Francis Bacon - The Essays 1601
OF DEFORMITY
Deformed persons are commonly even with nature;
for as nature hath
done ill by them,
so do they by nature;
being for the most part (as the Scripture saith)
void of natural affection;
and so they have
their revenge of nature.
Certainly there is a consent,
between the body and the mind;
and where nature erreth in the one,
she ventureth in the other.
Ubi peccat in uno, periclitatur in altero.
But because there is, in man,
an election touching the
frame of his mind,
and a necessity in
the frame of his body,
the stars of natural
inclination are sometimes obscured,
by the sun of discipline and virtue.
Therefore it is good
to consider of deformity,
not as a sign,
which is more deceivable;
but as a cause,
which seldom faileth of the effect.
Whosoever hath anything fixed in his person,
that doth induce contempt,
hath also a perpetual spur in himself,
to rescue and deliver himself from scorn.
Therefore all deformed persons, are extreme bold. First,
as in their own defence,
as being exposed to scorn;
but in process of time,
by a general habit.
Also it stirreth in them industry,
and especially of this kind,
to watch and observe
the weakness of others,
that they may have somewhat to repay. Again, in their superiors,
it quencheth jealousy towards them,
as persons that they think they may, at pleasure, despise:
and it layeth their
competitors and emulators asleep;
as never believing they
should be in possibility of advancement,
till they see them in possession.
So that upon the matter,
in a great wit,
deformity is an advantage to rising.
Kings in ancient times (and
at this present in some countries)
were wont to put
great trust in eunuchs;
because they that are
envious towards all are
more obnoxious and officious, towards one.
But yet their trust towards them,
hath rather been as to good spials, and good whisperers,
than good magistrates and officers.
And much like is
the reason of deformed persons.
Still the ground is, they will,
if they be of spirit,
seek to free themselves from scorn;
which must be either
by virtue or malice;
and therefore let it not be marvelled,
if sometimes they prove excellent persons; as was Agesilaus,
Zanger the son of Solyman, AEsop, Gasca, President of Peru;
and Socrates may go likewise amongst them; with others.
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