XXXIX. Of Custom and Education.
Men's thoughts are much according to their inclination; their discourse and speeches according to their learning and infused opinions; but their deeds are after[1] as[2] they have been accustomed. And therefore, as Machiavel well noteth (though in an evil-favoured instance), there is no trusting to the force of nature nor to the bravery of words, except it be corroborate[3] by custom. His instance is, that for the achieving of a desperate conspiracy, a man should not rest upon the fierceness of any man's nature, or his resolute undertakings; but take such an one as hath had his hands formerly in blood.[4] But Machiavel knew not of a friar Clement,[5] nor a Ravillac,[6] nor a Jaureguy,[7] nor a Baltazar Gerard; yet his rule holdeth still, that nature, nor the engagement of words, are not so forcible as custom. Only superstition is now so well advanced, that men
- ↑ After. According to. "O Lord, deal not with us after our sins." The Litany.
- ↑ As. That.
- ↑ Corroborate. Preterit participle, clipped form. Strengthened, confirmed.
"Ye know my father was the rightful heir
Of England, and his right came down to me,
Corroborate by your acts of Parliament."
Tennyson. Queen Mary. ii. 2.
- ↑ Discorsi di Niccolò Machiavelli Segretario e Citt. Fiorentino sopra La Prima Deca di T. Livio. III. 6. Delle Congiure. p. 40.
- ↑ Jacques Clément, 1555(?)–1589, a fanatical monk who murdered Henry III., of France.
- ↑ François Ravaillac, 1578(?)–1610, assassinated Henry IV., of France, May 14, 1610.
- ↑ John Jaureguy attempted to assassinate William the Silent, Prince of Orange, March 18, 1582. On July 10, 1584, William the Silent was shot by Balthazar Gérard.
