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      The Essays Or Counsels, Civil and Moral, by Francis Bacon
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The Project Gutenberg EBook of Essays, by Francis Bacon

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org


Title: Essays
       The Essays Or Counsels, Civil And Moral, Of Francis Ld.
              Verulam Viscount St. Albans

Author: Francis Bacon

Release Date: November 25, 2009 [EBook #575]
Last Updated: January 25, 2013

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ESSAYS ***




Produced by Judith Boss, and David Widger






</pre>
    <p>
      <br /><br />
    </p>
    <h1>
      THE ESSAYS OR COUNSELS, <br />CIVIL AND MORAL,
    </h1>
    <h3>
      OF FRANCIS Ld. VERULAM VISCOUNT ST. ALBANS
    </h3>
    <p>
      <br />
    </p>
    <h2>
      Francis Bacon
    </h2>
    <h4>
      TO <br /><br /> THE RIGHT HONORABLE <br /><br /> MY VERY GOOD LORD <br /><br />
      THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM <br /><br /> HIS GRACE, LORD <br /><br /> HIGH ADMIRAL
      OF ENGLAND <br /><br /> EXCELLENT LORD:
    </h4>
    <p>
      <br /> <br />
    </p>
    <p>
      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,
    </p>
    <p>
      FR. ST. ALBAN <br /> <br />
    </p>
    <hr />
    <p>
      <br /> <br />
    </p>
    <blockquote>
      <p class="toc">
        <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big>
      </p>
      <p>
        <br />
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> Of Truth </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> Of Death </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> Of Unity In Religion </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> Of Revenge </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> Of Adversity </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> Of Simulation And Dissimulation </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> Of Parents And Children </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> Of Marriage And Single Life </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> Of Envy </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> Of Love </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> Of Great Place </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> Of Boldness </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> Of Goodness and Goodness Of Nature </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> Of Nobility </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> Of Seditions And Troubles </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> Of Atheism </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> Of Superstition </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> Of Travel </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> Of Empire </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> Of Counsel </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> Of Delays </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> Of Cunning </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> Of Wisdom For A Man's Self </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> Of Innovations </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> Of Dispatch </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> Of Seeming Wise </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> Of Friendship </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> Of Expense </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> Of the True Greatness Of Kingdoms And Estates
        </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> Of Regiment Of Health </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> Of Suspicion </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> Of Discourse </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> Of Plantations </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> Of Riches </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> Of Prophecies </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> Of Ambition </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> Of Masques And Triumphs </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> Of Nature In Men </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> Of Custom And Education </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0040"> Of Fortune </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0041"> Of Usury </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> Of Youth And Age </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0043"> Of Beauty </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0044"> Of Deformity </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0045"> Of Building </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0046"> Of Gardens </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0047"> Of Negotiating </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0048"> Of Followers And Friends </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0049"> Of Suitors </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0050"> Of Studies </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0051"> Of Faction </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0052"> Of Ceremonies, And Respects </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0053"> Of Praise </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0054"> Of Vain-glory </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0055"> Of Honor And Reputation </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0056"> Of Judicature </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0057"> Of Anger </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0058"> Of Vicissitude Of Things </a>
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0059"> Of Fame </a>
      </p>
      <p>
        <br />
      </p>
      <p class="toc">
        <a href="#link2H_4_0060"> A Glossary Of Archaic Words And Phrases </a>
      </p>
    </blockquote>
    <p>
      <br /> <br />
    </p>
    <hr />
    <p>
      <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001">
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    </p>
    <h2>
      Of Truth
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 discoursing 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 advantage, 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?
    </p>
    <p>
      One of the fathers, in great severity, called poesy vinum daemonum,
      because it fireth the imagination; 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 howsoever 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
      illumination 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 inspireth light, into the face of his chosen. The poet,
      that beautified the sect, that was otherwise inferior 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 window of a
      castle, and to see a battle, and the adventures 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      To pass from theological, and philosophical truth, to the truth of civil
      business; it will be acknowledged, 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 prettily, 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.
