Note, 1. Passionate men are justly laughed at. Men who are peevish and
touchy, and are soon angry upon every the least provocation, deal
foolishly; they say and do that which is ridiculous, and so expose
themselves to contempt; they themselves cannot but be ashamed of it
when the heat is over. The consideration of this should engage those
especially who are in reputation for wisdom and honour with the utmost
care to bridle their passion. 2. Malicious men are justly dreaded and
detested, for they are much more dangerous and mischievous to all
societies: A man of wicked devices, who stifles his resentments till he
has an opportunity of being revenged, and is secretly plotting how to
wrong his neighbour and to do him an ill turn, as Cain to kill Abel,
such a man as this is hated by all mankind. The character of an angry
man is pitiable; through the surprise of a temptation he disturbs and
disgraces himself, but it is soon over, and he is sorry for it. But
that of a spiteful revengeful man is odious; there is no fence against
him nor cure for him.