Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/306

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Chap. 26.
of Conſtancy.
285

Law; and should not have his part in that burthen, which lyes upon the backs of all. Solon when a friend of his at Athens was sadly bewailing himself; he brings him into the Tower, and from the top of it shews him all the houses of that great City. Think with your self (sayes he) how many sorrows have heretofore been under these roofs; now are, and hereafter shall be: And then cease to lament the evils of Mankind, as if they were your own only. I wish I could give you the like prospect of this wide World Lipsius, but since it is not to be done actually, let us imagine it. I place you upon the top of some high Mountain (Olympus if you please) look down now upon all those Cities, provinces and Kingdoms beneath: And think that you see but so many inclosures of humane Calamities; the Amphitheatres, and (as it were) the Sands, in which the bloody sports of Fortune are exhibited. You need not look farr from

hence,