    </p>
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    </p>
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      <br /><br /><br /><br />
    </div>
    <h2>
      Of Death
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 religious; but the fear of it, as a tribute due unto nature,
      is weak. Yet in religious meditations, there is sometimes mixture of
      vanity, and of superstition. You shall read, in some of the friars' books
      of mortification, 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 natural 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 emperor had
      slain himself, pity (which is the tenderest 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, conjugii nostri
      memor, vive et vale. Tiberius in dissimulation; as Tacitus saith of him,
      Jam Tiberium vires et corpus, non dissimulatio, deserebant. Vespasian 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
      preparations, 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.&mdash;Extinctus amabitur idem.
    </p>
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    </div>
    <h2>
      Of Unity In Religion
    </h2>
    <p>
      RELIGION being the chief band of human society, 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 therefore, whensoever
      it cometh to that pass, that one saith, Ecce in deserto, another saith,
      Ecce in penetralibus; 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,&mdash;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 religion; 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 posture, or cringe by themselves, which cannot but
      move derision in worldlings, and depraved politics, who are apt to contemn
      holy things.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 conscience; and
      it turneth the labors of writing, and reading of controversies, into
      treaties of mortification and devotion.
    </p>
    <p>
      Concerning the bounds of unity; the true placing 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 behind 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 fundamental and of substance in religion, were
      truly discerned and distinguished, from points not merely of faith, but of
      opinion, order, or good intention. 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      Of this I may give only this advice, according to my small model. Men
      ought to take heed, of rending God's church, by two kinds of
      controversies. The one is, when the matter of the point controverted, 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 understanding, shall sometimes hear ignorant
      men differ, 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 between 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 novitates, 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 governeth 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 fundamental
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 authorize 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
      Agamemnon, that could endure the sacrificing of his own daughter,
      exclaimed: Tantum Religio potuit suadere malorum.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 temporal sword is to be drawn with
      great circumspection 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 counsel 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 ingenuously confessed; that
      those which held and persuaded pressure of consciences, were commonly
      interested therein, themselves, for their own ends.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Revenge
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 generous. 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, vindictive persons live the
      life of witches; who, as they are mischievous, so end they infortunate.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Adversity
    </h2>
    <p>
      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; adversarum mirabilia. Certainly if miracles be the command over
      nature, they appear most in adversity. 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 hominis, 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 prosperity, is temperance; the virtue of adversity, is
      fortitude; which in morals is the more heroical virtue. Prosperity is the
      blessing of the Old Testament; 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 describing the afflictions of Job, than the
      felicities of Solomon. Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes;
      and adversity is not without comforts and hopes. We see in needle-works
      and embroideries, 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Simulation And Dissimulation
    </h2>
    <p>
      DISSIMULATION is but a faint kind of policy, 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      Tacitus saith, Livia sorted well with the arts of her husband, and
      dissimulation of her son; attributing arts or policy to Augustus, and
      dissimulation to Tiberius. And again, when Mucianus encourageth Vespasian,
      to take arms against Vitellius, 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 distinguished. 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 dissimulation is a
      hinderance and a poorness. But if a man cannot obtain to that judgment,
      then it is left to him generally, to be close, and a dissembler. For where
      a man cannot choose, or vary in particulars, there it is good to take the
      safest, and wariest 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 opinion, spread abroad, of their good faith and clearness of
      dealing, made them almost invisible.
    </p>
    <p>
      There be three degrees of this hiding and veiling 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 expressly feigns and pretends to be, that he
      is not.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 confession, 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 uncomely, 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 credulous 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      For the second, which is dissimulation; it followeth 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 balance 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 cannot hold out long. So that
      no man can be secret, except he give himself a little scope of
      dissimulation; which is, as it were, but the skirts or train of secrecy.
    </p>
    <p>
      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
      matters. 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      The great advantages of simulation and dissimulation 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
      dissimulation commonly carry with them a show of fearfulness, which in any
      business, doth spoil the feathers, of round flying up to the mark. The
      second, 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 instruments 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Parents And Children
    </h2>
    <p>
      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
      foundations 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 youngest made
      wantons; but in the midst, some that are as it were forgotten, who many
      times, nevertheless, 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 parents and schoolmasters and
      servants) in creating and breeding an emulation between brothers, during
      childhood, which many times sorteth to discord when they are men, and
      disturbeth families. The Italians make little difference between children,
      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 extraordinary,
      then it is good not to cross it; but generally 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Marriage And Single Life
    </h2>
    <p>
      HE THAT hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they
      are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief.
      Certainly the best works, and of greatest merit for the public, have
      proceeded from the unmarried or childless men; which both in affection and
      means, have married and endowed the public. Yet it were great reason that
      those that have children, 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 impertinences. 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 perhaps 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 subjects; 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 servant, 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. Certainly 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 husbands, as was said of
      Ulysses, vetulam suam praetulit 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 husband wise; which she will never do, if she find him jealous.
      Wives are young men's mistresses; companions 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,&mdash;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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Envy
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 envious 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      But leaving these curiosities (though not unworthy 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      A man that hath no virtue in himself, ever envieth 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
      depressing another's fortune.
    </p>
    <p>
      A man that is busy, and inquisitive, is commonly envious. For to know much
      of other men's matters, cannot be because all that ado may concern 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 walketh the streets, and doth not keep home: Non
      est curiosus, quin idem sit malevolus.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      Deformed persons, and eunuchs, and old men, and bastards, are envious. For
      he that cannot possibly 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 Agesilaus and Tamberlanes, that were lame men.
    </p>
    <p>
      The same is the case of men, that rise after calamities and misfortunes.
      For they are as men fallen out with the times; and think other men's
      harms, a redemption of their own sufferings.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 Emperor; that mortally envied poets, and painters,
      and artificers, in works wherein he had a vein to excel.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      Concerning those that are more or less subject to envy: First, persons of
      eminent virtue, when they are advanced, are less envied. For their fortune
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 greatness, 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 inferior officers, in their full lights and pre-eminences of their
      places. For by that means, there be so many screens between him and envy.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 opposition or competition; whereas wise men will
      rather do sacrifice to envy, in suffering themselves sometimes of purpose
      to be crossed, and overborne in things that do not much concern them.
      Notwithstanding, 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 disavow fortune; and seemeth to be conscious
      of his own want in worth; and doth but teach others, to envy him.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 themselves; 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      This envy, being in the Latin word invidia, goeth in the modern language,
      by the name of discontentment; of which we shall speak, in handling
      sedition. It is a disease, in a state, like to infection. 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 weakness,
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      We will add this in general, touching the affection of envy; that of all
      other affections, it is the most importune and continual. For of other
      affections, 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 affection, 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Love
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 before 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 hyperbole, 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 himself, 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
      reciproque. For it is a true rule, that love is ever rewarded, 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Great Place
    </h2>
    <p>
      MEN in great place are thrice servants: servants 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 actions, 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 melancholy 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 sickness,
      which require the shadow; like old townsmen, 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 likewise 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
      sabbath. In the discharge of thy place, set before thee the best examples;
      for imitation is a globe of precepts. 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 taxing their
      memory, but to direct thyself, what to avoid. Reform therefore, without
      bravery, or scandal 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
      degenerate; 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 assume 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 suspicion. Whosoever is found variable, and changeth manifestly
      without manifest cause, giveth suspicion 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
      respect 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 imperasset, 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 predecessor, 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Boldness
    </h2>
    <p>
      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
      advantage 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 judgment, 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
      persons into action, than soon after; for boldness is an ill keeper of
      promise. Surely, as there are mountebanks for the natural body, so are
      there mountebanks 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 shamefully, 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
      ridiculous. 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 posture; 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
      persons 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Goodness and Goodness Of Nature
    </h2>
    <p>
      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. Goodness 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, charity, 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 danger by
      it. The inclination to goodness, is imprinted deeply in the nature of man;
      insomuch, 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; insomuch, 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 ungracious 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 unjust. Which he spake, because indeed there was never law,
      or sect, or opinion, did so much magnify 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
      happier, 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
      peculiar benefits, with choice. And beware how in making the portraiture,
      thou breakest the pattern. For divinity, maketh the love of ourselves the
      pattern; the love of our neighbors, but the portraiture. Sell all thou
      hast, and give it to the poor, and follow 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 calamities, 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 gardens, 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 timber, 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 continent, 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Nobility
    </h2>
    <p>
      WE WILL speak of nobility, first as a portion of an estate, then as a
      condition of particular persons. A monarchy, where there is no nobility at
      all, is ever a pure and absolute tyranny; as that of the Turks. For
      nobility attempers sovereignty, 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
      Countries, in their government, excel; for where there is an equality, the
      consultations are more indifferent, 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      As for nobility in particular persons; it is a reverend 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 commonly 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 posterity, and their faults die with themselves.
      Nobility 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, nobility 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Seditions And Troubles
    </h2>
    <p>
      SHEPHERDS of people, had need know the calendars of tempests in state;
      which are commonly greatest, when things grow to equality; as natural
      tempests are greatest about the Equinoctia. And as there are certain
      hollow blasts of wind, and secret swellings of seas before a tempest, so
      are there in states:
    </p>
<pre xml:space="preserve">
     &mdash;Ille etiam caecos instare tumultus
     Saepe monet, fraudesque et operta tunescere bella.
</pre>
    <p>
      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
      disadvantage 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:
    </p>
    <p>
      Illam Terra parens, irra irritata deorum, Extremam (ut perhibent) Coeo
      Enceladoque sororem Progenuit.
    </p>
    <p>
      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; especially 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
      imperantium interpretari quam exequi; disputing, excusing, cavilling upon
      mandates and directions, is a kind of shaking off the yoke, and assay of
      disobedience; especially if in those disputings, they which are for the
      direction, speak fearfully and tenderly, and those that are against it,
      audaciously.
    </p>
    <p>
      Also, as Machiavel noteth well, when princes, that ought to be common
      parents, make themselves 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 presently after, the same
      league was turned upon himself. 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 imperantium 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      So when any of the four pillars of government, are mainly shaken, or
      weakened (which are religion, justice, counsel, and treasure), men had
      need to pray for fair weather. But let us pass from this part of
      predictions (concerning which, nevertheless, 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 prepared, it
      is hard to tell, whence the spark shall come, that shall set it on fire.
      The matter of seditions is of two kinds: much poverty, and much
      discontentment. It is certain, so many overthrown estates, so many votes
      for troubles. Lucan noteth well the state of Rome before the Civil War,
    </p>
<pre xml:space="preserve">
     Hinc usura vorax, rapidumque in tempore foenus,
     Hinc concussa fides, et multis utile bellum.
</pre>
    <p>
      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, because 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      The causes and motives of seditions are, innovation in religion; taxes;
      alteration of laws and customs; breaking of privileges; general
      oppression; advancement of unworthy persons; strangers; dearths; disbanded
      soldiers; factions grown desperate; and what soever, in offending people,
      joineth and knitteth them in a common cause.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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
      repressing of waste, and excess, by sumptuary laws; the improvement and
      husbanding of the soil; the regulating of prices of things vendible; the
      moderating of taxes and tributes; and the like. Generally, it is to be
      foreseen that the population of a kingdom (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 number, that spend more and earn less, do wear out an estate
      sooner, than a greater number that live lower, and gather more. Therefore
      the multiplying of nobility, and other degrees of quality, in an over
      proportion to the common people, doth speedily 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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
      vecture, 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      Above all things, good policy is to be used, that the treasure and moneys,
      in a state, be not gathered 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 emblem, no doubt, to show how safe it is for monarchs, to make sure of
      the good will of common people. To give moderate liberty for griefs and
      discontentments 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      The part of Epimetheus mought well become Prometheus, in the case of
      discontentments: for there is not a better provision against them.
      Epimetheus, 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 nourishing, 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 particular persons and factions, are apt
      enough to flatter themselves, or at least to brave that, which they
      believe not.
