I think no man may more truly say with the Psalm Multum incola fuit anima mea, than myself.  For I do confess, since I was of any understanding, my mind hath in effect been absent from that I have done; and in absence are many errors which I do willingly acknowledge; and amongst the rest this great one that led the rest; that knowing myself by inward calling to be fitter to hold a book than to play a part, I have led my life in civil causes; for which I was not very fit by nature, and more unfit by the preoccupation of my mind.  Therefore calling myself home, I have now for a time enjoyed myself; whereof likewise I desire to make the world partaker.  My labours (if I may so term that which was the comfort of my other labours) I have dedicated to the King; desirous, if there be any good in them, it may be as the fat of a sacrifice, incensed to his honour:  and the second copy I have sent unto you, not only in good affection, but in a kind of congruity, in regard of your great and rare desert of learning.  For books are the shrines where the saint is, or is believed to be; and you having built an Ark to save learning from deluge, deserve propriety in any new instrument or engine, whereby learning should be improved or advanced.

SIR THOMAS BROWNE

1605-1682

To HIS SON THOMAS

Fatherly commendations

[c. 1667.]

I Receaved yours, and would not deferre to send vnto you before you sayled, which I hope will come vnto you; for in this wind, neither can Reare-admirall Kempthorne come to you, nor you beginne your voyage.  I am glad you like Lucan so well.  I wish more military men could read him; in this passage you mention, there are noble straynes; and such as may well affect generous minds.  Butt I hope you are more taken with the verses then the subject, and rather embrace the expression then the example.  And this I the rather hint unto you, because the like, though in another waye, is sometimes practised in the king’s shipps, when, in desperate cases, they blowe up the same.  For though I know you are sober and considerative, yet knowing you also to be of great resolution; and having also heard from ocular testimonies with what vndaunted and persevering courage you have demeaned yourself in great difficulties; and knowing your captaine to bee a stout and resolute man; and with all the cordiall friendshippe that is between you; I cannot omitt my earnest prayers vnto God to deliver you from such a temptation.  Hee that goes to warre must patiently submitt vnto the various accidents thereof.  To bee made prisoner by an vnequall and overruling power, after a due resistance, is no disparagement; butt upon a carelesse surprizall or faynt opposition; and you have so good a memorie that you cannot forgett many examples thereof, even of the worthiest commanders in your beloved Plutark.  God hath given you a