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OF RICHES

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guard nevertheless; and do not win their favour by helping them to invade their enemies, but for their defence it is not amiss; and send oft of them over to the country that plants, that they may see a better condition than their own, and commend it when they return. When the plantation grows to strength, then it is time to plant with women as well as with men; that the plantation may spread into generations, and not be ever pieced from without. It is the sinfullest thing in the world to forsake or destitute[1] a plantation once in forwardness; for beside the dishonour, it is the guiltiness of blood of many commiserable[2] persons.


XXXIV. Of Riches.

I cannot call Riches better than the baggage of virtue. The Roman word is better, impedimenta.[3] For as the baggage is to an army, so is riches to virtue.[4] It cannot be spared nor left behind, but it hindereth the march; yea and the care of it sometimes loseth or disturbeth the victory. Of great riches there is no real use, except it be in the distribution; the rest is but conceit. So saith Salomon, Where much is, there are many to consume it; and what hath the

  1. ↑ Destitute. To abandon; to leave to neglect.
  2. ↑ Commiserable. Deserving commiseration or pity.
  3. ↑ Hindrances.
  4. ↑

    ⁠"But Satan now is wiser than of yore,
    ⁠And tempts by making rich, not making poor."
    Pope. Epistle III. To Allen, Lord Bathurst. ll. 351–352.

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