I CANNOT call riches better than the baggage of virtue.
 Francis Bacon, The Essays of Francis Bacon (1597). copy citation

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Author Francis Bacon
Source The Essays of Francis Bacon
Topic virtue
Date 1597
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/575/575-h/575-h.htm

Context

“that the plantation may spread into generations, and not be ever pieced from without. It is the sinfullest thing in the world, to forsake or destitute a plantation once in forwardness; for besides the dishonor, it is the guiltiness of blood of many commiserable persons. Of Riches I CANNOT call riches better than the baggage of virtue. The Roman word is better, impedimenta. For as the baggage is to an army, so is riches to virtue. It cannot be spared, nor left behind, but it hindereth the march; yea, and the care of it, sometimes loseth or disturbeth the victory.” source