“if I can” is more than another’s assurance; and his doubtful tale before some men’s protestations:—­that is confident of nothing in futurity, yet his conjectures oft true prophecies:—­that makes a pause still betwixt his ear and belief, and is not too hasty to say after others.  One whose tongue is strung up like a clock till the time, and then strikes, and says much when he talks little:—­that can see the truth betwixt two wranglers, and sees them agree even in that they fall out upon:—­that speaks no rebellion in a bravery, or talks big from the spirit of sack.  A man cool and temperate in his passions, not easily betrayed by his choler:—­that vies not oath with oath, nor heat with heat, but replies calmly to an angry man, and is too hard for him too:—­that can come fairly off from captains’ companies, and neither drink nor quarrel.  One whom no ill hunting sends home discontented, and makes him swear at his dogs and family.  One not hasty to pursue the new fashion, nor yet affectedly true to his old round breeches; but gravely handsome, and to his place, which suits him better than his tailor:  active in the world without disquiet, and careful without misery; yet neither engulfed in his pleasures, nor a seeker of business, but has his hour for both.  A man that seldom laughs violently, but his mirth is a cheerful look:  of a composed and settled countenance, not set, nor much alterable with sadness of joy.  He affects nothing so wholly, that he must be a miserable man when he loses it; but fore-thinks what will come hereafter, and spares fortune his thanks and curses.  One that loves his credit, not this word reputation; yet can save both without a duel.  Whose entertainments to greater men are respectful, not complimentary; and to his friends plain, not rude.  A good husband, father, master; that is, without doting, pampering, familiarity.  A man well poised in all humours, in whom nature shewed most geometry, and he has not spoiled the work.  A man of more wisdom than wittiness, and brain than fancy; and abler to any thing than to make verses.

A MODEST MAN

Is a far finer man than he knows of, one that shews better to all men than himself, and so much the better to all men, as less to himself;[77] for no quality sets a man off like this, and commends him more against his will:  and he can put up any injury sooner than this (as he calls it) your irony.  You shall hear him confute his commenders, and giving reasons how much they are mistaken, and is angry almost if they do not believe him.  Nothing threatens him so much as great expectation, which he thinks more prejudicial than your under-opinion, because it is easier to make that false, than this true.  He is one that sneaks from a good action, as one that had pilfered, and dare not justify it; and is more blushingly reprehended in this, than others in sin:  that counts all publick declarings of himself, but so many penances before the people; and the more you