servants to others to make those
slaves to them. So the fisher provides bait for the trout, roach,
dace, &c., that they may be food to him.
Impiorum querela.--Augusties.--Varus.--Tiberius.--The complaint of
Caligula was most wicked of the condition of his times, when he said
they were not famous for any public calamity, as the reign of
Augustus was, by the defeat of Varus and the legions; and that of
Tiberius, by the falling of the theatre at Fidenae; whilst his
oblivion was eminent through the prosperity of his affairs. As that
other voice of his was worthier a headsman than a head when he
wished the people of Rome had but one neck. But he found when he
fell they had many hands.
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