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+*****The Project Gutenberg Etext of Essays of Francis Bacon*****
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+Essays
+
+by Francis Bacon
+
+June, 1996  [Etext #575]
+[Most recently updated September 1, 2003]
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+*****The Project Gutenberg Etext of Essays of Francis Bacon*****
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+
+
+
+
+
+Francis Bacon
+
+
+
+
+THE ESSAYS
+OR COUNSELS,
+CIVIL AND MORAL,
+OF FRANCIS Ld. VERULAM
+VISCOUNT ST. ALBANS
+
+
+THE ESSAYS
+
+Of Truth
+Of Death
+Of Unity in Religion
+Of Revenge
+Of Adversity
+Of Simulation and Dissimulation
+Of Parents and Children
+Of Marriage and Single Life
+Of Envy
+Of Love
+Of Great Place
+Of Boldness
+Of Goodness and Goodness of Nature
+Of Nobility
+Of Seditions and Troubles
+Of Atheism
+Of Superstition
+Of Travel
+Of Empire
+Of Counsel
+Of Delays
+Of Cunning
+Of Wisdom for a Man's Self
+Of Innovations
+Of Dispatch
+Of Seeming Wise
+Of Friendship
+Of Expense
+Of the True Greatness of Kingdoms and Estates
+Of Regiment of Health
+Of Suspicion
+Of Discourse
+Of Plantations
+Of Riches
+Of Prophecies
+Of Ambition
+Of Masques and Triumphs
+Of Nature in Men
+Of Custom and Education
+Of Fortune
+Of Usury
+Of Youth and Age
+Of Beauty
+Of Deformity
+Of Building
+Of Gardens
+Of Negotiating
+Of Followers and Friends
+Of Suitors
+Of Studies
+Of Faction
+Of Ceremonies and Respects
+Of Praise
+Of Vain-glory
+Of Honor and Reputation
+Of Judicature
+Of Anger
+Of Vicissitude of Things
+Of Fame
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+TO
+
+THE RIGHT HONORABLE
+
+MY VERY GOOD LORD
+
+THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM
+
+HIS GRACE, LORD
+
+HIGH ADMIRAL OF ENGLAND
+
+
+EXCELLENT LORD:
+
+SALOMON saies; A good Name is as a precious
+oyntment; And I assure my selfe, such wil
+your Graces Name bee, with Posteritie.  For your
+Fortune, and Merit both, have been Eminent.  And
+you have planted Things, that are like to last.  I doe
+now publish my Essayes; which, of all my other
+workes, have beene most Currant: For that, as it
+seemes, they come home, to Mens Businesse, and
+Bosomes.  I have enlarged them, both in Number,
+and Weight; So that they are indeed a New Worke.
+I thought it therefore agreeable, to my Affection,
+and Obligation to your Grace, to prefix your Name
+before them, both in English, and in Latine.  For I
+doe conceive, that the Latine Volume of them,
+(being in the Universall Language) may last, as
+long as Bookes last.  My Instauration, I dedicated to
+the King: My Historie of Henry the Seventh,
+(which I have now also translated into Latine) and
+my Portions of Naturall History, to the Prince:
+And these I dedicate to your Grace; Being of the
+best Fruits, that by the good Encrease, which God
+gives to my Pen and Labours, I could yeeld.
+God leade your Grace by the Hand.  Your Graces
+most Obliged and faithfull Servant,
+
+FR. ST. ALBAN
+
+
+
+
+Of Truth
+
+
+
+
+WHAT is truth? said jesting Pilate,and would
+not stay for an answer.  Certainly there be,
+that delight in giddiness, and count it a bondage to
+fix a belief; affecting free-will in thinking, as well
+as in acting.  And though the sects of philosophers
+of that kind be gone, yet there remain certain dis-
+coursing wits, which are of the same veins, though
+there be not so much blood in them, as was in those
+of the ancients.  But it is not only the difficulty and
+labor, which men take in finding out of truth, nor
+again, that when it is found, it imposeth upon
+men's thoughts, that doth bring lies in favor; but
+a natural, though corrupt love, of the lie itself.  One
+of the later school of the Grecians, examineth the
+matter, and is at a stand, to think what should be
+in it, that men should love lies; where neither they
+make for pleasure, as with poets, nor for advan-
+tage, as with the merchant; but for the lie's sake.
+But I cannot tell; this same truth, is a naked, and
+open day-light, that doth not show the masks, and
+mummeries, and triumphs, of the world, half so
+stately and daintily as candle-lights.  Truth may
+perhaps come to the price of a pearl, that showeth
+best by day; but it will not rise to the price of a
+diamond, or carbuncle, that showeth best in varied
+lights.  A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure.
+Doth any man doubt, that if there were taken out
+of men's minds, vain opinions, flattering hopes,
+false valuations, imaginations as one would, and
+the like, but it would leave the minds, of a number
+of men, poor shrunken things, full of melancholy
+and indisposition, and unpleasing to themselves?
+
+One of the fathers, in great severity, called poesy
+vinum daemonum, because it fireth the imagina-
+tion; and yet, it is but with the shadow of a lie.
+But it is not the lie that passeth through the mind,
+but the lie that sinketh in, and settleth in it, that
+doth the hurt; such as we spake of before.  But how-
+soever these things are thus in men's depraved
+judgments, and affections, yet truth, which only
+doth judge itself, teacheth that the inquiry of truth,
+which is the love-making, or wooing of it, the
+knowledge of truth, which is the presence of it, and
+the belief of truth, which is the enjoying of it, is
+the sovereign good of human nature.  The first
+creature of God, in the works of the days, was the
+light of the sense; the last, was the light of reason;
+and his sabbath work ever since, is the illumina-
+tion of his Spirit.  First he breathed light, upon the
+face of the matter or chaos; then he breathed light,
+into the face of man; and still he breatheth and in-
+spireth light, into the face of his chosen.  The poet,
+that beautified the sect, that was otherwise in-
+ferior to the rest, saith yet excellently well: It is a
+pleasure, to stand upon the shore, and to see ships
+tossed upon the sea; a pleasure, to stand in the win-
+dow of a castle, and to see a battle, and the adven-
+tures thereof below: but no pleasure is comparable
+to the standing upon the vantage ground of truth
+(a hill not to be commanded, and where the air is
+always clear and serene), and to see the errors, and
+wanderings, and mists, and tempests, in the vale
+below; so always that this prospect be with pity,
+and not with swelling, or pride.  Certainly, it is
+heaven upon earth, to have a man's mind move in
+charity, rest in providence, and turn upon the
+poles of truth.
+
+To pass from theological, and philosophical
+truth, to the truth of civil business; it will be ac-
+knowledged, even by those that practise it not, that
+clear, and round dealing, is the honor of man's
+nature; and that mixture of falsehoods, is like alloy
+in coin of gold and silver, which may make the
+metal work the better, but it embaseth it.  For these
+winding, and crooked courses, are the goings of the
+serpent; which goeth basely upon the belly, and
+not upon the feet.  There is no vice, that doth so
+cover a man with shame, as to be found false and
+perfidious.  And therefore Montaigne saith pret-
+tily, when he inquired the reason, why the word
+of the lie should be such a disgrace, and such an
+odious charge? Saith he, If it be well weighed, to
+say that a man lieth, is as much to say, as that he is
+brave towards God, and a coward towards men.
+For a lie faces God, and shrinks from man.  Surely
+the wickedness of falsehood, and breach of faith,
+cannot possibly be so highly expressed, as in that
+it shall be the last peal, to call the judgments of God
+upon the generations of men; it being foretold,
+that when Christ cometh, he shall not find faith
+upon the earth.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Death
+
+
+
+MEN fear death, as children fear to go in the
+dark; and as that natural fear in children,
+is increased with tales, so is the other.  Certainly,
+the contemplation of death, as the wages of sin,
+and passage to another world, is holy and relig-
+ious; but the fear of it, as a tribute due unto nature,
+is weak.  Yet in religious meditations, there is some-
+times mixture of vanity, and of superstition.  You
+shall read, in some of the friars' books of mortifica-
+tion, that a man should think with himself, what
+the pain is, if he have but his finger's end pressed,
+or tortured, and thereby imagine, what the pains
+of death are, when the whole body is corrupted,
+and dissolved; when many times death passeth,
+with less pain than the torture of a limb; for the
+most vital parts, are not the quickest of sense.  And
+by him that spake only as a philosopher, and nat-
+ural man, it was well said, Pompa mortis magis
+terret, quam mors ipsa.  Groans, and convulsions,
+and a discolored face, and friends weeping, and
+blacks, and obsequies, and the like, show death
+terrible.  It is worthy the observing, that there is no
+passion in the mind of man, so weak, but it mates,
+and masters, the fear of death; and therefore,
+death is no such terrible enemy, when a man hath
+so many attendants about him, that can win the
+combat of him.  Revenge triumphs over death; love
+slights it; honor aspireth to it; grief flieth to it; fear
+preoccupateth it; nay, we read, after Otho the em-
+peror had slain himself, pity (which is the tender-
+est of affections) provoked many to die, out of mere
+compassion to their sovereign, and as the truest
+sort of followers.  Nay, Seneca adds niceness and
+satiety: Cogita quamdiu eadem feceris; mori velle,
+non tantum fortis aut miser, sed etiam fastidiosus
+potest.  A man would die, though he were neither
+valiant, nor miserable, only upon a weariness to
+do the same thing so oft, over and over.  It is no less
+worthy, to observe, how little alteration in good
+spirits, the approaches of death make; for they
+appear to be the same men, till the last instant.
+Augustus Caesar died in a compliment; Livia, con-
+jugii nostri memor, vive et vale.  Tiberius in dissi-
+mulation; as Tacitus saith of him, Jam Tiberium
+vires et corpus, non dissimulatio, deserebant.  Ves-
+pasian in a jest, sitting upon the stool; Ut puto deus
+fio.  Galba with a sentence; Feri, si ex re sit populi
+Romani; holding forth his neck.  Septimius Severus
+in despatch; Adeste si quid mihi restat agendum.
+And the like.  Certainly the Stoics bestowed too
+much cost upon death, and by their great prepara-
+tions, made it appear more fearful.  Better saith he,
+qui finem vitae extremum inter munera ponat
+naturae.  It is as natural to die, as to be born; and to
+a little infant, perhaps, the one is as painful, as the
+other.  He that dies in an earnest pursuit, is like one
+that is wounded in hot blood; who, for the time,
+scarce feels the hurt; and therefore a mind fixed,
+and bent upon somewhat that is good, doth avert
+the dolors of death.  But, above all, believe it, the
+sweetest canticle is', Nunc dimittis; when a man
+hath obtained worthy ends, and expectations.
+Death hath this also; that it openeth the gate to
+good fame, and extinguisheth envy. - Extinctus
+amabitur idem.
+
+
+
+
+Of Unity
+
+IN RELIGION
+
+
+
+
+
+RELIGION being the chief band of human so-
+ciety, it is a happy thing, when itself is well
+contained within the true band of unity.  The
+quarrels, and divisions about religion, were evils
+unknown to the heathen.  The reason was, because
+the religion of the heathen, consisted rather in
+rites and ceremonies, than in any constant belief.
+For you may imagine, what kind of faith theirs
+was, when the chief doctors, and fathers of their
+church, were the poets.  But the true God hath this
+attribute, that he is a jealous God; and therefore,
+his worship and religion, will endure no mixture,
+nor partner.We shall therefore speak a few words,
+concerning the unity of the church; what are the
+fruits thereof ; what the bounds; and what the
+means.
+
+The fruits of unity (next unto the well pleasing
+of God, which is all in all) are two: the one, towards
+those that are without the church, the other,
+towards those that are within.  For the former; it is
+certain, that heresies, and schisms, are of all others
+the greatest scandals; yea, more than corruption
+of manners.  For as in the natural body, a wound,
+or solution of continuity, is worse than a corrupt
+humor; so in the spiritual.  So that nothing, doth so
+much keep men out of the church, and drive men
+out of the church, as breach of unity.  And there-
+fore, whensoever it cometh to that pass, that one
+saith, Ecce in deserto, another saith, Ecce in pene-
+tralibus; that is, when some men seek Christ, in the
+conventicles of heretics, and others, in an outward
+face of a church, that voice had need continually
+to sound in men's ears, Nolite exire, - Go not out.
+The doctor of the Gentiles (the propriety of whose
+vocation, drew him to have a special care of those
+without) saith, if an heathen come in, and hear
+you speak with several tongues, will he not say
+that you are mad? And certainly it is little better,
+when atheists, and profane persons, do hear of
+so many discordant, and contrary opinions in re-
+ligion; it doth avert them from the church, and
+maketh them, to sit down in the chair of the
+scorners. It is but a light thing, to be vouched in so
+serious a matter, but yet it expresseth well the
+deformity.  There is a master of scoffing, that in his
+catalogue of books of a feigned library, sets down
+this title of a book, The Morris-Dance of Heretics.
+For indeed, every sect of them, hath a diverse pos-
+ture, or cringe by themselves, which cannot but
+move derision in worldlings, and depraved politics,
+who are apt to contemn holy things.
+
+As for the fruit towards those that are within; it
+is peace; which containeth infinite blessings.  It
+establisheth faith; it kindleth charity; the outward
+peace of the church, distilleth into peace of con-
+science; and it turneth the labors of writing, and
+reading of controversies, into treaties of mortifica-
+tion and devotion.
+
+Concerning the bounds of unity; the true plac-
+ing of them, importeth exceedingly.  There appear
+to be two extremes.  For to certain zealants, all
+speech of pacification is odious.  Is it peace, Jehu,?
+What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee be-
+hind me.  Peace is not the matter, but following,
+and party.  Contrariwise, certain Laodiceans, and
+lukewarm persons, think they may accommodate
+points of religion, by middle way, and taking part
+of both, and witty reconcilements; as if they would
+make an arbitrament between God and man.  Both
+these extremes are to be avoided; which will be
+done, if the league of Christians, penned by our
+Savior himself, were in two cross clauses thereof,
+soundly and plainly expounded: He that is not
+with us, is against us; and again, He that is not
+against us, is with us; that is, if the points funda-
+mental and of substance in religion, were truly
+discerned and distinguished, from points not
+merely of faith, but of opinion, order, or good in-
+tention.  This is a thing may seem to many a matter
+trivial, and done already.  But if it were done less
+partially, it would be embraced more generally.
+
+Of this I may give only this advice, according to
+my small model.  Men ought to take heed, of rend-
+ing God's church, by two kinds of controversies.
+The one is, when the matter of the point contro-
+verted, is too small and light, not worth the heat
+and strife about it, kindled only by contradiction.
+For, as it is noted, by one of the fathers, Christ's
+coat indeed had no seam, but the church's vesture
+was of divers colors; whereupon he saith, In veste
+varietas sit, scissura non sit; they be two things,
+unity and uniformity.  The other is, when the
+matter of the point controverted, is great, but it is
+driven to an over-great subtilty, and obscurity; so
+that it becometh a thing rather ingenious, than
+substantial.  A man that is of judgment and under-
+standing, shall sometimes hear ignorant men dif-
+fer, and know well within himself, that those
+which so differ, mean one thing, and yet they
+themselves would never agree.  And if it come so
+to pass, in that distance of judgment, which is be-
+tween man and man, shall we not think that God
+above, that knows the heart, doth not discern that
+frail men, in some of their contradictions, intend
+the same thing; and accepteth of both? The nature
+of such controversies is excellently expressed, by
+St. Paul, in the warning and precept, that he giveth
+concerning the same, Devita profanas vocum novi-
+tates, et oppositiones falsi nominis scientiae.  Men
+create oppositions, which are not; and put them
+into new terms, so fixed, as whereas the meaning
+ought to govern the term, the term in effect gov-
+erneth the meaning.There be also two false peaces,
+or unities: the one, when the peace is grounded,
+but upon an implicit ignorance; for all colors will
+agree in the dark: the other, when it is pieced up,
+upon a direct admission of contraries, in funda-
+mental points.  For truth and falsehood, in such
+things, are like the iron and clay, in the toes of
+Nebuchadnezzar's image; they may cleave, but
+they will not incorporate.
+
+Concerning the means of procuring unity; men
+must beware, that in the procuring, or reuniting,
+of religious unity, they do not dissolve and deface
+the laws of charity, and of human society.  There
+be two swords amongst Christians, the spiritual
+and temporal; and both have their due office and
+place, in the maintenance of religion.  But we may
+not take up the third sword, which is Mahomet's
+sword, or like unto it; that is, to propagate religion
+by wars, or by sanguinary persecutions to force
+consciences; except it be in cases of overt scandal,
+blasphemy, or intermixture of practice against
+the state; much less to nourish seditions; to author-
+ize conspiracies and rebellions; to put the sword
+into the people's hands; and the like; tending to
+the subversion of all government, which is the
+ordinance of God.  For this is but to dash the first
+table against the second; and so to consider men
+as Christians, as we forget that they are men.
+Lucretius the poet, when he beheld the act of Aga-
+memnon, that could endure the sacrificing of his
+own daughter, exclaimed: Tantum Religio potuit
+suadere malorum.
+
+What would he have said, if he had known of
+the massacre in France, or the powder treason of
+England? He would have been seven times more
+Epicure, and atheist, than he was.  For as the tem-
+poral sword is to be drawn with great circumspec-
+tion in cases of religion; so it is a thing monstrous
+to put it into the hands of the common people.  Let
+that be left unto the Anabaptists, and other furies.
+It was great blasphemy, when the devil said, I will
+ascend, and be like the highest; but it is greater
+blasphemy, to personate God, and bring him in
+saying, I will descend, and be like the prince of
+darkness; and what is it better, to make the cause
+of religion to descend, to the cruel and execrable
+actions of murthering princes, butchery of people,
+and subversion of states and governments? Surely
+this is to bring down the Holy Ghost, instead of the
+likeness of a dove, in the shape of a vulture or
+raven; and set, out of the bark of a Christian
+church, a flag of a bark of pirates, and assassins.
+Therefore it is most necessary, that the church, by
+doctrine and decree, princes by their sword, and
+all learnings, both Christian and moral, as by their
+Mercury rod, do damn and send to hell for ever,
+those facts and opinions tending to the support of
+the same; as hath been already in good part done.
+Surely in counsels concerning religion, that coun-
+sel of the apostle would be prefixed, Ira hominis
+non implet justitiam Dei.  And it was a notable
+observation of a wise father, and no less ingenu-
+ously confessed; that those which held and per-
+suaded pressure of consciences, were commonly
+interested therein., themselves, for their own ends.
+
+
+
+
+Of Revenge
+
+
+REVENGE is a kind of wild justice; which the
+more man' s nature runs to, the more ought
+law to weed it out.  For as for the first wrong, it
+doth but offend the law; but the revenge of that
+wrong, putteth the law out of office.  Certainly, in
+taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy;
+but in passing it over, he is superior; for it is a
+prince's part to pardon.  And Solomon, I am sure,
+saith, It is the glory of a man, to pass by an offence.
+That which is past is gone, and irrevocable; and
+wise men have enough to do, with things present
+and to come; therefore they do but trifle with
+themselves, that labor in past matters.  There is no
+man doth a wrong, for the wrong's sake; but
+thereby to purchase himself profit, or pleasure, or
+honor, or the like.  Therefore why should I be
+angry with a man, for loving himself better than
+me? And if any man should do wrong, merely out
+of ill-nature, why, yet it is but like the thorn or
+briar, which prick and scratch, because they can
+do no other.  The most tolerable sort of revenge, is
+for those wrongs which there is no law to remedy;
+but then let a man take heed, the revenge be such
+as there is no law to punish; else a man's enemy is
+still before hand, and it is two for one.  Some, when
+they take revenge, are desirous, the party should
+know, whence it cometh.  This is the more gener-
+ous.  For the delight seemeth to be, not so much in
+doing the hurt, as in making the party repent.  But
+base and crafty cowards, are like the arrow that
+flieth in the dark.  Cosmus, duke of Florence, had a
+desperate saying against perfidious or neglecting
+friends, as if those wrongs were unpardonable;
+You shall read (saith he) that we are commanded
+to forgive our enemies; but you never read, that we
+are commanded to forgive our friends.  But yet the
+spirit of Job was in a better tune: Shall we (saith
+he) take good at God's hands, and not be content to
+take evil also? And so of friends in a proportion.
+This is certain, that a man that studieth revenge,
+keeps his own wounds green, which otherwise
+would heal, and do well.  Public revenges are for
+the most part fortunate; as that for the death of
+Caesar; for the death of Pertinax; for the death of
+Henry the Third of France; and many more.  But
+in private revenges, it is not so.  Nay rather, vindic-
+tive persons live the life of witches; who, as they
+are mischievous, so end they infortunate.
+
+
+
+
+Of Adversity
+
+
+IT WAS an high speech of Seneca (after the
+manner of the Stoics), that the good things,
+which belong to prosperity, are to be wished; but
+the good things, that belong to adversity, are to be
+admired.  Bona rerum secundarum optabilia; ad-
+versarum mirabilia.  Certainly if miracles be the
+command over nature, they appear most in adver-
+sity.  It is yet a higher speech of his, than the other
+(much too high for a heathen), It is true greatness,
+to have in one the frailty of a man, and the security
+of a God.  Vere magnum habere fragilitatem homi-
+nis, securitatem Dei.  This would have done better
+in poesy, where transcendences are more allowed.
+And the poets indeed have been busy with it; for
+it is in effect the thing, which figured in that
+strange fiction of the ancient poets, which seemeth
+not to be without mystery; nay, and to have some
+approach to the state of a Christian; that Hercules,
+when he went to unbind Prometheus (by whom
+human nature is represented), sailed the length of
+the great ocean, in an earthen pot or pitcher; lively
+describing Christian resolution, that saileth in the
+frail bark of the flesh, through the waves of the
+world.  But to speak in a mean.  The virtue of pros-
+perity, is temperance; the virtue of adversity, is
+fortitude; which in morals is the more heroical
+virtue.  Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testa-
+ment; adversity is the blessing of the New; which
+carrieth the greater benediction, and the clearer
+revelation of God's favor.  Yet even in the Old
+Testament, if you listen to David's harp, you shall
+hear as many hearse-like airs as carols; and the
+pencil of the Holy Ghost hath labored more in de-
+scribing the afflictions of Job, than the felicities of
+Solomon.  Prosperity is not without many fears
+and distastes; and adversity is not without com-
+forts and hopes.  We see in needle-works and em-
+broideries, it is more pleasing to have a lively work,
+upon a sad and solemn ground, than to have a dark
+and melancholy work, upon a lightsome ground:
+judge therefore of the pleasure of the heart, by the
+pleasure of the eye.  Certainly virtue is like precious
+odors, most fragrant when they are incensed, or
+crushed: for prosperity doth best discover vice, but
+adversity doth best discover virtue.
+
+
+
+
+Of Simulation
+AND DISSIMULATION
+
+
+
+DISSIMULATION is but a faint kind of pol-
+icy, or wisdom; for it asketh a strong wit,
+and a strong heart, to know when to tell truth, and
+to do it.  Therefore it is the weaker sort of politics,
+that are the great dissemblers.
+
+Tacitus saith, Livia sorted well with the arts of
+her husband, and dissimulation of her son; attri-
+buting arts or policy to Augustus, and dissimula-
+tion to Tiberius.  And again, when Mucianus
+encourageth Vespasian, to take arms against Vitel-
+lius, he saith, We rise not against the piercing
+judgment of Augustus, nor the extreme caution or
+closeness of Tiberius.  These properties, of arts or
+policy, and dissimulation or closeness, are indeed
+habits and faculties several, and to be distin-
+guished.  For if a man have that penetration of
+judgment, as he can discern what things are to
+be laid open, and what to be secreted, and what to
+be showed at half lights, and to whom and when
+(which indeed are arts of state, and arts of life, as
+Tacitus well calleth them), to him, a habit of dis-
+simulation is a hinderance and a poorness.  But if
+a man cannot obtain to that judgment, then it is
+left to bim generally, to be close, and a dissembler.
+For where a man cannot choose, or vary in parti-
+culars, there it is good to take the safest, and wari-
+est way, in general; like the going softly, by one
+that cannot well see.  Certainly the ablest men
+that ever were, have had all an openness, and
+frankness, of dealing; and a name of certainty and
+veracity; but then they were like horses well
+managed; for they could tell passing well, when to
+stop or turn; and at such times, when they thought
+the case indeed required dissimulation, if then
+they used it, it came to pass that the former opin-
+ion, spread abroad, of their good faith and clear-
+ness of dealing, made them almost invisible.
+
+There be three degrees of this hiding and veil-
+ing of a man's self.  The first, closeness, reservation,
+and secrecy; when a man leaveth himself without
+observation, or without hold to be taken, what he
+is. The second, dissimulation, in the negative;
+when a man lets fall signs and arguments, that he
+is not, that he is.  And the third, simulation, in the
+affirmative; when a man industriously and ex-
+pressly feigns and pretends to be, that he is not.
+
+For the first of these, secrecy; it is indeed the
+virtue of a confessor.  And assuredly, the secret
+man heareth many confessions.  For who will open
+himself, to a blab or a babbler? But if a man be
+thought secret, it inviteth discovery; as the more
+close air sucketh in the more open; and as in con-
+fession, the revealing is not for worldly use, but for
+the ease of a man's heart, so secret men come to
+the knowledge of many things in that kind; while
+men rather discharge their minds, than impart
+their minds.  In few words, mysteries are due to
+secrecy.  Besides (to say truth) nakedness is un-
+comely, as well in mind as body; and it addeth no
+small reverence, to men's manners and actions, if
+they be not altogether open.  As for talkers and
+futile persons, they are commonly vain and credu-
+lous withal.  For he that talketh what he knoweth,
+will also talk what he knoweth not.  Therefore set it
+down, that an habit of secrecy, is both politic and
+moral.  And in this part, it is good that a man's face
+give his tongue leave to speak.  For the discovery of
+a man' s self, by the tracts of his countenance, is a
+great weakness and betraying; by how much it is
+many times more marked, and believed, than a
+man's words.
+
+For the second, which is dissimulation; it fol-
+loweth many times upon secrecy, by a necessity;
+so that he that will be secret, must be a dissembler
+in some degree.  For men are too cunning, to suffer
+a man to keep an indifferent carriage between
+both, and to be secret, without swaying the bal-
+ance on either side.  They will so beset a man with
+questions, and draw him on, and pick it out of him,
+that, without an absurd silence, he must show an
+inclination one way; or if he do not, they will
+gather as much by his silence, as by his speech.  As
+for equivocations, or oraculous speeches, they can-
+not hold out long.  So that no man can be secret,
+except he give himself a little scope of dissimula-
+tion; which is, as it were, but the skirts or train of
+secrecy.
+
+But for the third degree, which is simulation,
+and false profession; that I hold more culpable,
+and less politic; except it be in great and rare mat-
+ters.  And therefore a general custom of simulation
+(which is this last degree) is a vice, using either of
+a natural falseness or fearfulness, or of a mind that
+hath some main faults, which because a man must
+needs disguise, it maketh him practise simulation
+in other things, lest his hand should be out of use.
+
+The great advantages of simulation and dissi-
+mulation are three.  First, to lay asleep opposition,
+and to surprise.  For where a man's intentions are
+published, it is an alarum, to call up all that are
+against them.  The second is, to reserve to a man's
+self a fair retreat.  For if a man engage himself by
+a manifest declaration, he must go through or take
+a fall.  The third is, the better to discover the mind
+of another.  For to him that opens himself, men
+will hardly show themselves adverse; but will fair
+let him go on, and turn their freedom of speech, to
+freedom of thought.  And therefore it is a good
+shrewd proverb of the Spaniard, Tell a lie and find
+a troth.  As if there were no way of discovery, but
+by simulation.  There be also three disadvantages,
+to set it even.  The first, that simulation and dissi-
+mulation commonly carry with them a show of
+fearfulness, which in any business, doth spoil the
+feathers, of round flying up to the mark.  The sec-
+ond, that it puzzleth and perplexeth the conceits
+of many, that perhaps would otherwise co-operate
+with him; and makes a man walk almost alone, to
+his own ends.  The third and greatest is, that it
+depriveth a man of one of the most principal in-
+struments for action; which is trust and belief.
+The best composition and temperature, is to have
+openness in fame and opinion; secrecy in habit;
+dissimulation in seasonable use; and a power to
+feign, if there be no remedy.
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Parents
+
+AND CHILDREN
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE joys of parents are secret; and so are their
+griefs and fears.  They cannot utter the one;
+nor they will not utter the other.  Children sweeten
+labors; but they make misfortunes more bitter.
+They increase the cares of life; but they mitigate
+the remembrance of death.  The perpetuity by
+generation is common to beasts; but memory,
+merit, and noble works, are proper to men.  And
+surely a man shall see the noblest works and foun-
+dations have proceeded from childless men; which
+have sought to express the images of their minds,
+where those of their bodies have failed.  So the care
+of posterity is most in them, that have no posterity.
+They that are the first raisers of their houses, are
+most indulgent towards their children; beholding
+them as the continuance, not only of their kind, but
+of their work; and so both children and creatures.
+
+The difference in affection, of parents towards
+their several children, is many times unequal; and
+sometimes unworthy; especially in the mothers;
+as Solomon saith, A wise son rejoiceth the father,
+but an ungracious son shames the mother.  A man
+shall see, where there is a house full of children,
+one or two of the eldest respected, and the young-
+est made wantons; but in the midst, some that
+are as it were forgotten, who many times, never-
+theless, prove the best.  The illiberality of parents,
+in allowance towards their children, is an harmful
+error; makes them base; acquaints them with
+shifts; makes them sort with mean company; and
+makes them surfeit more when they come to
+plenty.  And therefore the proof is best, when men
+keep their authority towards the children, but not
+their purse.  Men have a foolish manner (both par-
+ents and schoolmasters and servants) in creating
+and breeding an emulation between brothers, dur-
+ing childhood, which many times sorteth to dis-
+cord when they are men, and disturbeth families.
+The Italians make little difference between chil-
+dren, and nephews or near kinsfolks; but so they
+be of the lump, they care not though they pass not
+through their own body.  And, to say truth, in
+nature it is much a like matter; insomuch that we
+see a nephew sometimes resembleth an uncle, or
+a kinsman, more than his own parent; as the blood
+happens.  Let parents choose betimes, the vocations
+and courses they mean their children should take;
+for then they are most flexible; and let them not
+too much apply themselves to the disposition of
+their children, as thinking they will take best to
+that, which they have most mind to.  It is true, that
+if the affection or aptness of the children be extra-
+ordinary, then it is good not to cross it; but gener-
+ally the precept is good, optimum elige, suave et
+facile illud faciet consuetudo.  Younger brothers
+are commonly fortunate, but seldom or never
+where the elder are disinherited.
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Marriage
+
+AND SINGLE LIFE
+
+
+
+
+
+HE THAT hath wife and children hath given
+hostages to fortune; for they are impedi-
+ments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mis-
+chief.  Certainly  the  best  works,  and  of  greatest
+merit for the  public,  have  proceeded  from  the  un-
+married or childless men; which both in affection
+and means, have married and endowed the public.
+Yet it were great reason that those that have chil-
+dren, should have greatest care of future times;
+unto which they know they must transmit their
+dearest pledges.  Some there are, who though they
+lead a single life, yet their thoughts do end with
+themselves, and account future times imperti-
+nences.  Nay, there are some other, that account
+wife and children, but as bills of charges.  Nay
+more, there are some foolish rich covetous men,
+that take a pride, in having no children, because
+they may be thought so much the richer.  For per-
+haps they have heard some talk, Such an one is a
+great rich man, and another except to it, Yea, but
+he hath a great charge of children; as if it were an
+abatement to his riches.  But the most ordinary
+cause of a single life, is liberty, especially in certain
+self-pleasing and humorous minds, which are so
+sensible of every restraint, as they will go near to
+think their girdles and garters, to be bonds and
+shackles.  Unmarried men are best friends, best
+masters, best servants; but not always best sub-
+jects; for they are light to run away; and almost
+all fugitives, are of that condition.  A single life
+doth well with churchmen; for charity will hardly
+water the ground, where it must first fill a pool.  It
+is indifferent for judges and magistrates; for if
+they be facile and corrupt, you shall have a ser-
+vant, five times worse than a wife.  For soldiers, I
+find the generals commonly in their hortatives,
+put men in mind of their wives and children; and
+I think the despising of marriage amongst the
+Turks, maketh the vulgar soldier more base.  Cer-
+tainly wife and children are a kind of discipline
+of humanity; and single men, though they may
+be many times more charitable, because their
+means are less exhaust, yet, on the other side, they
+are more cruel and hardhearted (good to make
+severe inquisitors), because their tenderness is not
+so oft called upon.  Grave natures, led by custom,
+and therefore constant, are commonly loving hus-
+bands, as was said of Ulysses, vetulam suam praetu-
+lit immortalitati.  Chaste women are often proud
+and froward, as presuming upon the merit of their
+chastity.  It is one of the best bonds, both of chastity
+and obedience, in the wife, if she think her hus-
+band wise; which she will never do, if she find him
+jealous.  Wives are young men's mistresses; com-
+panions for middle age; and old men's nurses.  So
+as a man may have a quarrel to marry, when he
+will.  But yet he was reputed one of the wise men,
+that made answer to the question, when a man
+should marry, - A young man not yet, an elder
+man not at all.  It is often seen that bad husbands,
+have very good wives; whether it be, that it raiseth
+the price of their husband's kindness, when it
+comes; or that the wives take a pride in their
+patience.  But this never fails, if the bad husbands
+were of their own choosing, against their friends'
+consent; for then they will be sure to make good
+their own folly.
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Envy
+
+
+
+THERE be none of the affections, which have
+been noted to fascinate or bewitch, but love
+and envy.  They both have vehement wishes; they
+frame themselves readily into imaginations and
+suggestions; and they come easily into the eye,
+especially upon the present of the objects; which
+are the points that conduce to fascination, if any
+such thing there be.  We see likewise, the Scripture
+calleth envy an evil eye; and the astrologers, call
+the evil influences of the stars, evil aspects; so that
+still there seemeth to be acknowledged, in the act
+of envy, an ejaculation or irradiation of the eye.
