“Tutumque putavit
          Jam bonus esse socer; lacrymae non sponte cadentes,
          Effudit, gemitusque expressit pectore laeto;”

["And now he thought it safe to play the kind father-in-law,
shedding forced tears, and from a joyful breast discharging sighs
and groans.”—­Lucan, ix. 1037.]

for though it be true that the greatest part of our actions are no other than visor and disguise, and that it may sometimes be true that

“Haeredis fletus sub persona rises est,”

          ["The heir’s tears behind the mask are smiles.” 
          —­Publius Syrus, apud Gellium, xvii. 14.]

yet, in judging of these accidents, we are to consider how much our souls are oftentimes agitated with divers passions.  And as they say that in our bodies there is a congregation of divers humours, of which that is the sovereign which, according to the complexion we are of, is commonly most predominant in us:  so, though the soul have in it divers motions to give it agitation, yet must there of necessity be one to overrule all the rest, though not with so necessary and absolute a dominion but that through the flexibility and inconstancy of the soul, those of less authority may upon occasion reassume their place and make a little sally in turn.  Thence it is, that we see not only children, who innocently obey and follow nature, often laugh and cry at the same thing, but not one of us can boast, what journey soever he may have in hand that he has the most set his heart upon, but when he comes to part with his family and friends, he will find something that troubles him within; and though he refrain his tears yet he puts foot in the stirrup with a sad and cloudy countenance.  And what gentle flame soever may warm the heart of modest and wellborn virgins, yet are they fain to be forced from about their mothers’ necks to be put to bed to their husbands, whatever this boon companion is pleased to say: 

         “Estne novis nuptis odio Venus? anne parentum
          Frustrantur falsis gaudia lachrymulis,
          Ubertim thalami quasi intra limina fundunt? 
          Non, ita me divi, vera gemunt, juverint.”

["Is Venus really so alarming to the new-made bride, or does she honestly oppose her parent’s rejoicing the tears she so abundantly sheds on entering the nuptial chamber?  No, by the Gods, these are no true tears.”—­Catullus, lxvi. 15.]

["Is Venus really so repugnant to newly-married maids?  Do they meet the smiles of parents with feigned tears?  They weep copiously within the very threshold of the nuptial chamber.  No, so the gods help me, they do not truly grieve.”—­Catullus, lxvi. 15.]—­ [A more literal translation.  D.W.]

Neither is it strange to lament a person dead whom a man would by no means should be alive.  When I rattle my man, I do it with all the mettle I have,