For a good name may a man
have, be he never so poor. Honest estimation, in the common
understanding of the people, belongeth not unto any man but him
that is taken for one of some countenance and possessions, and
among his neighbours had in some reputation. In the word of
"honourable fame," folk conceive the renown of great estates, much
and far spoken of, by reason of their laudable acts.
Now, all this gear, used as a thing pleasant and commodious for
this present life, may seem pleasant to him who fasteneth his fancy
thereon. But of the nature of the thing itself I perceive no great
commodity that it hath--I say of the nature of the thing itself,
because it may by chance be some occasion of some commodity. For it
may hap that for the good name the poor man hath, or for the honest
estimation that a man of some possessions and substance standeth in
among his neighbours, or for the honourable fame with which a great
estate is renowned--it may hap, I say, that some man, bearing them
the better, will therefore do them some good. And yet, as for that,
like as it may sometimes so hap (and sometimes doth so hap indeed),
so may it hap sometimes on the other hand (and on the other hand so
it sometimes happeth indeed) that such folk are envied and hated by
others, and as readily take harm by them who envy and hate them as
they take good by them that love them.
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