The praise of constancy: and an earnest exhortation thereto.
"You see then, Lipsius, that inconstancy is the companion of opinion and that the property of it is to be soon changed, and to wish that undone, which a little before it caused to be done. But constancy is a mate always matched with reason. Unto this, therefore, I do earnestly exhort you.
"Why fly you to these vain outward things? This is only that fair beautiful Helena who will present unto you a wholesome cup of counter-poison, wherewith you shall expel the memory of all cares and sorrows, and whereof when you have once taken a taste, being firmly settled against all casualties, bearing yourself upright in all misfortunes, neither puffed up nor pressed down with either fortune, you may challenge to your self that great title, the nearest that man can have to God, to be immovable.
"Have you not seen in the arms and targets of some men of our time that lofty poesy? Neither with hope, nor with fear. It shall agree to you: you shall be a king, indeed free indeed, only subject unto God, enfranchised from the servile yoke of fortune and affections.
"As some rivers are said to run through the sea and yet keep their stream fresh, so shall you pass through the confused tumults of this world, and not be infected with any briny saltiness of this sea of sorrows.
"Are you like to be cast down? Constancy will lift you up. Do you stagger in doubtfulness? She holds you fast. Are you in danger of fire or water? She will comfort you and bring you back from the pit's brink: only take unto you a good courage, steer your ship into this port, where is security and quietness, a refuge and sanctuary against all turmoils and troubles: where if you have once moored your ship, let your country not only be troubled, but even shaken at the foundation, you shall remain unmoved: let showers, thunders, lightnings, and tempests fall round about you, you shall cry boldly with a loud voice, I lie at rest amid the waves."
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