X. John Mason, knight, who had been privy-counsellor to four princes, and spent much time in the preferments and pleasures of the world, retired with these pathetical and regretful sayings: "After so many years' experience, seriousness is the greatest wisdom; temperance the best physic; a good conscience is the best estate. And were I to live again, I would change the court for a cloister, my privy-counsellor's bustles for a hermit's retirement, and the whole life I lived in the palace, for one hour's enjoyment of God in the chapel. All things else forsake me, besides my God, my duty, and my prayers." XI. Sir Walter Raleigh is an eminent instance, being as extraordinary a man, as our nation hath produced; in his person well descended; of health, strength, and a masculine beauty; in understanding quick: in judgment sound; learned and wise, valiant and skilful; a historian, a philosopher, a general, a statesman. After a long life, full of experience, he drops these excellent sayings, a little before his death, to his son, to his wife, and to the world, viz.: "Exceed not in the humour of rags and bravery, for these will soon wear out of fashion: and no man is esteemed for gay garments but by fools and women. On the other side, seek not riches basely, nor attain them by evil means: destroy no man for his wealth, nor take anything from the poor; for the cry thereof will pierce the heavens: and it is most detestable before God, and most dishonourable before worthy men, to wrest anything from the needy and labouring soul: God will never prosper thee, if thou offendest therein; but use thy poor neighbours and tenants well." A most worthy saying. But he adds, "Have compassion on the poor and afflicted, and God will bless thee for it: make not the hungry soul sorrowful; for if he curse thee in the bitterness of his soul, his prayer shall be heard of Him that made him. Now, for the world, dear child, I know it too well to persuade thee to dive into the practices of it; rather stand upon thy own guard against all those that tempt thee to it, or may practise upon thee; whether in thy conscience, thy reputation, or thy estate: resolve, that no man is wise or safe but he that is honest. Serve God; let Him be the Author of all thy actions: commend all thy endeavours to Him, who most either wither or prosper them: please Him with prayer; lest if He frown, He confound all thy fortune and labour, like the drops of rain upon the sandy ground. Let my experienced advice and fatherly instructions sink deep into thy heart: so God direct thee in all thy ways, and fill thy heart with his grace." _Sir Walter Raleigh's Letter to his Wife, after his Condemnation._