+Nay, some have been so curious, as to note, that
+the times when the stroke or percussion of an envi-
+ous eye doth most hurt, are when the party envied
+is beheld in glory or triumph; for that sets an edge
+upon envy: and besides, at such times the spirits
+of the person envied, do come forth most into the
+outward parts, and so meet the blow.
+
+But leaving these curiosities (though not un-
+worthy to be thought on, in fit place), we will
+handle, what persons are apt to envy others; what
+persons are most subject to be envied themselves;
+and what is the difference between public and
+private envy.
+
+A man that hath no virtue in himself, ever en-
+vieth virtue in others.  For men's minds, will either
+feed upon their own good, or upon others' evil; and
+who wanteth the one, will prey upon the other;
+and whoso is out of hope, to attain to another's
+virtue, will seek to come at even hand, by depress-
+ing another's fortune.
+
+A man that is busy, and inquisitive, is com-
+monly envious.  For to know much of other men's
+matters, cannot be because all that ado may con-
+cern his own estate; therefore it must needs be,
+that he taketh a kind of play-pleasure, in looking
+upon the fortunes of others.  Neither can he, that
+mindeth but his own business, find much matter
+for envy.  For envy is a gadding passion, and walk-
+eth the streets, and doth not keep home: Non est
+curiosus, quin idem sit malevolus.
+
+Men of noble birth, are noted to be envious
+towards new men, when they rise.  For the distance
+is altered, and it is like a deceit of the eye, that
+when others come on, they think themselves, go
+back.
+
+Deformed persons, and eunuchs, and old men,
+and bastards, are envious.  For he that cannot pos-
+sibly mend his own case, will do what he can, to
+impair another's; except these defects light upon
+a very brave, and heroical nature, which thinketh
+to make his natural wants part of his honor; in that
+it should be said, that an eunuch, or a lame man,
+did such great matters; affecting the honor of a
+miracle; as it was in Narses the eunuch, and Agesi-
+laus and Tamberlanes, that were lame men.
+
+The same is the case of men, that rise after ca-
+lamities and misfortunes.  For they are as men
+fallen out with the times; and think other men's
+harms, a redemption of their own sufferings.
+
+They that desire to excel in too many matters,
+out of levity and vain glory, are ever envious.  For
+they cannot want work; it being impossible, but
+many, in some one of those things, should surpass
+them.  Which was the character of Adrian the Em-
+peror; that mortally envied poets, and painters,
+and artificers, in works wherein he had a vein to
+excel.
+
+Lastly, near kinsfolks, and fellows in office, and
+those that have been bred together, are more apt
+to envy their equals, when they are raised.  For it
+doth upbraid unto them their own fortunes, and
+pointeth at them, and cometh oftener into their
+remembrance, and incurreth likewise more into
+the note of others; and envy ever redoubleth from
+speech and fame.  Cain's envy was the more vile
+and malignant, towards his brother Abel, because
+when his sacrifice was better accepted, there was
+no body to look on.  Thus much for those, that are
+apt to envy.
+
+Concerning those that are more or less subject
+to envy: First, persons of eminent virtue, when
+they are advanced, are less envied.  For their for-
+tune seemeth , but due unto them; and no man
+envieth the payment of a debt, but rewards and
+liberality rather.  Again, envy is ever joined with
+the comparing of a man's self; and where there is
+no comparison, no envy; and therefore kings are
+not envied, but by kings.  Nevertheless it is to be
+noted, that unworthy persons are most envied, at
+their first coming in, and afterwards overcome it
+better; whereas contrariwise, persons of worth
+and merit are most envied, when their fortune
+continueth long.  For by that time, though their
+virtue be the same, yet it hath not the same lustre;
+for fresh men grow up that darken it.
+
+Persons of noble blood, are less envied in their
+rising.  For it seemeth but right done to their birth.
+Besides, there seemeth not much added to their
+fortune; and envy is as the sunbeams, that beat
+hotter upon a bank, or steep rising ground, than
+upon a flat.  And for the same reason, those that are
+advanced by degrees, are less envied than those
+that are advanced suddenly and per saltum.
+
+Those that have joined with their honor great
+travels, cares, or perils, are less subject to envy.
+For men think that they earn their honors hardly,
+and pity them sometimes; and pity ever healeth
+envy.  Wherefore you shall observe, that the more
+deep and sober sort of politic persons, in their
+greataess, are ever bemoaning themselves, what
+a life they lead; chanting a quanta patimur! Not
+that they feel it so, but only to abate the edge of
+envy.  But this is to be understood, of business that
+is laid upon men, and not such, as they call unto
+themselves.  For nothing increaseth envy more,
+than an unnecessary and ambitious engrossing of
+business.  And nothing doth extinguish envy more,
+than for a great person to preserve all other infe-
+rior officers, in their full lights and pre-eminences
+of their places.  For by that means, there be so
+many screens between him and envy.
+
+Above all, those are most subject to envy, which
+carry the greatness of their fortunes, in an insolent
+and proud manner; being never well, but while
+they are showing how great they are, either by
+outward pomp, or by triumphing over all opposi-
+tion or competition; whereas wise men will rather
+do sacrifice to envy, in suffering themselves some-
+times of purpose to be crossed, and overborne in
+things that do not much concern them.  Notwith-
+standing, so much is true, that the carriage of
+greatness, in a plain and open manner (so it be
+without arrogancy and vain glory) doth draw less
+envy, than if it be in a more crafty and cunning
+fashion.  For in that course, a man doth but dis-
+avow fortune; and seemeth to be conscious of his
+own want in worth; and doth but teach others, to
+envy him.
+
+Lastly, to conclude this part; as we said in the
+beginning, that the act of envy had somewhat in
+it of witchcraft, so there is no other cure of envy,
+but the cure of witchcraft; and that is, to remove
+the lot (as they call it) and to lay it upon another.
+For which purpose, the wiser sort of great persons,
+bring in ever upon the stage somebody upon whom
+to derive the envy, that would come upon them-
+selves; sometimes upon ministers and servants;
+sometimes upon colleagues and associates; and the
+like; and for that turn there are never wanting,
+some persons of violent and undertaking natures,
+who, so they may have power and business, will
+take it at any cost.
+
+Now, to speak of public envy.  There is yet some
+good in public envy, whereas in private, there is
+none.  For public envy, is as an ostracism, that
+eclipseth men, when they grow too great.  And
+therefore it is a bridle also to great ones, to keep
+them within bounds.
+
+This envy, being in the Latin word invidia,
+goeth in the modern language, by the name of
+discontentment; of which we shall speak, in hand-
+ling sedition.  It is a disease, in a state, like to infec-
+tion.  For as infection spreadeth upon that which is
+sound, and tainteth it; so when envy is gotten once
+into a state, it traduceth even the best actions
+thereof, and turneth them into an ill odor.  And
+therefore there is little won, by intermingling of
+plausible actions.  For that doth argue but a weak-
+ness, and fear of envy, which hurteth so much the
+more, as it is likewise usual in infections; which
+if you fear them, you call them upon you.
+
+This public envy, seemeth to beat chiefly upon
+principal officers or ministers, rather than upon
+kings, and estates themselves.  But this is a sure
+rule, that if the envy upon the minister be great,
+when the cause of it in him is small; or if the envy
+be general, in a manner upon all the ministers of
+an estate; then the envy (though hidden) is truly
+upon the state itself.  And so much of public envy
+or discontentment, and the difference thereof from
+private envy, which was handled in the first place.
+
+We will add this in general, touching the affec-
+tion of envy; that of all other affections, it is the
+most importune and continual.  For of other affec-
+tions, there is occasion given, but now and then;
+and therefore it was well said, Invidia festos dies
+non agit: for it is ever working upon some or other.
+And it is also noted, that love and envy do make a
+man pine, which other affections do not, because
+they are not so continual.  It is also the vilest affec-
+tion, and the most depraved; for which cause it
+is the proper attribute of the devil, who is called,
+the envious man, that soweth tares amongst the
+wheat by night; as it always cometh to pass, that
+envy worketh subtilly, and in the dark, and to the
+prejudice of good things, such as is the wheat.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Love
+
+
+
+
+THE stage is more beholding to love, than the
+life of man.  For as to the stage, love is ever
+matter of comedies, and now and then of tragedies;
+but in life it doth much mischief; sometimes like a
+siren, sometimes like a fury.  You may observe, that
+amongst all the great and worthy persons (whereof
+the memory remaineth, either ancient or recent)
+there is not one, that hath been transported to
+the mad degree of love: which shows that great
+spirits, and great business, do keep out this weak
+passion.  You must except, nevertheless, Marcus
+Antonius, the half partner of the empire of Rome,
+and Appius Claudius, the decemvir and lawgiver;
+whereof the former was indeed a voluptuous man,
+and inordinate; but the latter was an austere and
+wise man: and therefore it seems (though rarely)
+that love can find entrance, not only into an open
+heart, but also into a heart well fortified, if watch
+be not well kept.  It is a poor saying of Epicurus,
+Satis  magnum  alter  alteri  theatrum  sumus;  as   if
+man,  made  for  the  contemplation  of   heaven,   and
+all noble objects, should do nothing but kneel be-
+fore a little idol, and make himself a subject,
+though not of the mouth (as beasts are), yet of the
+eye; which was given him for higher purposes.  It
+is a strange thing, to note the excess of this passion,
+and how it braves the nature, and value of things,
+by this; that the speaking in a perpetual hyper-
+bole, is comely in nothing but in love.  Neither is it
+merely in the phrase; for whereas it hath been
+well said, that the arch-flatterer, with whom all
+the petty flatterers have intelligence, is a man's
+self; certainly the lover is more.  For there was
+never proud man thought so absurdly well of him-
+self, as the lover doth of the person loved; and
+therefore it was well said, That it is impossible to
+love, and to be wise.  Neither doth this weakness
+appear to others only, and not to the party loved;
+but to the loved most of all, except the love be reci-
+proque.  For it is a true rule, that love is ever re-
+warded, either with the reciproque, or with an
+inward and secret contempt.  By how much the
+more, men ought to beware of this passion, which
+loseth not only other things, but itself! As for the
+other losses, the poet's relation doth well figure
+them: that he that preferred Helena, quitted the
+gifts of Juno and Pallas.  For whosoever esteemeth
+too much of amorous affection, quitteth both riches
+and wisdom.  This passion hath his floods, in very
+times of weakness; which are great prosperity, and
+great adversity; though this latter hath been less
+observed: both which times kindle love, and make
+it more fervent, and therefore show it to be the
+child of folly.  They do best, who if they cannot but
+admit love, yet make it keep quarters; and sever it
+wholly from their serious affairs, and actions, of
+life; for if it check once with business, it troubleth
+men's fortunes, and maketh men, that they can no
+ways be true to their own ends.  I know not how,
+but martial men are given to love: I think, it is but
+as they are given to wine; for perils commonly ask
+to be paid in pleasures.  There is in man's nature, a
+secret inclination and motion, towards love of
+others, which if it be not spent upon some one or a
+few, doth naturally spread itself towards many,
+and maketh men become humane and charitable;
+as it is seen sometime in friars.  Nuptial love maketh
+mankind; friendly love perfecteth it; but wanton
+love corrupteth, and embaseth it.
+
+
+
+
+Of Great Place
+
+
+MEN in great place are thrice servants: ser-
+vants of the sovereign or state; servants of
+fame; and servants of business.  So as they have no
+freedom; neither in their persons, nor in their ac-
+tions, nor in their times.  It is a strange desire, to
+seek power and to lose liberty: or to seek power
+over others, and to lose power over a man's self.
+The rising unto place is laborious; and by pains,
+men come to greater pains; and it is sometimes
+base; and by indignities, men come to dignities.
+The standing is slippery, and the regress is either
+a downfall, or at least an eclipse, which is a melan-
+choly thing.  Cum non sis qui fueris, non esse cur
+velis vivere.  Nay, retire men cannot when they
+would, neither will they, when it were reason; but
+are impatient of privateness, even in age and sick-
+ness, which require the shadow; like old towns-
+men, that will be still sitting at their street door,
+though thereby they offer age to scom.  Certainly
+great persons had need to borrow other men's
+opinions, to think themselves happy; for if they
+judge by their own feeling, they cannot find it; but
+if they think with themselves, what other men
+think of them, and that other men would fain be,
+as they are, then they are happy, as it were, by
+report; when perhaps they find the contrary
+within.  For they are the first, that find their own
+griefs, though they be the last, that find their
+own faults.  Certainly men in great fortunes are
+strangers to themselves, and while they are in the
+puzzle of business, they have no time to tend their
+health, either of body or mind.  Illi mors gravis
+incubat, qui notus nimis omnibus, ignotus moritur
+sibi.  In place, there is license to do good, and evil;
+whereof the latter is a curse: for in evil, the best
+condition is not to win; the second, not to can.  But
+power to do good, is the true and lawful end of
+aspiring.  For good thoughts (though God accept
+them) yet, towards men, are little better than good
+dreams, except they be put in act; and that cannot
+be, without power and place, as the vantage, and
+commanding ground.  Merit and good works, is
+the end of man's motion; and conscience of the
+same is the accomplishment of man's rest.  For if a
+man can be partaker of God's theatre, he shall like-
+wise be partaker of God's rest.  Et conversus Deus,
+ut aspiceret opera quae fecerunt manus suae, vidit
+quod omnia essent bona nimis; and then the sab-
+bath.  In the discharge of thy place, set before thee
+the best examples; for imitation is a globe of pre-
+cepts.  And after a time, set before thee thine own
+example; and examine thyself strictly, whether
+thou didst not best at first.  Neglect not also the
+examples, of those that have carried themselves
+ill, in the same place; not to set off thyself, by tax-
+ing their memory, but to direct thyself, what to
+avoid.  Reform therefore, without bravery, or scan-
+dal of former times and persons; but yet set it down
+to thyself, as well to create good precedents, as to
+follow them.  Reduce things to the first institution,
+and observe wherein, and how, they have degen-
+erate; but yet ask counsel of both times; of the
+ancient time, what is best; and of the latter time,
+what is fittest.  Seek to make thy course regular,
+that men may know beforehand, what they may
+expect; but be not too positive and peremptory;
+and express thyself well, when thou digressest
+from thy rule.  Preserve the right of thy place; but
+stir not questions of jurisdiction; and rather as-
+sume thy right, in silence and de facto, than voice
+it with claims, and challenges.  Preserve likewise
+the rights of inferior places; and think it more
+honor, to direct in chief, than to be busy in all.
+Embrace and invite helps, and advices, touching
+the execution of thy place; and do not drive away
+such, as bring thee information, as meddlers; but
+accept of them in good part.  The vices of authority
+are chiefly four: delays, corruption, roughness,
+and facility.  For delays: give easy access; keep
+times appointed; go through with that which is in
+hand, and interlace not business, but of necessity.
+For corruption: do not only bind thine own hands,
+or thy servants' hands, from taking, but bind the
+hands of suitors also, from offering.  For integrity
+used doth the one; but integrity professed, and
+with a manifest detestation of bribery, doth the
+other.  And avoid not only the fault, but the sus-
+picion.  Whosoever is found variable, and changeth
+manifestly without manifest cause, giveth sus-
+picion of corruption.  Therefore always, when thou
+changest thine opinion or course, profess it plainly,
+and declare it, together with the reasons that move
+thee to change; and do not think to steal it.  A
+servant or a favorite, if he be inward, and no
+other apparent cause of esteem, is commonly
+thought, but a by-way to close corruption.  For
+roughness: it is a needless cause of discontent:
+severity breedeth fear, but roughness breedeth
+hate.  Even reproofs from authority, ought to be
+grave, and not taunting.  As for facility: it is worse
+than bribery.  For bribes come but now and then;
+but if importunity, or idle respects, lead a man, he
+shall never be without.  As Solomon saith, To re-
+spect persons is not good; for such a man will
+transgress for a piece of bread.  It is most true, that
+was anciently spoken, A place showeth the man.
+And it showeth some to the better, and some to the
+worse.  Omnium consensu capax imperii, nisi im-
+perasset, saith Tacitus of Galba; but of Vespasian
+he saith, Solus imperantium, Vespasianus mutatus
+in melius; though the one was meant of sufficiency,
+the other of manners, and affection.  It is an assured
+sign of a worthy and generous spirit, whom honor
+amends.  For honor is, or should be, the place of
+virtue; and as in nature, things move violently to
+their place, and calmly in their place, so virtue in
+ambition is violent, in authority settled and calm.
+All rising to great place is by a winding star; and
+if there be factions, it is good to side a man's self,
+whilst he is in the rising, and to balance himself
+when he is placed.  Use the memory of thy prede-
+cessor, fairly and tenderly; for if thou dost not, it is
+a debt will sure be paid when thou art gone.  If
+thou have colleagues, respect them, and rather call
+them, when they look not for it, than exclude
+them , when they have reason to look to be called.
+Be not too sensible, or too remembering, of thy
+place in conversation, and private answers to
+suitors; but let it rather be said, When he sits in
+place, he is another man.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Boldness
+
+
+IT IS a trivial grammar-school text, but yet
+worthy a wise man's consideration.  Question
+was asked of Demosthenes, what was the chief
+part of an orator? he answered, action; what next?
+action; what next again? action.  He said it, that
+knew it best, and had, by nature, himself no ad-
+vantage in that he commended.  A strange thing,
+that that part of an orator, which is but superficial,
+and rather the virtue of a player, should be placed
+so high, above those other noble parts, of invention,
+elocution, and the rest; nay, almost alone, as if it
+were all in all.  But the reason is plain.  There is in
+human nature generally, more of the fool than of
+the wise; and therefore those faculties, by which
+the foolish part of men's minds is taken, are most
+potent.  Wonderful like is the case of boldness in
+civil business: what first? boldness; what second
+and third? boldness.  And yet boldness is a child of
+ignorance and baseness, far inferior to other parts.
+But nevertheless it doth fascinate, and bind hand
+and foot, those that are either shallow in judg-
+ment, or weak in courage, which are the greatest
+part; yea and prevaileth with wise men at weak
+times.  Therefore we see it hath done wonders, in
+popular states; but with senates, and princes less;
+and more ever upon the first entrance of bold per-
+sons into action, than soon after; for boldness is an
+ill keeper of promise.  Surely, as there are mounte-
+banks for the natural body, so are there mounte-
+banks for the politic body; men that undertake
+great cures, and perhaps have been lucky, in two
+or three experiments, but want the grounds of
+science, and therefore cannot hold out.  Nay, you
+shall see a bold fellow many times do Mahomet's
+miracle.  Mahomet made the people believe that
+he would call an hill to him, and from the top of it
+offer up his prayers, for the observers of his law.
+The people assembled; Mahomet called the hill to
+come to him, again and again; and when the hill
+stood still, he was never a whit abashed, but said,
+If the hill will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet
+will go to the hill.  So these men, when they have
+promised great matters, and failed most shame-
+fully, yet (if they have the perfection of boldness)
+they will but slight it over, and make a turn, and
+no more ado.  Certainly to men of great judgment,
+bold persons are a sport to behold; nay, and to the
+vulgar also, boldness has somewhat of the ridicu-
+lous.  For if absurdity be the subject of laughter,
+doubt you not but great boldness is seldom without
+some absurdity.  Especially it is a sport to see, when
+a bold fellow is out of countenance; for that puts
+his face into a most shrunken, and wooden pos-
+ture; as needs it must; for in bashfulness, the spirits
+do a little go and come; but with bold men, upon
+like occasion, they stand at a stay; like a stale at
+chess, where it is no mate, but yet the game cannot
+stir.  But this last were fitter for a satire than for a
+serious observation.  This is well to be weighed;
+that boldness is ever blind; for it seeth not danger,
+and inconveniences.  Therefore it is ill in counsel,
+good in execution; so that the right use of bold per-
+sons is, that they never command in chief, but be
+seconds, and under the direction of others.  For in
+counsel, it is good to see dangers; and in execution,
+not to see them, except they be very great.
+
+
+
+
+Of Goodness
+& GOODNESS OF NATURE
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+I TAKE goodness in this sense, the affecting of
+the weal of men, which is that the Grecians
+call philanthropia; and the word humanity (as
+it is used) is a little too light to express it.  Good-
+ness I call the habit, and goodness of nature, the
+inclination.  This of all virtues, and dignities of the
+mind, is the greatest; being the character of the
+Deity: and without it, man is a busy, mischievous,
+wretched thing; no better than a kind of vermin.
+Goodness answers to the theological virtue, char-
+ity, and admits no excess, but error.  The desire of
+power in excess, caused the angels to fall; the desire
+of knowledge in excess, caused man to fall: but in
+charity there is no excess; neither can angel, nor
+man, come in dan ger by it.  The inclination to good-
+ness, is imprinted deeply in the nature of man; in-
+somuch, that if it issue not towards men, it will
+take unto other living creatures; as it is seen in the
+Turks, a cruel people, who nevertheless are kind
+to beasts, and give alms, to dogs and birds; inso-
+much, as Busbechius reporteth, a Christian boy, in
+Constantinople, had like to have been stoned, for
+gagging in a waggishness a long-billed fowl.
+Errors indeed in this virtue of goodness, or charity,
+may be committed.  The Italians have an ungra-
+cious proverb, Tanto buon che val niente: so
+good, that he is good for nothing.  And one of
+the doctors of Italy, Nicholas Machiavel, had
+the confidence to put in writing, almost in plain
+terms, That the Christian faith, had given up good
+men, in prey to those that are tyrannical and un-
+just.  Which he spake, because indeed there was
+never law, or sect, or opinion, did so much mag-
+nify goodness, as the Christian religion doth.
+Therefore, to avoid the scandal and the danger
+both, it is good, to take knowledge of the errors of
+an habit so excellent.  Seek the good of other men,
+but be not in bondage to their faces or fancies; for
+that is but facility, or softness; which taketh an
+honest mind prisoner.  Neither give thou AEsop's
+cock a gem, who would be better pleased, and hap-
+pier, if he had had a barley-corn.  The example of
+God, teacheth the lesson truly: He sendeth his rain,
+and maketh his sun to shine, upon the just and
+unjust; but he doth not rain wealth, nor shine
+honor and virtues, upon men equally.  Common
+benefits, are to be communicate with all; but pe-
+culiar benefits, with choice.  And beware how in
+making the portraiture, thou breakest the pattern.
+For divinity, maketh the love of ourselves the pat-
+tern; the love of our neighbors, but the portraiture.
+Sell all thou hast, and give it to the poor, and fol-
+low me: but, sell not all thou hast, except thou
+come and follow me; that is, except thou have a
+vocation, wherein thou mayest do as much good,
+with little means as with great; for otherwise, in
+feeding the streams, thou driest the fountain.
+Neither is there only a habit of goodness, directed
+by right reason; but there is in some men, even in
+nature, a disposition towards it; as on the other
+side, there is a natural malignity.  For there be,
+that in their nature do not affect the good of others.
+The lighter sort of malignity, turneth but to a
+crassness, or frowardness, or aptness to oppose, or
+difficulties, or the like; but the deeper sort, to envy
+and mere mischief.  Such men, in other men's ca-
+lamities, are, as it were, in season, and are ever on
+the loading part: not so good as the dogs, that licked
+Lazarus' sores; but like flies, that are still buzzing
+upon any thing that is raw; misanthropi, that
+make it their practice, to bring men to the bough,
+and yet never a tree for the purpose in their gar-
+dens, as Timon had.  Such dispositions, are the very
+errors of human nature; and yet they are the fittest
+timber, to make great politics of; like to knee tim-
+ber, that is good for ships, that are ordained to be
+tossed; but not for building houses, that shall stand
+firm.  The parts and signs of goodness, are many.  If
+a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it
+shows he is a citizen of the world, and that his heart
+is no island, cut off from other lands, but a conti-
+nent, that joins to them.  If he be compassionate
+towards the afflictions of others, it shows that his
+heart is like the noble tree, that is wounded itself,
+when it gives the balm.  If he easily pardons, and
+remits offences, it shows that his mind is planted
+above injuries; so that he cannot be shot.  If he be
+thankful for small benefits, it shows that he weighs
+men's minds, and not their trash.  But above all, if
+he have St. Paul's perfection, that he would wish
+to be anathema from Christ, for the salvation of
+his brethren, it shows much of a divine nature, and
+a kind of conformity with Christ himself
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Nobility
+
+
+WE WILL speak of nobility, first as a portion
+of an estate, then as a condition of particu-
+lar persons.  A monarchy, where there is no nobil-
+ity at all, is ever a pure and absolute tyranny; as
+that of the Turks.  For nobility attempers sover-
+eignty, and draws the eyes of the people, somewhat
+aside from the line royal.  But for democracies,
+they need it not; and they are commonly more
+quiet, and less subject to sedition, than where there
+are stirps of nobles.  For men's eyes are upon the
+business, and not upon the persons; or if upon the
+persons, it is for the business' sake, as fittest, and
+not for flags and pedigree.  We see the Switzers last
+well, notwithstanding their diversity of religion,
+and of cantons.  For utility is their bond, and not
+respects.  The united provinces of the Low Coun-
+tries, in their government, excel; for where there
+is an equality, the consultations are more indif-
+ferent, and the payments and tributes, more
+cheerful.  A great and potent nobility, addeth
+majesty to a monarch, but diminisheth power;
+and putteth life and spirit into the people, but
+presseth their fortune.  It is well, when nobles are
+not too great for sovereignty nor for justice; and
+yet maintained in that height, as the insolency of
+inferiors may be broken upon them, before it come
+on too fast upon the majesty of kings.  A numerous
+nobility causeth poverty, and inconvenience in a
+state; for it is a surcharge of expense; and besides,
+it being of necessity, that many of the nobility fall,
+in time, to be weak in fortune, it maketh a kind of
+disproportion, between honor and means.
+
+As for nobility in particular persons; it is a rev-
+erend thing, to see an ancient castle or building,
+not in decay; or to see a fair timber tree, sound and
+perfect.  How much more, to behold an ancient
+noble family, which has stood against the waves
+and weathers of time! For new nobility is but the
+act of power, but ancient nobility is the act of time.
+Those that are first raised to nobility, are com-
+monly more virtuous, but less innocent, than their
+descendants; for there is rarely any rising, but by
+a commixture of good and evil arts.  But it is reason,
+the memory of their virtues remain to their pos-
+terity, and their faults die with themselves.  Nobil-
+ity of birth commonly abateth industry; and he
+that is not industrious, envieth him that is.  Besides,
+noble persons cannot go much higher; and he that
+standeth at a stay, when others rise, can hardly
+avoid motions of envy.  On the other side, nobil-
+ity extinguisheth the passive envy from others,
+towards them; because they are in possession of
+honor.  Certainly, kings that have able men of
+their nobility, shall find ease in employing them,
+and a better slide into their business; for people
+naturally bend to them, as born in some sort to
+command.
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Seditions
+
+AND TROUBLES
+
+
+
+SHEPHERDS of people, had need know the
+calendars of tempests in state; which are com-
+monly greatest, when things grow to equality; as
+natural tempests are greatest about the Equinoc-
+tia.  And as there are certain hollow blasts of wind,
+and secret swellings of seas before a tempest, so
+are there in states:
+
+
+--Ille etiam caecos instare tumultus
+Saepe monet, fraudesque et operta tunescere bella.
+
+
+Libels and licentious discourses against the state,
+when they are frequent and open; and in like sort,
+false news often running up and down, to the dis-
+advantage of the state, and hastily embraced; are
+amongst the signs of troubles.  Virgil, giving the
+pedigree of Fame, saith, she was sister to the Giants:
+
+
+Illam Terra parens, irra irritata deorum,
+Extremam (ut perhibent) Coeo Enceladoque sororem
+Progenuit.-
+
+
+As if fames were the relics of seditions past; but
+they are no less, indeed, the preludes of seditions to
+come.  Howsoever he noteth it right, that seditious
+tumults, and seditious fames, differ no more but
+as brother and sister, masculine and feminine; es-
+pecially if it come to that, that the best actions of
+a state, and the most plausible, and which ought
+to give greatest contentment, are taken in ill sense,
+and traduced: for that shows the envy great, as
+Tacitus saith; conflata magna invidia, seu bene
+seu male gesta premunt.  Neither doth it follow,
+that because these fames are a sign of troubles, that
+the suppressing of them with too much severity,
+should be a remedy of troubles.  For the despising
+of them, many times checks them best; and the
+going about to stop them, doth but make a wonder
+long-lived.  Also that kind of obedience, which
+Tacitus speaketh of, is to be held suspected: Erant
+in officio, sed tamen qui mallent mandata impe-
+rantium interpretari quam exequi; disputing, ex-
+cusing, cavilling upon mandates and directions, is
+a kind of shaking off the yoke, and assay of dis-
+obedience; especially if in those disputings, they
+which are for the direction, speak fearfully and
+tenderly, and those that are against it, audaciously.
+
+Also, as Machiavel noteth well, when princes,
+that ought to be common parents, make them-
+selves as a party, and lean to a side, it is as a boat,
+that is overthrown by uneven weight on the one
+side; as was well seen, in the time of Henry the
+Third of France; for first, himself entered league
+for the extirpation of the Protestants; and pres-
+ently after, the same league was turned upon him-
+self.  For when the authority of princes, is made
+but an accessory to a cause, and that there be other
+bands, that tie faster than the band of sovereignty,
+kings begin to be put almost out of possession.
+
+Also, when discords, and quarrels, and factions
+are carried openly and audaciously, it is a sign the
+reverence of government is lost.  For the motions
+of the greatest persons in a government, ought to
+be as the motions of the planets under primum
+mobile; according to the old opinion: which is,
+that every of them, is carried swiftly by the
+highest motion, and softly in their own motion.
+And therefore, when great ones in their own
+particular motion, move violently, and, as Tacitus
+expresseth it well, liberius quam ut imperan-
+tium meminissent; it is a sign the orbs are out
+of frame.  For reverence is that, wherewith princes
+are girt from God; who threateneth the dissolving
+thereof; Solvam cingula regum.
+
+So when any of the four pillars of government,
+are mainly shaken, or weakened (which are relig-
+ion, justice, counsel, and treasure), men had need
+to pray for fair weather.  But let us pass from this
+part of predictions (concerning which, neverthe-
+less, more light may be taken from that which
+followeth); and let us speak first, of the materials
+of seditions; then of the motives of them; and
+thirdly of the remedies.
+
+Concerning the materials of seditions.  It is a
+thing well to be considered; for the surest way to
+prevent seditions (if the times do bear it) is to take
+away the matter of them.  For if there be fuel pre-
+pared, it is hard to tell, whence the spark shall
+come, that shall set it on fire.  The matter of sedi-
+tions is of two kinds: much poverty, and much dis-
+contentment.  It is certain, so many overthrown
+estates, so many votes for troubles.  Lucan noteth
+well the state of Rome before the Civil War,
+
+
+Hinc usura vorax, rapidumque in tempore foenus,
+Hinc concussa fides, et multis utile bellum.
+
+
+This same multis utile bellum, is an assured and
+infallible sign, of a state disposed to seditions and
+troubles.  And if this poverty and broken estate in
+the better sort, be joined with a want and necessity
+in the mean people, the danger is imminent and
+great.  For the rebellions of the belly are the worst.
+As for discontentments, they are, in the politic
+body, like to humors in the natural, which are apt
+to gather a preternatural heat, and to inflame.
+And let no prince measure the danger of them by
+this, whether they be just or unjust: for that were
+to imagine people, to be too reasonable; who do
+often spurn at their own good: nor yet by this,
+whether the griefs whereupon they rise, be in fact
+great or small: for they are the most dangerous
+discontentments, where the fear is greater than
+the feeling.  Dolendi modus, timendi non item.
+Besides, in great oppressions, the same things that
+provoke the patience, do withal mate the courage;
+but in fears it is not so.  Neither let any prince, or
+state, be secure concerning discontentments, be-
+cause they have been often, or have been long, and
+yet no peril hath ensued: for as it is true, that every
+vapor or fume doth not turn into a storm; so it is
+nevertheless true, that storms, though they blow
+over divers times, yet may fall at last; and, as the
+Spanish proverb noteth well, The cord breaketh at
+the last by the weakest pull.
+
+The causes and motives of seditions are, innova-
+tion in religion; taxes; alteration of laws and cus-
+toms; breaking of privileges; general oppression;
+advancement of unworthy persons; strangers;
+dearths; disbanded soldiers; factions grown des-
+perate; and what soever, in offending people,
+joineth and knitteth them in a common cause.
+
+For the remedies; there may be some general
+preservatives, whereof we will speak: as for the
+just cure, it must answer to the particular disease;
+and so be left to counsel, rather than rule.
+
+The first remedy or prevention is to remove, by
+all means possible, that material cause of sedition
+whereof we spake; which is, want and poverty in
+the estate.  To which purpose serveth the opening,
+and well-balancing of trade; the cherishing of
+manufactures; the banishing of idleness; the re-
+pressing of waste, and excess, by sumptuary laws;
+the improvement and husbanding of the soil; the
+regulating of prices of things vendible; the moder-
+ating of taxes and tributes; and the like.  Generally,
+it is to be foreseen that the population of a king-
+dom (especially if it be not mown down by wars)
+do not exceed the stock of the kingdom, which
+should maintain them.  Neither is the population
+to be reckoned only by number; for a smaller num-
+ber, that spend more and earn less, do wear out an
+estate sooner, than a greater number that live
+lower, and gather more.  Therefore the multiply-
+ing of nobility, and other degrees of quality, in an
+over proportion to the common people, doth speed-
+ily bring a state to necessity; and so doth likewise
+an overgrown clergy; for they bring nothing to
+the stock; and in like manner, when more are bred
+scholars, than preferments can take off .
