to be doubted, may by art exempt himself in
part from the influence of the heavens; it being common opinion,
that the heavens give an inclination, but do not impel us; for
which reason the learned say, that a wise man rules the stars. I
was born with a very choleric disposition, insomuch that there was
no living with me; but I took notice of it, and considered, that a
person swayed by his passion, must at certain times be no better
than a madman; I mean at those times, when he suffers his passions
to predominate, because he then renounces his reason and
understanding. I, therefore, resolved to make my choleric
disposition give way to reason; so that now, though born choleric, I
never suffer anger intirely to overcome me. The man, who is
naturally of a bad constitution, may, in like manner, by dint of
reason, and a sober life, live to a great age and in good health,
as I have done, who had naturally the worst, so that it was
impossible I should live above forty years, whereas I now find
myself sound and hearty at the age of eighty-six; and were it not
for the long and violent fits of illness which I experienced in
my youth to such a degree, that the physicians gave me over, and
which robbed me of my radical moisture, a loss absolutely
irreparable, I might expect to attain the abovementioned term of
one hundred. But I know for good reasons that it is impossible;
and, therefore, do not think of it. It is enough for me, that I
have lived forty-six years beyond the term I had a right to expect;
and that, during this so long a respite, all my senses have
continued perfect; and even my teeth, my voice, my memory, and my
strength. But what is still more, my brain is more itself now
than it ever was; nor do any of these powers abate as I advance in
years; and this because, as I grow older, I lessen the quantity of
my solid food.

This retrenchment is necessary, nor can it be avoided, since it is
impossible for a man to live for ever; and, as he draws near his
end, he is reduced so low as to be no longer able to take any
nourishment, unless it be to swallow, and that too with difficulty,
the yolk of an egg in the four and twenty hours, and thus end by
mere dissolution, without any pain or sickness, as I expect will
be my case. This is a blessing of great importance; yet may be
expected by all those, who shall lead a sober life, of whatever
degree or condition, whether high, or middling, or low; for we
are all of the sa