If thou desire to cherish true _Content_, And in a troublous time that course to take, Which may be likely mischieves to prevent, Some use, of this our _Hieroglyphick_, make. The _Fryers Habit_, seemeth to import, That, thou (as ancient _Monkes_ and _Fryers_ did) Shouldst live remote, from places of resort, And, in _retyrednesse_, lye closely hid. The _clasped-Booke_, doth warne thee, to retaine Thy _thoughts_ within the compasse of thy breast; And, in a quiet _silence_ to remaine, Vntill, thy minde may safely be exprest. That _Anchor_, doth informe thee, that thou must Walke on in _Hope_; and, in thy Pilgrimage, Beare up (without _despairing_ or _distrust_) Those wrongs, and sufferings, which attend thine _Age_. For, whensoere _Oppression_ groweth rife, _Obscurenesse_, is more safe than _Eminence_; Hee, that then keepes his _Tongue_, may keepe his _Life_, Till Times will better favour _Innocence_. _Truth_ spoken where _untruth_ is more approved, Will but enrage the malice of thy foes; And, otherwhile, a wicked man is moved To cease from wrong, if no man him oppose. Let this our _Emblem_, therefore, counsell thee, Thy life in safe _Retyrednesse_, to spend: Let, in thy breast, thy thoughts reserved bee, Till thou art layd, where none can thee offend. And, whilst most others, give their _Fancie scope_, Enjoy thy selfe, in _Silence_, and in _Hope_. _Let none despaire of their Estate, For, =Prudence=, greater is, than =Fate=._ [Illustration: FATO PRVDENTIA MAIOR. ILLVSTR. XII. _Book. 2_]