+
+It is likewise to be remembered, that forasmuch
+as the increase of any estate must be upon the
+foreigner (for whatsoever is somewhere gotten, is
+somewhere lost), there be but three things, which
+one nation selleth unto another; the commodity as
+nature yieldeth it; the manufacture; and the vec-
+ture, or carriage.  So that if these three wheels go,
+wealth will flow as in a spring tide.  And it cometh
+many times to pass, that materiam superabit opus;
+that the work and carriage is more worth than the
+material, and enricheth a state more; as is notably
+seen in the Low-Countrymen, who have the best
+mines above ground, in the world.
+
+Above all things, good policy is to be used, that
+the treasure and moneys, in a state, be not gath-
+ered into few hands.  For otherwise a state may
+have a great stock, and yet starve.  And money is
+like muck, not good except it be spread.  This is
+done, chiefly by suppressing, or at least keeping
+a strait hand, upon the devouring trades of usury,
+ingrossing great pasturages, and the like.
+
+For removing discontentments, or at least the
+danger of them; there is in every state (as we
+know) two portions of subjects; the noblesse and
+the commonalty.  When one of these is discontent,
+the danger is not great; for common people are of
+slow motion, if they be not excited by the greater
+sort; and the greater sort are of small strength,
+except the multitude be apt, and ready to move of
+themselves.  Then is the danger, when the greater
+sort, do but wait for the troubling of the waters
+amongst the meaner, that then they may declare
+themselves.  The poets feign, that the rest of the
+gods would have bound Jupiter; which he hearing
+of, by the counsel of Pallas, sent for Briareus, with
+his hundred hands, to come in to his aid.  An em-
+blem, no doubt, to show how safe it is for mon-
+archs, to make sure of the good will of common
+people.  To give moderate liberty for griefs and dis-
+contentments to evaporate (so it be without too
+great insolency or bravery), is a safe way.  For he
+that turneth the humors back, and maketh the
+wound bleed inwards, endangereth malign ulcers,
+and pernicious imposthumations.
+
+The part of Epimetheus mought well become
+Prometheus, in the case of discontentments: for
+there is not a better provision against them.  Epime-
+theus, when griefs and evils flew abroad, at last
+shut the lid, and kept hope in the bottom of the
+vessel.  Certainly, the politic and artificial nourish-
+ing, and entertaining of hopes, and carrying men
+from hopes to hopes, is one of the best antidotes
+against the poison of discontentments.  And it is a
+certain sign of a wise government and proceeding,
+when it can hold men's hearts by hopes, when it
+cannot by satisfaction; and when it can handle
+things, in such manner, as no evil shall appear so
+peremptory, but that it hath some outlet of hope;
+which is the less hard to do, because both particu-
+lar persons and factions, are apt enough to flatter
+themselves, or at least to brave that, which they
+believe not.
+
+Also the foresight and prevention, that there be
+no likely or fit head, whereunto discontented per-
+sons may resort, and under whom they may join,
+is a known, but an excellent point of caution.  I
+understand a fit head, to be one that hath great-
+ness and reputation; that hath confidence with
+the discontented party, and upon whom they turn
+their eyes; and that is thought discontented, in his
+own particular: which kind of persons, are either
+to be won, and reconciled to the state, and that in
+a fast and true manner; or to be fronted with some
+other, of the same party, that may oppose them,
+and so divide the reputation.  Generally, the divid-
+ing and breaking, of all factions and combinations
+that are adverse to the state, and setting them at
+distance, or at least distrust, amongst themselves,
+is not one of the worst remedies.  For it is a desper-
+ate case, if those that hold with the proceeding of
+the state, be full of discord and faction, and those
+that are against it, be entire and united.
+
+I have noted, that some witty and sharp
+speeches, which have fallen from princes, have
+given fire to seditions.  Caesar did himself infinite
+hurt in that speech, Sylla nescivit literas, non po-
+tuit dictare; for it did utterly cut off that hope,
+which men had entertained, that he would at one
+time or other give over his dictatorship.  Galba un-
+did himself by that speech, legi a se militem, non
+emi; for it put the soldiers out of hope of the dona-
+tive.  Probus likewise, by that speech, Si vixero,
+non opus erit amplius Romano imperio militibus;
+a speech of great despair for the soldiers.  And
+many the like.  Surely princes had need, in tender
+matters and ticklish times, to beware what they
+say; especially in these short speeches, which fly
+abroad like darts, and are thought to be shot out of
+their secret intentions.  For as for large  discourses,
+they are flat things, and not so much noted.
+
+
+Lastly, let princes, against all events, not be
+without some great person, one or rather more, of
+military valor, near unto them, for the repressing
+of seditions in their beginnings.  For without that,
+there useth to be more trepidation in court upon
+the first breaking out of troubles, than were fit.
+And the state runneth the danger of that which
+Tacitus saith; Atque is habitus animorum fuit, ut
+pessimum facinus auderent pauci, plures vellent,
+omnes paterentur.  But let such military persons be
+assured, and well reputed of, rather than factious
+and popular; holding also good correspondence
+with the other great men in the state; or else the
+remedy, is worse than the disease.
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Atheism
+
+
+I HAD rather believe all the fables in the Leg-
+end, and the Talmud, and the Alcoran, than
+that this universal frame is without a mind.
+And therefore, God never wrought miracle, to
+convince atheism, because his ordinary works con-
+vince it.  It is true, that a little philosophy inclineth
+man's mind to atheism; but depth in philosophy
+bringeth men's minds about to religion.  For while
+the mind of man looketh upon second causes scat-
+tered, it may sometimes rest in them, and go no
+further; but when it beholdeth the chain of them,
+confederate and linked together, it must needs fly
+to Providence and Deity.  Nay, even that school
+which is most accused of atheism doth most dem-
+onstrate religion; that is, the school of Leucippus
+and Democritus and Epicurus.  For it is a thousand
+times more credible, that four mutable elements,
+and one immutable fifth essence, duly and eter-
+nally placed, need no God, than that an army of
+infinite small portions, or seeds unplaced, should
+have produced this order and beauty, without a
+divine marshal.  The Scripture saith, The fool hath
+said in his heart, there is no God; it is not said, The
+fool hath thought in his heart; so as he rather saith
+it, by rote to himself, as that he would have, than
+that he can thoroughly believe it, or be persuaded
+of it.  For none deny, there is a God, but those, for
+whom it maketh that there were no God.  It ap-
+peareth in nothing more, that atheism is rather in
+the lip, than in the heart of man, than by this; that
+atheists will ever be talking of that their opinion,
+as if they fainted in it, within themselves, and
+would be glad to be strengthened, by the consent
+of others.  Nay more, you shall have atheists strive
+to get disciples, as it fareth with other sects.  And,
+which is most of all, you shall have of them, that
+will suffer for atheism, and not recant; whereas if
+they did truly think, that there were no such thing
+as God, why should they trouble themselves? Epi-
+curus is charged, that he did but dissemble for his
+credit's sake, when he affirmed there were blessed
+natures, but such as enjoyed themselves, without
+having respect to the government of the world.
+Wherein they say he did temporize; though in
+secret, he thought there was no God.  But certainly
+he is traduced; for his words are noble and divine:
+Non deos vulgi negare profanum; sed vulgi opini-
+ones diis applicare profanum.  Plato could have
+said no more.  And although he had the confidence,
+to deny the administration, he had not the power,
+to deny the nature.  The Indians of the West, have
+names for their particular gods, though they have
+no name for God: as if the heathens should have
+had the names Jupiter, Apollo, Mars, etc., but not
+the word Deus; which shows that even those bar-
+barous people have the notion, though they have
+not the latitude and extent of it.  So that against
+atheists, the very savages take part, with the very
+subtlest philosophers.  The contemplative atheist is
+rare: a Diagoras, a Bion, a Lucian perhaps, and
+some others; and yet they seem to be more than
+they are; for that all that impugn a received re-
+ligion, or superstition, are by the adverse part
+branded with the name of atheists.  But the great
+atheists, indeed are hypocrites; which are ever
+handling holy things, but without feeling; so as
+they must needs be cauterized in the end.  The
+causes of atheism are: divisions in religion, if they
+be many; for any one main division, addeth zeal to
+both sides; but many divisions introduce atheism.
+Another is, scandal of priests; when it is come to
+that which St. Bernard saith, non est jam dicere,
+ut populus sic sacerdos; quia nec sic populus ut
+sacerdos.  A third is, custom of profane scoffing in
+holy matters; which doth, by little and little, de-
+face the reverence of religion.  And lastly, learned
+times, specially with peace and prosperity; for
+troubles and adversities do more bow men's minds
+to religion.  They that deny a God, destroy man's
+nobility; for certainly man is of kin to the beasts,
+by his body; and, if he be not of kin to God, by his
+spirit, he is a base and ignoble creature.  It destroys
+likewise magnanimity, and the raising of human
+nature; for take an example of a dog, and mark
+what a generosity and courage he will put on,
+when he finds himself maintained by a man; who
+to him is instead of a God, or melior natura; which
+courage is manifestly such, as that creature, with-
+out that confidence of a better nature than his own,
+could never attain.  So man, when he resteth and
+assureth himself, upon divine protection and
+favor, gathered a force and faith, which human
+nature in itself could not obtain.  Therefore, as
+atheism is in all respects hateful, so in this, that it
+depriveth human nature of the means to exalt it-
+self, above human frailty.  As it is in particular
+persons, so it is in nations.  Never was there such a
+state for magnanimity as Rome.  Of this state hear
+what Cicero saith: Quam volumus licet, patres con-
+scripti, nos amemus, tamen nec numero Hispanos,
+nec robore Gallos, nec calliditate Poenos, nec arti-
+bus Graecos, nec denique hoc ipso hujus gentis et
+terrae domestico nativoque sensu Italos ipsos et
+Latinos; sed pietate, ac religione, atque hac una
+sapientia, quod deorum immortalium numine
+omnia regi gubernarique perspeximus, omnes
+gentes nationesque superavimus.
+
+
+
+
+Of Superstition
+
+
+IT WERE better to have no opinion of God at all,
+than such an opinion, as is unworthy of him.
+For the one is unbelief, the other is contumely;
+and certainly superstition is the reproach of the
+Deity.  Plutarch saith well to that purpose: Surely
+(saith he) I had rather a great deal, men should
+say, there was no such man at all, as Plutarch,
+than that they should say, that there was one Plu-
+tarch, that would eat his children as soon as they
+were born; as the poets speak of Saturn.  And as the
+contumely is greater towards God, so the danger is
+greater towards men.  Atheism leaves a man to
+sense, to philosophy, to natural piety, to laws, to
+reputation; all which may be guides to an outward
+moral virtue, though religion were not; but super-
+stition dismounts all these, and erecteth an abso-
+lute monarchy, in the minds of men.  Therefore
+theism did never perturb states; for it makes men
+wary of themselves, as looking no further: and we
+see the times inclined to atheism (as the time of
+Augustus Caesar) were civil times.  But supersti-
+tion hath been the confusion of many states, and
+bringeth in a new primum mobile, that ravisheth
+all the spheres of government.The master of super-
+stition, is the people; and in all superstition, wise
+men follow fools; and arguments are fitted to prac-
+tice, in a reversed order.  It was gravely said by
+some of the prelates in the Council of Trent, where
+the doctrine of the Schoolmen bare great sway,
+that the Schoolmen were like astronomers, which
+did feign eccentrics and epicycles, and such en-
+gines of orbs, to save the phenomena; though they
+knew there were no such things; and in like man-
+ner, that the Schoolmen had framed a number of
+subtle and intricate axioms, and theorems, to save
+the practice of the church.  The causes of supersti-
+tion are: pleasing and sensual rites and ceremonies;
+excess of outward and pharisaical holiness; over-
+great reverence of traditions, which cannot but
+load the church; the stratagems of prelates, for
+their own ambition and lucre; the favoring too
+much of good intentions, which openeth the gate
+to conceits and novelties; the taking an aim at
+divine matters, by human, which cannot but
+breed mixture of imaginations: and, lastly, bar-
+barous times, especially joined with calamities
+and disasters.  Superstition, without a veil, is a de-
+formed thing; for, as it addeth deformity to an
+ape, to be so like a man, so the similitude of super-
+stition to religion, makes it the more deformed.
+And as wholesome meat corrupteth to little worms,
+so good forms and orders corrupt, into a number of
+petty observances.  There is a superstition in avoid-
+ing superstition, when men think to do best, if they
+go furthest from the superstition, formerly re-
+ceived; therefore care would be had that (as it
+fareth in ill purgings) the good be not taken away
+with the bad; which commonly is done, when the
+people is the reformer.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Travel
+
+
+TRAVEL, in the younger sort, is a part of edu-
+cation, in the elder, a part of experience.  He
+that travelleth into a country, before he hath some
+entrance into the language, goeth to school, and
+not to travel.  That young men travel under some
+tutor, or grave servant, I allow well; so that he be
+such a one that hath the language, and hath been
+in the country before; whereby he may be able
+to tell them what things are worthy to be seen, in
+the country where they go; what acquaintances
+they are to seek; what exercises, or discipline, the
+place yieldeth.  For else, young men shall go
+hooded, and look abroad little.  It is a strange thing,
+that in sea voyages, where there is nothing to be
+seen, but sky and sea, men should make diaries;
+but in land-travel, wherein so much is to be ob-
+served, for the most part they omit it; as if chance
+were fitter to be registered, than observation.  Let
+diaries, therefore, be brought in use.  The things to
+be seen and observed are: the courts of princes,
+especially when they give audience to ambassa-
+dors; the courts of justice, while they sit and hear
+causes; and so of consistories ecclesiastic; the
+churches and monasteries, with the monuments
+which are therein extant; the walls and fortifica-
+tions of cities, and towns, and so the heavens and
+harbors; antiquities and ruins; libraries; colleges,
+disputations, and lectures, where any are; ship-
+ping and navies; houses and gardens of state and
+pleasure, near great cities; armories; arsenals;
+magazines; exchanges; burses; warehouses; exer-
+cises of horsemanship, fencing, training of sol-
+diers, and the like; comedies, such whereunto the
+better sort of persons do resort; treasuries of jewels
+and robes; cabinets and rarities; and, to conclude,
+whatsoever is memorable, in the places where
+they go.  After all which, the tutors, or servants,
+ought to make diligent inquiry.  As for triumphs,
+masks, feasts, weddings, funerals, capital execu-
+tions, and such shows, men need not to be put in
+mind of them; yet are they not to be neglected.  If
+you will have a young man to put his travel into a
+little room, and in short time to gather much, this
+you must do.  First, as was said, he must have some
+entrance into the language before he goeth.  Then
+he must have such a servant, or tutor, as knoweth
+the country, as was likewise said.  Let him carry
+with him also, some card or book, describing the
+country where he travelleth; which will be a good
+key to his inquiry.  Let him keep also a diary.  Let
+him not stay long, in one city or town; more or less
+as the place deserveth, but not long; nay, when he
+stayeth in one city or town, let him change his
+lodging from one end and part of the town, to an-
+other; which is a great adamant of acquaintance.
+Let him sequester himself, from the company of
+his countrymen, and diet in such places, where
+there is good company of the nation where he
+travelleth.  Let him, upon his removes from one
+place to another, procure recommendation to some
+person of quality, residing in the place whither he
+removeth; that he may use his favor, in those
+things he desireth to see or know.  Thus he may
+abridge his travel, with much profit.  As for the
+acquaintance, which is to be sought in travel; that
+which is most of all profitable, is acquaintance
+with the secretaries and employed men of ambas-
+sadors: for so in travelling in one country, he shall
+suck the experience of many.  Let him also see, and
+visit, eminent persons in all kinds, which are of
+great name abroad; that he may be able to tell,
+how the life agreeth with the fame.  For quarrels,
+they are with care and discretion to be avoided.
+They are commonly for mistresses, healths, place,
+and words.  And let a man beware,  how he keepeth
+company with choleric and quarrelsome persons;
+for they will engage him into their own quarrels.
+When a traveller returneth home, let him not
+leave the countries, where he hath travelled, alto-
+gether behind him; but maintain a correspond-
+ence by letters, with those of his acquaintance,
+which are of most worth.  And let his travel appear
+rather in his discourse, than his apparel or gesture;
+and in his discourse, let him be rather advised in
+his answers, than forward to tell stories; and let it
+appear that he doth not change his country man-
+ners, for those of foreign parts; but only prick in
+some flowers, of that he hath learned abroad, into
+the customs of his own country.
+
+
+
+
+Of Empire
+
+
+
+IT IS a miserable state of mind, to have few
+things to desire, and many things to fear; and
+yet that commonly is the case of kings; who, being
+at the highest, want matter of desire, which makes
+their minds more languishing; and have many rep-
+resentations of perils and shadows, which makes
+their minds the less clear.  And this is one reason
+also, of that effect which the Scripture speaketh of,
+That the king's heart is inscrutable.  For multitude
+of jealousies, and lack of some predominant de-
+sire, that should marshal and put in order all the
+rest, maketh any man's heart, hard to find or
+sound.  Hence it comes likewise, that princes many
+times make themselves desires, and set their hearts
+upon toys; sometimes upon a building; sometimes
+upon erecting of an order; sometimes upon the ad-
+vancing of a person; sometimes upon obtaining
+excellency in some art, or feat of the hand; as Nero
+for playing on the harp, Domitian for certainty
+of the hand with the arrow, Commodus for play-
+ing at fence, Caracalla for driving chariots, and
+the like.  This seemeth incredible, unto those that
+know not the principle, that the mind of man, is
+more cheered and refreshed by profiting in small
+things, than by standing at a stay, in great.  We see
+also that kings that have been fortunate conquer-
+ors, in their first years, it being not possible for
+them to go forward infinitely, but that they must
+have some check, or arrest in their fortunes, turn
+in their latter years to be superstitious, and melan-
+choly; as did Alexander the Great; Diocletian; and
+in our memory, Charles the Fifth; and others: for
+he that is used to go forward, and findeth a stop,
+falleth out of his own favor, and is not the thing
+he was.
+
+To speak now of the true temper of empire, it is
+a thing rare and hard to keep; for both temper, and
+distemper, consist of contraries.  But it is one thing,
+to mingle contraries, another to interchange them.
+The answer of Apollonius to Vespasian, is full of
+excellent instruction.  Vespasian asked him, What
+was Nero's overthrow? He answered, Nero could
+touch and tune the harp well; but in government,
+sometimes he used to wind the pins too high, some-
+times to let them down too low.  And certain it is,
+that nothing destroyeth authority so much, as the
+unequal and untimely interchange of power
+pressed too far, and relaxed too much.
+
+This is true, that the wisdom of all these latter
+times, in princes' affairs, is rather fine deliveries,
+and shiftings of dangers and mischiefs, when they
+are near, than solid and grounded courses to keep
+them aloof.  But this is but to try masteries with
+fortune.  And let men beware, how they neglect
+and suffer matter of trouble to be prepared; for no
+man can forbid the spark, nor tell whence it may
+come.  The difficulties in princes' business are many
+and great; but the greatest difficulty, is often in
+their own mind.  For it is common with princes
+(saith Tacitus) to will contradictories, Sunt pler-
+umque regum voluntates vehementes, et inter se
+contrariae.  For it is the solecism of power, to think
+to command the end, and yet not to endure the
+mean.
+
+Kings have to deal with their neighbors, their
+wives, their children, their prelates or clergy, their
+nobles, their second-nobles or gentlemen, their
+merchants, their commons, and their men of war;
+and from all these arise dangers, if care and cir-
+cumspection be not used.
+
+First for their neighbors; there can no general
+rule be given (for occasions are so variable), save
+one, which ever holdeth, which is, that princes do
+keep due sentinel, that none of their neighbors do
+ever grow so (by increase of territory, by embrac-
+ing of trade, by approaches, or the like), as they
+become more able to annoy them, than they were.
+And this is generally the work of standing coun-
+sels, to foresee and to hinder it.  During that trium-
+virate of kings, King Henry the Eighth of England,
+Francis the First King of France, and Charles the
+Fifth Emperor, there was such a watch kept, that
+none of the three could win a palm of ground, but
+the other two would straightways balance it,
+either by confederation, or, if need were, by a war;
+and would not in any wise take up peace at inter-
+est.  And the like was done by that league (which
+Guicciardini saith was the security of Italy) made
+between Ferdinando King of Naples, Lorenzius
+Medici, and Ludovicus Sforza, potentates, the one
+of Florence, the other of Milan.  Neither is the opin-
+ion of some of the Schoolmen, to be received, that a
+war cannot justly be made, but upon a precedent
+injury or provocation.  For there is no question, but
+a just fear of an imminent danger, though there be
+no blow given, is a lawful cause of a war.
+
+For their wives; there are cruel examples of
+them.  Livia is infamed, for the poisoning of her
+husband; Roxalana, Solyman's wife, was the
+destruction of that renowned prince, Sultan Mus-
+tapha, and otherwise troubled his house and suc-
+cession; Edward the Second of England, his queen,
+had the principal hand in the deposing and mur-
+der of her husband.  This kind of danger, is then to
+be feared chiefly, when the wives have plots, for
+the raising of their own children; or else that they
+be advoutresses.
+
+For their children; the tragedies likewise of
+dangers from them, have been many.  And gen-
+erally, the entering of fathers into suspicion of
+their children, hath been ever unfortunate.  The
+destruction of Mustapha (that we named before)
+was so fatal to Solyman's line, as the succession of
+the Turks, from Solyman until this day, is sus-
+pected to be untrue, and of strange blood; for that
+Selymus the Second, was thought to be supposi-
+tious.  The destruction of Crispus, a young prince of
+rare towardness, by Constantinus the Great, his
+father, was in like manner fatal to his house; for
+both Constantinus and Constance, his sons, died
+violent deaths; and Constantius, his other son, did
+little better; who died indeed of sickness, but after
+that Julianus had taken arms against him.  The de-
+struction of Demetrius, son to Philip the Second of
+Macedon, turned upon the father, who died of
+repentance.  And many like examples there are;
+but few or none, where the fathers had good by
+such distrust; except it were, where the sons were
+up in open arms against them; as was Selymus the
+First against Bajazet; and the three sons of Henry
+the Second, King of England.
+
+For their prelates; when they are proud and
+great, there is also danger from them; as it was in
+the times of Anselmus, and Thomas Becket, Arch-
+bishops of Canterbury; who, with their croziers,
+did almost try it with the king's sword; and yet
+they had to deal with stout and haughty kings,
+William Rufus, Henry the First, and Henry the
+Second.  The danger is not from that state, but
+where it hath a dependence of foreign authority;
+or where the churchmen come in and are elected,
+not by the collation of the king, or particular
+patrons, but by the people.
+
+For their nobles; to keep them at a distance, it is
+not amiss; but to depress them, may make a king
+more absolute, but less safe; and less able to per-
+form, any thing that he desires.  I have noted it, in
+my History of King Henry the Seventh of Eng-
+land, who depressed bis nobility; whereupon it
+came to pass, that his times were full of difficulties
+and troubles; for the nobility, though they con-
+tinued loyal unto him, yet did they not co-operate
+with him in his business.  So that in effect, he was
+fain to do all things himself.
+
+For their second-nobles; there is not much dan-
+ger from them, being a body dispersed.  They may
+sometimes discourse high, but that doth little hurt;
+besides, they are a counterpoise to the higher no-
+bility, that they grow not too potent; and, lastly,
+being the most immediate in authority, with the
+common people, they do best temper popular com-
+motions.
+
+For their merchants; they are vena porta; and
+if they flourish not, a kingdom may have good
+limbs, but will have empty veins, and nourish
+little.  Taxes and imposts upon them, do seldom
+good to the king's revenue; for that that he wins in
+the hundred, he leeseth in the shire; the particular
+rates being increased, but the total bulk of trading,
+rather decreased.
+
+For their commons; there is little danger from
+them, except it be, where they have great and po-
+tent heads; or where you meddle with the point of
+religion, or their customs, or means of life.
+
+For their men of war; it is a dangerous state,
+where they live and remain in a body, and are
+used to donatives; whereof we see examples in the
+janizaries, and pretorian bands of Rome; but train-
+ings of men, and arming them in several places,
+and under several commanders, and without
+donatives, are things of defence, and no danger.
+
+Princes are like to heavenly bodies, which cause
+good or evil times; and which have much venera-
+tion, but no rest.  All precepts concerning kings,
+are in effect comprehended in those two remem-
+brances: memento quod es homo; and memento
+quod es Deus, or vice Dei; the one bridleth their
+power, and the other their will.
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Counsel
+
+
+THE greatest trust, between man and man, is
+the trust of giving counsel.  For in other con-
+fidences, men commit the parts of life; their lands,
+their goods, their children, their credit, some par-
+ticular affair; but to such as they make their coun-
+sellors, they commit the whole: by how much the
+more, they are obliged to all faith and integrity.
+The wisest princes need not think it any diminu-
+tion to their greatness, or derogation to their suf-
+ficiency, to rely upon counsel.  God himself is not
+without, but hath made it one of the great names
+of his blessed Son: The Counsellor.  Solomon hath
+pronounced, that in counsel is stability.  Things
+will have their first, or second agitation: if they be
+not tossed upon the arguments of counsel, they
+will be tossed upon the waves of fortune; and be
+full of inconstancy, doing and undoing, like the
+reeling of a drunken man.  Solomon's son found
+the force of counsel, as his father saw the necessity
+of it.  For the beloved kingdom of God, was first
+rent, and broken, by ill counsel; upon which coun-
+sel, there are set for our instruction, the two marks
+whereby bad counsel is for ever best discerned;
+that it was young counsel, for the person; and
+violent counsel, for the matter.
+
+The ancient times, do set forth in figure, both
+the incorporation, and inseparable conjunction, of
+counsel with kings, and the wise and politic use of
+counsel by kings: the one, in that they say Jupi-
+ter did marry Metis, which signifieth counsel;
+whereby they intend that Sovereignty, is married
+to Counsel: the other in that which followeth,
+which was thus: They say, after Jupiter was mar-
+ried to Metis, she conceived by him, and was with
+child, but Jupiter suffered her not to stay, till she
+brought forth, but eat her up; whereby he became
+himself with child, and was delivered of Pallas
+armed, out of his head.  Which monstrous fable
+containeth a secret of empire; how kings are to
+make use of their counsel of state.  That first, they
+ought to refer matters unto them, which is the first
+begetting, or impregnation; but when they are
+elaborate, moulded, and shaped in the womb of
+their counsel, and grow ripe, and ready to be
+brought forth, that then they suffer not their coun-
+sel to go through with the resolution and direc-
+tion, as if it depended on them; but take the matter
+back into their own hands, and make it appear to
+the world, that the decrees and final directions
+(which, because they come forth, with prudence
+and power, are resembled to Pallas armed) pro-
+ceeded from themselves; and not only from their
+authority, but (the more to add reputation to them-
+selves) from their head and device.
+
+Let us now speak of the inconveniences of coun-
+sel, and of the remedies.  The inconveniences that
+have been noted, in calling and using counsel, are
+three.  First, the revealing of affairs, whereby they
+become less secret.  Secondly, the weakening of the
+authority of princes, as if they were less of them-
+selves.  Thirdly, the danger of being unfaithfully
+counselled, and more for the good of them that
+counsel, than of him that is counselled.  For which
+inconveniences, the doctrine of Italy, and practice
+of France, in some kings' times, hath introduced
+cabinet counsels; a remedy worse than the disease.
+
+As to secrecy; princes are not bound to commu-
+nicate all matters, with all counsellors; but may
+extract and select.  Neither is it necessary, that he
+that consulteth what he should do, should declare
+what he will do.  But let princes beware, that the
+unsecreting of their affairs, comes not from them-
+selves.  And as for cabinet counsels, it may be their
+motto, plenus rimarum sum: one futile person,
+that maketh it his glory to tell, will do more hurt
+than many, that know it their duty to conceal.  It is
+true there be some affairs, which require extreme
+secrecy, which will hardly go beyond one or two
+persons, besides the king: neither are those coun-
+sels unprosperous; for, besides the secrecy, they
+conunonly go on constantly, in one spirit of direc-
+tion, without distraction.  But then it must be a
+prudent king, such as is able to grind with a hand-
+mill; and those inward counsellors had need also
+be wise men, and especially true and trusty to the
+king's ends; as it was with King Henry the Seventh
+of England, who, in his great business, imparted
+himself to none, except it were to Morton and Fox.
+
+For weakening of authority; the fable showeth
+the remedy.  Nay, the majesty of kings, is rather
+exalted than diminished, when they are in the
+chair of counsel; neither was there ever prince, be-
+reaved of his dependences, by his counsel, except
+where there hath been, either an over-greatness
+in one counsellor, or an over-strict combination in
+divers; which are things soon found, and holpen.
+
+For the last inconvenience, that men will coun-
+sel, with an eye to themselves; certainly, non
+inveniet fidem super terram is meant, of the na-
+ture of times, and not of all particular persons.
+There be, that are in nature faithful, and sincere,
+and plain, and direct; not crafty and involved; let
+princes, above all, draw to themselves such na-
+tures.  Besides, counsellors are not commonly so
+united, but that one counsellor, keepeth sentinel
+over another; so that if any do counsel out of fac-
+tion or private ends, it commonly comes to the
+king's ear.  But the best remedy is, if princes know
+their counsellors, as well as their counsellors
+know them:
+
+
+Principis est virtus maxima nosse suos.
+
+And on the other side, counsellors should not be
+too speculative into their sovereign's person.  The
+true composition of a counsellor, is rather to be
+skilful in their master's business, than in his na-
+ture; for then he is like to advise him, and not feed
+his humor.  It is of singular use to princes, if they
+take the opinions of their counsel, both separately
+and together.  For private opinion is more free;
+but opinion before others, is more reverent.  In
+private, men are more bold in their own humors;
+and in consort, men are more obnoxious to others'
+humors; therefore it is good to take both; and of
+the inferior sort, rather in private, to preserve free-
+dom; of the greater, rather in consort, to preserve
+respect.  It is in vain for princes, to take counsel
+concerning matters, if they take no counsel like-
+wise concerning persons; for all matters are as
+dead images; and the life of the execution of af-
+fairs, resteth in the good choice of persons.  Neither
+is it enough, to consult concerning persons secun-
+dum genera, as in an idea, or mathematical de-
+scription, what the kind and character of the
+person should be; for the greatest errors are com-
+mitted, and the most judgment is shown, in the
+choice of individuals.  It was truly said, optimi con-
+siliarii mortui: books will speak plain, when coun-
+sellors blanch.Therefore it is good to be conversant
+in them, specially the books of such as themselves
+have been actors upon the stage.
+
+The counsels at this day, in most places, are but
+familiar meetings, where matters are rather talked
+on, than debated.  And they run too swift, to the
+order, or act, of counsel.  It were better that in
+causes of weight, the matter were propounded one
+day, and not spoken to till the next day; in nocte
+consilium.  So was it done in the Commission of
+Union, between England and Scotland; which
+was a grave and orderly assembly.  I commend set
+days for petitions; for both it gives the sudtors more
+certainty for their attendance, and it frees the
+meetings for matters of estate, that they may hoc
+agere.  In choice of committees; for ripening busi-
+ness for the counsel, it is better to choose indifferent
+persons, than to make an indifferency, by putting
+in those, that are strong on both sides.  I commend
+also standing commissions; as for trade, for treas-
+ure, for war, for suits, for some provinces; for
+where there be divers particular counsels, and but
+one counsel of estate (as it is in Spain), they are, in
+effect, no more than standing commissions: save
+that they have greater authority.  Let such as are
+to inform counsels, out of their particular profes-
+sions (as lawyers, seamen, mintmen, and the like)
+be first heard before committees; and then, as oc-
+casion serves, before the counsel.  And let them not
+come in multitudes, or in a tribunitious manner;
+for that is to clamor counsels, not to inform them.
+A long table and a square table, or seats about the
+walls, seem things of form, but are things of sub-
+stance; for at a long table a few at the upper end, in
+effect, sway all the business; but in the other form,
+there is more use of the counsellors' opinions, that
+sit lower.  A king, when he presides in counsel, let
+him beware how he opens his own inclination too
+much, in that which he propoundeth; for else
+counsellors will but take the wind of him, and in-
+stead of giving free counsel, sing him a song of
+placebo.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Delays
+
+
+FORTUNE is like the market; where many
+times if you can stay a little, the price will fall.
+Again, it is sometimes like Sibylla's offer; which at
+first, offereth the commodity at full, then con-
+sumeth part and part, and still holdeth up the
+price.  For occasion (as it is in the common verse)
+turneth a bald noddle, after she hath presented her
+locks in front, and no hold taken; or at least turneth
+the handle of the bottle, first to be received, and
+after the belly, which is hard to clasp.  There is
+surely no greater wisdom, than well to time the
+beginnings, and onsets, of things.  Dangers are no
+more light, if they once seem light; and more dan-
+gers have deceived men, than forced them.  Nay,
+it were better, to meet some dangers half way,
+though they come nothing near, than to keep too
+long a watch upon their approaches; for if a man
+watch too long, it is odds he will fall asleep.  On the
+other side, to be deceived with too long shadows
+(as some have been, when the moon was low, and
+shone on their enemies' back), and so to shoot off
+before the time; or to teach dangers to come on, by
+over early buckling towards them; is another ex-
+treme.  The ripeness, or unripeness, of the occasion
+(as we said) must ever be well weighed; and gener-
+ally it is good, to commit the beginnings of all
+great actions to Argus, with his hundred eyes, and
+the ends to Briareus, with his hundred hands; first
+to watch, and then to speed.  For the helmet of
+Pluto, which maketh the politic man go invisible,
+is secrecy in the counsel, and celerity in the execu-
+tion.  For when things are once come to the execu-
+tion, there is no secrecy, comparable to celerity;
+like the motion of a bullet in the air, which flieth
+so swift, as it outruns the eye.
+
+
+
+
+Of Cunning
+
+
+WE TAKE cunning for a sinister or crooked
+wisdom.  And certainly there is a great dif-
+ference, between a cunning man, and a wise man;
+not only in point of honesty, but in point of ability.
+There be, that can pack the cards, and yet cannot
+play well; so there are some that are good in can-
+vasses and factions, that are otherwise weak men.
