from Decay. In Clearing[1] of a Man's Estate, he may as well hurt Himselfe[2] in being too sudden as in letting it runne on too long. For hasty Selling[3] is commonly as Disadvantageable[4] as Interest. Besides, he that cleares at once will relapse; For finding himselfe out of Straights[5], he will revert to his Customes; But hee that cleareth by Degrees, induceth a Habite of Frugalitie, and gaineth as well upon[6] his Minde as upon his Estate. Certainly, who[7] hath a State[8] to repaire may not despise small Things: And commonly, it is lesse dishonourable to abridge pettie Charges then to stoope to pettie Gettings. A Man ought warily to beginne Charges, which once begun will Continue: But in Matters that returne not he may be more Magnificent.
XXIX
OF THE TRUE GREATNESSE OF KINGDOMES AND ESTATES[9]
The Speech of Themistocles, the Athenian, which was Haughtie and Arrogant in taking so much to Himselfe, had been[10] a Grave and Wise Observation and Censure[11], applied at large to others. Desired at a Feast to touch a Lute, he said, He could not fiddle, but yet he could make a small Towne a great Citty. These Words (holpen a little with a Metaphore)[12] may expresse two differing Abilities in those that deale in Businesse of Estate[13]. For if a true Survey be taken of Counsellours and Statesmen, there may be found (though rarely) those which can make a Small State Great, and yet cannot Fiddle : As, on the other side, there will be