    </p>
    <p>
      Also the foresight and prevention, that there be no likely or fit head,
      whereunto discontented persons 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 greatness 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 dividing 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 desperate 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 potuit 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 undid himself by that
      speech, legi a se militem, non emi; for it put the soldiers out of hope of
      the donative. 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Atheism
    </h2>
    <p>
      I HAD rather believe all the fables in the Legend, 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
      convince 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 scattered, 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 demonstrate 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 eternally 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 appeareth 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? Epicurus 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 opiniones 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 barbarous 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
      religion, 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, deface
      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, without 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 itself, 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 conscripti, nos amemus, tamen nec numero
      Hispanos, nec robore Gallos, nec calliditate Poenos, nec artibus 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Superstition
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 Plutarch, 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
      superstition dismounts all these, and erecteth an absolute monarchy, in
      the minds of men. Therefore atheism 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
      superstition hath been the confusion of many states, and bringeth in a new
      primum mobile, that ravisheth all the spheres of government. The master of
      superstition, is the people; and in all superstition, wise men follow
      fools; and arguments are fitted to practice, 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 engines of
      orbs, to save the phenomena; though they knew there were no such things;
      and in like manner, that the Schoolmen had framed a number of subtle and
      intricate axioms, and theorems, to save the practice of the church. The
      causes of superstition are: pleasing and sensual rites and ceremonies;
      excess of outward and pharisaical holiness; overgreat 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, barbarous times, especially joined with
      calamities and disasters. Superstition, without a veil, is a deformed
      thing; for, as it addeth deformity to an ape, to be so like a man, so the
      similitude of superstition 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
      avoiding superstition, when men think to do best, if they go furthest from
      the superstition, formerly received; 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Travel
    </h2>
    <p>
      TRAVEL, in the younger sort, is a part of education, 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 observed, 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 ambassadors; 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 fortifications
      of cities, and towns, and so the heavens and harbors; antiquities and
      ruins; libraries; colleges, disputations, and lectures, where any are;
      shipping and navies; houses and gardens of state and pleasure, near great
      cities; armories; arsenals; magazines; exchanges; burses; warehouses;
      exercises of horsemanship, fencing, training of soldiers, 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 executions, 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 another;
      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 ambassadors: 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, altogether behind
      him; but maintain a correspondence 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 manners, for those of foreign
      parts; but only prick in some flowers, of that he hath learned abroad,
      into the customs of his own country.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Empire
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 representations 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
      desire, 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 advancing 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 playing 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
      conquerors, 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 melancholy;
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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,
      sometimes 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 plerumque 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 circumspection be not used.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 embracing 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 counsels, to foresee and to hinder it.
      During that triumvirate 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
      interest. 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 opinion 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 Mustapha, and otherwise
      troubled his house and succession; Edward the Second of England, his
      queen, had the principal hand in the deposing and murder 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      For their children; the tragedies likewise of dangers from them, have been
      many. And generally, 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 suspected to be untrue, and of
      strange blood; for that Selymus the Second, was thought to be
      suppositious. 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 destruction 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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,
      Archbishops 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 perform, any thing that he desires. I have noted it, in my History of
      King Henry the Seventh of England, who depressed his nobility; whereupon
      it came to pass, that his times were full of difficulties and troubles;
      for the nobility, though they continued 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      For their second-nobles; there is not much danger from them, being a body
      dispersed. They may sometimes discourse high, but that doth little hurt;
      besides, they are a counterpoise to the higher nobility, that they grow
      not too potent; and, lastly, being the most immediate in authority, with
      the common people, they do best temper popular commotions.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      For their commons; there is little danger from them, except it be, where
      they have great and potent heads; or where you meddle with the point of
      religion, or their customs, or means of life.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 trainings of men, and arming
      them in several places, and under several commanders, and without
      donatives, are things of defence, and no danger.
    </p>
    <p>
      Princes are like to heavenly bodies, which cause good or evil times; and
      which have much veneration, but no rest. All precepts concerning kings,
      are in effect comprehended in those two remembrances: memento quod es
      homo; and memento quod es Deus, or vice Dei; the one bridleth their power,
      and the other their will.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Counsel
    </h2>
    <p>
      THE greatest trust, between man and man, is the trust of giving counsel.
      For in other confidences, men commit the parts of life; their lands, their
      goods, their children, their credit, some particular affair; but to such
      as they make their counsellors, 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 diminution to their greatness, or derogation to their
      sufficiency, 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 counsel, 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 Jupiter 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 married 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 counsel to go through with
      the resolution and direction, 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) proceeded from
      themselves; and not only from their authority, but (the more to add
      reputation to themselves) from their head and device.
    </p>
    <p>
      Let us now speak of the inconveniences of counsel, 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 themselves. 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      As to secrecy; princes are not bound to communicate 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
      themselves. 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 counsels
      unprosperous; for, besides the secrecy, they commonly go on constantly,
      in one spirit of direction, without distraction. But then it must be a
      prudent king, such as is able to grind with a handmill; 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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, bereaved 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      For the last inconvenience, that men will counsel, with an eye to
      themselves; certainly, non inveniet fidem super terram is meant, of the
      nature 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 natures.