+Again, it is one thing to understand persons, and
+another thing to understand matters; for many
+are perfect in men's humors, that are not greatly
+capable of the real part of business; which is the
+constitution of one that hath studied men, more
+than books.  Such men are fitter for practice, than
+for counsel; and they are good, but in their own
+alley: turn them to new men, and they have lost
+their aim; so as the old rule, to know a fool from a
+wise man, Mitte ambos nudos ad ignotos, et vide-
+bis, doth scarce hold for them.  And because these
+cunning men, are like haberdashers of small
+wares, it is not amiss to set forth their shop.
+
+It is a point of cunning, to wait upon him with
+whom you speak, with your eye; as the Jesuits give
+it in precept: for there be many wise men, that
+have secret hearts, and transparent countenances.
+Yet this would be done with a demure abasing of
+your eye, sometimes, as the Jesuits also do use.
+
+Another is, that when you have anything to
+obtain, of present despatch, you entertain and
+amuse the party, with whom you deal, with some
+other discourse; that he be not too much awake to
+make objections.  I knew a counsellor and secre-
+tary, that never came to Queen Elizabeth of Eng-
+land, with bills to sign, but he would always first
+put her into some discourse of estate, that she
+mought the less mind the bills.
+
+The like surprise may be made by moving
+things, when the party is in haste, and cannot stay
+to consider advisedly of that is moved.
+
+If a man would cross a business, that he doubts
+some other would handsomely and effectually
+move, let him pretend to wish it well, and move it
+himself in such sort as may foil it.
+
+The breaking off, in the midst of that one was
+about to say, as if he took himself up, breeds a
+greater appetite in him with whom you confer, to
+know more.
+
+And because it works better, when anything
+seemeth to be gotten from you by question, than
+if you offer it of yourself, you may lay a bait for a
+question, by showing another visage, and counte-
+nance, than you are wont; to the end to give occa-
+sion, for the party to ask, what the matter is of the
+change? As Nehemias did; And I had not before
+that time, been sad before the king.
+
+In things that are tender and unpleasing, it is
+good to break the ice, by some whose words are of
+less weight, and to reserve the more weighty voice,
+to come in as by chance, so that he may be asked
+the question upon the other's speech: as Narcissus
+did, relating to Claudius the marriage of Messa-
+lina and Silius.
+
+In things that a man would not be seen in him-
+self, it is a point of cunning, to borrow the name of
+the world; as to say, The world says, or There is a
+speech abroad.
+
+I knew one that, when he wrote a letter, he
+would put that, which was most material, in the
+postscript, as if it had been a by-matter.
+
+I knew another that, when he came to have
+speech, he would pass over that, that he intended
+most; and go forth, and come back again, and
+speak of it as of a thing, that he had almost forgot.
+
+Some procure themselves, to be surprised, at
+such times as it is like the party that they work
+upon, will suddenly come upon them; and to be
+found with a letter in their hand, or doing some-
+what which they are not accustomed; to the end,
+they may be apposed of those things, which of
+themselves they are desirous to utter.
+
+It is a point of cunning, to let fall those words in
+a man's own name, which he would have another
+man learn, and use, and thereupon take advan-
+tage.  I knew two, that were competitors for the
+secretary's place in Queen Elizabeth's time, and
+yet kept good quarter between themselves; and
+would confer, one with another, upon the busi-
+ness; and the one of them said, That to be a secre-
+tary, in the declination of a monarchy, was a
+ticklish thing, and that he did not affect it: the
+other straight caught up those words, and dis-
+coursed with divers of his friends, that he had no
+reason to desire to be secretary, in the declination
+of a monarchy.  The first man took hold of it, and
+found means it was told the Queen; who, hearing
+of a declination of a monarchy, took it so ill, as she
+would never after hear of the other's suit.
+
+There is a cunning, which we in England call,
+the turning of the cat in the pan; which is, when
+that which a man says to another, he lays it as if
+another had said it to him.  And to say truth, it is
+not easy, when such a matter passed between two,
+to make it appear from which of them it first
+moved and began.
+
+It is a way that some men have, to glance and
+dart at others, by justifying themselves by nega-
+tives; as to say, This I do not; as Tigellinus did
+towards Burrhus, Se non  diversas  spes,  sed  incolu-
+mitatem imperatoris simpliciter spectare.
+
+Some have in readiness so many tales and
+stories, as there is nothing they would insinuate,
+but they can wrap it into a tale; which serveth both
+to keep themselves more in guard, and to make
+others carry it with more pleasure.  It is a good
+point of cunning, for a man to shape the answer
+he would have, in his own words and propositions;
+for it makes the other party stick the less.
+
+It is strange how long some men will lie in wait
+to speak somewhat they desire to say; and how far
+about they will fetch; and how many other mat-
+ters they will beat over, to come near it.  It is a thing
+of great patience, but yet of much use.
+
+A sudden, bold, and unexpected question doth
+many times surprise a man, and lay him open.
+Like to him that , having changed his name, and
+walking in Paul's, another suddenly came behind
+him, and called him by his true name, whereat
+straightways he looked back.
+
+But these small wares, and petty points, of cun-
+ning, are infinite; and it were a good deed to make
+a list of them; for that nothing doth more hurt in
+a state, than that cunning men pass for wise.
+
+But certainly some there are that know the re-
+sorts and falls of business, that cannot sink into
+the main of it; like a house that hath convenient
+stairs and entries, but never a fair room.  Therefore,
+you shall see them find out pretty looses in the con-
+clusion, but are no ways able to examine or debate
+matters.  And yet commonly they take advantage
+of their inability, and would be thought wits of
+direction.  Some build rather upon the abusing of
+others, and (as we now say) putting tricks upon
+them, than upon soundness of their own proceed-
+ings.  But Solomon saith, Prudens advertit ad gres-
+sus suos; stultus divertit ad dolos.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Wisdom
+FOR A MAN'S SELF
+
+
+
+
+
+
+AN ANT is a wise creature for itself, but it is a
+ shrewd thing, in an orchard or garden.  And
+certainly, men that are great lovers of themselves,
+waste the public.  Divide with reason; between self-
+love and society; and be so true to thyself, as thou
+be not false to others; specially to thy king and
+country.  It is a poor centre of a man's actions, him-
+self.  It is right earth.  For that only stands fast upon
+his own centre; whereas all things, that have af-
+finity with the heavens, move upon the centre of
+another, which they benefit.  The referring of all
+to a man's self, is more tolerable in a sovereign
+prince; because themselves are not only them-
+selves, but their good and evil is at the peril of the
+public fortune.  But it is a desperate evil, in a ser-
+vant to a prince, or a citizen in a republic.  For
+whatsoever affairs pass such a man's hands, he
+crooketh them to his own ends; which must needs
+be often eccentric to the ends of his master, or state.
+Therefore, let princes, or states, choose such ser-
+vants, as have not this mark; except they mean
+their service should be made but the accessory.
+That which maketh the effect more pernicious, is
+that all proportion is lost.  It were disproportion
+enough, for the servant's good to be preferred be-
+fore the master's; but yet it is a greater extreme,
+when a little good of the servant, shall carry things
+against a great good of the master's.  And yet that
+is the case of bad officers, treasurers, ambassadors,
+generals, and other false and corrupt servants;
+which set a bias upon their bowl, of their own
+petty ends and envies, to the overthrow of their
+master's great and important affairs.  And for the
+most part, the good such servants receive, is after
+the model of their own fortune; but the hurt they
+sell for that good, is after the model of their
+master's fortune.  And certainly it is the nature of
+extreme self-lovers, as they will set an house on fire,
+and it were but to roast their eggs; and yet these
+men many times hold credit with their masters,
+because their study is but to please them, and profit
+themselves; and for either respect, they will aban-
+don the good of their affairs.
+
+Wisdom for a man's self is, in many branches
+thereof, a depraved thing.  It is the wisdom of rats,
+that will be sure to leave a house, somewhat before
+it fall.  It is the wisdom of the fox, that thrusts out
+the badger, who digged and made room for him.
+It is the wisdom of crocodiles, that shed tears when
+they would devour.  But that which is specially to
+be noted is, that those which (as Cicero says of
+Pompey) are sui amantes, sine rivali, are many
+times unfortunate.  And whereas they have, all
+their times, sacrificed to themselves, they become
+in the end, themselves sacrifices to the inconstancy
+of fortune, whose wings they thought, by their
+self-wisdom, to have pinioned.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Innovations
+
+
+AS THE births of living creatures, at first are ill-
+shapen, so are all innovations, which are the
+births of time.  Yet notwithstanding, as those that
+first bring honor into their family, are commonly
+more worthy than most that succeed, so the first
+precedent (if it be good) is seldom attained by
+imitation.  For ill, to man's nature, as it stands
+perverted, hath a natural motion, strongest in con-
+tinuance; but good, as a forced motion, strongest
+at first.  Surely every medicine is an innovation;
+and he that will not apply new remedies, must
+expect new evils; for time is the greatest innovator;
+and if time of course alter things to the worse, and
+wisdom and counsel shall not alter them to the
+better, what shall be the end? It is true, that what
+is settled by custom, though it be not good, yet at
+least it is fit; and those things which have long
+gone together, are, as it were, confederate within
+themselves; whereas new things piece not so well;
+but though they help by their utility, yet they
+trouble by their inconformity.  Besides, they are
+like strangers; more admired, and less favored.  All
+this is true, if time stood still; which contrariwise
+moveth so round, that a froward retention of cus-
+tom, is as turbulent a thing as an innovation; and
+they that reverence too much old times, are but a
+scorn to the new.  It were good, therefore, that men
+in their innovations would follow the example of
+time itself; which indeed innovateth greatly, but
+quietly, by degrees scarce to be perceived.  For
+otherwise, whatsoever is new is unlooked for; and
+ever it mends some, and pairs others; and he that
+is holpen, takes it for a fortune, and thanks the
+time; and he that is hurt, for a wrong, and imput-
+eth it to the author.  It is good also, not to try experi-
+ments in states, except the necessity be urgent, or
+the utility evident; and well to beware, that it be
+the reformation, that draweth on the change, and
+not the desire of change, that pretendeth the refor-
+mation.  And lastly, that the novelty, though it be
+not rejected, yet be held for a suspect; and, as the
+Scripture saith, that we make a stand upon the
+ancient way, and then look about us, and discover
+what is the straight and right way, and so to walk
+in it.
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Dispatch
+
+
+
+AFFECTED dispatch is one of the most danger-
+ous things to business that can be.  It is like
+that, which the physicians call predigestion, or
+hasty digestion; which is sure to fill the body full of
+crudities, and secret seeds of diseases.  Therefore
+measure not dispatch, by the times of sitting, but
+by the advancement of the business.  And as in
+races it is not the large stride or high lift that makes
+the speed; so in business, the keeping close to the
+matter, and not taking of it too much at once, pro-
+cureth dispatch.  It is the care of some, only to come
+off speedily for the time; or to contrive some false
+periods of business, because they may seem men
+of dispatch.  But it is one thing, to abbreviate by
+contracting, another by cutting off . And business
+so handled, at several sittings or meetings, goeth
+commonly backward and forward in an unsteady
+manner.  I knew a wise man that had it for a by-
+word, when he saw men hasten to a conclusion,
+Stay a little, that we may  make  an  end  the  sooner.
+
+On the other side, true dispatch is a rich thing.
+For time is the measure of business, as money is
+of wares; and business is bought at a dear hand,
+where there is small dispatch.  The Spartans and
+Spaniards have been noted to be of small dispatch;
+Mi venga la muerte de Spagna; Let my death come
+from Spain; for then it will be sure to be long in
+coming.
+
+Give good hearing to those, that give the first
+information in business; and rather direct them
+in the beginning, than interrupt them in the con-
+tinuance of their speeches; for he that is put out of
+his own order, will go forward and backward, and
+be more tedious, while he waits upon his memory,
+than he could have been, if he had gone on in his
+own course.  But sometimes it is seen, that the
+moderator is more troublesome, than the actor.
+
+Iterations are commonly loss of time.  But there
+is no such gain of time, as to iterate often the state
+of the question; for it chaseth away many a frivo-
+lous speech, as it is coming forth.  Long and curious
+speeches, are as fit for dispatch, as a robe or mantle,
+with a long train, is for race.  Prefaces and pas-
+sages, and excusations, and other speeches of refer-
+ence to the person, are great wastes of time; and
+though they seem to proceed of modesty, they are
+bravery.  Yet beware of being too material, when
+there is any impediment or obstruction in men's
+wills; for pre-occupation of mind ever requireth
+preface of speech; like a fomentation to make the
+unguent enter.
+
+Above all things, order, and distribution, and
+singling out of parts, is the life of dispatch; so as the
+distribution be not too subtle: for he that doth not
+divide, will never enter well into business; and he
+that divideth too much, will never come out of it
+clearly.  To choose time, is to save time; and an un-
+seasonable motion, is but beating the air.  There be
+three parts of business; the preparation, the debate
+or examination, and the perfection.  Whereof, if
+you look for dispatch, let the middle only be the
+work of many, and the first and last the work of
+few.  The proceeding upon somewhat conceived in
+writing, doth for the most part facilitate dispatch:
+for though it should be wholly rejected, yet that
+negative is more pregnant of direction, than an
+indefinite; as ashes are more generative than dust.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Seeming Wise
+
+
+IT HATH been an opinion, that the French are
+wiser than they seem, and the Spaniards seem
+wiser than they are.  But howsoever it be between
+nations, certainly it is so between man and man.
+For as the Apostle saith of godliness, Having a
+show of godliness, but denying the power thereof;
+so certainly there are, in point of wisdom and suf-
+ficiently, that do nothing or little very solemnly:
+magno conatu nugas.  It is a ridiculous thing, and
+fit for a satire to persons of judgment, to see what
+shifts these formalists have, and what prospectives
+to make superficies to seem body, that hath depth
+and bulk.  Some are so close and reserved, as they
+will not show their wares, but by a dark light; and
+seem always to keep back somewhat; and when
+they know within themselves, they speak of that
+they do not well know, would nevertheless seem
+to others, to know of that which they may not well
+speak.  Some help themselves with countenance
+and gesture, and are wise by signs; as Cicero saith
+of Piso, that when he answered him, he fetched
+one of his brows up to his forehead, and bent the
+other down to his chin; Respondes, altero ad fron-
+tem sublato,    altero ad mentum depresso super-
+cilio, crudelitatem tibi non placere.  Some think
+to bear it by speaking a great word, and being per-
+emptory; and go on, and take by admittance, that
+which they cannot make good.  Some, whatsoever
+is beyond their reach, will seem to despise, or make
+light of it, as impertinent or curious; and so would
+have their ignorance seem judgment.  Some are
+never without a difference, and commonly by
+amusing men with a subtilty, blanch the matter;
+of whom A. Gellius saith, Hominem delirum, qui
+verborum minutiis rerum  frangit pondera.  Of
+which kind also, Plato, in his Protagoras, bringeth
+in Prodius in scorn, and maketh him make a
+speech, that consisteth of distinction from the be-
+ginning to the end.  Generally, such men in all
+deliberations find ease to be of the negative side,
+and affect a credit to object and foretell difficul-
+ties; for when propositions are denied, there is an
+end of them; but if they be allowed, it requireth a
+new work; which false point of wisdom is the bane
+of business.  To conclude, there is no decaying mer-
+chant, or inward beggar, hath so many tricks to
+uphold the credit of their wealth, as these empty
+persons have, to maintain the credit of their suf-
+ficiency.  Seeming wise men may make shift to get
+opinion; but let no man choose them for employ-
+ment; for certainly you were better take for busi-
+ness, a man somewhat absurd, than over-formal.
+
+
+Of Friendship
+
+
+
+IT HAD been hard for him that spake it to have
+put more truth and untruth together in few
+words, than in that speech, Whatsoever is delighted
+in solitude, is either a wild beast or a god.  For it is
+most true, that a natural and secret hatred, and
+aversation towards society, in any man, hath
+somewhat of the savage beast; but it is most un-
+true, that it should have any character at all, of the
+divine nature; except it proceed, not out of a pleas-
+ure in solitude, but out of a love and desire to
+sequester a man's self, for a higher conversation:
+such as is found to have been falsely and feignedly
+in some of the heathen; as Epimenides the Can-
+dian, Numa the Roman, Empedocles the Sicilian,
+and Apollonius of Tyana; and truly and really, in
+divers of the ancient hermits and holy fathers of
+the church.  But little do men perceive what soli-
+tude is, and how far it extendeth.  For a crowd is
+not company; and faces are but a gallery of pic-
+tures; and talk but a tinkling cymbal, where
+there is no love.  The Latin adage meeteth with it a
+little: Magna civitas, magna solitudo; because in
+a great town friends are scattered; so that there is
+not that fellowship, for the most part, which is in
+less neighborhoods.  But we may go further, and
+affirm most truly, that it is a mere and miserable
+solitude to want true friends; without which the
+world is but a wilderness; and even in this sense
+also of solitude, whosoever in the frame of his
+nature and affections, is unfit for friendship, he
+taketh it of the beast, and not from humanity.
+
+A principal fruit of friendship, is the ease and
+discharge of the fulness and swellings of the heart,
+which passions of all kinds do cause and induce.
+We know diseases of stoppings, and suffocations,
+are the most dangerous in the body; and it is not
+much otherwise in the mind; you may take sarza
+to open the liver, steel to open the spleen, flowers
+of sulphur for the lungs, castoreum for the brain;
+but no receipt openeth the heart, but a true friend;
+to whom you may impart griefs, joys, fears, hopes,
+suspicions, counsels, and whatsoever lieth upon
+the heart to oppress it, in a kind of civil shrift or
+confession.
+
+It is a strange thing to observe, how high a rate
+great kings and monarchs do set upon this fruit of
+friendship, whereof we speak: so great, as they
+purchase it, many times, at the hazard of their
+own safety and greatness.  For princes, in regard
+of the distance of their fortune from that of their
+subjects and servants, cannot gather this fruit, ex-
+cept (to make themselves capable thereof) they
+raise some persons to be, as it were, companions
+and almost equals to themselves, which many
+times sorteth to inconvenience.  The modern lan-
+guages give unto such persons the name of favor-
+ites, or privadoes; as if it were matter of grace, or
+conversation.  But the Roman name attaineth the
+true use and cause thereof, naming them parti-
+cipes curarum; for it is that which tieth the knot.
+And we see plainly that this hath been done, not
+by weak and passionate princes only, but by the
+wisest and most politic that ever reigned; who
+have oftentimes joined to themselves some of
+their servants; whom both themselves have called
+friends, and allowed other likewise to call them in
+the same manner; using the word which is re-
+ceived between private men.
+
+L. Sylla, when he commanded Rome, raised
+Pompey (after surnamed the Great) to that height,
+that Pompey vaunted himself for Sylla's over-
+match.  For when he had carried the consulship for
+a friend of his, against the pursuit of Sylla, and
+that Sylla did a little resent thereat, and began to
+speak great, Pompey turned upon him again, and
+in effect bade him be quiet; for that more men
+adored the sun rising, than the sun setting.  With
+Julius Caesar, Decimus Brutus had obtained that
+interest as he set him down in his testament, for
+heir in remainder, after his nephew.  And this was
+the man that had power with him, to draw him
+forth to his death.  For when Caesar would have
+discharged the senate, in regard of some ill pres-
+ages, and specially a dream of Calpurnia; this
+man lifted him gently by the arm out of his chair,
+telling him he hoped he would not dismiss the
+senate, till his wife had dreamt a better dream.
+And it seemeth his favor was so great, as Antonius,
+in a letter which is recited verbatim in one of
+Cicero's Philippics, calleth him venefica, witch;
+as if he had enchanted Caesar.  Augustus raised
+Agrippa (though of mean birth) to that height, as
+when he consulted with Maecenas, about the mar-
+riage of his daughter Julia, Maecenas took the
+liberty to tell him, that he must either marry his
+daughter to Agrippa, or take away his life; there
+was no third way, he had made him so great.  With
+Tiberius Caesar, Sejanus had ascended to that
+height, as they two were termed, and reckoned, as
+a pair of friends.  Tiberius in a letter to him saith,
+Haec pro amicitia nostra non occultavi; and the
+whole senate dedicated an altar to Friendship, as
+to a goddess, in respect of the great dearness of
+friendship, between them two.  The like, or more,
+was between Septimius Severus and Plautianus.
+For he forced his eldest son to marry the daughter
+of Plautianus; and would often maintain Plau-
+tianus, in doing affronts to his son; and did write
+also in a letter to the senate, by these words: I love
+the man so well, as I wish he may over-live me.
+Now if these princes had been as a Trajan, or a
+Marcus Aurelius, a man might have thought that
+this had proceeded of an abundant goodness of
+nature; but being men so wise, of such strength
+and severity of mind, and so extreme lovers of
+themselves, as all these were, it proveth most
+plainly that they found their own felicity (though
+as great as ever happened to mortal men) but as
+an half piece, except they mought have a friend,
+to make it entire; and yet, which is more, they
+were princes that had wives, sons, nephews; and
+yet all these could not supply the comfort of friend-
+ship.
+
+It is not to be forgotten, what Comineus observ-
+eth of his first master, Duke Charles the Hardy,
+namely, that he would communicate his secrets
+with none; and least of all, those secrets which
+troubled him most.  Whereupon he goeth on, and
+saith that towards his latter time, that closeness
+did impair, and a little perish his understanding.
+Surely Comineus mought have made the same
+judgment also, if it had pleased him, of his second
+master, Lewis the Eleventh, whose closeness was
+indeed his tormentor.  The parable of Pythagoras
+is dark, but true; Cor ne edito; Eat not the heart.
+Certainly, if a man would give it a hard phrase,
+those that want friends, to open themselves unto,
+are carnnibals of their own hearts.  But one thing
+is most admirable (wherewith I will conclude this
+first fruit of friendship), which is, that this com-
+municating of a man's self to his friend, works
+two contrary effects; for it redoubleth joys, and
+cutteth griefs in halves.  For there is no man, that
+imparteth his joys to his friend, but he joyeth the
+more; and no man that imparteth his griefs to his
+friend, but he grieveth the less.  So that it is in truth,
+of operation upon a man's mind, of like virtue as
+the alchemists use to attribute to their stone, for
+man's body; that it worketh all contrary effects,
+but still to the good and benefit of nature.  But yet
+without praying in aid of alchemists, there is a
+manifest image of this, in the ordinary course of
+nature.  For in bodies, union strengtheneth and
+cherisheth any natural action; and on the other
+side, weakeneth and dulleth any violent impres-
+sion: and even so it is of minds.
+
+The second fruit of friendship, is healthful and
+sovereign for the understanding, as the first is for
+the affections.  For friendship maketh indeed a fair
+day in the affections, from storm and tempests; but
+it maketh daylight in the understanding, out of
+darkness, and confusion of thoughts.  Neither is
+this to be understood only of faithful counsel,
+which a man receiveth from his friend; but before
+you come to that, certain it is, that whosoever hath
+his mind fraught with many thoughts, his wits
+and understanding do clarify and break up, in the
+communicating and discoursing with another; he
+tosseth his thoughts more easily; he marshalleth
+them more orderly, he seeth how they look when
+they are turned into words: finally, he waxeth
+wiser than himself; and that more by an hour's
+discourse, than by a day's meditation.  It was well
+said by Themistocles, to the king of Persia, That
+speech was like cloth of Arras, opened and put
+abroad; whereby the imagery doth appear in
+figure; whereas in thoughts they lie but as in
+packs.  Neither is this second fruit of friendship, in
+opening the understanding, restrained only to
+such friends as are able to give a man counsel;
+(they indeed are best;) but even without that, a
+man learneth of himself, and bringeth his own
+thoughts  to light, and whetteth his wits as against
+a stone, which itself cuts not.  In a word, a man
+were better relate himself to a statua, or picture,
+than to suffer his thoughts to pass in smother.
+
+Add now, to make this second fruit of friendship
+complete, that other point, which lieth more open,
+and falleth within vulgar observation; which is
+faithful counsel from a friend.  Heraclitus saith
+well in one of his enigmas, Dry light is ever the
+best.  And certain it is, that the light that a man
+receiveth by counsel from another, is drier and
+purer, than that which cometh from his own
+understanding and judgment; which is ever in-
+fused, and drenched, in his affections and customs.
+So as there is as much difference between the coun-
+sel, that a friend giveth, and that a man giveth
+himself, as there is between the counsel of a friend,
+and of a flatterer.  For there is no such flatterer as
+is a man's self; and there is no such remedy against
+flattery of a man's self, as the liberty of a friend.
+Counsel is of two sorts: the one concerning man-
+ners, the other concerning business.  For the first,
+the best preservative to keep the mind in health, is
+the faithful admonition of a friend.  The calling of
+a man's self to a strict account, is a medicine, some-
+time too piercing and corrosive.  Reading good
+books of morality, is a little flat and dead.  Observ-
+ing our faults in others, is sometimes improper for
+our case.  But the best receipt (best, I say, to work,
+and best to take) is the admonition of a friend.
+It is a strange thing to behold, what gross errors
+and extreme absurdities many (especially of the
+greater sort) do commit, for want of a friend to tell
+them of them; to the great damage both of their
+fame and fortune: for, as St. James saith, they are
+as men that look sometimes into a glass, and pres-
+ently forget their own shape and favor.  As for
+business, a man may think, if he win, that two
+eyes see no more than one; or that a gamester seeth
+always more than a looker-on; or that a man in
+anger, is as wise as he that hath said over the four
+and twenty letters; or that a musket may be shot
+off as well upon the arm, as upon a rest; and such
+other fond and high imaginations, to think him-
+self all in all.  But when all is done, the help of good
+counsel, is that which setteth business straight.
+And if any man think that he will take counsel,
+but it shall be by pieces; asking counsel in one
+business, of one man, and in another business, of
+another man; it is well (that is to say, better, per-
+haps, than if he asked none at all); but he runneth
+two dangers: one, that he shall not be faithfully
+counselled; for it is a rare thing, except it be from
+a perfect and entire friend, to have counsel given,
+but such as shall be bowed and crooked to some
+ends, which he hath, that giveth it.  The other, that
+he shall have counsel given, hurtful and unsafe
+(though with good meaning), and mixed partly of
+mischief and partly of remedy; even as if you
+would call a physician, that is thought good for
+the cure of the disease you complain of, but is unac-
+quainted with your body; and therefore may put
+you in way for a present cure, but overthroweth
+your health in some other kind; and so cure the
+disease, and kill the patient.  But a friend that is
+wholly acquainted with a man's estate, will be-
+ware, by furthering any present business, how he
+dasheth upon other inconvenience.  And therefore
+rest not upon scattered counsels; they will rather
+distract and mislead, than settle and direct.
+
+After these two noble fruits of friendship (peace
+in the affections, and support of the judgment),
+followeth the last fruit; which is like the pome-
+granate, full of many kernels; I mean aid, and
+bearing a part, in all actions and occasions.  Here
+the best way to represent to life the manifold use
+of friendship, is to cast and see how many things
+there are, which a man cannot do himself; and
+then it will appear, that it was a sparing speech of
+the ancients, to say, that a friend is another him-
+self; for that a friend is far more than himself.
+Men have their time, and die many times, in de-
+sire of some things which they principally take to
+heart; the bestowing of a child, the finishing of a
+work, or the like.  If a man have a true friend, he
+may rest almost secure that the care of those things
+will continue after him.  So that a man hath, as it
+were, two lives in his desires.  A man hath a body,
+and that body is confined to a place; but where
+friendship is, all offices of life are as it were granted
+to him, and his deputy.  For he may exercise them
+by his friend.  How many things are there which
+a man cannot, with any face or comeliness, say or
+do himself?  A man can scarce allege his own
+merits with modesty, much less extol them; a man
+cannot sometimes brook to supplicate or beg; and
+a number of the like.  But all these things are grace-
+ful, in a friend's mouth, which are blushing in a
+man's own.  So again, a man's person hath many
+proper relations, which he cannot put off.  A man
+cannot speak to his son but as a father; to his wife
+but as a husband; to his enemy but upon terms:
+whereas a friend may speak as the case requires,
+and not as it sorteth with the person.  But to enu-
+merate these things were endless; I have given the
+rule, where a man cannot fitly play his own part;
+if he have not a friend, he may quit the stage.
+
+
+
+Of Expense
+
+
+RICHES are for spending, and spending for
+honor and good actions.  Therefore extra-
+ordinary expense must be limited by the worth of
+the occasion; for voluntary undoing, may be as
+well for a man's country, as for the kingdom of
+heaven.  But ordinary expense, ought to be limited
+by a man's estate; and governed with such regard,
+as it be within his compass; and not subject to de-
+ceit and abuse of servants; and ordered to the best
+show, that the bills may be less than the estima-
+tion abroad.  Certainly, if a man will keep but of
+even hand, his ordinary expenses ought to be but
+to the half of his receipts; and if he think to wax
+rich, but to the third part.  It is no baseness, for the
+greatest to descend and look into their own estate.
+Some forbear it, not upon negligence alone, but
+doubting to bring themselves into melancholy, in
+respect they shall find it broken.  But wounds can-
+not be cured without searching.  He that cannot
+look into his own estate at all, had need both choose
+well those whom he employeth, and change them
+often; for new are more timorous and less subtle.
+He that can look into his estate but seldom, it be-
+hooveth him to turn all to certainties.  A man had
+need, if he be plentiful in some kind of expense, to
+be as saving again in some other.  As if he be plenti-
+ful in diet, to be saving in apparel; if he be plenti-
+ful in the hall, to be saving in the stable; and the
+like.  For he that is plentiful in expenses of all kinds,
+will hardly be preserved from decay.  In clearing
+of a man's estate, he may as well hurt himself in
+being too sudden, as in letting it run on too long.
+For hasty selling, is commonly as disadvantage-
+able as interest.  Besides, he that clears at once will
+relapse; for finding himself out of straits, he will
+revert to his custom: but he that cleareth by de-
+grees, induceth a habit of frugality, and gaineth
+as well upon his mind, as upon his estate.  Cer-
+tainly, who hath a state to repair, may not despise
+small things; and commonly it is less dishonor-
+able, to abridge petty charges, than to stoop to
+petty gettings.  A man ought warily to begin
+charges which once begun will continue; but in
+matters that return not, he may be more magni-
+ficent.
+
+
+
+
+Of the True
+GREATNESS OF KING-
+DOMS AND ESTATES
+
+
+THE speech of Themistocles the Athenian,
+which was haughty and arrogant, in taking
+so much to himself, had been a grave and wise
+observation and censure, applied at large to others.
+Desired at a feast to touch a lute, he said, He could
+not fiddle, but yet he could make a small town, a
+great city.  These words (holpen a little with a
+metaphor) may express two differing abilities, in
+those that deal in business of estate.  For if a true
+survey be taken of counsellors and statesmen,
+there may be found (though rarely) those which
+can make a small state great, and yet cannot fid-
+dle; as on the other side, there will be found a great
+many, that can fiddle very cunningly, but yet are
+so far from being able to make a small state great,
+as their gift lieth the other way; to bring a great
+and flourishing estate, to ruin and decay.  And cer-
+tainly whose degenerate arts and shifts, whereby
+many counsellors and governors gain both favor
+with their masters, and estimation with the vulgar,
+deserve no better name than fiddling; being things
+rather pleasing for the time, and graceful to them-
+selves only, than tending to the weal and advance-
+ment of the state which they serve.  There are also
+(no doubt) counsellors and governors which may
+be held sufficient (negotiis pares), able to manage
+affairs, and to keep them from precipices and
+manifest inconveniences; which nevertheless are
+far from the ability to raise and amplify an estate
+in power, means, and fortune.  But be the workmen
+what they may be, let us speak of the work; that
+is, the true greatness of kingdoms and estates, and
+the means thereof.  An argument fit for great and
+mighty princes to have in their hand; to the end
+that neither by over-measuring their forces, they
+leese themselves in vain enterprises; nor on the
+other side, by undervaluing them, they descend to
+fearful and pusillanimous counsels.
+
+The greatness of an estate, in bulk and territory,
+doth fall under measure; and the greatness of
+finances and revenue, doth fall under computa-
+tion.  The population may appear by musters; and
+the number and greatness of cities and towns by
+cards and maps.  But yet there is not any thing
+amongst civil affairs more subject to error, than
+the right valuation and true judgment concerning
+the power and forces of an estate.  The kingdom of
+heaven is compared, not to any great kernel or nut,
+but to a grain of mustard-seed: which is one of the
+least grains, but hath in it a property and spirit
+hastily to get up and spread.  So are there states,
+great in territory, and yet not apt to enlarge or
+command; and some that have but a small dimen-
+sion of stem, and yet apt to be the foundations of
+great monarchies.
+
+Walled towns, stored arsenals and armories,
+goodly races of horse, chariots of war, elephants,
+ordnance, artillery, and the like; all this is but a
+sheep in a lion's skin, except the breed and disposi-
+tion of the people, be stout and warlike.  Nay, num-
+ber (itself) in armies importeth not much, where
+the people is of weak courage; for (as Virgil saith)
+It never troubles a wolf, how many the sheep be.
+The army of the Persians, in the plains of Arbela,
+was such a vast sea of people, as it did somewhat
+astonish the commanders in Alexander's army;
+who came to him therefore, and wished him to set
+upon them by night; and he answered, He would
+not pilfer the victory.  And the defeat was easy.
+When Tigranes the Armenian, being encamped
+upon a hill with four hundred thousand men, dis-
+covered the army of the Romans, being not above
+fourteen thousand, marching towards him, he
+made himself merry with it, and said, Yonder men
+are too many for an embassage, and too few for a
+fight.  But before the sun set, he found them enow
+to give him the chase with infinite slaughter.
+Many are the examples of the great odds, between
+number and courage; so that a man may truly
+make a judgment, that the principal point of great-
+ness in any state, is to have a race of military men.
