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The Praise of Folly 9
nothing but a more than Womanish obstinacy
of scolding: but I’le imitate those Antients,
who, that they might the better avoid that
infamous appellation of Sophi or Wise, chose
rather to be call’d Sophisters. Their business
was to celebrate the Praises of the gods and
valiant men. And the like Encomium shall ye
hear from me, but neither of Hercules nor Solon,
but mine own dear Self, that is to say, Folly.
Nor do I esteem those Wise-men a rush, that
call it a foolish and insolent thing to praise one’s
self. Be it as foolish as they would make it, so
they confess it proper: and what can be more,
than that Folly be her own Trumpet? For
who can set me out better than my self, unless
perhaps I could be better known to another
than to my self? Though yet I think it somewhat
more modest than the general practice of our
Nobles and Wise men, who, throwing away all
shame, hire some flattering Orator or Lying
Poet, from whose mouth they may hear their
praises, that is to say meer lyes; and yet, com¬
posing themselves with a seeming modesty,
spread out their Peacock’s plumes and erect
their Crests, whilst this impudent Flatterer