Complete Works, Volume I

But when he undertook to recount his "dreams," his "trifles," and his "delirium," one had to pay the closest attention, and the most learned and wise reasonings were to be expected. Moreover, as if to initiate a skirmish, he would send ahead, like scouts and front-rank soldiers, certain more universal propositions, by which it might become known by what path he prepared to advance and what principles he would admit. If, however, anyone hesitated at the threshold on account of Elements hitherto unknown, or an unaccustomed path, he did not apply the spur to the reluctant person, but going before him, he would endeavor to lead him as if by the hand. If some peevishness hindered this effort and he encountered a certain "kicker," he would utter not another word, nor expend further useless labor. Immediately, therefore, he would allow each person to be wise in his own way, and on the spot he would again plead his own "infancy" and the darkness of the human mind, through which it is not permitted to establish a long journey in the investigation of natural things. Then, handing the torch to others, he gave them the opportunity to discourse at length; nor did he care a whit, or seem in the least disturbed, if ever as an old man he fell silent before a youth, and acted the pupil who had begun as the teacher. Meanwhile, gladly making offerings to Sigalion, he marveled in silence at the itch for speaking in many, their ill-timed manners, and their rashness; whence it happened, without a doubt, that some interpreted that inclination toward silence as a slowness of wit.

Which indeed was non-existent, as can be gathered even from the most acute Metaphysical Disquisition, which he arranged within a few days with such wondrous skill that he completely took away from his most subtle adversary every handle for responding. Truly, THOMAS HOBBES could not sufficiently admire this work, brought to a finish with a smooth thread and extraordinary sagacity; he declared that our Hero appeared nowhere greater than in blunting those phantoms, which scatter so easily into thin air, being impervious to the sword and not receiving the blow of a club. For such was the opinion of that man of sharp scent concerning the Meditations of DESCARTES and that Disquisition of GASSENDI, which first gave to posterity an example of a refutation perfect in all its parts; such as was becoming of a most acute Philosopher and most learned man, who had made offerings to the Graces no less than to the Muses, and especially of a Christian man, for whom it is a sin [to revile in return when reviled], and who is forbidden to draw the saw of detraction and slander back and forth; but who is permitted to hurl back the enemy's own weapons with a friendly hand, and without the intention of wounding.

Thus did that best of men conduct himself in refuting DESCARTES, so that