Digital Donne: the Online Variorum
The 1654 Prose Letters Letter 35, cont. (p.107) |
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yet, as some poisons, and some medicines, hurt not, nor profit, except the creature in which they reside, contribute their lively activitie, and vigor; so, much of the know- ledge buried in Books perisheth, and be- comes ineffectuall, if it be not applied, and refreshed by a companion, or friend. Much of their goodnesse, hath the same period, which some Physicians of Italy have ob- served to be in the biting of their Tarentola, that it affects no longer, then the flie lives. For with how much desire we read the pa- pers of any living now, (especially friends) which we would scarce allow a boxe in our cabinet, or shelf in our Library, if they were dead? And we do justly in it, for the writings and words of men present, we may examine, controll, and expostulate, and receive satisfaction from the authors; but the other we must beleeve, or discredit; they present no mean. Since then at this time, I am upon the stage, you may be con- tent to hear me. And now that perchance I have brought you to it, (as Thom. Badger did [CW: the] |
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