INTRODUCTION TO THE READER. Here is a plain book or register of my thoughts, Reader; and I forewarn thee, at the very beginning, that in writing it I had no concealed end in view, but intended it merely for private and domestic use. I have neither consideration for thy service nor my own same; my powers are not equal to such a design. I have simply devoted my time to the advantage of my relations and friends, that, being deprived of me (as will very speedily be the case), they may retain some traits of my habit and humour, and by this means cherish my remembrance in a more decided and lively manner. If I had sought for the favour of the world, I should have decorated myself with borrowed ornaments; but I am desirous to appear simple and unadorned, without study or artifice. As it is myself whom I mean to represent, I have delineated my person and and defects to the life, as much as the reverence which I owe to the public would permit. my Thus, Reader, I am myself the subject of book; there is no reason for thee to employ thy leisure on so vain and frivolous a topic. Adieu then. From my Castle de Montaigne, this 12th June, 1580. ESSAY 1. ON CUSTO M. That man appears to have conceived a true idea of the power of Custom, who invented the story of a countrywoman, who having accuftomed herself to carry a calf in her arms from the hour of its birth, and daily continuing to do so, was able to bear it when it was grown to be a large ox. Truly Custom is an arbitrary and treacherous school-mistress; foe establishes her indifputable authority gradually and imperceptibly; when, unmasking, she displays a furious and tyrannic countenance, which we have neither the power nor courage to resist, though we perceive her subvert and violate all the rules of nature: and we may cry out with Plato, "Custom is the great mistress of all things." This leads me to believe that Plato, in the government B |