+Neither is money the sinews of war (as it is trivially
+said), where the sinews of men's arms, in base and
+effeminate people, are failing.  For Solon said well
+to Croesus (when in ostentation he showed him his
+gold), Sir, if any other come, that hath better iron,
+than you, he will be master of all this gold.  There-
+fore let any prince or state think solely of his forces,
+except his militia of natives be of good and valiant
+soldiers.  And let princes, on the other side, that
+have subjects of martial disposition, know their
+own strength; unless they be otherwise wanting
+unto themselves.  As for mercenary forces (which
+is the help in this case), all examples show, that
+whatsoever estate or prince doth rest upon them,
+he may spread his feathers for a time, but he will
+mew them soon after.
+
+The blessing of Judah and Issachar will never
+meet; that the same people, or nation, should be
+both the lion's whelp and the ass between bur-
+thens; neither will it be, that a people overlaid
+with taxes, should ever become valiant and mar-
+tial.  It is true that taxes levied by consent of the
+estate, do abate men's courage less: as it hath been
+seen notably, in the excises of the Low Countries;
+and, in some degree, in the subsidies of England.
+For you must note, that we speak now of the heart,
+and not of the purse.  So that although the same
+tribute and tax, laid by consent or by imposing, be
+all one to the purse, yet it works diversely upon the
+courage.  So that you may conclude, that no people
+overcharged with tribute, is fit for empire.
+
+Let states that aim at greatness, take heed how
+their nobility and gentlemen do multiply too fast.
+For that maketh the common subject, grow to be a
+peasant and base swain, driven out of heart, and in
+effect but the gentleman's laborer.  Even as you
+may see in coppice woods; if you leave your stad-
+dles too thick, you shall never have clean under-
+wood, but shrubs and bushes.  So in countries,  if the
+gentlemen be too many, the commons will be base;
+and you will bring it to that, that not the hundred
+poll, will be fit for an helmet; especially as to the
+infantry, which is the nerve of an army; and so
+there will be great population, and little strength.
+This which I speak of, hath been nowhere better
+seen, than by comparing of England and France;
+whereof England, though far less in territory and
+population, hath been (nevertheless) an over-
+match; in regard the middle people of England
+make good soldiers, which the peasants of France
+do not.  And herein the device of king Henry the
+Seventh (whereof I have spoken largely in the
+History of his Life) was profound and admirable;
+in making farms and houses of husbandry of a
+standard; that is, maintained with such a propor-
+tion of land unto them, as may breed a subject to
+live in convenient plenty and no servile condition;
+and to keep the plough in the hands of the owners,
+and not mere hirelings.  And thus indeed you shall
+attain to Virgil's character which he gives to an-
+cient Italy:
+
+
+Terra potens armis atque ubere glebae.
+
+Neither is that state (which, for any thing I know,
+is almost peculiar to England, and hardly to be
+found anywhere else, except it be perhaps in
+Poland) to be passed over; I mean the state of free
+servants, and attendants upon noblemen and
+gentlemen; which are no ways inferior unto the
+yeomanry for arms.  And therefore out of all ques-
+tions, the splendor and magnificence, and great
+retinues and hospitality, of noblemen and gentle-
+men, received into custom, doth much conduce
+unto martial greatness.  Whereas, contrariwise, the
+close and reserved living of noblemen and gentle-
+men, causeth a penury of military forces.
+
+By all means it is to be procured, that the trunk
+of Nebuchadnezzar's tree of monarchy, be great
+enough to bear the branches and the boughs; that
+is, that the natural subjects of the crown or state,
+bear a sufficient proportion to the stranger sub-
+jects, that they govern.Therefore all states that are
+liberal of naturalization towards strangers, are fit
+for empire.  For to think that an handful of people
+can, with the greatest courage and policy in the
+world, embrace too large extent of dominion, it
+may hold for a time, but it will fail suddenly.  The
+Spartans were a nice people in point of naturaliza-
+tion; whereby, while they kept their compass,
+they stood firm; but when they did spread, and
+their boughs were becomen too great for their
+stem, they became a windfall, upon the sudden.
+Never any state was in this point so open to receive
+strangers into their body, as were the Romans.
+Therefore it sorted with them accordingly; for
+they grew to the greatest monarchy.  Their manner
+was to grant naturalization (which they called jus
+civitatis), and to grant it in the highest degree; that
+is, not only jus commercii, jus connubii, jus haere-
+ditatis; but also jus suffragii, and jus honorum.
+And this not to singular persons alone, but likewise
+to whole families; yea to cities, and sometimes to
+nations.  Add to this their custom of plantation of
+colonies; whereby the Roman plant was removed
+into the soil of other nations.  And putting both
+constitutions together, you will say that it was not
+the Romans that spread upon the world, but it was
+the world that spread upon the Romans; and that
+was the sure way of greatness.  I have marvelled,
+sometimes, at Spain, how they clasp and contain
+so large dominions, with so few natural Spaniards;
+but sure the whole compass of Spain, is a very great
+body of a tree; far above Rome and Sparta at the
+first.  And besides, though they have not had that
+usage, to naturalize liberally, yet they have that
+which is next to it; that is, to employ, almost indif-
+ferently, all nations in their militia of ordinary
+soldiers; yea, and sometimes in their highest com-
+mands.  Nay, it seemeth at this instant they are
+sensible, of this want of natives; as by the Prag-
+matical Sanction, now published, appeareth.
+
+It is certain that sedentary, and within-door
+arts, and delicate manufactures (that require
+rather the finger than the arm), have, in their na-
+ture, a contrariety to a military disposition.  And
+generally, all warlike people are a little idle, and
+love danger better than travail.  Neither must they
+be too much broken of it, if they shall be preserved
+in vigor.  Therefore it was great advantage, in the
+ancient states of Sparta, Athens, Rome, and others,
+that they had the use of slaves, which commonly
+did rid those manufactures.  But that is abolished,
+in greatest part, by the Christian law.  That which
+cometh nearest to it, is to leave those arts chiefly to
+strangers (which, for that purpose, are the more
+easily to be received), and to contain the principal
+bulk of the vulgar natives, within those three
+kinds, - tillers of the ground; free servants; and
+handicraftsmen of strong and manly arts, as
+smiths, masons, carpenters, etc.; not reckoning
+professed soldiers.
+
+But above all, for empire and greatness, it im-
+porteth most, that a nation do profess arms, as their
+principal honor, study, and occupation.  For the
+things which we formerly have spoken of, are but
+habilitations towards arms; and what is habilita-
+tion without intention and act? Romulus, after his
+death (as they report or feign), sent a present to the
+Romans, that above all, they should intend arms;
+and then they should prove the greatest empire of
+the world.  The fabric of the state of Sparta was
+wholly (though not wisely) framed and composed,
+to that scope and end.  The Persians and Macedo-
+nians had it for a flash.  The Gauls, Germans,
+Goths, Saxons, Normans, and others, had it for a
+time.  The Turks have it at this day, though in great
+declination.  Of Christian Europe, they that have it
+are, in effect, only the Spaniards.  But it is so
+plain, that every man profiteth in that, he most
+intendeth, that it needeth not to be stood upon.  It
+is enough to point at it; that no nation which doth
+not directly profess arms, may look to have great-
+ness fall into their mouths.  And on the other side,
+it is a most certain oracle of time, that those states
+that continue long in that profession (as the Ro-
+mans and Turks principally have done) do won-
+ders.  And those that have professed arms but for
+an age, have, notwithstanding, commonly at-
+tained that greatness, in that age, which main-
+tained them long after, when their profession and
+exercise of arms hath grown to decay.
+
+Incident to this point is, for a state to have those
+laws or customs, which may reach forth unto them
+just occasions (as may be pretended) of war.  For
+there is that justice, imprinted in the nature of
+men, that they enter not upon wars (whereof so
+many calamities do ensue) but upon some, at the
+least specious, grounds and quarrels.  The Turk
+hath at hand, for cause of war, the propagation of
+his law or sect; a quarrel that he may always com-
+mand.  The Romans, though they esteemed the
+extending the limits of their empire, to be great
+honor to their generals, when it was done, yet they
+never rested upon that alone, to begin a war.  First,
+therefore, let nations that pretend to greatness
+have this; that they be sensible of wrongs, either
+upon borderers, merchants, or politic ministers;
+and that they sit not too long upon a provocation.
+Secondly, let them be prest, and ready to give aids
+and succors, to their confederates; as it ever was
+with the Romans; insomuch, as if the confederate
+had leagues defensive, with divers other states,
+and, upon invasion offered, did implore their aids
+severally, yet the Romans would ever be the fore-
+most, and leave it to none other to have the honor.
+As for the wars which were anciently made, on
+the behalf of a kind of party, or tacit conformity of
+estate, I do not see how they may be well justified:
+as when the Romans made a war, for the liberty of
+Grecia; or when the Lacedaemonians and Athe-
+nians, made wars to set up or pull down democ-
+racies and oligarchies; or when wars were made
+by foreigners, under the pretence of justice or pro-
+tection, to deliver the subjects of others, from
+tyranny and oppression; and the like.  Let it suf-
+fice, that no estate expect to be great, that is not
+awake upon any just occasion of arming.
+
+No body can be healthful without exercise,
+neither natural body nor politic; and certainly to
+a kingdom or estate, a just and honorable war, is
+the true exercise.  A civil war, indeed, is like the
+heat of a fever; but a foreign war is like the heat of
+exercise, and serveth to keep the body in health;
+for in a slothful peace, both courages will effemi-
+nate, and manners corrupt.  But howsoever it be
+for happiness, without all question, for greatness,
+it maketh to be still for the most part in arms; and
+the strength of a veteran army (though it be a
+chargeable business) always on foot, is that which
+commonly giveth the law, or at least the reputa-
+tion, amongst all neighbor states; as may well be
+seen in Spain, which hath had, in one part or other,
+a veteran army almost continually, now by the
+space of six score years.
+
+To be master of the sea, is an abridgment of a
+monarchy.  Cicero, writing to Atticus of Pompey
+his preparation against Caesar, saith, Consilium
+Pompeii plane Themistocleum est; putat enim,
+qui mari potitur, eum rerum potiri.  And, without
+doubt, Pompey had tired out Caesar, if upon vain
+confidence, he had not left that way.  We see the
+great effects of battles bv sea.  The battle of Actium,
+decided the empire of the world.  The battle of Le-
+panto, arrested the greatness of the Turk.  There be
+many examples, where sea-fights have been final
+to the war; but this is when princes or states have
+set up their rest, upon the battles.  But thus much
+is certain, that he that commands the sea, is at
+great liberty, and may take as much, and as little,
+of the war as he will.  Whereas those that be strong-
+est by land, are many times nevertheless in great
+straits.  Surely, at this day, with us of Europe, the
+vantage of strength at sea (which is one of the prin-
+cipal dowries of this kingdom of Great Britain) is
+great; both because most of the kingdoms of Eu-
+rope, are not merely inland, but girt with the sea
+most part of their compass; and because the wealth
+of both Indies seems in great part, but an accessory
+to the command of the seas.
+
+The wars of latter ages seem to be made in the
+dark, in respect of the glory, and honor, which
+reflected upon men from the wars, in ancient time.
+There be now, for martial encouragement, some
+degrees and orders of chivalry; which nevertheless
+are conferred promiscuously, upon soldiers and
+no soldiers; and some remembrance perhaps, upon
+the scutcheon; and some hospitals for maimed sol-
+diers; and such like things.  But in ancient times,
+the trophies erected upon the place of the victory;
+the funeral laudatives and monuments for those
+that died in the wars; the crowns and garlands per-
+sonal; the style of emperor, which the great kings
+of the world after borrowed; the triumphs of the
+generals, upon their return; the great donatives
+and largesses, upon the disbanding of the armies;
+were things able to inflame all men's courages.
+But above all, that of the triumph, amongst the
+Romans, was not pageants or gaudery, but one of
+the wisest and noblest institutions, that ever was.
+For it contained three things: honor to the general;
+riches to the treasury out of the spoils; and dona-
+tives to the army.  But that honor, perhaps were not
+fit for monarchies; except it be in the person of the
+monarch himself, or his sons; as it came to pass in
+the times of the Roman emperors, who did impro-
+priate the actual triumphs to themselves, and their
+sons, for such wars as they did achieve in person;
+and left only, for wars achieved by subjects, some
+triumphal garments and ensigns to the general.
+
+To conclude: no man can by care taking (as the
+Scripture saith) add a cubit to his stature, in this
+little model of a man's body; but in the great frame
+of kingdoms and commonwealths, it is in the
+power of princes or estates, to add amplitude and
+greatness to their kingdoms; for by introducing
+such ordinances, constitutions, and customs, as we
+have now touched, they may sow greatness to
+their posterity and succession.  But these things are
+commonly not observed, but left to take their
+chance.
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Regiment
+
+OF HEALTH
+
+
+
+
+
+THERE is a wisdom in this; beyond the rules of
+physic: a man's own observation, what he
+finds good of, and what he finds hurt of, is the best
+physic to preserve health.  But it is a safer conclu-
+sion to say, This agreeth not well with me, there-
+fore, I will not continue it; than this, I find no
+offence of this, therefore I may use it.  For strength
+of nature in youth, passeth over many excesses,
+which are owing a man till his age.  Discern of the
+coming on of years, and think not to do the same
+things still; for age will not be defied.  Beware of
+sudden change, in any great point of diet, and, if
+necessity enforce it, fit the rest to it.  For it is a secret
+both in nature and state, that it is safer to change
+many things, than one.  Examine thy customs of
+diet, sleep, exercise, apparel, and the like; and try,
+in any thing thou shalt judge hurtful, to discon-
+tinue it, by little and little; but so, as if thou dost
+find any inconvenience by the change, thou come
+back to it again: for it is hard to distinguish that
+which is generally held good and wholesome,
+from that which is good particularly, and fit for
+thine own body.  To be free-minded and cheerfully
+disposed, at hours of meat, and of sleep, and of
+exercise, is one of the best precepts of long lasting.
+As for the passions, and studies of the mind; avoid
+envy, anxious fears; anger fretting inwards;
+subtle and knotty inquisitions; joys and exhilara-
+tions in excess; sadness not communicated.  Enter-
+tain hopes; mirth rather than joy; variety of
+delights, rather than surfeit of them; wonder and
+admiration, and therefore novelties; studies that
+fill the mind with splendid and illustrious objects,
+as histories, fables, and contemplations of nature.
+If you fly physic in health altogether, it will be too
+strange for your body, when you shall need it.  If
+you make it too familiar, it will work no extra-
+ordinary effect, when sickness cometh.  I commend
+rather some diet for certain seasons, than frequent
+use of physic, except it be grown into a custom.  For
+those diets alter the body more, and trouble it less.
+Despise no new accident in your body, but ask
+opinion of it.  In sickness, respect health prin-
+cipally; and in health, action.  For those that put
+their bodies to endure in health, may in most sick-
+nesses, which are not very sharp, be cured only
+with diet, and tendering.  Celsus could never have
+spoken it as a physician, had he not been a wise
+man withal, when he giveth it for one of the great
+precepts of health and lasting, that a man do vary,
+and interchange contraries, but with an inclina-
+tion to the more benign extreme: use fasting and
+full eating, but rather full eating; watching and
+sleep, but rather sleep; sitting and exercise, but
+rather exercise; and the like.  So shall nature be
+cherished, and yet taught masteries.  Physicians
+are, some of them, so pleasing and conformable to
+the humor of the patient, as they press not the true
+cure of the disease; and some other are so regular,
+in proceeding according to art for the disease, as
+they respect not sufficiently the condition of the
+patient.  Take one of a middle temper; or if it may
+not be found in one man, combine two of either
+sort; and forget not to call as well, the best ac-
+quainted with your body, as the best reputed of
+for his faculty.
+
+
+
+
+Of Suspicion
+
+
+SUSPICIONS amongst thoughts, are like bats
+amongst birds, they ever fly by twilight.  Cer-
+tainly they are to be repressed, or at least well
+guarded: for they cloud the mind; they leese
+friends; and they check with business, whereby
+business cannot go on currently and constantly.
+They dispose kings to tyranny, husbands to jeal-
+ousy, wise men to irresolution and melancholy.
+They are defects, not in the heart, but in the brain;
+for they take place in the stoutest natures; as in the
+example of Henry the Seventh of England.  There
+was not a more suspicious man, nor a more stout.
+And in such a composition they do small hurt.  For
+commonly they are not admitted, but with exami-
+nation, whether they be likely or no.  But in fearful
+natures they gain ground too fast.  There is nothing
+makes a man suspect much, more than to know
+little; and therefore men should remedy suspicion,
+by procuring to know more, and not to keep their
+suspicions in smother.  What would men have? Do
+they think, those they  employ and deal with, are
+saints? Do they not think, they will have their own
+ends, and be truer to themselves, than to them?
+Therefore there is no better way, to moderate sus-
+picions, than to account upon such suspicions as
+true, and yet to bridle them as false.  For so far a
+man ought to make use of suspicions, as to provide,
+as if that should be true, that he suspects, yet it
+may do him no hurt.  Suspicions that the mind of
+itself gathers, are but buzzes; but suspicions that
+are artificially nourished, and put into men's
+heads, by the tales and whisperings of others, have
+stings.  Certainly, the best mean, to clear the way
+in this same wood of suspicions, is frankly to com-
+municate them with the party, that he suspects;
+for thereby he shall be sure to know more of the
+truth of them, than he did before; and withal shall
+make that party more circumspect, not to give
+further cause of suspicion.  But this would not be
+done to men of base natures; for they, if they find
+themselves once suspected, will never be true.  The
+Italian says, Sospetto licentia fede; as if suspicion,
+did give a passport to faith; but it ought, rather, to
+kindle it to discharge itself.
+
+
+
+Of Discourse
+
+
+SOME, in their discourse,  desire rather com-
+mendation of wit, in being able to hold all
+arguments, than of judgment, in discerning what
+is true; as if it were a praise, to know what might
+be said, and not, what should be thought.  Some
+have certain common places, and themes, wherein
+they are good and want variety; which kind of
+poverty is for the most part tedious, and when it is
+once perceived, ridiculous.  The honorablest part of
+talk,  is to give the occasion; and again to moderate,
+and pass to somewhat else; for then a man leads the
+dance.  It is good, in discourse and speech of con-
+versation,  to vary and intermingle speech of the
+present occasion, with arguments, tales with rea-
+sons, asking of questions, with telling of opinions,
+and jest with earnest: for it is a dull thing to tire,
+and, as we say now, to jade, any thing too far.  As
+for jest, there be certain things, which ought to be
+privileged from it; namely, religion, matters of
+state, great persons, any man's present business of
+importance, and any case that deserveth pity.  Yet
+there be some, that think their wits have been
+asleep, except they dart out somewhat that is
+piquant, and to the quick.  That is a vein which
+would be bridled:
+
+
+Parce, puer, stimulis, et fortius utere loris.
+
+
+And generally, men ought to find the difference,
+between saltness and bitterness.  Certainly, he that
+hath a satirical vein, as he maketh others afraid of
+his wit, so he had need be afraid of others' memory.
+He that questioneth much, shall learn much, and
+content much; but especially, if he apply his ques-
+tions to the skill of the persons whom he asketh; for
+he shall give them occasion, to please themselves
+in speaking, and himself shall continually gather
+knowledge.  But let his questions not be trouble-
+some; for that is fit for a poser.  And let him be sure
+to leave other men, their turns to speak.  Nay, if
+there be any, that would reign and take up all
+the time, let him find means to take them off,
+and to bring others on; as musicians use to do, with
+those that dance too long galliards.  If you dis-
+semble, sometimes, your knowledge of that you
+are thought to know, you shall be thought, another
+time, to know that you know not.  Speech of a
+man's self ought to be seldom, and well chosen.  I
+knew one, was wont to say in scorn, He must needs
+be a wise man, he speaks so much of himself: and
+there is but one case, wherein a man may com-
+mend himself with good grace; and that is in
+commending virtue in another; especially if it be
+such a virtue, whereunto himself pretendeth.
+Speech of touch towards others, should be spar-
+ingly used; for discourse ought to be as a field,
+without coming home to any man.  I knew two
+noblemen, of the west part of England, whereof
+the one was given to scoff, but kept ever royal cheer
+in his house; the other would ask, of those that had
+been at the other's table, Tell truly, was there never
+a flout or dry blow given? To which the guest
+would answer, Such and such a thing passed.
+The lord would say, I thought, he would mar a
+good dinner.  Discretion of speech, is more than
+eloquence; and to speak agreeably to him, with
+whom we deal, is more than to speak in good
+words, or in good order.  A good continued speech,
+without a good speech of interlocution, shows
+slowness: and a good reply or second speech, with-
+out a good settled speech, showeth shallowness
+and weakness.  As we see in beasts, that those that
+are weakest in the course, are yet nimblest in the
+turn; as it is betwixt the greyhound and the hare.
+To use too many circumstances, ere one come to
+the matter, is wearisome; to use none at all, is
+blunt.
+
+
+
+
+Of Plantations
+
+
+PLANTATIONS are amongst ancient, primi-
+tive, and heroical works.  When the world was
+young, it begat more children; but now it is old, it
+begets fewer: for I may justly account new plan-
+tations, to be the children of former kingdoms.  I
+like a plantation in a pure soil; that is, where
+people are not displanted, to the end, to plant in
+others.  For else it is rather an extirpation, than a
+plantation.  Planting of countries, is like planting
+of woods; for you must make account to leese al-
+most twenty years' profit, and expect your recom-
+pense in the end.  For the principal thing, that hath
+been the destruction of most plantations, hath
+been the base and hasty drawing of profit, in the
+first years.  It is true, speedy profit is not to be neg-
+lected, as far as may stand with the good of the
+plantation, but no further.  It is a shameful and
+unblessed thing, to take the scum of people, and
+wicked condemned men, to be the people with
+whom you plant; and not only so, but it spoileth
+the plantation; for they will ever live like rogues,
+and not fall to work, but be lazy, and do mischief,
+and spend victuals, and be quickly weary, and
+then certify over to their country, to the discredit
+of the plantation.  The people wherewith you
+plant ought to be gardeners, ploughmen, laborers,
+smiths, carpenters, joiners, fishermen, fowlers,
+with some few apothecaries, surgeons, cooks, and
+bakers.  In a country of plantation, first look about,
+what kind of victual the country yields of itself to
+hand; as chestnuts, walnuts, pineapples, olives,
+dates, plums, cherries, wild honey, and the like;
+and make use of them.  Then consider what victual
+or esculent things there are, which grow speedily,
+and within the year; as parsnips, carrots, turnips,
+onions, radish, artichokes of Hierusalem, maize,
+and the like.  For wheat, barley, and oats, they ask
+too much labor; but with pease and beans you may
+begin, both because they ask less labor, and be-
+cause they serve for meat, as well as for bread.  And
+of rice, likewise cometh a great increase, and it is
+a kind of meat.  Above all, there ought to be brought
+store of biscuit, oat-meal, flour, meal, and the like,
+in the beginning, till bread may be had.  For beasts,
+or birds, take chiefly such as are least subject to
+diseases, and multiply fastest; as swine, goats,
+cocks, hens, turkeys, geese, house-doves, and the
+like.  The victual in plantations, ought to be ex-
+pended almost as in a besieged town; that is, with
+certain allowance.  And let the main part of the
+ground, employed to gardens or corn, be to a com-
+mon stock; and to be laid in, and stored up, and
+then delivered out in proportion; besides some
+spots of ground, that any particular person will
+manure for his own private.  Consider likewise
+what commodities, the soil where the plantation
+is, doth naturally yield, that they may some way
+help to defray the charge of the plantation (so it be
+not, as was said, to the untimely prejudice of the
+main business), as it hath fared with tobacco in
+Virginia.  Wood commonly aboundeth but too
+much; and therefore timber is fit to be one.  If there
+be iron ore, and streams whereupon to set the mills,
+iron is a brave commodity where wood aboundeth.
+Making of bay-salt, if the climate be proper for it,
+would be put in experience.  Growing silk likewise,
+if any be, is a likely commodity.  Pitch and tar,
+where store of firs and pines are, will not fail.  So
+drugs and sweet woods, where they are, cannot
+but yield great profit.  Soap-ashes likewise, and
+other things that may be thought of.  But moil not
+too much under ground; for the hope of mines is
+very uncertain, and useth to make the planters
+lazy, in other things.  For government; let it be in
+the hands of one, assisted with some counsel; and
+let them have commission to exercise martial laws,
+with some limitation.  And above all, let men make
+that profit, of being in the wilderness, as they have
+God always, and his service, before their eyes.  Let
+not the government of the plantation, depend
+upon too many counsellors, and undertakers, in
+the country that planteth, but upon a temperate
+number; and let those be rather noblemen and
+gentlemen, than merchants; for they look ever to
+the present gain.  Let there be freedom from cus-
+tom, till the plantation be of strength; and not
+only freedom from custom, but freedom to carry
+their commodities, where they may make their
+best of them, except there be some special cause of
+caution.  Cram not in people, by sending too fast
+company after company; but rather harken how
+they waste, and send supplies proportionably; but
+so, as the number may live well in the plantation,
+and not by surcharge be in penury.  It hath been a
+great endangering to the health of some planta-
+tions, that they have built along the sea and rivers,
+in marish and unwholesome grounds.  Therefore,
+though you begin there, to avoid carriage and
+like discommodities, yet build still rather upwards
+from the streams, than along.  It concerneth like-
+wise the health of the plantation, that they have
+good store of salt with them, that they may use it
+in their victuals, when it shall be necessary.  If you
+plant where savages are, do not only entertain
+them, with trifles and gingles, but use them justly
+and graciously, with sufficient guard nevertheless;
+and do not win their favor, by helping them to in-
+vade their enemies, but for their defence it is not
+amiss; and send oft of them, over to the country
+that plants, that they may see a better condition
+than their own, and commend it when they re-
+turn.  When the plantation grows to strength, then
+it is time to plant with women, as well as with
+men; that the plantation may spread into genera-
+tions, 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 com-
+miserable persons.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Riches
+
+
+I CANNOT call riches better than the baggage
+of virtue.  The Roman word is better, impedi-
+menta.  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.  Of
+great riches there is no real use, except it be in the
+distribution; the rest is but conceit.  So saith Solo-
+mon, Where much is, there are many to consume
+it; and what hath the owner, but the sight of it
+with his eyes? The personal fruition in any man,
+cannot reach to feel great riches: there is a custody
+of them; or a power of dole, and donative of them;
+or a fame of them; but no solid use to the owner.
+Do you not see what feigned prices, are set upon
+little stones and rarities? and what works of osten-
+tation are undertaken, because there might seem
+to be some use of great riches? But then you will
+say, they may be of use, to buy men out of dangers
+or troubles.  As Solomon saith, Riches are as a
+strong hold, in the imagination of the rich man.
+But this is excellently expressed, that it is in imagi-
+nation, and not always in fact.  For certainly great
+riches, have sold more men, than they have bought
+out.  Seek not proud riches, but such as thou mayest
+get justly, use soberly, distribute cheerfully, and
+leave contentedly.  Yet have no abstract nor friarly
+contempt of them.  But distinguish, as Cicero saith
+well of Rabirius Posthumus, In studio rei ampli-
+ficandae apparebat, non avaritiae praedam, sed
+instrumentum bonitati quaeri.  Harken also to
+Solomon, and beware of hasty gathering of riches;
+Qui festinat ad divitias, non erit insons.  The poets
+feign, that when Plutus (which is Riches) is sent
+from Jupiter, he limps and goes slowly; but when
+he is sent from Pluto, he runs, and is swift of foot.
+Meaning that riches gotten by good means, and
+just labor, pace slowly; but when they come by
+the death of others (as by the course of inheritance,
+testaments, and the like), they come tumbling
+upon a man.  But it mought be applied likewise to
+Pluto, taking him for the devil.  For when riches
+come from the devil (as by fraud and oppression,
+and unjust means), they come upon speed.  The
+ways to enrich are many, and most of them foul.
+Parsimony is one of the best, and yet is not inno-
+cent; for it withholdeth men from works of liberal-
+ity and charity.  The improvement of the ground,
+is the most natural obtaining of riches; for it is our
+great mother's blessing, the earth's; but it is slow.
+And yet where men of great wealth do stoop to
+husbandry, it multiplieth riches exceedingly.  I
+knew a nobleman in England, that had the great-
+est audits of any man in my time; a great grazier,
+a great sheep-master, a great timber man, a great
+collier, a great corn-master, a great lead-man, and
+so of iron, and a number of the like points of hus-
+bandry.  So as the earth seemed a sea to him, in
+respect of the perpetual importation.  It was truly
+observed by one, that himself came very hardly,
+to a little riches, and very easily, to great riches.
+For when a man's stock is come to that, that he can
+expect the prime of markets, and overcome those
+bargains, which for their greatness are few men's
+money, and be partner in the industries of younger
+men, he cannot but increase mainly.  The gains of
+ordinary trades and vocations are honest; and
+furthered by two things chiefly: by diligence, and
+by a good name, for good and fair dealing.  But the
+gains of bargains, are of a more doubtful nature;
+when men shall wait upon others' necessity, broke
+by servants and instruments to draw them on, put
+off others cunningly, that would be better chap-
+men, and the like practices, which are crafty and
+naught.  As for the chopping of bargains, when a
+man buys not to hold but to sell over again, that
+commonly grindeth double, both upon the seller,
+and upon the buyer.  Sharings do greatly enrich,
+if the hands be well chosen, that are trusted.  Usury
+is the certainest means of gain, though one of the
+worst; as that whereby a man doth eat his bread,
+in sudore vultus alieni; and besides, doth plough
+upon Sundays.  But yet certain though it be, it hath
+flaws; for that the scriveners and brokers do value
+unsound men, to serve their own turn.  The fortune
+in being the first, in an invention or in a privilege,
+doth cause sometimes a wonderful overgrowth in
+riches; as it was with the first sugar man, in the
+Canaries.  Therefore if a man can play the true
+logician, to have as well judgment, as invention,
+he may do great matters; especially if the times be
+fit.  He that resteth upon gains certain, shall hardly
+grow to great riches; and he that puts all upon
+adventures, doth oftentimes break and come to
+poverty: it is good, therefore, to guard adventures
+with certainties, that may uphold losses.  Monopo-
+lies, and coemption of wares for re-sale, where
+they are not restrained, are great means to enrich;
+especially if the party have intelligence, what
+things are like to come into request, and so store
+himself beforehand.  Riches gotten by service,
+though it be of the best rise, yet when they are
+gotten by flattery, feeding humors, and other serv-
+ile conditions, they may be placed amongst the
+worst.  As for fishing for testaments and executor-
+ships (as Tacitus saith of Seneca, testamenta et
+orbos tamquam indagine capi), it is yet worse; by
+how much men submit themselves to meaner per-
+sons, than in service.  Believe not much, them that
+seem to despise riches; for they despise them, that
+despair of them; and none worse, when they come
+to them.  Be not penny-wise; riches have wings,
+and sometimes they fly away of themselves, some-
+times they must be set flying, to bring in more.
+Men leave their riches, either to their kindred, or
+to the public; and moderate portions, prosper best
+in both.  A great state left to an heir, is as a lure to
+all the birds of prey round about, to seize on him, if
+he be not the better stablished in years and judg-
+ment.  Likewise glorious gifts and foundations, are
+like sacrifices without salt; and but the painted
+sepulchres of alms, which soon will putrefy, and
+corrupt inwardly.  Therefore measure not thine
+advancements, by quantity, but frame them by
+measure: and defer not charities till death; for,
+certainly, if a man weigh it rightly, he that doth
+so, is rather liberal of another man's, than of his
+own.
+
+
+Of Prophecies
+
+
+
+I MEAN not to speak of divine prophecies; nor
+of heathen oracles; nor of natural predictions;
+but only of prophecies that have been of cer-
+tain memory, and from hidden causes.  Saith the
+Pythonissa to Saul, To-morrow thou and thy son
+shall be with me.  Homer hath these verses:
+
+
+At domus AEneae cunctis dominabitur oris,
+Et nati natorum, et qui nascentur ab illis.
+
+
+A prophecy, as it seems, of the Roman empire.
+Seneca the tragedian hath these verses:
+
+
+  --Venient annis
+Saecula seris, quibus Oceanus
+Vincula rerum laxet, et ingens
+Pateat Tellus, Tiphysque novos
+Detegat orbes; nec sit terris
+Ultima Thule:
+
+
+a prophecy of the discovery of America.  The daugh-
+ter of Polycrates, dreamed that Jupiter bathed her
+father, and Apollo anointed him; and it came to
+pass, that he was crucified in an open place, where
+the sun made his body run with sweat, and the
+rain washed it.  Philip of Macedon dreamed, he
+sealed up bis wife's belly; whereby he did expound
+it, that his wife should be barren; but Aristander
+the soothsayer, told him his wife was with child,
+because men do not use to seal vessels, that are
+empty.  A phantasm that appeared to M. Brutus, in
+his tent, said to him, Philippis iterum me videbis.
+Tiberius said to Galba, Tu quoque, Galba, degusta-
+bis imperium.  In Vespasian's time, there went a
+prophecy in the East, that those that should come
+forth of Judea, should reign over the world:
+which though it may be was meant of our Savior;
+yet Tacitus expounds it of Vespasian.  Domitian
+dreamed, the night before he was slain, that a
+golden head was growing, out of the nape of his
+neck: and indeed, the succession that followed him
+for many years, made golden times.  Henry the
+Sixth of England, said of Henry the Seventh, when
+he was a lad, and gave him water, This is the lad
+that shall enjoy the crown, for which we strive.
+When I was in France, I heard from one Dr. Pena,
+that the Queen Mother, who was given to curious
+arts, caused the King her husband's nativity to be
+calculated, under a false name; and the astrologer
+gave a judgment, that he should be killed in a duel;
+at which the Queen laughed, thinking her hus-
+band to be above challenges and duels: but he was
+slain upon a course at tilt, the splinters of the staff
+of Montgomery going in at his beaver.  The trivial
+prophecy, which I heard when I was a child, and
+Queen Elizabeth was in the flower of her years,
+was,
+
+
+When hempe is spun
+
+England's done:
+
+whereby it was generally conceived, that after the
+princes had reigned, which had the principal
+letters of that word hempe (which were Henry,
+Edward, Mary, Philip, and Elizabeth), England
+should come to utter confusion; which, thanks be
+to God, is verified only in the change of the name;
+for that the King's style, is now no more of Eng-
+land but of Britain.  There was also another proph-
+ecy, before the year of '88, which I do not well
+understand.
