Their proverbs also should be observed; in which, much of the wisdom of a nation is found.
Fourthly. Learned men, and such as have abilities of any kind; are worthy to be known: and the best books there, are to be inquired after.
Men that travel must be very cautious both of speech and demeanour. The Italian proverb saith, "For a man to travel safely through the world; it behoveth him to have a falcon's eye, an ass's ears, a monkey's face, a merchant's words, a camel's back, a hog's mouth, and a deer's feet."
Sir HENRY WOTTON, in his Letters, mentions twice the answer that was given to him by ALBERTO SCIPIONI; when he begged his advice, how he might carry himself securely at Rome. Signior Arrigomio, says he, pensieri stretti, e il viso sciolto. "Your thoughts close and your countenance loose [open] will go safely over the world."
Fifthly. Make choice of the best places for attaining of the language. As, Valladolid for the Spanish; Orleans or Blois for the French; Florence or Sienna for the Italian; Leipsic or Heidelberg for the High-Dutch [German] tongues. In these places, the best language is spoken.
What profit travelling brings to an architect, VITRUVIUS shows. What, to a soldier, VEGETIUS. What, to a limner or statuary [sculptor], the horses of PHIDIAS and PRAXITELES made by art, witness: these, with other colossal statues and pictures are yet at Rome. Merchandise is almost maintained by travel. How much are cosmography, topography and astronomy improved and furthered by travel!
Change of air by travelling, after one is used to it, is good: and therefore great travellers have been long lived!
In the Philosophical Conferences of the Virtuosi of France, Conference 87, it is determined whether Travel be necessary to an ingenuous man. He saith there, if you except embassies—in which the good of the State drowns all other considerations—those that would travel must be young and strong, rich and well-born; to get any good by their travels.
The French say Un honnête homme est un homme mêlé, "An
