218              OF C US TOM A ND ED UCA TION.

in those things they do not affect. In studies, what¬
soever a man commandeth upon himself, let him set
hours for it; but whatsoever is agreeable to his nature,
let him take no care for any set times ; for his
thoughts will fly to it of themselves, so as the spaces
of other business or studies will suffice. A man's
nature runs either to herbs or weeds ; therefore
let him seasonably water the one, and destroy the
other.
 

XXXIX.
OF CUSTOM AND EDUCATION.

Men's thoughts are much according to their inclina¬
tion, their discourse and speeches according to their
learning and infused opinions ; but their deeds are
after as 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
by custom.    His instance is, that for the achieving