+
+
+There shall be seen upon a day,
+Between the Baugh and the May,
+The black fleet of Norway.
+When that that is come and gone,
+England build houses of lime and stone,
+For after wars shall you have none.
+
+
+It was generally conceived to be meant, of the
+Spanish fleet that came in '88: for that the king of
+Spain's surname, as they say, is Norway.  The pre-
+diction of Regiomontanus,
+
+
+Octogesimus octavus mirabilis annus,
+
+
+was thought likewise accomplished in the sending
+of that great fleet, being the greatest in strength,
+though not in number, of all that ever swam upon
+the sea.  As for Cleon's dream, I think it was a jest.
+It was, that he was devoured of a long dragon; and
+it was expounded of a maker of sausages, that
+troubled him exceedingly.  There are numbers of
+the like kind; especially if you include dreams, and
+predictions of astrology.  But I have set down these
+few only, of certain credit, for example.  My judg-
+ment is, that they ought all to be despised; and
+ought to serve but for winter talk by the fireside.
+Though when I say despised, I mean it as for be-
+lief; for otherwise, the spreading, or publishing,
+of them, is in no sort to be despised.  For they have
+done much mischief; and I see many severe laws
+made, to suppress them.  That that hath given them
+grace, and some credit, consisteth in three things.
+First, that men mark when they hit, and never
+mark when they miss; as they do generally also of
+dreams.  The second is, that probable conjectures,
+or obscure traditions, many times turn themselves
+into prophecies; while the nature of man, which
+coveteth divination, thinks it no peril to foretell
+that which indeed they do but collect.  As that of
+Seneca's verse.  For so much was then subject to
+demonstration, that the globe of the earth had
+great parts beyond the Atlantic, which mought
+be probably conceived not to be all sea: and adding
+thereto the tradition in Plato's Timaeus, and his
+Atlanticus, it mought encourage one to turn it to
+a prediction.  The third and last (which is the great
+one) is, that almost all of them, being infinite in
+number, have been impostures, and by idle and
+crafty brains merely contrived and feigned, after
+the event past.
+
+
+
+
+Of Ambition
+
+
+
+AMBITION is like choler; which is an humor
+that maketh men active, earnest, full of alac-
+rity, and stirring, if it be not stopped.  But if it be
+stopped, and cannot have his way, it becometh
+adust, and thereby malign and venomous.  So am-
+bitious men, if they find the way open for their
+rising, and still get forward, they are rather busy
+than dangerous; but if they be checked in their
+desires, they become secretly discontent, and look
+upon men and matters with an evil eye, and are
+best pleased, when things go backward; which is
+the worst property in a servant of a prince, or state.
+Therefore it is good for princes, if they use ambi-
+tious men, to handle it, so as they be still progres-
+sive and not retrograde; which, because it cannot
+be without inconvenience, it is good not to use such
+natures at all.  For if they rise not with their service,
+they will take order, to make their service fall with
+them.  But since we have said, it were good not to
+use men of ambitious natures, except it be upon
+necessity, it is fit we speak, in what cases they are
+of necessity.  Good commanders in the wars must
+be taken, be they never so ambitious; for the use
+of their service, dispenseth with the rest; and to
+take a soldier without ambition, is to pull off his
+spurs.  There is also great use of ambitious men, in
+being screens to princes in matters of danger and
+envy; for no man will take that part, except he be
+like a seeled dove, that mounts and mounts, be-
+cause he cannot see about him.  There is use also of
+ambitious men, in pulling down the greatness of
+any subject that overtops; as Tiberius used Marco,
+in the pulling down of Sejanus.  Since, therefore,
+they must be used in such cases, there resteth to
+speak, how they are to be bridled, that they may be
+less dangerous.  There is less danger of them, if they
+be of mean birth, than if they be noble; and if they
+be rather harsh of nature, than gracious and popu-
+lar: and if they be rather new raised, than grown
+cunning, and fortified, in their greatness.  It is
+counted by some, a weakness in princes, to have
+favorites; but it is, of all others, the best remedy
+against ambitious great-ones.  For when the way
+of pleasuring, and displeasuring, lieth by the
+favorite, it is impossible any other should be over-
+great.  Another means to curb them, is to balance
+them by others, as proud as they.  But then there
+must be some middle counsellors, to keep things
+steady; for without that ballast, the ship will roll
+too much.  At the least, a prince may animate
+and inure some meaner persons, to be as it were
+scourges, to ambitions men.  As for the having of
+them obnoxious to ruin; if they be of fearful
+natures, it may do well; but if they be stout and
+daring, it may precipitate their designs, and prove
+dangerous.  As for the pulling of them down, if the
+affairs require it, and that it may not be done with
+safety suddenly, the only way is the interchange,
+continually, of favors and disgraces; whereby
+they may not know what to expect, and be, as it
+were, in a wood.  Of ambitions, it is less harmful,
+the ambition to prevail in great things, than that
+other, to appear in every thing; for that breeds
+confusion, and mars business.  But yet it is less dan-
+ger, to have an ambitious man stirring in business,
+than great in dependences.  He that seeketh to be
+eminent amongst able men, hath a great task; but
+that is ever good for the public.  But he, that plots
+to be the only figure amongst ciphers, is the decay
+of a whole age.  Honor hath three things in it: the
+vantage ground to do good; the approach to kings
+and principal persons; and the raising of a man's
+own fortunes.  He that hath the best of these inten-
+tions, when he aspireth, is an honest man; and that
+prince, that can discern of these intentions in an-
+other that aspireth, is a wise prince.  Generally, let
+princes and states choose such ministers, as are
+more sensible of duty than of using; and such as
+love business rather upon conscience, than upon
+bravery, and let them discern a busy nature, from
+a willing mind.
+
+
+Of Masques
+
+AND TRIUMPHS
+
+
+
+
+
+THESE things are but toys, to come amongst
+such serious observations.  But yet, since
+princes will have such things, it is better they
+should be graced with elegancy, than daubed with
+cost.  Dancing to song, is a thing of great state and
+pleasure.  I understand it, that the song be in quire,
+placed aloft, and accompanied with some broken
+music; and the ditty fitted to the device.  Acting in
+song, especially in dialogues, hath an extreme
+good grace; I say acting, not dancing (for that is a
+mean and vulgar thing); and the voices of the dia-
+logue would be strong and manly (a base and a
+tenor; no treble); and the ditty high and tragical;
+not nice or dainty.  Several quires, placed one over
+against another, and taking the voice by catches,
+anthem-wise, give great pleasure.  Turning dances
+into figure, is a childish curiosity.  And generally
+let it be noted, that those things which I here set
+down, are such as do naturally take the sense, and
+not respect petty wonderments.  It is true, the al-
+terations of scenes, so it be quietly and without
+noise, are things of great beauty and pleasure; for
+they feed and relieve the eye, before it be full of
+the same object.  Let the scenes abound with light,
+specially colored and varied; and let the masquers,
+or any other, that are to come down from the
+scene, have some motions upon the scene itself,
+before their coming down; for it draws the eye
+strangely, and makes it, with great pleasure, to
+desire to see, that it cannot perfectly discern.  Let
+the songs be loud and cheerful, and not chirpings
+or pulings.  Let the music likewise be sharp and
+loud, and well placed.  The colors that show best by
+candle-light are white, carnation, and a kind of
+sea-water-green; and oes, or spangs, as they are of
+no great cost, so they are of most glory.  As for rich
+embroidery, it is lost and not discerned.  Let the
+suits of the masquers be graceful, and such as be-
+come the person, when the vizors are off; not after
+examples of known attires; Turke, soldiers, mari-
+ners', and the like.  Let anti-masques not be long;
+they have been commonly of fools, satyrs, baboons,
+wild-men, antics, beasts, sprites, witches, Ethiops,
+pigmies, turquets, nymphs, rustics, Cupids, statuas
+moving, and the like.  As for angels, it is not comi-
+cal enough, to put them in anti-masques; and
+anything that is hideous, as devils, giants, is on
+the other side as unfit.  But chiefly, let the music
+of them be recreative, and with some strange
+changes.  Some sweet odors suddenly coming forth,
+without any drops falling, are, in such a company
+as there is steam and heat, things of great pleasure
+and refreshment.  Double masques, one of men,
+another of ladies, addeth state and variety.  But all
+is nothing except the room be kept clear and neat.
+
+For justs, and tourneys, and barriers; the glories
+of them are chiefly in the chariots, wherein the
+challengers make their entry; especially if they
+be drawn with strange beasts: as lions, bears,
+camels, and the like; or in the devices of their en-
+trance; or in the bravery of their liveries; or in the
+goodly furniture of their horses and armor.  But
+enough of these toys.
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Nature
+
+IN MEN
+
+
+
+NATURE is often hidden; sometimes over-
+come; seldom extinguished.  Force, maketh
+nature more violent in the return; doctrine and dis-
+course, maketh nature less importune; but custom
+only doth alter and subdue nature.  He that seeketh
+victory over his nature, let him not set himself too
+great, nor too small tasks; for the first will make
+him dejected by often failings; and the second will
+make him a small proceeder, though by often pre-
+vailings.  And at the first let him practise with
+helps, as swimmers do with bladders or rushes;
+but after a time let him practise with disadvan-
+tages, as dancers do with thick shoes.  For it breeds
+great perfection, if the practice be harder than the
+use.  Where nature is mighty, and therefore the
+victory hard, the degrees had need be, first to stay
+and arrest nature in time; like to him that would
+say over the four and twenty letters when he was
+angry; then to go less in quantity; as if one should,
+in forbearing wine, come from drinking healths,
+to a draught at a meal; and lastly, to discontinue
+altogether.  But if a man have the fortitude, and
+resolution, to enfranchise himself at once, that is
+the best:
+
+
+Optimus ille animi vindex laedentia pectus
+Vincula qui rupit, dedoluitque semel.
+
+
+Neither is the ancient rule amiss, to bend nature,
+as a wand, to a contrary extreme, whereby to set it
+right, understanding it, where the contrary ex-
+treme is no vice.  Let not a man force a habit upon
+himself, with a perpetual continuance, but with
+some intermission.  For both the pause reinforceth
+the new onset; and if a man that is not perfect, be
+ever in practice, he shall as well practise his errors,
+as his abilities, and induce one habit of both; and
+there is no means to help this, but by seasonable
+intermissions.  But let not a man trust his victory
+over his nature, too far; for nature will lay buried
+a great time, and yet revive, upon the occasion or
+temptation.  Like as it was with AEsop's damsel,
+turned from a cat to a woman, who sat very de-
+mutely at the board's end, till a mouse ran before
+her.  Therefore, let a man either avoid the occasion
+altogether; or put himself often to it, that he may
+be little moved with it.  A man's nature is best per-
+ceived in privateness, for there is no affectation;
+in passion, for that putteth a man out of his pre-
+cepts; and in a new case or experiment, for there
+custom leaveth him.  They are happy men, whose
+natures sort with their vocations; otherwise they
+may say, multum incola fuit anima mea; when
+they converse in those things, they do not affect.
+In studies, whatsoever a man commandeth upon
+himself, let him set hours for it; but whatsoever is
+agreeable to his nature, let him take no care for
+any set times; for his thoughts will fly to it, of
+themselves; so as the spaces of other business, or
+studies, will suffice.  A man's nature, runs either to
+herbs or weeds; therefore let him seasonably water
+the one, and destroy the other.
+
+
+
+
+Of Custom
+
+AND EDUCATION
+
+
+
+
+
+MEN'S thoughts, are much according to their
+inclination; their discourse and speeches,
+according to their learning and infused opinions;
+but their deeds, are after as they have been accus-
+tomed.  And therefore, as Machiavel well noteth
+(though in an evil-favored instance), there is no
+trusting to the force of nature, nor to the bravery
+of words, except it be corroborate by custom.  His
+instance is, that for the achieving of a desperate
+conspiracy, a man should not rest upon the fierce-
+ness of any man's nature, or his resolute under-
+takings; but take such an one, as hath had his
+hands formerly in blood.  But Machiavel knew not
+of a Friar Clement, nor a Ravillac, nor a Jaureguy,
+nor a Baltazar Gerard; yet his rule holdeth still,
+that nature, nor the engagement of words, are not
+so forcible, as custom.  Only superstition is now so
+well advanced, that men of the first blood, are as
+firm as butchers by occupation; and votary reso-
+lution, is made equipollent to custom, even in mat-
+ter of blood.  In other things, the predominancy of
+custom is everywhere visible; insomuch as a man
+would wonder, to hear men profess, protest, en-
+gage, give great words, and then do, just as they
+have done before; as if they were dead images,
+and engines moved only by the wheels of custom.
+We see also the reign or tyranny of custom, what
+it is.  The Indians (I mean the sect of their wise men)
+lay themselves quietly upon a stock of wood, and
+so sacrifice themselves by fire.  Nay, the wives
+strive to be burned, with the corpses of their hus-
+bands.  The lads of Sparta, of ancient time, were
+wont to be scourged upon the altar of Diana, with-
+out so much as queching.  I remember, in the be-
+ginning of Queen Elizabeth's time of England, an
+Irish rebel condemned, put up a petition to the
+deputy, that he might be hanged in a withe, and
+not in an halter; because it had been so used, with
+former rebels.  There be monks in Russia, for pen-
+ance, that will sit a whole night in a vessel of water,
+till they be engaged with hard ice.  Many examples
+may be put of the force of custom, both upon mind
+and body.  Therefore, since custom is the principal
+magistrate of man's life, let men by all means en-
+deavor, to obtain good customs.  Certainly custom
+is most perfect, when it beginneth in young years:
+this we call education; which is, in effect, but an
+early custom.  So we see, in languages, the tongue
+is more pliant to all expressions and sounds, the
+joints are more supple, to all feats of activity and
+motions,  in youth than afterwards.  For it is true,
+that late learners cannot so well take the ply; ex-
+cept it be in some minds, that have not suffered
+themselves to fix, but have kept themselves open,
+and prepared to receive continual amendment,
+which is exceeding rare.  But if the force of cus-
+tom simple and separate, be great, the force of
+custom copulate and conjoined and collegiate, is
+far greater.  For there example teacheth, company
+comforteth, emulation quickeneth, glory raiseth:
+so as in such places the force of custom is in his
+exaltation.  Certainly the great multiplication of
+virtues upon human nature, resteth upon socie-
+ties well ordained and disciplined.  For common-
+wealths, and good governments, do nourish virtue
+grown but do not much mend the deeds.  But the
+misery is, that the most effectual means, are now
+applied to the ends, least to be desired.
+
+
+Of Fortune
+
+
+IT CANNOT be denied, but outward accidents
+conduce much to fortune; favor, opportunity,
+death of others, occasion fitting virtue.  But chiefly,
+the mould of a man's fortune is in his own hands.
+Faber quisque fortunae suae, saith the poet.  And
+the most frequent of external causes is, that the
+folly of one man, is the fortune of another.  For no
+man prospers so suddenly, as by others' errors.
+Serpens nisi serpentem comederit non fit draco.
+Overt and apparent virtues, bring forth praise; but
+there be secret and hidden virtues, that bring forth
+fortune; certain deliveries of a man's self, which
+have no name.  The Spanish name, desemboltura,
+partly expresseth them; when there be not stonds
+nor restiveness in a man's nature; but that the
+wheels of his mind, keep way with the wheels of
+his fortune.  For so Livy (after he had described
+Cato Major in these words, In illo viro tantum ro-
+bur corporis et animi fuit, ut quocunque loco natus
+esset, fortunam sibi facturus videretur) falleth
+upon that, that he had versatile ingenium.  There-
+fore if a man look sharply and attentively, he shall
+see Fortune: for though she be blind, yet she is not
+invisible.  The way of fortune, is like the Milken
+Way in the sky; which is a meeting or knot of a
+number of small stars; not seen asunder, but giv-
+ing light together.  So are there a number of
+little, and scarce discerned virtues, or rather facul-
+ties and customs, that make men fortunate.  The
+Italians note some of them, such as a man would
+little think.  When they speak of one that cannot do
+amiss, they will throw in, into his other conditions,
+that he hath Poco di matto.  And certainly there be
+not two more fortunate properties, than to have a
+little of the fool, and not too much of the honest.
+Therefore extreme lovers of their country or
+masters, were never fortunate, neither can they
+be. For when a man placeth his thoughts without
+himself, he goeth not his own way.  An hasty for-
+tune maketh an enterpriser and remover (the
+French hath it better, entreprenant, or remuant);
+but the exercised fortune maketh the able man.
+Fortune is to be honored and respected, and it be
+but for her daughters, Confidence and Reputation.
+For those two, Felicity breedeth; the first within
+a man's self, the latter in others towards him.  All
+wise men, to decline the envy of their own virtues,
+use to ascribe them to Providence and Fortune; for
+so they may the better assume them: and, besides,
+it is greatness in a man, to be the care of the higher
+powers.  So Caesar said to the pilot in the tempest,
+Caesarem portas, et fortunam ejus.  So Sylla chose
+the name of Felix, and not of Magnus.  And it hath
+been noted, that those who ascribe openly too
+much to their own wisdom and policy, end infor-
+tunate.  It is written that Timotheus the Athenian,
+after he had, in the account he gave to the state of
+his government, often interlaced this speech, and
+in this, Fortune had no part, never prospered in
+anything, he undertook afterwards.  Certainly
+there be, whose fortunes are like Homer's verses,
+that have a slide and easiness more than the verses
+of other poets; as Plutarch saith of Timoleon's for-
+tune, in respect of that of Agesilaus or Epaminon-
+das.  And that this shoulld be, no doubt it is much,
+in a man's self.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Usury
+
+
+MANY have made witty invectives against
+usury.  They say that it is a pity, the devil
+should have God's part, which is the tithe.  That the
+usurer is the greatest Sabbath-breaker, because his
+plough goeth every Sunday.  That the usurer is the
+drone, that Virgil speaketh of;
+
+
+Ignavum fucos pecus a praesepibus arcent.
+
+That the usurer breaketh the first law, that was
+made for mankind after the fall, which was, in
+sudore vultus tui comedes panem tuum; not, in
+sudore vultus alieni.  That usurers should have
+orange-tawny bonnets, because they do judaize.
+That it is against nature for money to beget money;
+and the like.  I say this only, that usury is a conces-
+sum propter duritiem cordis; for since there must
+be borrowing and lending, and men are so hard
+of heart, as they will not lend freely, usury must
+be permitted.  Some others, have made suspicious
+and cunning propositions of banks, discovery of
+men's estates, and other inventions.  But few have
+spoken of usury usefully.  It is good to set before us,
+the incommodities and commodities of usury, that
+the good, may be either weighed out or culled out;
+and warily to provide, that while we make forth
+to that which is better, we meet not with that
+which is worse.
+
+The discommodities of usury are, First, that it
+makes fewer merchants.  For were it not for this
+lazy trade of usury, money would not he still, but
+would in great part be employed upon merchan-
+dizing; which is the vena porta of wealth in a state.
+The second, that it makes poor merchants.  For, as
+a farmer cannot husband his ground so well, if he
+sit at a great rent; so the merchant cannot drive
+his trade so well, if he sit at great usury.  The third
+is incident to the other two; and that is the decay of
+customs of kings or states, which ebb or flow, with
+merchandizing.  The fourth, that it bringeth the
+treasure of a realm, or state, into a few hands.  For
+the usurer being at certainties, and others at uncer-
+tainties, at the end of the game, most of the money
+will be in the box; and ever a state flourisheth,
+when wealth is more equally spread.  The fifth,
+that it beats down the price of land; for the em-
+ployment of money, is chiefly either merchandiz-
+ing or purchasing; and usury waylays both.  The
+sixth, that it doth dull and damp all industries, im-
+provements, and new inventions, wherein money
+would be stirring, if it were not for this slug.  The
+last, that it is the canker and ruin of many men's
+estates; which, in process of time, breeds a public
+poverty.
+
+On the other side, the commodities of usury are,
+first, that howsoever usury in some respect hinder-
+eth merchandizing, yet in some other it advanceth
+it; for it is certain that the greatest part of trade is
+driven by young merchants, upon borrowing at
+interest; so as if the usurer either call in, or keep
+back, his money, there will ensue, presently, a
+great stand of trade.  The second is, that were it not
+for this easy borrowing upon interest, men's neces-
+sities would draw upon them a most sudden un-
+doing; in that they would be forced to sell their
+means (be it lands or goods) far under foot; and so,
+whereas usury doth but gnaw upon them, bad
+markets would swallow them quite up.  As for
+mortgaging or pawning, it will little mend the
+matter: for either men will not take pawns with-
+out use; or if they do, they will look precisely for
+the forfeiture.  I remember a cruel moneyed man
+in the country, that would say, The devil take this
+usury, it keeps us from forfeitures, of mortgages
+and bonds.  The third and last is, that it is a vanity
+to conceive, that there would be ordinary borrow-
+ing without profit; and it is impossible to conceive,
+the number of inconveniences that will ensue, if
+borrowing be cramped.  Therefore to speak of the
+abolishing of usury is idle.  All states have ever had
+it, in one kind or rate, or other.  So as that opinion
+must be sent to Utopia.
+
+To speak now of the reformation, and reigle-
+ment, of usury; how the discommodities of it may
+be best avoided, and the commodities retained.  It
+appears, by the balance of commodities and dis-
+commodities of usury, two things are to be recon-
+ciled.  The one, that the tooth of usury be grinded,
+that it bite not too much; the other, that there be
+left open a means, to invite moneyed men to lend
+to the merchants, for the continuing and quicken-
+ing of trade.  This cannot be done, except you intro-
+duce two several sorts of usury, a less and a greater.
+For if you reduce usury to one low rate, it will ease
+the common borrower, but the merchant will be
+to seek for money.  And it is to be noted, that the
+trade of merchandize, being the most lucrative,
+may bear usury at a good rate; other contracts
+not so.
+
+To serve both intentions, the way would be
+briefly thus.  That there be two rates of usury:
+the one free, and general for all; the other under
+license only, to certain persons, and in certain
+places of merchandizing.  First, therefore, let usury
+in general, be reduced to five in the hundred; and
+let that rate be proclaimed, to be free and current;
+and let the state shut itself out, to take any penalty
+for the same.  This will preserve borrowing, from
+any general stop or dryness.  This will ease infinite
+borrowers in the country.  This will, in good part,
+raise the price of land, because land purchased
+at sixteen years' purchase will yield six in the
+hundred, and somewhat more; whereas this rate
+of interest, yields but five.  This by like reason
+will encourage, and edge, industrious and profit-
+able improvements; because many will rather
+venture in that kind, than take five in the hun-
+dred, especially having been used to greater profit.
+Secondly, let there be certain persons licensed,
+to lend to known merchants, upon usury at a
+higher rate; and let it be with the cautions fol-
+lowing.  Let the rate be, even with the merchant
+himself, somewhat more easy than that he used
+formerly to pay; for by that means, all bor-
+rowers, shall have some ease by this reformation,
+be he merchant, or whosoever.  Let it be no
+bank or common stock, but every man be master
+of his own money.  Not that I altogether mis-
+like banks, but they will hardly be brooked, in
+regard of certain suspicions.  Let the state be
+answered some small matter for the license, and
+the rest left to the lender; for if the abatement be
+but small, it will no whit discourage the lender.
+For he, for example, that took before ten or nine in
+the hundred, will sooner descend to eight in the
+hundred than give over his trade of usury, and go
+from certain gains, to gains of hazard.  Let these
+licensed lenders be in number indefinite, but re-
+strained to certain principal cities and towns of
+merchandizing; for then they will be hardly able
+to color other men's moneys in the country: so as
+the license of nine will not suck away the current
+rate of five; for no man will send his moneys far
+off, nor put them into unknown hands.
+
+If it be objected that this doth in a sort authorize
+usury, which before, was in some places but per-
+missive; the answer is, that it is better to mitigate
+usury, by declaration, than to suffer it to rage, by
+connivance.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Youth
+
+AND AGE
+
+
+A MAN that is young in years, may be old in
+hours, if he have lost no time.  But that hap-
+peneth rarely.  Generally, youth is like the first
+cogitations, not so wise as the second.  For there is
+a youth in thoughts, as well as in ages.  And yet the
+invention of young men, is more lively than that
+of old; and imaginations stream into their minds
+better, and, as it were, more divinely.  Natures that
+have much heat, and great and violent desires and
+perturbations, are not ripe for action, till they have
+passed the meridian of their years; as it was with
+Julius Caesar and Septimius Severus.  Of the latter,
+of whom it is said, Juventutem egit erroribus, imo
+furoribus, plenam.  And yet he was the ablest em-
+peror, almost, of all the list.  But reposed natures
+may do well in youth.  As it is seen in Augustus
+Caesar, Cosmus Duke of Florence, Gaston de Foix,
+and others.  On the other side, heat and vivacity in
+age, is an excellent composition for business.
+Young men are fitter to invent, than to judge; fitter
+for execution, than for counsel; and fitter for new
+projects, than for settled business.  For the experi-
+ence of age, in things that fall within the compass
+of it, directeth them; but in new things, abuseth
+them.
+
+The errors of young men, are the ruin of busi-
+ness; but the errors of aged men, amount but to
+this, that more might have been done, or sooner.
+Young men, in the conduct and manage of actions,
+embrace more than they can hold; stir more than
+they can quiet; fly to the end, without considera-
+tion of the means and degrees; pursue some
+few principles, which they have chanced upon
+absurdly; care not to innovate, which draws un-
+known inconveniences; use extreme remedies at
+first; and, that which doubleth all errors, will not
+acknowledge or retract them; like an unready
+horse, that will neither stop nor turn.  Men of age
+object too much, consult too long, adventure too
+little, repent too soon, and seldom drive business
+home to the full period, but content themselves
+with a mediocrity of success.  Certainly it is good to
+compound employments of both; for that will be
+good for the present, because the virtues of either
+age, may correct the defects of both; and good for
+succession, that young men may be learners, while
+men in age are actors; and, lastly, good for extern
+accidents, because authority followeth old men,
+and favor and popularity, youth.  But for the moral
+part, perhaps youth will have the pre-eminence, as
+age hath for the politic.  A certain rabbin, upon the
+text, Your young men shall see visions, and your
+old men shall dream dreams, inferreth that young
+men, are admitted nearer to God than old, because
+vision, is a clearer revelation, than a dream.  And
+certainly, the more a man drinketh of the world,
+the more it intoxicateth; and age doth profit rather
+in the powers of understanding, than in the virtues
+of the will and affections.  There be some, have an
+over-early ripeness in their years, which fadeth
+betimes.  These are, first, such as have brittle wits,
+the edge whereof is soon turned; such as was Her-
+mogenes the rhetorician, whose books are exceed-
+ing subtle; who afterwards waxed stupid.  A second
+sort, is of those that have some natural dispositions
+which have better grace in  youth, than in age;
+such as is a fluent and luxuriant speech; which
+becomes youth well, but not age: so Tully saith of
+Hortensius, Idem manebat, neque idem decebat.
+The third is of such, as take too high a strain at the
+first, and are magnanimous, more than tract of
+years can uphold.  As was Scipio Africanus, of
+whom Livy saith in effect, Ultima primis cedebant.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Beauty
+
+
+VIRTUE is like a rich stone, best plain set; and
+surely virtue is best, in a body that is comely,
+though not of delicate features; and that hath
+rather dignity of presence, than beauty of aspect.
+Neither is it almost seen, that very beautiful per-
+sons are otherwise of great virtue; as if nature were
+rather busy, not to err, than in labor to produce
+excellency.  And therefore they prove accom-
+plished, but not of great spirit; and study rather
+behavior, than virtue.  But this holds not always:
+for Augustus Caesar, Titus Vespasianus, Philip le
+Belle of France, Edward the Fourth of England,
+Alcibiades of Athens, Ismael the Sophy of Persia,
+were all high and great spirits; and yet the most
+beautiful men of their times.  In beauty, that of
+favor, is more than that of color; and that of decent
+and gracious motion, more than that of favor.  That
+is the best part of beauty, which a picture cannot
+express; no, nor the first sight of the life.  There is no
+excellent beauty, that hath not some strangeness
+in the proportion.  A man cannot tell whether
+Apelles, or Albert Durer, were the more trifler;
+whereof the one, would make a personage by geo-
+metrical proportions; the other, by taking the best
+parts out of divers faces, to make one excellent.
+Such personages, I think, would please nobody,
+but the painter that made them.  Not but I think a
+painter may make a better face than ever was; but
+he must do it by a kind of felicity (as a musician
+that maketh an excellent air in music), and not by
+rule.  A man shall see faces, that if you examine
+them part by part, you shall find never a good;
+and yet altogether do well.  If it be true that the
+principal part of beauty is in decent motion, cer-
+tainly it is no marvel, though persons in years
+seem many times more amiable; pulchrorum
+autumnus pulcher; for no youth can be comely
+but by pardon, and considering the youth, as to
+make up the comeliness.  Beauty is as summer
+fruits,) which are easy to corrupt, and cannot last;
+and for the most part it makes a dissolute youth,
+and an age a little out of countenance; but yet cer-
+tainly again, if it light well, it maketh virtue shine,
+and vices blush.
+
+
+Of Deformity
+
+
+
+DEFORMED persons are commonly even with
+nature; for as nature hath done ill by them,
+so do they by nature; being for the most part (as
+the Scripture saith) void of natural affection; and
+so they have their revenge of nature.  Certainly
+there is a consent, between the body and the mind;
+and where nature erreth in the one, she ventureth
+in the other.  Ubi peccat in uno, periclitatur in al-
+tero.  But because there is, in man, an election
+touching the frame of his mind, and a necessity in
+the frame of his body, the stars of natural inclina-
+tion are sometimes obscured, by the sun of disci-
+pline and virtue.  Therefore it is good to consider of
+deformity, not as a sign, which is more deceivable;
+but as a cause, which seldom faileth of the effect.
+Whosoever hath anything fixed in his person, that
+doth induce contempt, hath also a perpetual spur
+in himself, to rescue and deliver himself from
+scorn.  Therefore all deformed persons, are extreme
+bold.  First, as in their own defence, as being ex-
+posed to scorn; but in process of time, by a general
+habit.  Also it stirreth in them industry, and espe-
+cially of this kind, to watch and observe the weak-
+ness of others, that they may have somewhat to
+repay.  Again, in their superiors, it quencheth
+jealousy towards them, as persons that they think
+they may, at pleasure, despise: and it layeth their
+competitors and emulators asleep; as never believ-
+ing they should be in possibility of advancement,
+till they see them in possession.  So that upon the
+matter, in a great wit, deformity is an advantage
+to rising.  Kings in ancient times (and at this pres-
+ent in some countries) were wont to put great trust
+in eunuchs; because they that are envious towards
+all are more obnoxious and officious, towards one.
+But yet their trust towards them, hath rather
+been as to good spials, and good wbisperers, than
+good magistrates and officers.  And much like is
+the reason of deformed persons.  Still the ground
+is, they will, if they be of spirit, seek to free them-
+selves from scorn; which must be either by virtue
+or malice; and therefore let it not be marvelled, if
+sometimes they prove excellent persons; as was
+Agesilaus, Zanger the son of Solyman, AEsop,
+Gasca, President of Peru; and Socrates may go
+likewise amongst them; with others.
+
+
+Of Building
+
+
+
+HOUSES are built to live in, and not to look on;
+therefore let use be preferred before uni-
+formity, except where both may be had.  Leave
+the goodly fabrics of houses, for beauty only, to
+the enchanted palaces of the poets; who build them
+with small cost.  He that builds a fair house, upon
+an ill seat, committeth himself to prison.  Neither
+do I reckon it an ill seat, only where the air is un-
+wholesome; but likewise where the air is unequal;
+as you shall see many fine seats set upon a knap of
+ground, environed with higher hills round about
+it; whereby the heat of the sun is pent in, and the
+wind gathereth as in troughs; so as you shall have,
+and that suddenly, as great diversity of heat and
+cold as if you dwelt in several places.  Neither is it
+ill air only that maketh an ill seat, but ill ways, ill
+markets; and, if you will consult with Momus, ill
+neighbors.  I speak not of many more; want of
+water; want of wood, shade, and shelter; want of
+fruitfulness, and mixture of grounds of several
+natures; want of prospect; want of level grounds;
+want of places at some near distance for sports of
+hunting, hawking, and races; too near the sea, too
+remote; having the commodity of navigable rivers,
+or the discommodity of their overflowing; too far
+off from great cities, which may hinder business,
+or too near them, which lurcheth all provisions,
+and maketh everything dear; where a man hath
+a great living laid together, and where he is
+scanted: all which, as it is impossible perhaps to
+find together, so it is good to know them, and think
+of them, that a man may take as many as he can;
+and if he have several dwellings, that he sort them
+so  that what he wanteth in the one, he may find in
+the other.  Lucullus answered Pompey well; who,
+when he saw his stately galleries, and rooms so
+large and lightsome, in one of his houses, said,
+Surely an excellent place for summer, but how do
+you in winter? Lucullus answered, Why, do you
+not think me as wise as some fowl are, that ever
+change their abode towards the winter?
+
+To pass from the seat, to the house itself; we will
+do as Cicero doth in the orator's art; who writes
+books De Oratore, and a book he entitles Orator;
+whereof the former, delivers the precepts of the
+art, and the latter, the perfection.  We will there-
+fore describe a princely palace, making a brief
+model thereof.  For it is strange to see, now in
+Europe, such huge buildings as the Vatican and
+Escurial and some others be, and yet scarce a very
+fair room in them.
