With scent most quick of nostrils after kind,so ought persons of an inquisitive temper to restrain the wanton excursions of their curiosity, and confine it to observations of prudence and sobriety. Thus the lion and eagle, which walk with their claws sheathed to keep them always pointed for their prey, are an example of that discretion which curious persons should imitate, by carefully preserving those noble faculties of wit and understanding, which were made for useful and excellent enquiries, from being dulled and debauched with low and sottish speculations.
The tracks of beast so wild in chase to find;
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Now since it is from the use and custom of intermeddling in the affairs of other men that this perverse
practice grows up into such a vicious habit, therefore the
best remedy thereof is, that beginning (as it were) at a
distance, and with such things as do less excite the itch
of our curiosity, we gradually bring ourselves to an utter
desuetude of enquiring into or being concerned at any of
those things that do not pertain unto us. Therefore let
men first make trial of themselves in smaller and less considerable matters. As for the purpose, why should it be
thought such a severe piece of self-denial for any man, as
he passes by, to forbear reading the inscriptions that are
upon a monument or gravestone, or the letters that are
drawn on walls and sign-posts, if it were but considered
that there is nothing more, either for delight or benefit, to
be learned thereby, but that certain people had a desire
to preserve the memory of their friends and relations by
engraving their names on brass or marble, or that some
impudent quack or rooking tradesman wants money, and
knows no other way to draw men to their shop or lodgings, but by decoying billets and the invitation of a show-board? The taking notice of which and such like things
may seem for the present harmless; yet there is really a
secret mischief wrought by it, while men, suffering their
minds to rove so inconsiderately at every thing they see,
are inured to a foolish curiosity in busying themselves
about things impertinent. For as skilful huntsmen do not
permit their beagles to fling or change, but lead them forth
[p. 439]
in couples, that their noses may be kept sharp for their
proper game,
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