there be none of the affections, which have been
1 to fascinate or
bewitch(施魔法,蛊惑), but love and envy. they both have
2(激烈的) wishes; they frame themselves readily into imaginations and suggestions; and they come easily into the eye, especially upon the present of the objects; which are the points that conduce to
3, if any such thing there be. we see likewise, the
4 calleth envy an evil eye; and the
astrologers(占星家), call the evil influences of the stars, evil aspects; so that still there seemeth to be acknowledged, in the act of envy, an ejaculation or irradiation of the eye.
5, some have been so curious, as to note, that the times when the stroke or
6 of an
7 eye doth most hurt, are when the party envied is
8 in glory or triumph; for that sets an edge upon envy: and besides, at such times the spirits of the person envied, do come
9 most into the outward parts, and so meet the blow.
but leaving these curiosities (though not unworthy to be thought on, in fit place), we will handle, what persons are apt to envy others; what persons are most subject to be envied themselves; and what is the difference between public and private envy.
a man that hath no
10 in himself, ever envieth virtue in others. for men's minds, will either feed upon their own good, or upon others' evil; and who wanteth the one, will
11 upon the other; and whoso is out of hope, to
12 to another's virtue, will seek to come at even hand, by depressing another's fortune.
a man that is busy, and
13(好奇的), is commonly envious. for to know much of other men's matters, cannot be because all that ado may concern his own estate; therefore it must needs be, that he taketh a kind of play-pleasure, in looking upon the fortunes of others. neither can he, that mindeth but his own business, find much matter for envy. for envy is a
14 passion, and walketh the streets, and doth not keep home: non est curiosus, quin idem sit malevolus.
men of noble birth, are noted to be envious towards new men, when they rise. for the distance is altered, and it is like a deceit(欺骗) of the eye, that when others come on, they think themselves, go back.