+
+First, therefore, I say you cannot have a perfect
+palace except you have two several sides; a side for
+the banquet, as it is spoken of in the book of Hester,
+and a side for the household; the one for feasts and
+triumphs, and the other for dwelling.  I understand
+both these sides to be not only returns, but parts
+of the front; and to be uniform without, though
+severally partitioned within; and to be on both
+sides of a great and stately tower, in the midst of
+the front, that, as it were, joineth them together
+on either hand.  I would have on the side of the ban-
+quet, in front, one only goodly room above stairs,
+of some forty foot high; and under it a room for a
+dressing, or preparing place, at times of triumphs.
+On the other side, which is the household side, I
+wish it divided at the first, into a hall and a chapel
+(with a partition between); both of good state and
+bigness; and those not to go all the length, but to
+have at the further end, a winter and a summer
+parlor, both fair.  And under these rooms, a fair
+and large cellar, sunk under ground; and likewise
+some privy kitchens, with butteries and pantries,
+and the like.  As for the tower, I would have it two
+stories, of eighteen foot high apiece, above the two
+wings; and a goodly leads upon the top,railed with
+statuas interposed; and the same tower to be di-
+vided into rooms, as shall be thought fit.  The stairs
+likewise to the upper rooms, let them be upon a
+fair open newel, and finely railed in, with images
+of wood, cast into a brass color; and a very fair
+landing-place at the top.  But this to be, if you do
+not point any of the lower rooms, for a dining place
+of servants.  For otherwise, you shall have the ser-
+vants' dinner after your own: for the steam of it,
+will come up as in a tunnel.  And so much for the
+front.  Only I understand the height of the first
+stairs to be sixteen foot, which is the height of the
+lower room.
+
+Beyond this front, is there to be a fair court, but
+three sides of it, of a far lower building than the
+front.  And in all the four corners of that court, fair
+staircases, cast into turrets, on the outside, and not
+within the row of buildings themselves.  But those
+towers, are not to be of the height of the front, but
+rather proportionable to the lower building.  Let
+the court not be paved, for that striketh up a great
+heat in summer, and much cold in winter.  But
+only some side alleys, with a cross, and the quar-
+ters to graze, being kept shorn, but not too near
+shorn.  The row of return on the banquet side, let it
+be all stately galleries: in which galleries let there
+be three, or five, fine cupolas in the length of it,
+placed at equal distance; and fine colored windows
+of several works.  On the household side, chambers
+of presence and ordinary entertainments, with
+some bed-chambers; and let all three sides be a
+double house, without thorough lights on the sides,
+that you may have rooms from the sun, both for
+forenoon and afternoon.  Cast it also, that you may
+have rooms, both for summer and winter; shady
+for summer, and warm for winter.  You shall have
+sometimes fair houses so full of glass, that one can-
+not tell where to become, to be out of the sun or
+cold.  For inbowed windows, I hold them of good
+use (in cities, indeed, upright do better, in respect
+of the uniformity towards the street); for they be
+pretty retiring places for conference; and besides,
+they keep both the wind and sun off; for that
+which would strike almost through the room, doth
+scarce pass the window.  But let them be but few,
+four in the court, on the sides only.
+
+Beyond this court, let there be an inward court,
+of the same square and height; which is to be en-
+vironed with the garden on all sides; and in the
+inside, cloistered on all sides, upon decent and
+beautiful arches, as high as the first story.  On the
+under story, towards the garden, let it be turned
+to a grotto, or a place of shade, or estivation.  And
+only have opening and windows towards the gar-
+den; and be level upon the floor, no whit sunken
+under ground, to avoid all dampishness.  And let
+there be a fountain, or some fair work of statuas, in
+the midst of this court; and to be paved as the other
+court was.  These buildings to be for privy lodgings
+on both sides; and the end for privy galleries.
+Whereof you must foresee that one of them be for
+an infirmary, if the prince or any special person
+should be sick, with chambers, bed-chamber, ante-
+camera, and recamera joining to it.  This upon the
+second story.  Upon the ground story, a fair gallery,
+open, upon pillars; and upon the third story like-
+wise, an open gallery, upon pillars, to take the
+prospect and freshness of the garden.  At both cor-
+ners of the further side, by way of return, let there
+be two delicate or rich cabinets, daintily paved,
+richly hanged, glazed with crystalline glass, and
+a rich cupola in the midst; and all other elegancy
+that may be thought upon.  In the upper gallery
+too, I wish that there may be, if the place will yield
+it, some fountains running in divers places from
+the wall, with some fine avoidances.  And thus
+much for the model of the palace; save that you
+must have, before you come to the front, three
+courts.  A green court plain, with a wall about it;
+a second court of the same, but more garnished,
+with little turrets, or rather embellishments, upon
+the wall; and a third court, to make a square with
+the front, but not to be built, nor yet enclosed with
+a naked wall, but enclosed with terraces, leaded
+aloft, and fairly garnished, on the three sides; and
+cloistered on the inside, with pillars, and not with
+arches below.  As for offices, let them stand at dis-
+tance, with some low galleries, to pass from them
+to the palace itself.
+
+
+Of Gardens
+
+
+G0D Almighty first planted a garden.  And
+indeed it is the purest of human pleasures.
+It is the greatest refreshment to the spirits of man;
+without which, buildings and palaces are but
+gross handiworks; and a man shall ever see, that
+when ages grow to civility and elegancy, men
+come to build stately sooner than to garden finely;
+as if gardening were the greater perfection.  I do
+hold it, in the royal ordering of gardens, there
+ought to be gardens, for all the months in the year;
+in which severally things of beauty may be then
+in season.  For December, and January, and the
+latter part of November, you must take such things
+as are green all winter: holly; ivy; bays; juniper;
+cypress-trees; yew; pine-apple-trees; fir-trees;
+rosemary; lavender; periwinkle, the white, the
+purple, and the blue; germander; flags; orange-
+trees; lemon-trees; and myrtles, if they be stoved;
+and sweet marjoram, warm set.  There followeth,
+for the latter part of January and February, the
+mezereon-tree, which then blossoms; crocus ver-
+nus, both the yellow and the grey; primroses,
+anemones; the early tulippa; hyacinthus orien-
+talis; chamairis; fritellaria.  For March, there
+come violets, specially the single blue, which are
+the earliest; the yellow daffodil; the daisy; the
+almond-tree in blossom; the peach-tree in blos-
+som; the cornelian-tree in blossom; sweet-briar.
+In April follow the double white violet; the wall-
+flower; the stock-gilliflower; the cowslip; flower-
+delices, and lilies of all natures; rosemary-flowers;
+the tulippa; the double peony; the pale daffodil;
+the French honeysuckle; the cherry-tree in blos-
+som; the damson and plum-trees in blossom; the
+white thorn in leaf; the lilac-tree.  In May and
+June come pinks of all sorts, specially the blush-
+pink; roses of all kinds, except the musk, which
+comes later; honeysuckles; strawberries; bugloss;
+columbine; the French marigold, flos Africanus;
+cherry-tree in fruit; ribes; figs in fruit; rasps; vine-
+flowers; lavender in flowers; the sweet satyrian,
+with the white flower; herba muscaria; lilium
+convallium; the apple-tree in blossom.  In July
+come gilliflowers of all varieties; musk-roses; the
+lime-tree in blossom; early pears and plums in
+fruit; jennetings, codlins.  In August come plums
+of all sorts in fruit; pears; apricocks; berberries;
+filberds; musk-melons; monks-hoods, of all colors.
+In September come grapes; apples; poppies of
+all colors; peaches; melocotones; nectarines; cor-
+nelians; wardens; quinces.  In October and the
+beginning of November come services; medlars;
+bullaces; roses cut or removed to come late; holly-
+hocks; and such like.  These particulars are for the
+climate of London; but my meaning is perceived,
+that you may have ver perpetuum, as the place
+affords.
+
+And because the breath of flowers is far sweeter
+in the air (where it comes and goes like the warb-
+ling of music) than in the hand, therefore nothing
+is more fit for that delight, than to know what be
+the flowers and plants that do best perfume the air.
+Roses, damask and red, are fast flowers of their
+smells; so that you may walk by a whole row of
+them, and find nothing of their sweetness; yea
+though it be in a morning's dew.  Bays likewise
+yield no smell as they grow.  Rosemary little; nor
+sweet marjoram.  That which above all others
+yields the sweetest smell in the air is the violet,
+specially the white double violet, which comes
+twice a year; about the middle of April, and about
+Bartholomew-tide.  Next to that is the musk-rose.
+Then the strawberry-leaves dying, which yield a
+most excellent cordial smell.  Then the flower of
+vines; it is a little dust, like the dust of a bent, which
+grows upon the cluster in the first coming forth.
+Then sweet-briar.  Then wall-flowers, which are
+very delightful to be set under a parlor or lower
+chamber window.  Then pinks and gilliflowers,
+especially the matted pink and clove gilliflower.
+Then the flowers of the lime-tree.  Then the honey-
+suckles, so they be somewhat afar off.  Of bean-
+flowers I speak not, because they are field flowers.
+But those which perfume the air most delightfully,
+not passed by as the rest, but being trodden upon
+and crushed, are three; that is, burnet, wild-
+thyme, and watermints.  Therefore you are to set
+whole alleys of them, to have the pleasure when
+you walk or tread.
+
+For gardens (speaking of those which are indeed
+princelike, as we have done of buildings), the con-
+tents ought not well to be under thirty acres of
+ground; and to be divided into three parts; a green
+in the entrance; a heath or desert in the going
+forth; and the main garden in the midst; besides
+alleys on both sides.  And I like well that four acres
+of ground be assigned to the green; six to the
+heath; four and four to either side; and twelve to
+the main garden.  The green hath two pleasures:
+the one, because nothing is more pleasant to the
+eye than green grass kept finely shorn; the other,
+because it will give you a fair alley in the midst, by
+which you may go in front upon a stately hedge,
+which is to enclose the garden.  But because the
+alley will be long, and, in great heat of the year or
+day, you ought not to buy the shade in the garden,
+by going in the sun through the green, therefore
+you are, of either side the green, to plant a covert
+alley upon carpenter's work, about twelve foot in
+height, by which you may go in shade into the
+garden.  As for the making of knots or figures, with
+divers colored earths,  that they may lie under the
+windows of the house on that side which the gar-
+den stands, they be but toys; you may see as good
+sights, many times, in tarts.  The garden is best to
+be square, encompassed on all the four sides with
+a stately arched hedge.  The arches to be upon pil-
+lars of carpenter's work, of some ten foot high, and
+six foot broad; and the spaces between of the same
+dimension with the breadth of the arch.  Over the
+arches let there be an entire hedge of some four
+foot high, framed also upon carpenter's work; and
+upon the upper hedge, over every arch, a little tur-
+ret, with a belly, enough to receive a cage of birds:
+and over every space between the arches some
+other little figure, with broad plates of round col-
+ored glass gilt, for the sun to play upon.  But this
+hedge I intend to be raised upon a bank, not steep,
+but gently slope, of some six foot, set all with
+flowers.  Also I understand, that this square of the
+garden, should not be the whole breadth of the
+ground, but to leave on either side, ground enough
+for diversity of side alleys; unto which the two
+covert alleys of the green, may deliver you.  But
+there must be no alleys with hedges, at either end
+of this great enclosure; not at the hither end, for
+letting your prospect upon this fair hedge from
+the green; nor at the further end, for letting your
+prospect from the hedge, through the arches upon
+the heath.
+
+For the ordering of the ground, within the great
+hedge, I leave it to variety of device; advising
+nevertheless, that whatsoever form you cast it into,
+first, it be not too busy, or full of work.  Wherein I,
+for my part, do not like images cut out in juniper
+or other garden stuff; they be for children.  Little
+low hedges, round, like welts, with some pretty
+pyramids, I like well; and in some places, fair
+columns upon frames of carpenter's work.  I would
+also have the alleys, spacious and fair.  You may
+have closer alleys, upon the side grounds, but none
+in the main garden.  I wish also, in the very middle,
+a fair mount, with three ascents, and alleys,
+enough for four to walk abreast; which I would
+have to be perfect circles, without any bulwarks
+or embossments; and the whole mount to be thirty
+foot high; and some fine banqueting-house, with
+some chimneys neatly cast, and without too much
+glass.
+
+For fountains, they are a great beauty and re-
+freshment; but pools mar all, and make the garden
+unwholesome, and full of flies and frogs.  Foun-
+tains I intend to be of two natures: the one that
+sprinkleth or spouteth water; the other a fair re-
+ceipt of water, of some thirty or forty foot square,
+but without fish, or slime, or mud.  For the first,
+the ornaments of images gilt, or of marble, which
+are in use, do well: but the main matter is so to
+convey the water, as it never stay, either in the
+bowls or in the cistern; that the water be never by
+rest discolored, green or red or the like; or gather
+any mossiness or putrefaction.  Besides that, it is to
+be cleansed every day by the hand.  Also some
+steps up to it, and some fine pavement about it,
+doth well.  As for the other kind of fountain, which
+we may call a bathing pool, it may admit much
+curiosity and beauty; wherewith we will not
+trouble ourselves: as, that the bottom be finely
+paved, and with images; the sides likewise; and
+withal embellished with colored glass, and such
+things of lustre; encompassed also with fine rails
+of low statuas.  But the main point is the same
+which we mentioned in the former kind of foun-
+tain; which is, that the water be in perpetual
+motion, fed by a water higher than the pool, and
+delivered into it by fair spouts, and then dis-
+charged away under ground, by some equality of
+bores, that it stay little.  And for fine devices, of
+arching water without spilling, and making it rise
+in several forms (of feathers, drinking glasses,
+canopies, and the like), they be pretty things to
+look on, but nothing to health and sweetness.
+
+For the heath, which was the third part of our
+plot, I wish it to be framed, as much as may be, to
+a natural wildness.  Trees I would have none in it,
+but some thickets made only of sweet-briar and
+honeysuckle, and some wild vine amongst; and
+the ground set with violets, strawberries, and
+primroses.  For these are sweet, and prosper in the
+shade.  And these to be in the heath, here and there,
+not in any order.  I like also little heaps, in the na-
+ture of mole-hills (such as are in wild heaths), to
+be set, some with wild thyme; some with pinks;
+some with germander, that gives a good flower to
+the eye; some with periwinkle; some with violets;
+some with strawberries; some  with cowslips; some
+with daisies; some with red roses; some with lilium
+convallium; some with sweet-williams red; some
+with bear's-foot: and the like low flowers, being
+withal sweet and sightly.  Part of which heaps, are
+to be with standards of little bushes pricked upon
+their top, and part without.  The standards to be
+roses; juniper; holly; berberries (but here and
+there, because of the smell of their blossoms); red
+currants; gooseberries; rosemary; bays; sweet-
+briar; and such like.  But these standards to be kept
+with cutting, that they grow not out of course.
+
+For the side grounds, you are to fill them with
+variety of alleys, private, to give a full shade, some
+of them, wheresoever the sun be.  You are to frame
+some of them, likewise, for shelter, that when the
+wind blows sharp you may walk as in a gallery.
+And those alleys must be likewise hedged at both
+ends, to keep out the wind; and these closer alleys
+must be ever finely gravelled, and no grass, be-
+cause of going wet.  In many of these alleys, like-
+wise, you are to set fruit-trees of all sorts; as well
+upon the walls, as in ranges.  And this would be
+generally observed, that the borders wherein you
+plant your fruit-trees, be fair and large, and low,
+and not steep; and set with fine flowers, but thin
+and sparingly, lest they deceive the trees.  At the
+end of both the side grounds, I would have a mount
+of some pretty height, leaving the wall of the en-
+closure breast high, to look abroad into the fields.
+
+For the main garden, I do not deny, but there
+should be some fair alleys ranged on both sides,
+with fruit-trees; and some pretty tufts of fruit-
+trees, and arbors with seats, set in some decent
+order; but these to be by no means set too thick; but
+to leave the main garden so as it be not close, but
+the air open and free.  For as for shade, I would
+have you rest upon the alleys of the side grounds,
+there to walk, if you be disposed, in the heat of the
+year or day; but to make account, that the main
+garden is for the more temperate parts of the year;
+and in the heat of summer, for the morning and
+the evening, or overcast days.
+
+For aviaries, I like them not, except they be of
+that largeness as they may be turfed, and have
+living plants and bushes set in them; that the birds
+may have more scope, and natural nesting, and
+that no foulness appear in the floor of the aviary.
+So I have made a platform of a princely garden,
+partly by precept, partly by drawing, not a model,
+but some general lines of it; and in this I have
+spared for no cost.  But it is nothing for great
+princes, that for the most part taking advice with
+workmen, with no less cost set their things to-
+gether; and sometimes add statuas and such things
+for state and magnificence, but nothing to the true
+pleasure of a garden.
+
+
+
+
+Of Negotiating
+
+
+
+IT IS generally better to deal by speech than by
+letter; and by the mediation of a third than by
+a man's self.  Letters are good, when a man would
+draw an answer by letter back again; or when it
+may serve for a man's justification afterwards to
+produce his own letter; or where it may be danger
+to be interrupted, or heard by pieces.  To deal in
+person is good, when a man's face breedeth regard,
+as commonly with inferiors; or in tender cases,
+where a man's eye, upon the countenance of him
+with whom he speaketh, may give him a direction
+how far to go; and generally, where a man will
+reserve to himself liberty, either to disavow or to
+expound.  In choice of instruments, it is better to
+choose men of a plainer sort, that are like to do
+that, that is committed to them, and to report back
+again faithfully the success, than those that are
+cunning, to contrive, out of other men's business,
+somewhat to grace themselves, and will help the
+matter in report for satisfaction's sake.  Use also
+such persons as affect the business, wherein they
+are employed; for that quickeneth much; and
+such, as are fit for the matter; as bold men for ex-
+postulation, fair-spoken men for persuasion, crafty
+men for inquiry and observation, froward, and
+absurd men, for business that doth not well bear
+out itself.  Use also such as have been lucky, and
+prevailed before, in things wherein you have em-
+ployed them; for that breeds confidence, and they
+will strive to maintain their prescription.  It is bet-
+ter to sound a person, with whom one deals afar
+off, than to fall upon the point at first; except you
+mean to surprise him by some short question.  It is
+better dealing with men in appetite, than with
+those that are where they would be.  If a man deal
+with another upon conditions, the start or first per-
+formance is all; which a man cannot reasonably
+demand, except either the nature of the thing be
+such, which must go before; or else a man can
+persuade the other party, that he shall still need
+him in some other thing; or else that he be counted
+the honester man.  All practice is to discover, or to
+work.  Men discover themselves in trust, in passion,
+at unawares, and of necessity, when they would
+have somewhat done, and cannot find an apt pre-
+text.  If you would work any man, you must either
+know his nature and fashions, and so lead him; or
+his ends, and so persuade him; or his weakness and
+disadvantages, and so awe him; or those that have
+interest in him, and so govern him.  In dealing with
+cunning persons,we must ever consider their ends,
+to interpret their speeches; and it is good to say
+little to them, and that which they least look for.
+In all negotiations of difficulty, a man may not
+look to sow and reap at once; but must prepare
+business, and so ripen it by degrees.
+
+
+
+
+
+0f Followers
+
+AND FRIENDS
+
+
+
+
+
+COSTLY followers are not to be liked; lest
+while a man maketh his train longer, he
+make his wings shorter.  I reckon to be costly, not
+them alone which charge the purse, but which are
+wearisome, and importune in suits.  Ordinary fol-
+lowers ought to challenge no higher conditions,
+than countenance, recommendation, and protec-
+tion from wrongs.  Factious followers are worse to
+be liked, which follow not upon affection to him,
+with whom they range themselves, but upon
+discontentment conceived against some other;
+whereupon commonly ensueth that ill intelli-
+gence, that we many times see between great per-
+sonages.  Likewise glorious followers, who make
+themselves as trumpets of the commendation of
+those they follow, are full of inconvenience; for
+they taint business through want of secrecy; and
+they export honor from a man, and make him a
+return in envy.  There is a kind of followers like-
+wise, which are dangerous, being indeed espials;
+which inquire the secrets of the house, and bear
+tales of them, to others.  Yet such men, many times,
+are in great favor; for they are officious, and com-
+monly exchange tales.  The following by certain
+estates of men, answerable to that, which a great
+person himself professeth (as of soldiers, to him
+that hath been employed in the wars, and the like),
+hath ever been a thing civil, and well taken, even
+in monarchies; so it be without too much pomp
+or popularity.  But the most honorable kind of fol-
+lowing, is to be followed as one, that apprehendeth
+to advance virtue, and desert, in all sorts of per-
+sons.  And yet, where there is no eminent odds in
+sufficiency, it is better to take with the more pass-
+able, than with the more able.  And besides, to
+speak truth, in base times, active men are of more
+use than virtuous.  It is true that in government, it
+is good to use men of one rank equally: for to coun-
+tenance some extraordinarily, is to make them
+insolent, and the rest discontent; because they
+may claim a due.  But contrariwise, in favor, to
+use men with much difference and election is
+good; for it maketh the persons preferred more
+thankful, and the rest more officious: because all is
+of favor.  It is good discretion, not to make too much
+of any man at the first; because one cannot hold
+out that proportion.  To be governed (as we call it)
+by one is not safe; for it shows softness, and gives
+a freedom, to scandal and disreputation; for those,
+that would not censure or speak ill of a man imme-
+diately, will talk more boldly of those that are so
+great with them, and thereby wound their honor.
+Yet to be distracted with many is worse; for it
+makes men to be of the last impression, and full of
+change.  To take advice of some few friends, is ever
+honorable; for lookers-on many times see more
+than gamesters; and the vale best discovereth the
+hill.  There is little friendship in the world, and least
+of all between equals, which was wont to be mag-
+nified.  That that is, is between superior and in-
+ferior, whose fortunes may comprehend the one
+the other.
+
+
+
+
+Of Suitors
+
+
+
+MANY ill matters and projects are under-
+taken; and private suits do putrefy the pub-
+lic good.  Many good matters, are undertaken with
+bad minds; I mean not only corrupt minds, but
+crafty minds, that intend not performance.  Some
+embrace suits, which never mean to deal effectu-
+ally in them; but if they see there may be life in
+the matter, by some other mean, they will be con-
+tent to win a thank, or take a second reward, or at
+least to make use, in the meantime, of the suitor's
+hopes.  Some take hold of suits, only for an occa-
+sion to cross some other; or to make an informa-
+tion, whereof they could not otherwise have apt
+pretext; without care what become of the suit,
+when that turn is served; or, generally, to make
+other men's business a kind of entertainment, to
+bring in their own.  Nay, some undertake suits,
+with a full purpose to let them fall; to the end to
+gratify the adverse party, or competitor.  Surely
+there is in some sort a right in every suit; either a
+right of equity, if it be a suit of controversy; or a
+right of desert, if it be a suit of petition.  If affection
+lead a man to favor the wrong side in justice, let
+him rather use his countenance to compound the
+matter, than to carry it.  If affection lead a man
+to favor the less worthy in desert, let him do it,
+without depraving or disabling the better deserver.
+In suits which a man doth not well understand, it
+is good to refer them to some friend of trust and
+judgment, that may report, whether he may deal
+in them with honor: but let him choose well his
+referendaries, for else he may be led by the nose.
+Suitors are so distasted with delays and abuses,
+that plain dealing, in denying to deal in suits at
+first, and reporting the success barely, and in chal-
+lenging no more thanks than one hath deserved,
+is grown not only honorable, but also gracious.  In
+suits of favor, the first coming ought to take little
+place: so far forth, consideration may be had of
+his trust, that if intelligence of the matter could
+not otherwise have been had, but by him, advan-
+tage be not taken of the note, but the party left to
+his other means; and in some sort recompensed,
+for his discovery.  To be ignorant of the value of a
+suit, is simplicity; as well as to be ignorant of the
+right thereof, is want of conscience.  Secrecy in
+suits, is a great mean of obtaining; for voicing
+them to be in forwardness, may discourage some
+kind of suitors, but doth quicken and awake others.
+But timing of the suit is the principal.  Timing, I
+say, not only in respect of the person that should
+grant it, but in respect of those, which are like to
+cross it.  Let a man, in the choice of his mean, rather
+choose the fittest mean, than the greatest mean;
+and rather them that deal in certain things, than
+those that are general.  The reparation of a denial,
+is sometimes equal to the first grant; if a man
+show himself neither dejected nor discontented.
+Iniquum petas ut aequum feras is a good rule,
+where a man hath strength of favor: but other-
+wise, a man were better rise in his suit; for
+he, that would have ventured at first to have lost
+the suitor, will not in the conclusion lose both the
+suitor, and his own former favor.  Nothing is
+thought so easy a request to a great person, as his
+letter; and yet, if it be not in a good cause, it is so
+much out of his reputation.  There are no worse
+instruments, than these general contrivers of suits;
+for they are but a kind of poison, and infection, to
+public proceedings.
+
+
+
+
+Of Studies
+
+
+
+STUDIES serve for delight, for ornament, and
+for ability.  Their chief use for delight, is in
+privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in dis-
+course; and for ability, is in the judgment, and
+disposition of business.  For expert men can exe-
+cute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one;
+but the general counsels, and the plots and mar-
+shalling of affairs, come best, from those that are
+learned.  To spend too much time in studies is sloth;
+to use them too much for ornament, is affectation;
+to make judgment wholly by their rules, is the
+humor of a scholar.  They perfect nature, and are
+perfected by experience: for natural abilities are
+like natural plants, that need proyning, by study;
+and studies themselves, do give forth directions too
+much at large, except they be bounded in by ex-
+perience.  Crafty men contemn studies, simple men
+admire them, and wise men use them; for they
+teach not their own use; but that is a wisdom with-
+out them, and above them, won by observation.
+Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe
+and take for granted; nor to find talk and dis-
+course; but to weigh and consider.  Some books are
+to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few
+to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are
+to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not
+curiously; and some few to be read wholly, and
+with diligence and attention.  Some books also may
+be read by deputy, and extracts made of them by
+others; but that would be only in the less impor-
+tant arguments, and the meaner sort of books, else
+distilled books are like common distilled waters,
+flashy things.  Reading maketh a full man; confer-
+ence a ready man; and writing an exact man.  And
+therefore, if a man write little, he had need have
+a great memory; if he confer little, he had need
+have a present wit: and if he read little, he had
+need have much cunning, to seem to know, that
+he doth not.  Histories make men wise; poets witty;
+the mathematics subtile; natural philosophy deep;
+moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend.
+Abeunt studia in mores.  Nay, there is no stond or
+impediment in the wit, but may be wrought out
+by fit studies; like as diseases of the body, may
+have appropriate exercises.  Bowling is good for
+the stone and reins; shooting for the lungs and
+breast; gentle walking for the stomach; riding for
+the head; and the like.  So if a man's wit be wan-
+dering, let him study the mathematics; for in
+demonstrations, if his wit be called away never so
+little, he must begin again.  If his wit be not apt to
+distinguish or find differences, let him study the
+Schoolmen; for they are cymini sectores.  If he be
+not apt to beat over matters, and to call up one
+thing to prove and illustrate another, let him study 197
+the lawyers' cases.  So every defect of the mind,
+may have a special receipt.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Faction
+
+MANY have an opinion not wise, that for a
+prince to govern his estate, or for a great
+person to govern his proceedings, according to the
+respect of factions, is a principal part of policy;
+whereas contrariwise, the chiefest wisdom, is
+either in ordering those things which are general,
+and wherein men of several factions do neverthe-
+less agree; or in dealing with correspondence to
+particular persons, one by one.  But I say not that
+the considerations of factions, is to be neglected.
+Mean men, in their rising, must adhere; but
+great men, that have strength in themselves, were
+better to maintain themselves indifferent, and
+neutral.  Yet even in beginners, to adhere so moder-
+ately, as he be a man of the one faction, which is
+most passable with the other, commonly giveth
+best way.  The lower and weaker faction, is the
+firmer in conjunction; and it is often seen, that a
+few that are stiff, do tire out a greater number, that
+are more moderate.  When one of the factions is ex-
+tinguished, the remaining subdivideth; as the
+faction between Lucullus, and the rest of the
+nobles of the senate (which they called Optimates)
+held out awhile, against the faction of Pompey
+and Caesar; but when the senate's authority was
+pulled down, Caesar and Pompey soon after brake.
+The faction or party of Antonius and Octavianus
+Caesar, against Brutus and Cassius, held out like-
+wise for a time; but when Brutus and Cassius were
+overthrown, then soon after, Antonius and Octa-
+vianus brake and subdivided.  These examples are
+of wars, but the same holdeth in private factions.
+And therefore, those that are seconds in factions,
+do many times, when the faction subdivideth,
+prove principals; but many times also, they prove
+ciphers and cashiered; for many a man's strength
+is in opposition; and when that faileth, he groweth
+out of use.  It is commonly seen, that men, once
+placed, take in with the  contrary faction, to that
+by which they enter: thinking belike, that they
+have the first sure, and now are ready for a new
+purchase.  The traitor in faction, lightly goeth
+away with it; for when matters have stuck long in
+balancing, the winning of some one man casteth
+them, and he getteth all the thanks.  The even car-
+riage between two factions, proceedeth not always
+of moderation, but of a trueness to a man's self,
+with end to make use of both.  Certainly in Italy,
+they hold it a little suspect in popes, when they
+have often in their mouth Padre commune: and
+take it to be a sign of one, that meaneth to refer all
+to the greatness of his own house.  Kings had need
+beware, how they side themselves, and make
+themselves as of a faction or party; for leagues
+within the state, are ever pernicious to monarchies:
+for they raise an obligation, paramount to obliga-
+tion of sovereignty, and make the king tanquam
+unus ex nobis; as was to be seen in the League of
+France.  When factions are carried too high and too
+violently, it is a sign of weakness in princes; and
+much to the prejudice, both of their authority and
+business.  The motions of factions under kings
+ought to be, like the motions (as the astronomers
+speak) of the inferior orbs, which may have their
+proper motions, but yet still are quietly carried, by
+the higher motion of primum mobile.
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Ceremonies,
+
+AND RESPECTS
+
+
+
+
+
+HE THAT is only real, had need have exceed-
+ing great parts of virtue; as the stone had
+need to be rich, that is set without foil.  But if a
+man mark it well,  it is, in praise and commenda-
+tion of men, as it is in gettings and gains: for the
+proverb is true, That light gains make heavy
+purses; for light gains come thick, whereas great,
+come but now and then.  So it is true, that small
+matters win great commendation, because they
+are continually in use and in note: whereas the
+occasion of any great virtue, cometh but on festi-
+vals.  Therefore it doth much add to a man's reputa-
+tion, and is (as Queen Isabella said) like perpetual
+letters commendatory, to have good forms.  To at-
+tain them, it almost sufficeth not to despise them;
+for so shall a man observe them in others; and let
+him trust himself with the rest.  For if he labor too
+much to express them, he shall lose their grace;
+which is to be natural and unaffected.  Some men's
+behavior is like a verse, wherein every syllable is
+measured; how can a man comprehend great mat-
+ters, that breaketh his mind too much, to small
+observations? Not to use ceremonies at all, is to
+teach others not to use them again; and so dimin-
+isheth respect to himself; especially they be not to
+be omitted, to strangers and formal natures; but
+the dwelling upon them, and exalting them above
+the moon, is not only tedious, but doth diminish
+the faith and credit of him that speaks.  And cer-
+tainly, there is a kind of conveying, of effectual
+and imprinting passages amongst compliments,
+which is of singular use, if a man can hit upon it.
+Amongst a man's peers, a man shall be sure of
+familiarity; and therefore it is good, a little to keep
+state.  Amongst a man's inferiors one shall be sure
+of reverence; and therefore it is good, a little to be
+familiar.  He that is too much in anything, so that
+he giveth another occasion of satiety, maketh him-
+self cheap.  To apply one's self to others, is good; so
+it be with demonstration, that a man doth it upon
+regard, and not upon facility.  It is a good precept
+generally, in seconding another, yet to add some-
+what of one's own: as if you will grant his opinion,
+let it be with some distinction; if you will follow
+his motion, let it be with condition; if you allow
+his counsel, let it be with alleging further reason.
+Men had need beware, how they be too perfect in
+compliments; for be they never so sufficient other-
+wise, their enviers will be sure to give them that
+attribute, to the disadvantage of their greater vir-
+tues.  It is loss also in business, to be too full of re-
+spects, or to be curious, in observing times and
+opportunities.  Solomon saith, He that considereth
+the wind, shall not sow, and he that looketh to
+the clouds, shall not reap.  A wise man will make
+more opportunities, than he finds.  Men's behavior
+should be, like their apparel, not too strait or point
+device, but free for exercise or motion.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Praise
+
+
+PRAISE is the reflection of virtue; but it is as
+the glass or body, which giveth the reflec-
+tion.  If it be from the common people, it is com-
+monly false and naught; and rather followeth vain
+persons, than virtuous.  For the common people
+understand not many excellent virtues.  The lowest
+virtues draw praise from them; the middle virtues
+work in them astonishment or admiration; but of
+the highest virtues, they have no sense of perceiv-
+ing at all.  But shows, and species virtutibus similes,
+serve best with them.  Certainly fame is like a river,
+that beareth up things light and swoln, and drowns
+things weighty and solid.  But if persons of quality
+and judgment concur, then it is (as the Scripture
+saith) nomen bonum instar unguenti fragrantis.
+It fireth all round about, and will not easily away.
+For the odors of ointments are more durable, than
+those of flowers.  There be so many false points of
+praise, that a man may justly hold it a suspect.
