Of the Virtues Commonly Called Intellectual, and Their Contrary Defects
Virtue generally, in all sorts of subjects, is somewhat that is valued for eminence, and consisteth in comparison. For if all things were equal in all men, nothing would be prized. And by “virtues intellectual,” are always understood such abilities of the mind as men praise, value, and desire should be in themselves; and go commonly under the name of a “good wit”; though the same word “wit” be used also to distinguish one certain ability from the rest.