Since then, as philosophers prove, appearance tyrannizes over truth and is lord of happiness, to appearance I must devote myself.

I will describe around me a picture and shadow of virtue to be the vestibule and exterior of my house; behind I will trail the subtle and crafty fox, as Archilochus, greatest of sages, recommends.

But I hear some one exclaiming that the concealment of wickedness is often difficult; to which I answer, Nothing great is easy.

Nevertheless, the argument indicates this, if we would be happy, to be the path along which we should proceed.

With a view to concealment we will establish secret brotherhoods and political clubs.