272            OF CEREMONIES AND RESPECTS
 

LII.

OF CEREMONIES AND RESPECTS.

He that is only real had need have exceeding great
parts of virtue ; as the stone had need to be rich
that is set without foil. But if a man mark it well,
it is in praise and commendation of men, as it is in
gettings and gains. For the proverb is true, " That
light gains make heavy purses;" for light gains come
thick, whereas great come but now and then. So it
is true, that small matters win great commendation,
because they are continually in use and in note;
whereas the occasion of any great virtue cometh but
on festivals. Therefore it doth much add to a man's
reputation, and is (as Queen Isabella said) like
perpetual letters commendatory to have good forms.
To attain them, it almxost sufficeth not to despise
them ; for so shall a man observe them in others, and
let him trust himself with the rest. For if he labour
too much to express them, he shall lose their grace,
which is to be natural and unaffected.     Some men's