cion,
some vain conceit or other. If his weakness be such that he cannot discern
what is amiss, correct, or satisfy, it behoves them by counsel, comfort, or
persuasion, by fair or foul means, to alienate his mind, by some artificial
invention, or some contrary persuasion, to remove all objects, causes,
companies, occasions, as may any ways molest him, to humour him, please
him, divert him, and if it be possible, by altering his course of life, to
give him security and satisfaction. If he conceal his grievances, and will
not be known of them, [3434]"they must observe by his looks, gestures,
motions, fantasy, what it is that offends," and then to apply remedies unto
him: many are instantly cured, when their minds are satisfied.
[3435]Alexander makes mention of a woman, "that by reason of her husband's
long absence in travel, was exceeding peevish and melancholy, but when she
heard her husband was returned, beyond all expectation, at the first sight
of him, she was freed from all fear, without help of any other physic
restored to her former health." Trincavellius, _consil. 12. lib. 1._ hath
such a story of a Venetian, that being much troubled with melancholy,
[3436]"and ready to die for grief, when he heard his wife was brought to
bed of a son, instantly recovered." As Alexander concludes, [3437]"If our
imaginations be not inveterate, by this art they may be cured, especially
if they proceed from such a cause." No better way to satisfy, than to
remove the object, cause, occasion, if by any art or means possible we may
find it out. If he grieve, stand in fear, be in suspicion, suspense, or any
way molested, secure him, _Solvitur malum_, give him satisfaction, the cure
is ended; alter his course of life, there needs no other physic. If the
party be sad, or otherwise affected, "consider" (saith [3438]Trallianus)
"the manner of it, all circumstances, and forthwith make a sudden
alteration," by removing the occasions, avoid all terrible objects, heard
or seen, [3439]"monstrous and prodigious aspects," tales of devils,
spirits, ghosts, tragical stories; to such as are in fear they strike a
great impression, renewed many times, and recall such chimeras and terrible
fictions into their minds. [3440]"Make not so much as mention of them in
private talk, or a dumb show tending to that purpose: such things" (saith
Galateus) "are offensive to their imaginations." And to those that are now
in sorrow, [3441]Seneca "forbids all sad companion