Nothing pesters the body and mind sooner than to be still fed, to eat and ingurgitate beyond all measure, as many do. “By overmuch eating and continual feasts they stifle nature, and choke up themselves; which, had they lived coarsely, or like galley-slaves tied to an oar, might have happily prolonged many fair years.” [saith Lessius’ Hygiasticon]

Temperance is like a bridle of gold, and he that can use it aright, ego non summis viris comparo, sed simillimum Deo judico [Tully], is liker a god than a man: for as it will transform a beast to a man again, so will it make a man a god.