Smile with an intent to do mischief, or cozen him whom he salutes

Smile with an intent to do mischief, or cozen him whom he salutes

Robert Burton was a 17th-century English scholar and writer best known for his work "The Anatomy of Melancholy." In this seminal work, Burton delves into the complexities of human emotions, behaviors, and thought processes. One of the themes that Burton explores is the idea of smiling with an intent to do mischief or deceive others, a concept that has been prevalent throughout history and continues to be relevant in modern society.

In the context of Burton's work, the act of smiling with an intent to do mischief or cozen (deceive) others can be seen as a form of manipulation or deceit. It is a way of masking one's true intentions or feelings behind a facade of friendliness or charm. This type of behavior can be seen as a means of gaining an advantage over others or achieving one's own selfish goals at the expense of others.

Burton's exploration of this concept sheds light on the darker aspects of human nature and the ways in which people can use deception and manipulation to further their own interests. It also raises questions about the ethics of such behavior and the impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole.