The Apophthegmes of Erasmus

Orasmoche, as emong al the gentile Philosophiers of olde time, there is none, either for integritee of maners, for vpright liuyng, for quicknesse and (as ye yould sale) liuelinesse of saiynges, or for the perfeccion of Philosophical! humilitee and sufferaunce, to bee compared with Socrates: and in consideracion, that thesame Socrates firste of all that sorte attempted to withdrawe menne from vain studies and desires, to the readyng of Morall Philosophic, and to the trade of vertuous liuing, not onely so framyng and ministryng his doctrine, that he might effectually perswade vnto men vertue and perfecte honestee, but also directyng the example and paterne of all his life and doynges to thesame ende, effecte and purpose: wee haue thought moste conuenient, to set his saiynges first, as of the which the studious reader maie gather & take soche presidentes of holy and innocent liuing, soche nurture of vncorrupt maners, soche lessons of mildenes and pacience, soche discipline of esehewyng vice, and all carnal pleasures sochc paterne of bridlyng, and refreining all sensualitee, soche example of contemning wordly gooddes, and other vanitees, as shall be to the same right pleasaunt fruitfull and pro fi table.