Now from this ground I believe did arise that1 Maxim of some of the States of Greece noted by Tully, and at large debated by the Philosopher, Nem• de nobis unui excellat, that they would not have any one man to be notoriously eminent in abilities above the rest, and thereupon instituted Ostracism, or an honourable Banishment, as a restraint either to abate the excessive worth of eminent men: or to satisfy and assuage the Envy which others might conceive against them, who are apt to hate the virtues which they can only admire: or lastly, to prevent the dangers which greatness of parts taking advantage of popularity and vulgar applause, might haply venture to bring upon things. Upon this ground the Ephe sians expelled Hermodorus; and the Athenians, Aristides, because he was too just for the rest of the people. As one Voice in a Consort, which is loud above the proportion of the rest, doth not adorn, ⟨p. 272⟩but disturb the Harmony; and therefore usually m•n of great parts, have lien either under Envy or Jealousy. Mens minds out of I know not what malignity, being apt to suspect that that will not be used unto Good, which might be abused unto Evil, which Tacitus noteth to have been the quality2 of Domitian, and Ammianus Marcellinus of Constantius towards men of the greatest worth.
Now from this ground I beleeve did arise that1 Maxime of some of the States of Greece noted by Tully, and at large debated by the Philosopher, Nem• de nobis unui excellat, that they would not have any one man to be notoriously eminent in abilities above the rest, and thereupon instituted Ostracisme, or an honourable Bannishment, as a restraint either to abate the excessive worth of eminent men: or to satisfie and asswage the Envy which others might conceive against them, who are apt to hate the vertues which they can onely admire: or lastly, to prevent the dangers which greatnesse of parts taking advantage of popularity and vulgar applause, might haply venture to bring upon things. Vpon this ground the Ephe sians expelled Hermodorus; and the Athenians, Aristides, because he was too just for the rest of the people. As one Voice in a Consort, which is loud above the proportion of the rest, doth not adorne, ⟨p. 272⟩but disturbe the Harmony; and therefore usually m•n of great parts, have lien either under Envy or Iealousie. Mens minds out of I know not what malignity, being apt to suspect that that will not be used unto Good, which might be abused unto Evill, which Tacitus noteth to have been the quality2 of Domitian, and Ammianus Marcellinus of Constantius towards men of the greatest worth.
- 1Cic. Tusc. q. l. 5. Arist. Polit. l. 3. c. 13. Plut. in Alcib. & Arist id. ex Nicia. Eande virtutē & oderant & mirabantur. Liv. l. 5.Cic. Tusc. q. l. 5. Arist. Polit. l. 3. c. 13. Plut. in Alcib. & Arist id. ex Nicia. Eande virtutē & oderant & mirabantur. Liv. l. 5.
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