physical, relations, I am driven to assume that the bad will of others is very possible, and must therefore take all necessary preventive measures beforehand. Whence Ariosto says: —

Quantunque il similar sia le pi� volte

Ripreso, e dia di mala mente indict,

Si trova pure in molte cose e molte

Avere fatti evidenti benefici,

E danni e biasmi e morti avere tolte:

Che non conversiam' sempre con gli amici,

In questa assai pi� oscura che serena

Vita mortal, tutta d'invidia piena

— Orl. Fur., IV., 1.

I may, then, without any injustice match cunning with cunning, and anticipate all crafty encroachments on me, even if they be only probable; and I need neither render an account to him who unwarrantably pries into my personal circumstances, nor by replying: