De Se Ipsum Citra Invidiam Laudando

HE that talks big and arrogantly of himself, Herculanus, is universally condemned as a troublesome and ill-bred companion. But the most, even of those who in words mightily declaim against him, seem to applaud him in their actions. Euripides could say,

If speech grew scarce, and at great rates were sold, Commend himself what lavish fellow would? But since the infinite treasure of the air Praise gratis yields, none truth or falsehood spare; Suffering no damage, though they give their ware.

Yet he often brings in his heroes intolerably boasting, and stuffs their most tragical adventures and passions with improper discourses of themselves. So Pindar declares,

Unseasonably to glory Makes harmony with fury;