Pagina 478 di 1391

The freedom of the will to refuse the evil and to choose the good

is distinctly asserted. 'Virtue is free, and as a man honours or

dishonours her he will have more or less of her.' The life of man

is 'rounded' by necessity; there are circumstances prior to birth

which affect him (Pol.). But within the walls of necessity there

is an open space in which he is his own master, and can study for

himself the effects which the variously compounded gifts of

nature or fortune have upon the soul, and act accordingly. All

men cannot have the first choice in everything. But the lot of

all men is good enough, if they choose wisely and will live

diligently.