Page:The ethics of Hobbes (IA ethicsofhobbes00hobb).pdf/190

When they are considered as his own, then is he called a "natural person"; and when they are considered as representing the words and actions of another, then is he a "feigned" or "artificial person."

The word person is Latin: instead whereof the Greeks have πρόσωπον, which signifies the "face," as persona in Latin signifies the "disguise," or "outward appearance" of a man, counterfeited on the stage; and sometimes more particularly that part of it, which disguiseth the face, as a mask or vizard: and from the stage, hath been translated to any representer of speech and action, as well in tribunals, as theatres. So that a "person," is the same that an "actor" is, both on the stage and in common conversation; and to "personate," is to "act," or "represent" himself, or another; and he that acteth another, is said to bear his person, or act in his name; in which sense Cicero useth it where he says, Unus sustineo tres personas; mei, adversarii, et judicis: I bear three persons; my own, my adversary's, and the judge's; and is called in divers occasions, diversely; as a "representer," or "representative," a "lieutenant," a "vicar," an "attorney," a "deputy," a "procurator," an "actor," and the like.

Of persons artificial, some have their words and actions "owned" by those whom they represent. And then the person is the "actor"; and he that owneth his words and actions, is the "author": in which case the actor acteth by authority. For that which in speaking of goods and possessions, is called an "owner," and in Latin dominus, in Greek κύριος speaking of actions, is called author. And as the right of possession, is called dominion; so the right of doing any action, is called "authority." So that by authority, is always understood a right of doing any act; and "done by authority," done by commission, or licence from him whose right it is.

From hence it followeth, that when the actor maketh a