Prowde speeches, and too much finesse and
curiositie is not commendable in an Embassadour. And I haue knowen in my
time such of them, as studied more vpon what apparel they should weare,
and what countenaunces they should keepe at the times of their audience,
then they did vpon th'effect of their errant or commission.
And there is decency in that euery man should talke of the things they
haue best skill of, and not in that, their knowledge and learning serueth
them not to do, as we are wont to say, he speaketh of Robin hood that
neuer shot in his bow: there came a great Oratour before _Cleomenes_ king
of _Lacedemonia_, and vttered much matter to him touching fortitude and
valiancie in the warres: the king laughed: why laughest thou quoth the
learned man, since thou art a king thy selfe, and one whom fortitude best
becommeth? why said Cleomenes would it not make any body laugh, to heare
the swallow who feeds onely vpon flies to boast of his great pray, and see
the eagle stand by and say nothing? if thou wert a man of warre or euer
hadst bene day of thy life, I would not laugh to here thee speake of
valiancie, but neuer being so, & speaking before an old captaine I can not
choose but laugh.
And some things and speaches are decent or indecent in respect of the time
they be spoken or done in.
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