CHAPTER XVI.

OF THE MANNERS OF MIDDLE-AGED MEN.

The manners of _middle-aged_ men, are between those of _youth_ and _old men_. And therefore they neither dare, nor fear too much; but both as is fit. They neither believe all, nor reject all; but judge. They seek not only what is honourable, nor only what is profitable; but both. They are neither covetous, nor prodigal; but in the mean. They are neither easily angry, nor yet stupid; but between both. They are valiant and withal temperate.

And in general, whatsoever is divided in _youth_ and _old men_, is compounded in _middle-age_. And whereof the excess or defect is in _youth_ or _old men_, the mediocrity is in those of _middle-age_.

Middle-age for the _body_, I call the time from thirty to five and thirty years: for the _mind_, the nine-and-fortieth, or thereabouts.

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