      Besides, counsellors are not commonly so united, but that one counsellor,
      keepeth sentinel over another; so that if any do counsel out of faction 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:
    </p>
    <p>
      Principis est virtus maxima nosse suos.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 nature; 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
      freedom; 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 likewise concerning persons; for all matters are as dead images;
      and the life of the execution of affairs, resteth in the good choice of
      persons. Neither is it enough, to consult concerning persons secundum
      genera, as in an idea, or mathematical description, what the kind and
      character of the person should be; for the greatest errors are committed,
      and the most judgment is shown, in the choice of individuals. It was truly
      said, optimi consiliarii mortui: books will speak plain, when counsellors
      blanch. Therefore it is good to be conversant in them, specially the books
      of such as themselves have been actors upon the stage.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 suitors 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 business 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 treasure, 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
      professions (as lawyers, seamen, mintmen, and the like) be first heard
      before committees; and then, as occasion 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
      substance; 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
      instead of giving free counsel, sing him a song of placebo.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Delays
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 consumeth 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 dangers 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 extreme. The ripeness, or
      unripeness, of the occasion (as we said) must ever be well weighed; and
      generally 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 execution. For when things are once come to the execution,
      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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Cunning
    </h2>
    <p>
      WE TAKE cunning for a sinister or crooked wisdom. And certainly there is a
      great difference, 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 canvasses 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 videbis, 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 secretary, that never came to Queen Elizabeth of England,
      with bills to sign, but he would always first put her into some discourse
      of estate, that she mought the less mind the bills.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 countenance, than you are wont;
      to the end to give occasion, 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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
      Messalina and Silius.
    </p>
    <p>
      In things that a man would not be seen in himself, 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 somewhat which they are not
      accustomed; to the end, they may be apposed of those things, which of
      themselves they are desirous to utter.
    </p>
    <p>
      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
      advantage. 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 business; and the one of them
      said, That to be a secretary, 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 discoursed 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      It is a way that some men have, to glance and dart at others, by
      justifying themselves by negatives; as to say, This I do not; as
      Tigellinus did towards Burrhus, Se non diversas spes, sed incolumitatem
      imperatoris simpliciter spectare.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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
      matters they will beat over, to come near it. It is a thing of great
      patience, but yet of much use.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      But these small wares, and petty points, of cunning, 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      But certainly some there are that know the resorts 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 conclusion, 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 proceedings. But Solomon saith, Prudens
      advertit ad gressus suos; stultus divertit ad dolos.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Wisdom For A Man's Self
    </h2>
    <p>
      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, himself. It is right
      earth. For that only stands fast upon his own centre; whereas all things,
      that have affinity 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
      themselves, but their good and evil is at the peril of the public fortune.
      But it is a desperate evil, in a servant 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 servants,
      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 before 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 abandon the good of their affairs.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Innovations
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 continuance; 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 custom, 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 imputeth it to the author.
      It is good also, not to try experiments 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 reformation. 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Dispatch
    </h2>
    <p>
      AFFECTED dispatch is one of the most dangerous 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,
      procureth 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 byword, when he saw men hasten to a
      conclusion, Stay a little, that we may make an end the sooner.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      Give good hearing to those, that give the first information in business;
      and rather direct them in the beginning, than interrupt them in the
      continuance 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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
      frivolous 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 passages, and excusations, and other speeches of reference 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 unseasonable 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Seeming Wise
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 sufficiency, 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 frontem sublato, altero ad
      mentum depresso supercilio, crudelitatem tibi non placere. Some think to
      bear it by speaking a great word, and being peremptory; 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 Prodicus in scorn, and maketh him make a
      speech, that consisteth of distinction from the beginning 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 difficulties; 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 merchant, 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 sufficiency. Seeming wise
      men may make shift to get opinion; but let no man choose them for
      employment; for certainly you were better take for business, a man
      somewhat absurd, than over-formal.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Friendship
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 untrue, that it should
      have any character at all, of the divine nature; except it proceed, not
      out of a pleasure 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 Candian,
      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 solitude is, and how far it
      extendeth. For a crowd is not company; and faces are but a gallery of
      pictures; 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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, except (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 languages give unto such persons the name of
      favorites, or privadoes; as if it were matter of grace, or conversation.
      But the Roman name attaineth the true use and cause thereof, naming them
      participes 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 received between private men.
