THEOPHRASTUS (B.c. c. 373-287) Theophrasti Characteres Ethicae. Theophrastus His Morall Characters: Or Description of Maners. [Translated by] Jo. Healey. London, . . . 1616, 12mo. Reprinted in the Temple Classics edition of Earle's Micro-cosmographie, 1899. [pp. 7, 32] The Characters of Theophrastus. An English Translation by R. C. Jebb, 1870. A new edition edited by J. E. Sandys, 1909. 30 characters. The characters consist of thirty sketches of moral qualities embodied in representative Athenian figures early in the third century B.C. Only 'vices' have reached us, and we do not know if they were originally accompanied by a set of virtues.' The vices are superficial, or apparently so, for the deep faults of human nature could hardly be suggested on the small canvasses employed. The method is simple; it consists in giving a list of the typical acts that such a generalized individual as 'The Stupid Man' or 'The Mean Man' might be expected to perform. There is no comment to weaken the brilliant impression produced by the few strokes of the artist-philosopher's brush. His humour, and his subtle and yet clear observation enabled him to seize upon the significant acts by which his subjects give themselves away; and through the admirable terseness of his style there resulted a picture which is still successful, not only in rendering the ethical quality it symbolizes, but in bringing an individual before us. Of Flatterie FLATTERIE may be sayd to be a foule deformed custom in common life, making for the advantage of the Flatterer. A Flatterer is such a one, as if upon hee walke or converse with you, will thus say unto you: Do you observe, how all mens eyes are upon you? I have not noted any in this Towne, to be so much beheld. Yesterday in the Gallerie you had reason to be proud of your reputation. For there being at that time assembled more then 30 persons, and question being made which should be the worthiest Citizen; the company being very impatient it should be disputed, concluded all you. These and such like he putteth upon him. If there be the least moat upon his clothes, or if there be none, hee maketh a shew to take it off: or if any small straw or feather bee gotten into his locks, the Flatterer taketh it away; and smiling saith, you are growne gray within these few dayes for want of my companie, and yet your haire is naturally as black as any man of your yeares. If he reply, the Flatterer proclaimeth silence, praiseth him palpably and profusely to his face. When hee hath spoken, he breaketh out into an exclamation, with an O well spoken! And if hee breake a jest upon any, the Flatterer laughes as if he were tickled; muffling himself in his cloake, as if hee could not possibly forbeare. As he meeteth any, he plaieth the Gentleman-usher, praying them to give way; as if his Patron were a very great Person. Hee buyes peares and apples, & beares them home to his children, and gives them (for the most part) in his presence: and kissing them, crieth out, O the worthie Fathers lively picture! If he buy a shoo, if he be present, hee sweares his foot is far handsomer, and that the shoo mis-shapes it. If at any time he repaire to visit a friend, the Flatterer plaies the Herbinger; runs before, & advertiseth |