IX
OF ENVY
There be none of the Affections[1], which have beene noted[2] to fascinate or bewitch, but Love and Envy. They both have vehement wishes; They frame themselves readily into Imaginations and Suggestions; And they come easily into the Eye, especially upon the presence of the Obiects; which are the Points that conduce to Fascination, if any such Thing there be. We see, likewise, the Scripture calleth Envy, An Evill Eye; And the Astrologers call the evill Influences of the Starrs, Evill Aspects; So that still[3] there seemeth to be acknowledged, in the Act of Envy, an Eiaculation[4], or Irradiation of the Eye. Nay some have beene so curious[5] as to note that the Times when the Stroke or Percussion of an Envious Eye doth most hurt are when the Party envied is beheld in Glory or Triumph; For that sets an Edge upon Envy; And besides, at such times, the Spirits[6] of the person Envied doe come forth most into the outward Parts, and so meet the Blow.
But leaving these Curiosities[7], (though not unworthy to be thought on in fit place,) wee will handle[8] what Persons are apt to envy others ; What persons are most Subiect to be Envied themselves; And, What is the Difference between Publique and private Envy.
A man that hath no vertue in himselfe ever envieth Vertue in others. For Men's Mindes will either feed upon their owne Good or upon others Evill; And who wanteth the one wil prey upon the other; And whoso is out of Hope to attaine to another's Vertue will seeke to come at even hand[9] by Depressing another s'Fortune[10].
A man that is Busy[11]and Inquisitive is commonly Envious; For to know much of other Men's Matters cannot