    </p>
    <p>
      L. Sylla, when he commanded Rome, raised Pompey (after surnamed the Great)
      to that height, that Pompey vaunted himself for Sylla's overmatch. 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
      presages, 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 marriage 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
      Plautianus, 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 friendship.
    </p>
    <p>
      It is not to be forgotten, what Comineus observeth 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 cannibals of their own hearts. But one thing
      is most admirable (wherewith I will conclude this first fruit of
      friendship), which is, that this communicating 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
      impression: and even so it is of minds.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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
      infused, and drenched, in his affections and customs. So as there is as
      much difference between the counsel, 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 manners, 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, sometime too piercing and
      corrosive. Reading good books of morality, is a little flat and dead.
      Observing 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 presently 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 himself 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,
      perhaps, 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 unacquainted 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 beware,
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      After these two noble fruits of friendship (peace in the affections, and
      support of the judgment), followeth the last fruit; which is like the
      pomegranate, 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 himself; for that
      a friend is far more than himself. Men have their time, and die many
      times, in desire 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 graceful, 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 enumerate 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Expense
    </h2>
    <p>
      RICHES are for spending, and spending for honor and good actions.
      Therefore extraordinary 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 deceit and abuse of servants; and ordered to the best
      show, that the bills may be less than the estimation 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 cannot 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 behooveth 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 plentiful in diet, to be
      saving in apparel; if he be plentiful 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 disadvantageable 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 degrees,
      induceth a habit of frugality, and gaineth as well upon his mind, as upon
      his estate. Certainly, who hath a state to repair, may not despise small
      things; and commonly it is less dishonorable, 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
      magnificent.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of the True Greatness Of Kingdoms And Estates
    </h2>
    <p>
      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
      fiddle; 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 certainly 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
      themselves only, than tending to the weal and advancement 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      The greatness of an estate, in bulk and territory, doth fall under
      measure; and the greatness of finances and revenue, doth fall under
      computation. 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 dimension of stem, and yet apt to be the foundations of
      great monarchies.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 disposition of the
      people, be stout and warlike. Nay, number (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, discovered 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 greatness 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. Therefore 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 burthens;
      neither will it be, that a people overlaid with taxes, should ever become
      valiant and martial. 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 staddles too thick, you shall never have clean underwood, 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 overmatch; 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 proportion 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 ancient
      Italy:
    </p>
    <p>
      Terra potens armis atque ubere glebae.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 questions, the splendor
      and magnificence, and great retinues and hospitality, of noblemen and
      gentlemen, received into custom, doth much conduce unto martial greatness.
      Whereas, contrariwise, the close and reserved living of noblemen and
      gentlemen, causeth a penury of military forces.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 subjects, 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 naturalization; 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 haereditatis; 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 indifferently, all nations in
      their militia of ordinary soldiers; yea, and sometimes in their highest
      commands. Nay, it seemeth at this instant they are sensible, of this want
      of natives; as by the Pragmatical Sanction, now published, appeareth.
    </p>
    <p>
      It is certain that sedentary, and within-door arts, and delicate
      manufactures (that require rather the finger than the arm), have, in their
      nature, 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,&mdash;tillers of the ground; free servants; and
      handicraftsmen of strong and manly arts, as smiths, masons, carpenters,
      etc.; not reckoning professed soldiers.
    </p>
    <p>
      But above all, for empire and greatness, it importeth 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 habilitation 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 Macedonians 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 greatness 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 Romans and Turks principally
      have done) do wonders. And those that have professed arms but for an age,
      have, notwithstanding, commonly attained that greatness, in that age,
      which maintained them long after, when their profession and exercise of
      arms hath grown to decay.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 command. 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 foremost, 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 Athenians, made wars to set up
      or pull down democracies and oligarchies; or when wars were made by
      foreigners, under the pretence of justice or protection, to deliver the
      subjects of others, from tyranny and oppression; and the like. Let it
      suffice, that no estate expect to be great, that is not awake upon any
      just occasion of arming.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 effeminate,
      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
      reputation, 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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
      by sea. The battle of Actium, decided the empire of the world. The battle
      of Lepanto, 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 strongest 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
      principal dowries of this kingdom of Great Britain) is great; both because
      most of the kingdoms of Europe, 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 soldiers; 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 personal; 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 donatives 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
      impropriate 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Regiment Of Health
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 conclusion to say, This
      agreeth not well with me, therefore, 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 discontinue 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 exhilarations in excess; sadness not communicated.