+Some praises proceed merely of flattery; and if he
+be an ordinary flatterer, he will have certain com-
+mon attributes, which may serve every man; if he
+be a cunning flatterer, he will follow the arch-
+flatterer, which is a man's self; and wherein a man
+thinketh best of himself, therein the flatterer will
+uphold him most: but if he be an impudent flat-
+terer, look wherein a man is conscious to himself,
+that he is most defective, and is most out of counte-
+nance in himself, that will the flatterer entitle him
+to perforce, spreta conscientia.  Some praises come
+of good wishes and respects, which is a form due, in
+civility, to kings and great persons, laudando
+praecipere, when by telling men what they are,
+they represent to them, what they should be.  Some
+men are praised maliciously, to their hurt, thereby
+to stir envy and jealousy towards them: pessimum
+genus inimicorum laudantium; insomuch as it
+was a proverb, amongst the Grecians, that he that
+was praised to his hurt, should have a push rise
+upon his nose; as we say, that a blister will rise
+upon one's tongue, that tells a lie.  Certainly mod-
+erate praise, used with opportunity, and not vul-
+gar, is that which doth the good.  Solomon saith,
+He that praiseth his friend aloud, rising early, it
+shall be to him no better than a curse.  Too much
+magnifying of man or matter, doth irritate con-
+tradiction, and procure envy and scorn.  To praise
+a man's self, cannot be decent, except it be in rare
+cases; but to praise a man's office or profession, he
+may do it with good grace, and with a kind of mag-
+nanimity.  The cardinals of Rome, which are theo-
+logues, and friars, and Schoolmen, have a phrase
+of notable contempt and scorn towards civil busi-
+ness: for they call all temporal business of wars,
+embassages, judicature, and other employments,
+sbirrerie, which is under-sheriffries; as if they
+were but matters, for under-sheriffs and catch-
+poles: though many times those under-sheriffries
+do more good, than their high speculations.  St.
+Paul, when he boasts of himself, he doth oft inter-
+lace, I speak like a fool; but speaking of his calling,
+he saith, magnificabo apostolatum meum.
+
+
+
+
+Of Vain-glory
+
+
+
+IT WAS prettily devised of AEsop, The fly sat
+upon the axle-tree of the chariot wheel, and
+said, What a dust do I raise! So are there some vain
+persons, that whatsoever goeth alone, or moveth
+upon greater means, if they have never so little
+hand in it, they think it is they that carry it.  They
+that are glorious, must needs be factious; for all
+bravery stands upon comparisons.  They must
+needs be violent, to make good their own vaunts.
+Neither can they be secret, and therefore not ef-
+fectual; but according to the French proverb,
+Beaucoup de bruit, peu de fruit; Much bruit little
+fruit.  Yet certainly, there is use of this quality in
+civil affairs.  Where there is an opinion and fame to
+be created, either of virtue or greatness, these men
+are good trumpeters.  Again, as Titus Livius noteth,
+in the case of Antiochus and the AEtolians, There
+are sometimes great effects, of cross lies; as if a
+man, that negotiates between two princes, to draw
+them to join in a war against the third, doth extol
+the forces of either of them, above measure, the
+one to the other: and sometimes he that deals be-
+tween man and man, raiseth his own credit with
+both, by pretending greater interest than he hath
+in either.  And in these and the like kinds, it often
+falls out, that somewhat is produced of nothing;
+for lies are sufficient to breed opinion, and opinion
+brings on substance.  In militar commanders and
+soldiers, vain-glory is an essential point; for as
+iron sharpens iron, so by glory, one courage sharp-
+eneth another.  In cases of great enterprise upon
+charge and adventure, a composition of glorious
+natures, doth put life into business; and those that
+are of solid and sober natures, have more of the
+ballast, than of the sail.  In fame of learning, the
+flight will be slow without some feathers of osten-
+tation.  Qui de contemnenda gloria libros scri-
+bunt, nomen, suum inscribunt.  Socrates, Aristotle,
+Galen, were men full of ostentation.  Certainly
+vain-glory helpeth to perpetuate a man's memory;
+and virtue was never so beholding to human na-
+ture, as it received his due at the second hand.
+Neither had the fame of Cicero, Seneca, Plinius
+Secundus, borne her age so well, if it had not been
+joined with some vanity in themselves; like unto
+varnish, that makes ceilings not only shine but
+last.  But all this while, when I speak of vain-glory,
+I mean not of that property, that Tacitus doth at-
+tribute to Mucianus; Omnium quae dixerat fece-
+ratque arte quadam ostentator: for that proceeds
+not of vanity, but of natural magnanimity and
+discretion; and in some persons, is not only comely,
+but gracious.  For excusations, cessions, modesty
+itself well governed, are but arts of ostentation.
+And amongst those arts, there is none better than
+that which Plinius Secundus speaketh of, which is
+to be liberal of praise and commendation to others,
+in that, wherein a man's self hath any perfection.
+For saith Pliny, very wittily, In commending
+another, you do yourself right; for he that you
+commend, is either superior to you in that you
+commend, or inferior.  If he be inferior, if he be to
+be commended, you much more; if he be superior,
+if he be not to be commended, you much less.
+Glorious men are the scorn of wise men, the ad-
+miration of fools, the idols of parasites, and the
+slaves of their own vaunts.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Honor
+AND REPUTATION
+
+
+
+THE winning of honor, is but the revealing of
+a man,s virtue and worth, without disadvan-
+tage.  For some in their actions, do woo and effect
+honor and reputation, which sort of men, are
+commonly much talked of, but inwardly little
+admired.  And some, contrariwise, darken their
+virtue in the show of it; so as they be undervalued
+in opinion.  If a man perform that, which hath not
+been attempted before; or attempted and given
+over; or hath been achieved, but not with so good
+circumstance; he shall purchase more honor, than
+by effecting a matter of greater difficulty or virtue,
+wherein he is but a follower.  If a man so temper
+his actions, as in some one of them he doth content
+every faction, or combination of people, the music
+will be the fuller.  A man is an ill husband of bis
+honor, that entereth into any action, the failing
+wherein may disgrace him, more than the carry-
+ing of it through, can honor him.  Honor that is
+gained and broken upon another, hath the quick-
+est reflection, like diamonds cut with facets.  And
+therefore, let a man contend to excel any competi-
+tors of his in honor, in outshooting them, if he can,
+in their own bow.  Discreet followers and servants,
+help much to reputation.  Omnis fama a domesticis
+emanat.  Envy, which is the canker of honor, is
+best extinguished by declaring a man's self in
+his ends, rather to seek merit than fame; and by
+attributing a man's successes, rather to divine
+Providence and felicity, than to his own virtue or
+policy.
+
+The true marshalling of the degrees of sovereign
+honor, are these: In the first place are conditores
+imperiorum, founders of states and common-
+wealths; such as were Romulus, Cyrus, Caesar,
+Ottoman, Ismael.  In the second place are legis-
+latores, lawgivers; which are also called second
+founders, or perpetui principes, because they gov-
+ern by their ordinances after they are gone; such
+were Lycurgus, Solon, Justinian, Eadgar, Alphon-
+sus of Castile, the Wise, that made the Siete Parti-
+das.  In the third place are liberatores, or salvatores,
+such as compound the long miseries of civil
+wars, or deliver their countries from servitude of
+strangers or tyrants; as Augustus Caesar, Vespasi-
+anus, Aurelianus, Theodoricus, King Henry the
+Seventh of England, King Henry the Fourth of
+France.  In the fourth place are propagatores or
+propugnatores imperii; such as in honorable wars
+enlarge their territories, or make noble defence
+against invaders.  And in the last place are patres
+patriae; which reign justly, and make the times
+good wherein they live.  Both which last kinds need
+no examples, they are in such number.  Degrees of
+honor, in subjects, are, first participes curarum,
+those upon whom, princes do discharge the great-
+est weight of their affairs; their right hands, as
+we call them.  The next are duces belli, great leaders
+in war; such as are princes' lieutenants, and do
+them notable services in the wars.  The third are
+gratiosi, favorites; such as exceed not this scant-
+ling, to be solace to the sovereign, and harmless to
+the people.  And the fourth, negotiis pares; such as
+have great places under princes, and execute their
+places, with sufficiency.  There is an honor, like-
+wise, which may be ranked amongst the greatest,
+which happeneth rarely; that is, of such as sacri-
+fice themselves to death or danger for the good of
+their country; as was M. Regulus, and the two
+Decii.
+
+
+
+Of Judicature
+
+
+JUDGES ought to remember, that their office is
+jus dicere, and not jus dare; to interpret law,
+and not to make law, or give law.  Else will it be
+like the authority, claimed by the Church of Rome,
+which under pretext of exposition of Scripture,
+doth not stick to add and alter; and to pronounce
+that which they do not find; and by show of an-
+tiquity, to introduce novelty.  Judges ought to be
+more learned, than witty, more reverend, than
+plausible,and more advised, than confident.  Above
+all things, integrity is their portion and proper
+virtue.  Cursed (saith the law) is he that removeth
+the landmark.  The mislayer of a mere-stone is to
+blame.  But it is the unjust judge, that is the capital
+remover of landmarks, when he defineth amiss, of
+lands and property.  One foul sentence doth more
+hurt, than many foul examples.  For these do but
+corrupt the stream, the other corrupteth the foun-
+tain.  So with Solomon, Fons turbatus, et vena
+corrupta, est justus cadens in causa sua coram
+adversario.  The office of judges may have reference
+unto the parties that use, unto the advocates that
+plead, unto the clerks and ministers of justice
+underneath them, and to the sovereign or state
+above them.
+
+First, for the causes or parties that sue.  There be
+(saith the Scripture) that turn judgment, into
+wormwood; and surely there be also, that turn it
+into vinegar; for injustice maketh it bitter, and
+delays make it sour.  The principal duty of a judge,
+is to suppress force and fraud; whereof force is the
+more pernicious, when it is open, and fraud, when
+it is close and disguised.  Add thereto contentious
+suits, which ought to be spewed out, as the surfeit
+of courts.  A judge ought to prepare his way to a
+just sentence, as God useth to prepare his way, by
+raising valleys and taking down hills: so when
+there appeareth on either side an high hand, vio-
+lent prosecution, cunning advantages taken, com-
+bination, power, great counsel, then is the virtue
+of a judge seen, to make inequality equal; that he
+may plant his judgment as upon an even ground.
+Qui fortiter emungit, elicit sanguinem; and where
+the wine-press is hard wrought, it yields a harsh
+wine, that tastes of the grape-stone.  Judges must
+beware of hard constructions, and strained infer-
+ences; for there is no worse torture, than the tor-
+ture of laws.  Specially in case of laws penal, they
+ought to have care, that that which was meant for
+terror, be not turned into rigor; and that they
+bring not upon the people, that shower whereof
+the Scripture speaketh, Pluet super eos laqueos;
+for penal laws pressed, are a shower of snares upon
+the people.  Therefore let penal laws, if they have
+been sleepers of long, or if they be grown unfit for
+the present time, be by wise judges confined in the
+execution: Judicis officium est, ut res, ita tempora
+rerum, etc.  In causes of life and death, judges ought
+(as far as the law permitteth) in justice to remem-
+ber mercy; and to cast a severe eye upon the
+example, but a merciful eye upon the person.
+
+Secondly, for the advocates and counsel that
+plead.  Patience and gravity of hearing, is an essen-
+tial part of justice; and an overspeaking judge is no
+well-tuned cymbal.  It is no grace to a judge, first
+to find that, which he might have heard in due
+time from the bar; or to show quickness of conceit,
+in cutting off evidence or counsel too short; or to
+prevent information by questions, though perti-
+nent.  The parts of a judge in hearing, are four: to
+direct the evidence; to moderate length, repetition,
+or impertinency of speech; to recapitulate, select,
+and collate the material points, of that which hath
+been said; and to give the rule or sentence.  What-
+soever is above these is too much; and proceedeth
+either of glory, and willingness to speak, or of im-
+patience to hear, or of shortness of memory, or of
+want of a staid and equal attention.  It is a strange
+thing to see, that the boldness of advocates should
+prevail with judges; whereas they should imitate
+God, in whose seat they sit; who represseth the pre-
+sumptuous, and giveth grace to the modest.  But it
+is more strange, that judges should have noted
+favorites; which cannot but cause multiplication
+of fees, and suspicion of by-ways.  There is due from
+the judge to the advocate, some commendation
+and gracing, where causes are well handled and
+fair pleaded; especially towards the side which
+obtaineth not; for that upholds in the client, the
+reputation of his counsel, and beats down in him
+the conceit of his cause.  There is likewise due to the
+public, a civil reprehension of advocates, where
+there appeareth cunning counsel, gross neglect,
+slight information, indiscreet pressing, or an over-
+bold defence.  And let not the counsel at the bar,
+chop with the judge, nor wind himself into the
+handling of the cause anew, after the judge hath
+declared his sentence; but, on the other side, let
+not the judge meet the cause half way, nor give
+occasion to the party, to say his counsel or proofs
+were not heard.
+
+Thirdly, for that that concerns clerks and minis-
+ters.  The place of justice is an hallowed place; and
+therefore not only the bench, but the foot-place;
+and precincts and purprise thereof, ought to be
+preserved without scandal and corruption.  For
+certainly grapes (as the Scripture saith) will not
+be gathered of thorns or thistles; either can justice
+yield her fruit with sweetness, amongst the briars
+and brambles of catching and polling clerks, and
+ministers.  The attendance of courts, is subject to
+four bad instruments.  First, certain persons that
+are sowers of suits; which make the court swell,
+and the country pine.  The second sort is of those,
+that engage courts in quarrels of jurisdiction, and
+are not truly amici curiae, but parasiti curiae, in
+puffing a court up beyond her bounds, for their
+own scraps and advantage.  The third sort, is of
+those that may be accounted the left hands of
+courts; persons that are full of nimble and sinister
+tricks and shifts, whereby they pervert the plain
+and direct courses of courts, and bring justice into
+oblique lines and labyrinths.  And the fourth, is the
+poller and exacter of fees; which justifies the com-
+mon resemblance of the courts of justice, to the
+bush whereunto, while the sheep flies for defence
+in weather, he is sure to lose part of his fleece.  On
+the other side, an ancient clerk, skilful in prece-
+dents, wary in proceeding, and understanding in
+the business of the court, is an excellent finger of
+a court; and doth many times point the way to the
+judge himself.
+
+Fourthly, for that which may concern the sov-
+ereign and estate.  Judges ought above all to re-
+member the conclusion of the Roman Twelve
+Tables; Salus populi suprema lex; and to know
+that laws, except they be in order to that end, are
+but things captious, and oracles not well inspired.
+Therefore it is an happy thing in a state, when
+kings and states do often consult with judges; and
+again, when judges do often consult with the king
+and state: the one, when there is matter of law,
+intervenient in business of state; the other, when
+there is some consideration of state, intervenient
+in matter of law.  For many times the things de-
+duced to judgment may be meum and tuum, when
+the reason and consequence thereof may trench to
+point of estate: I call matter of estate, not only the
+parts of sovereignty, but whatsoever introduceth
+any great alteration, or dangerous precedent; or
+concerneth manifestly any great portion of peo-
+ple.  And let no man weakly conceive, that just
+laws and true policy have any antipathy; for they
+are like the spirits and sinews, that one moves with
+the other.  Let judges also remember, that Solo-
+mon's throne was supported by lions on both sides:
+let them be lions, but yet lions under the throne;
+being circumspect that they do not check or oppose
+any points of sovereignty.  Let not judges also be
+ignorant of their own right, as to think there is not
+left to them, as a principal part of their office, a
+wise use and application of laws.  For they may
+remember, what the apostle saith of a greater law
+than theirs; Nos scimus quia lex bona est, modo
+quis ea utatur legitime.
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Anger
+
+
+TO SEEK to extinguish anger utterly, is but a
+bravery of the Stoics.  We have better oracles:
+Be angry, but sin not.  Let not the sun go down
+upon your anger.  Anger must be limited and con-
+fined, both in race and in time.  We will first speak
+how the natural inclination and habit to be angry,
+may be attempted and calmed.  Secondly, how the
+particular motions of anger may be repressed, or
+at least refrained from doing mischief.  Thirdly,
+how to raise anger, or appease anger in another.
+
+For the first; there is no other way but to medi-
+tate, and ruminate well upon the effects of anger,
+how it troubles man's life.  And the best time to do
+this, is to look back upon anger, when the fit is
+thoroughly over.  Seneca saith well, That anger is
+like ruin, which breaks itself upon that it falls.
+The Scripture exhorteth us to possess our souls in
+patience.  Whosoever is out of patience, is out of
+possession of his soul.  Men must not turn bees;
+
+
+...  animasque in vulnere ponunt.
+
+
+
+Anger is certainly a kind of baseness; as it ap-
+pears well in the weakness of those subjects in
+whom it reigns; children, women, old folks, sick
+folks.  Only men must beware, that they carry
+their anger rather with scorn, than with fear; so
+that they may seem rather to be above the injury,
+than below it; which is a thing easily done, if a
+man will give law to himself in it.
+
+For the second point; the causes and motives of
+anger, are chiefly three.  First, to be too sensible of
+hurt; for no man is angry, that feels not himself
+hurt; and therefore tender and delicate persons
+must needs be oft angry; they have so many things
+to trouble them, which more robust natures have
+little sense of.  The next is, the apprehension and
+construction of the injury offered, to be, in the cir-
+cumstances thereof, full of contempt: for contempt
+is that, which putteth an edge upon anger, as much
+or more than the hurt itself.  And therefore, when
+men are ingenious in picking out circumstances of
+contempt, they do kindle their anger much.  Lastly,
+opinion of the touch of a man's reputation, doth
+multiply and sharpen anger.  Wherein the remedy
+is, that a man should have, as Consalvo was wont
+to say, telam honoris crassiorem.  But in all refrain-
+ings of anger, it is the best remedy to win time;
+and to make a man's self believe, that the oppor-
+tunity of his revenge is not yet come, but that he
+foresees a time for it; and so to still himself in the
+meantime, and reserve it.
+
+To contain anger from mischief, though it take
+hold of a man, there be two things, whereof you
+must have special caution.  The one, of extreme bit-
+terness of words, especially if they be aculeate and
+proper; for cummunia maledicta are nothing so
+much; and again, that in anger a man reveal no
+secrets; for that, makes him not fit for society.  The
+other, that you do not peremptorily break off, in
+any business, in a fit of anger; but howsoever you
+show bitterness, do not act anything, that is not
+revocable.
+
+For raising and appeasing anger in another; it
+is done chiefly by choosing of times, when men
+are frowardest and worst disposed, to incense
+them.  Again, by gathering (as was touched before)
+all that you can find out, to aggravate the con-
+tempt.  And the two remedies are by the contraries.
+The former to take good times, when first to relate
+to a man an angry business; for the first impres-
+sion is much; and the other is, to sever, as much as
+may be, the construction of the injury from the
+point of contempt; imputing it to misunderstand-
+ing, fear, passion, or what you will.
+
+
+
+
+Of Vicissitude
+OF THINGS
+
+
+
+SOLOMON saith, There is no new thing upon
+the earth.  So that as Plato had an imagination,
+That all knowledge was but remembrance; so
+Solomon giveth his sentence, That all novelty is
+but oblivion.  Whereby you may see, that the river
+of Lethe runneth as well above ground as below.
+There is an abstruse astrologer that saith, If it were
+not for two things that are constant (the one is,
+that the fixed stars ever stand a like distance one
+from another, and never come nearer together, nor
+go further asunder; the other, that the diurnal
+motion perpetually keepeth time), no individual
+would last one moment.  Certain it is, that the mat-
+ter is in a perpetual flux, and never at a stay.  The
+great winding-sheets, that bury all things in ob-
+livion, are two; deluges and earthquakes.  As for
+conflagrations and great droughts, they do not
+merely dispeople and destroy.  Phaeton's car went
+but a day.  And the three years' drought in the time
+of Elias, was but particular, and left people alive.
+As for the great burnings by lightnings, which are
+often in the West Indies, they are but narrow.  But
+in the other two destructions, by deluge and earth-
+quake, it is further to be noted, that the remnant
+of people which hap to be reserved, are commonly
+ignorant and mountainous people, that can give
+no account of the time past; so that the oblivion is
+all one, as if none had been left.  If you consider
+well of the people of the West Indies, it is very
+probable that they are a newer or a younger peo-
+ple, than the people of the Old World.  And it is
+much more likely, that the destruction that hath
+heretofore been there, was not by earthquakes (as
+the Egyptian priest told Solon concerning the
+island of Atlantis, that it was swallowed by an
+earthquake), but rather that it was desolated by a
+particular deluge.  For earthquakes are seldom in
+those parts.  But on the other side, they have such
+pouring rivers, as the rivers of Asia and Africk and
+Europe, are but brooks to them.  Their Andes, like-
+wise, or mountains, are far higher than those with
+us; whereby it seems, that the remnants of gen-
+eration of men, were in such a particular deluge
+saved.  As for the observation that Machiavel hath,
+that the jealousy of sects, doth much extinguish
+the memory of things; traducing Gregory the
+Great, that he did what in him lay, to extinguish
+all heathen antiquities; I do not find that those
+zeals do any great effects, nor last long; as it ap-
+peared in the succession of Sabinian, who did
+revive the former antiquities.
+
+The vicissitude of mutations in the superior
+globe, are no fit matter for this present argument.
+It may be, Plato's great year, if the world should
+last so long, would have some effect; not in renew-
+ing the state of like individuals (for that is the fume
+of those, that conceive the celestial bodies have
+more accurate influences upon these things below,
+than indeed they have), but in gross.  Comets, out
+of question, have likewise power and effect, over
+the gross and mass of things; but they are rather
+gazed upon, and waited upon in their journey,
+than wisely observed in their effects; specially in,
+their respective effects; that is, what kind of comet,
+for magnitude, color, version of the beams, plac-
+ing in the reign of heaven, or lasting, produceth
+what kind of effects.
+
+There is a toy which I have heard, and I would
+not have it given over, but waited upon a little.
+They say it is observed in the Low Countries (I
+know not in what part) that every five and thirty
+years, the same kind and suit of years and weath-
+ers come about again; as great frosts, great wet,
+great droughts, warm winters, summers with little
+heat, and the like; and they call it the Prime.  It is
+a thing I do the rather mention, because, comput-
+ing backwards, I have found some concurrence.
+
+But to leave these points of nature, and to come
+to men.  The greatest vicissitude of things amongst
+men, is the vicissitude of sects and religions.  For
+those orbs rule in men's minds most.  The true re-
+ligion is built upon the rock; the rest are tossed,
+upon the waves of time.  To speak, therefore, of the
+causes of new sects; and to give some counsel con-
+cerning them, as far as the weakness of human
+judgment can give stay, to so great revolutions.
+When the religion formerly received, is rent by
+discords; and when the holiness of the professors
+of religion, is decayed and full of scandal; and
+withal the times be stupid, ignorant, and bar-
+barous; you may doubt the springing up of a new
+sect; if then also, there should arise any extrava-
+gant and strange spirit, to make himself author
+thereof.  All which points held, when Mahomet
+published his law.  If a new sect have not two prop-
+erties, fear it not; for it will not spread.  The one is
+the supplanting, or the opposing, of authority es-
+tablished; for nothing is more popular than that.
+The other is the giving license to pleasures, and a
+voluptuous life.  For as for speculative heresies
+(such as were in ancient times the Arians, and now
+the Armenians), though they work mightily upon
+men's wits, yet they do not produce any great al-
+terations in states; except it be by the help of civil
+occasions.  There be three manner of plantations of
+new sects.  By the power of signs and miracles; by
+the eloquence, and wisdom, of speech and persua-
+sion; and by the sword.  For martyrdoms, I reckon
+them amongst miracles; because they seem to ex-
+ceed the strength of human nature: and I may do
+the like, of superlative and admirable holiness of
+life.  Surely there is no better way, to stop the rising
+of new sects and schisms, than to reform abuses; to
+compound the smaller differences; to proceed
+mildly, and not with sanguinary persecutions;
+and rather to take off the principal authors by win-
+ning and advancing them, than to enrage them
+by violence and bitterness.
+
+The changes and vicissitude in wars are many;
+but chiefly in three things; in the seats or stages of
+the war; in the weapons; and in the manner of the
+conduct.  Wars, in ancient time, seemed more to
+move from east to west; for the Persians, Assyrians,
+Arabians, Tartars (which were the invaders) were
+all eastern people.  It is true, the Gauls were west-
+ern; but we read but of two incursions of theirs:
+the one to Gallo-Grecia, the other to Rome.  But east
+and west have no certain points of heaven; and no
+more have the wars, either from the east or west,
+any certainty of observation.  But north and south
+are fixed; and it hath seldom or never been seen
+that the far southern people have invaded the
+northern, but contrariwise.  Whereby it is manifest
+that the northern tract of the world, is in nature
+the more martial region: be it in respect of the stars
+of that hemisphere; or of the great continents that
+are upon the north, whereas the south part, for
+aught that is known, is almost all sea; or (which is
+most apparent) of the cold of the northern parts,
+which is that which, without aid of discipline,
+doth make the bodies hardest, and the courages
+warmest.
+
+Upon the breaking and shivering of a great state
+and empire, you may be sure to have wars.  For
+great empires, while they stand, do enervate and
+destroy the forces of the natives which they have
+subdued, resting upon their own protecting forces;
+and then when they fail also, all goes to ruin, and
+they become a prey.  So was it in the decay of the
+Roman empire; and likewise in the empire of
+Almaigne, after Charles the Great, every bird tak-
+ing a feather; and were not unlike to befall to
+Spain, if it should break.  The great accessions and
+unions of kingdoms, do likewise stir up wars; for
+when a state grows to an over-power, it is like a
+great flood, that will be sure to overflow.  As it hath
+been seen in the states of Rome, Turkey, Spain,
+and others.  Look when the world hath fewest bar-
+barous peoples, but such as commonly will not
+marry or generate, except they know means to live
+(as it is almost everywhere at this day, except Tar-
+tary), there is no danger of inundations of people;
+but when there be great shoals of people, which go
+on to populate, without foreseeing means of life
+and sustentation, it is of necessity that once in an
+age or two, they discharge a portion of their people
+upon other nations; which the ancient northern
+people were wont to do by lot; casting lots what
+part should stay at home, and what should seek
+their fortunes.  When a warlike state grows soft and
+effeminate, they may be sure of a war.  For com-
+monly such states are grownm rich in the time of
+their degenerating; and so the prey inviteth, and
+their decay in valor, encourageth a war.
+
+As for the weapons, it hardly falleth under rule
+and observation: yet we see even they, have re-
+turns and vicissitudes.  For certain it is, that ord-
+nance was known in the city of the Oxidrakes in
+India; and was that, which the Macedonians
+called thunder and lightning, and magic.  And it
+is well known that the use of ordnance, hath been
+in China above two thousand years.  The conditions
+of weapons, and their improvement, are; First, the
+fetching afar off; for that outruns the danger; as
+it is seen in ordnance and muskets.  Secondly, the
+strength of the percussion; wherein likewise ord-
+nance do exceed all arietations and ancient inven-
+tions.  The third is, the commodious use of them; as
+that they may serve in all weathers; that the car-
+riage may be light and manageable; and the like.
+
+For the conduct of the war: at the first, men
+rested extremely upon number: they did put the
+wars likewise upon main force and valor; pointing
+days for pitched fields, and so trying it out upon
+an even match and they were more ignorant in
+ranging and arraying their battles.  After, they
+grew to rest upon number rather competent, than
+vast; they grew to advantages of place, cunning
+diversions, and the like: and they grew more skil-
+ful in the ordering of their battles.
+
+In the youth of a state, arms do flourish; in the
+middle age of a state, learning; and then both of
+them together for a time; in the declining age of a
+state, mechanical arts and merchandize.  Learning
+hath his infancy, when it is but beginning and
+almost childish; then his youth, when it is luxuri-
+ant and juvenile; then his strength of years, when
+it is solid and reduced; and lastly, his old age, when
+it waxeth dry and exhaust.  But it is not good to look
+too long upon these turning wheels of vicissitude,
+lest we become giddy.  As for the philology of
+them, that is but a circle of tales, and therefore not
+fit for this writing.
+
+
+
+
+
+Of Fame
+
+
+THE poets make Fame a monster.  They de-
+scribe her in part finely and elegantly, and
+in part gravely and sententiously.  They say, look
+how many feathers she hath, so many eyes she
+hath underneath; so many tongues; so many
+voices; she pricks up so many ears.
+
+This is a flourish.  There follow excellent par-
+ables; as that, she gathereth strength in going;
+that she goeth upon the ground, and yet hideth her
+head in the clouds; that in the daytime she sitteth
+in a watch tower, and flieth most by night; that
+she mingleth things done, with things not done;
+and that she is a terror to great cities.  But that
+which passeth all the rest is: They do recount that
+the Earth, mother of the giants that made war
+against Jupiter, and were by him destroyed, there-
+upon in an anger brought forth Fame.  For certain
+it is, that rebels, figured by the giants, and seditious
+fames and libels, are but brothers and sisters, mas-
+culine and feminine.  But now, if a man can tame
+this monster, and bring her to feed at the hand,
+and govern her, and with her fly other ravening
+fowl and kill them, it is somewhat worth.  But we
+are infected with the style of the poets.  To speak
+now in a sad and serious manner: There is not, in
+all the politics, a place less handled and more
+worthy to be handled, than this of fame.  We will
+therefore speak of these points: What are false
+fames; and what are true fames; and how they
+may be best discerned; how fames may be sown,
+and raised; how they may be spread, and multi-
+plied; and how they may be checked, and laid
+dead.  And other things concerning the nature of
+fame.  Fame is of that force, as there is scarcely any
+great action, wherein it hath not a great part; es-
+pecially in the war.  Mucianus undid Vitellius, by
+a fame that he scattered, that Vitellius had in pur-
+pose to remove the legions of Syria into Germany,
+and the legions of Germany into Syria; where-
+upon the legions of Syria were infinitely inflamed.
+Julius Caesar took Pompey unprovided, and laid
+asleep his industry and preparations, by a fame
+that he cunningly gave out: Caesar's own soldiers
+loved him not, and being wearied with the wars,
+and laden with the spoils of Gaul, would forsake
+him, as soon as he came into Italy.  Livia settled
+all things for the succession of her son Tiberius, by
+continual giving out, that her husband Augustus
+was upon recovery and amendment, and it is an
+usual thing with the pashas, to conceal the death
+of the Great Turk from the janizaries and men of
+war, to save the sacking of Constantinople and
+other towns, as their manner is.  Themistocles made
+Xerxes, king of Persia, post apace out of Grecia, by
+giving out, that the Grecians had a purpose to
+break his bridge of ships, which he had made ath-
+wart Hellespont.  There be a thousand such like
+examples; and the more they are, the less they
+need to be repeated; because a man meeteth with
+them everywhere.  Therefore let all wise governors
+have as great a watch and care over fames, as they
+have of the actions and designs themselves.
+
+
+[This essay was not finished]
+
+
+
+A Glossary
+OF ARCHAIC WORDS
+AND PHRASES
+
+
+
+
+Abridgment: miniature
+Absurd: stupid, unpolished
+Abuse: cheat, deceive
+Aculeate: stinging
+Adamant: loadstone
+Adust: scorched
+Advoutress: adulteress
+Affect: like, desire
+Antic: clown
+Appose: question
+Arietation: battering-ram
+Audit: revenue
+Avoidance: secret outlet
+Battle: battalion
+Bestow: settle in life
+Blanch: flatter, evade
+Brave: boastful
+Bravery: boast, ostentation
+Broke: deal in brokerage
+Broken: shine by comparison
+Broken music: part music
+Cabinet: secret
+Calendar: weather forecast
+Card: chart, map
+Care not to: are reckless
+Cast: plan
+Cat: cate, cake
+Charge and adventure: cost and
+risk
+Check with: interfere
+Chop: bandy words
+Civil: peaceful
+Close: secret, secretive
+Collect: infer
+Compound: compromise
+Consent: agreement
+Curious: elaborate
+Custom: import duties
+Deceive: rob
+Derive: divert
+Difficileness: moroseness
+Discover: reveal
+Donative: money gift
+Doubt: fear
+Equipollent: equally powerful
+Espial: spy
+Estate: state
+Facility: of easy persuasion
+Fair: rather
+Fame: rumor
+Favor: feature
+Flashy: insipid
+Foot-pace: lobby
+Foreseen: guarded against
+Froward: stubborn
+Futile: babbling
+Globe: complete body
+Glorious: showy, boastful
+Humorous: capricious
+Hundred poll: hundredth head
+Impertinent: irrelevant
+Implicit: entangled
+
+
+
+In a mean: in moderation
+In smother: suppressed
+Indifferent: impartial
+Intend: attend to
+Knap:knoll
+Leese: lose
+Let: hinder
+Loose: shot
+Lot: spell
+Lurch: intercept
+Make: profit, get
+Manage: train
+Mate: conquer
+Material: business-like
+Mere-stone: boundary stone
+Muniting: fortifying
+Nerve: sinew
+Obnoxious: subservient, liable
+Oes: round spangles
+Pair: impair
+Pardon: allowance
+Passable: mediocre
+Pine-apple-tree: pine
+Plantation: colony
+Platform: plan
+Plausible: praiseworthy
+Point device: excessively precise
+Politic: politician
+Poll: extort
+Poser: examiner
+Practice: plotting
+Preoccupate: anticipate
+Prest: prepared
+Prick: plant
+Proper: personal
+Prospective: stereoscope
+Proyne: prune
+Purprise: enclosure
+Push: pimple
+Quarrel: pretext
+Quech: flinch
+Reason: principle
+Recamera: retiring-room
+Return: reaction
+Return: wing running back
+Rise: dignity
+Round: straight
+Save: account for
+Scantling: measure
+Seel: blind
+Shrewd: mischievous
+Sort: associate
+Spial: spy
+Staddle: sapling
+Steal: do secretly
+Stirp: family
+Stond: stop, stand
+Stoved: hot-housed
+Style: title
+Success: outcome
+Sumptuary law: law against
+extravagance
+Superior globe: the heavens
+Temper: proportion
+Tendering: nursing
+Tract: line, trait
+Travel: travail, labor
+Treaties: treatises
+Trench to: touch
+Trivial: common
+Turquet: Turkish dwarf
+Under foot: below value
+Unready: untrained
+Usury: interest
+Value: certify
+Virtuous: able
+Votary: vowed
+Wanton: spoiled
+Wood: maze
+Work: manage, utilize
+
+
+
+
+End of The Project Gutenberg Etext of Essays of Francis Bacon
+