Of all unreasonable creatures, there is but one unreasonable soul;
And of all that are reasonable, but one reasonable soul,
divided betwixt them all.
As of all earthly things there is but one earth, and but one light that we see by; and but one air that we breathe in, as many as either breathe or see.
Now whatsoever partakes of some common thing, naturally affects and inclines unto that whereof it is part, being of one kind and nature with it.
Whatsoever is earthly, presseth downwards to the common earth. Whatsoever is liquid, would flow together. And whatsoever is airy, would be together likewise.
So that without some obstacle, and some kind of violence, they cannot well be kept asunder.
Whatsoever is fiery, doth not only by reason of the elementary fire tend upwards; but here also is so ready to join, and to burn together, that whatsoever doth want sufficient moisture to make resistance, is easily set on fire.
Whatsoever therefore is partaker of that reasonable common nature, naturally doth as much and more long after his own kind.
For by how much in its own nature it excels all other things, by so much more is it desirous to be joined and united unto that, which is of its own nature.
As for unreasonable creatures then, they had not long been, but presently begun among them swarms, and flocks, and broods of young ones, and a kind of mutual love and affection. For though but unreasonable, yet a kind of soul these had, and therefore was that natural desire of union more strong and intense in them, as in creatures of a more excellent nature, than either in plants, or stones, or trees.
But among reasonable creatures, begun commonwealths, friendships, families, public meetings, and even in their wars, conventions, and truces.
Now among them that were yet of a more excellent nature, as the stars and planets, though by their nature far distant one from another, yet even among them began some mutual correspondency and unity.
So proper is it to excellency in a high degree to affect unity, as that even in things so far distant, it could operate unto a mutual sympathy. But now behold, what is now come to pass.
Those creatures that are reasonable, are now the only creatures that have forgotten their natural affection and inclination of one towards another.
Among them alone of all other things that are of one kind, there is not to be found a general disposition to flow together.
But though they fly from nature, yet are they stopt in their course, and apprehended. Do they what they can, nature doth prevail.
And so shalt thou confess, if thou dost observe it.
For sooner mayst thou find a thing earthly, where no earthly thing is, than find a man that naturally can live by himself alone.