OF MARRIAGE AND SINGLE LIFE.            (>2>

ordinary, then it is good not to cross it, but generally
the precept is good : Optimum elige, suave et facile
illud faciet consuetudo. Younger brothers are com¬
monly fortunate, but seldom or never where the
elder are disinherited.
 

VIIL
OF MARRIAGE AND SINGLE LIFE.

He that hath wife and children hath given hostages
to fortune, for they are impediments to great enter¬
prises, either of virtue or mischief. Certainly, the
best works, and of greatest merit for the public,
have proceeded from the unmarried or childless men,
which, both in affection and means, have married
and endowed the public. Yet it were great reason
that those that have children should have greatest
care of future times ; unto which they know they
must transmit their dearest pledges. Some there
are who, though  they lead  a single life, yet their