Page:Thoughts on art and life.djvu/68

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it is nothing in comparison with the soul which inhabits this structure ; for verily, whatever it may be, it is divine. Let it, then, dwell in His work and a t His good will, and let not thy rage or malice destroy so great a thing as life, for he who does not value it does not deserve it.

79.

By these rules thou wilt be able to distinguish falsehood from truth by means of which knowledge men aim at possible things with greater moderation; and do not veil thyself in ignorance, for the result of this would be that thou wouldst be ineffectual and fall into melancholy and despair.

80.

How by the aid of a machine many may remain for some time under water. And how and why I do not describe my method of remaining under water and of living long without food; and I do not publish nor divulge these things by reason of the evil nature of man, who would use them for assassinations at the bottom of the sea and to destroy and sink ships, together with the men on board of them; and notwithstanding I will teach other things which are not dangerous. . . .

81.

I will not dwell on false physiognomy and chiro-

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