[Sylva, Vol. 1 (of 2) by John Evelyn]@TWC D-Link bookSylva, Vol. 1 (of 2) INTRODUCTION 13/110
October, 1620.
His father, 'was of a sanguine complexion, mixed with a dash of choler; his haire inclining to light, which tho' exceeding thick became hoary by the time he was 30 years of age; it was somewhat curled towards the extremity; his beard, which he wore a little picked, as the mode was, of a brownish colour, and so continued to the last, save that it was somewhat mingled with grey haires about his cheekes: which, with his countenance, was cleare, and fresh colour'd, his eyes quick and piercing, an ample forehead, manly aspect; low of stature, but very strong.
He was for his life so exact and temperate, that I have heard he had never been surprised by excesse, being ascetic and sparing.
His wisdom was greate, and judgment most acute; of solid discourse, affable, humble and in nothing affected; of a thriving, neat, silent and methodical genius; discretely severe, yet liberal on all just occasions to his children, strangers, and servants; a lover of hospitality; of a singular and Christian moderation in all his actions; a Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum; he served his country as High Sheriff for Surrey and Sussex together.
He was a studious decliner of honours and titles, being already in that esteem with his country that they could have added little to him besides their burden.
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