      Entertain 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 extraordinary 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 principally; and
      in health, action. For those that put their bodies to endure in health,
      may in most sicknesses, 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 inclination 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 acquainted with your body, as the best
      reputed of for his faculty.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Suspicion
    </h2>
    <p>
      SUSPICIONS amongst thoughts, are like bats amongst birds, they ever fly by
      twilight. Certainly 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 jealousy, 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 examination, 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
      suspicions, 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
      communicate 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Discourse
    </h2>
    <p>
      SOME, in their discourse, desire rather commendation 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
      conversation, to vary and intermingle speech of the present occasion, with
      arguments, tales with reasons, 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:
    </p>
    <p>
      Parce, puer, stimulis, et fortius utere loris.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 questions 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
      troublesome; 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 dissemble, 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 commend
      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 sparingly 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, without 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Plantations
    </h2>
    <p>
      PLANTATIONS are amongst ancient, primitive, 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 plantations, 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 almost twenty years' profit,
      and expect your recompense 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 neglected, 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 because 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
      expended 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
      common 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 custom, 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 plantations, 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 likewise 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 invade 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
      return. 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
      generations, 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 commiserable persons.
    </p>
    <p>
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    </div>
    <h2>
      Of Riches
    </h2>
    <p>
      I CANNOT call riches better than the baggage of virtue. The Roman word is
      better, impedimenta. 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 Solomon, 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
      ostentation 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 imagination, 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
      amplificandae 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 innocent; for it withholdeth men from
      works of liberality 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 greatest 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 husbandry. 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 chapmen, 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. Monopolies, 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
      servile conditions, they may be placed amongst the worst. As for fishing
      for testaments and executorships (as Tacitus saith of Seneca, testamenta
      et orbos tamquam indagine capi), it is yet worse; by how much men submit
      themselves to meaner persons, 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, sometimes 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 judgment.
      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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Prophecies
    </h2>
    <p>
      I MEAN not to speak of divine prophecies; nor of heathen oracles; nor of
      natural predictions; but only of prophecies that have been of certain
      memory, and from hidden causes. Saith the Pythonissa to Saul, To-morrow
      thou and thy son shall be with me. Homer hath these verses:
    </p>
    <p>
      At domus AEneae cunctis dominabitur oris, Et nati natorum, et qui
      nascentur ab illis.
    </p>
    <p>
      A prophecy, as it seems, of the Roman empire. Seneca the tragedian hath
      these verses:
    </p>
<pre xml:space="preserve">
       &mdash;Venient annis
     Saecula seris, quibus Oceanus
     Vincula rerum laxet, et ingens
     Pateat Tellus, Tiphysque novos
     Detegat orbes; nec sit terris
     Ultima Thule:
</pre>
    <p>
      a prophecy of the discovery of America. The daughter 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 his 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,
      degustabis 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 husband 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,
    </p>
<pre xml:space="preserve">
     When hempe is spun

     England's done:
</pre>
    <p>
      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 England but of Britain.
      There was also another prophecy, before the year of '88, which I do not
      well understand.
    </p>
<pre xml:space="preserve">
     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.
</pre>
    <p>
      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
      prediction of Regiomontanus,
    </p>
<pre xml:space="preserve">
     Octogesimus octavus mirabilis annus,
</pre>
    <p>
      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
      judgment 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 belief; 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Ambition
    </h2>
    <p>
      AMBITION is like choler; which is an humor that maketh men active,
      earnest, full of alacrity, 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 ambitious 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 ambitious men, to
      handle it, so as they be still progressive 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, because 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 popular: 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 overgreat. 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 ambitious 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 danger, 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 intentions, when he aspireth, is an honest
      man; and that prince, that can discern of these intentions in another 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Masques And Triumphs
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 dialogue 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 alterations 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 become the person, when the vizors are off; not after examples of
      known attires; Turke, soldiers, mariners', 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
      comical 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 entrance; or in the bravery of their liveries; or in
      the goodly furniture of their horses and armor. But enough of these toys.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Nature In Men
    </h2>
    <p>
      NATURE is often hidden; sometimes overcome; seldom extinguished. Force,
      maketh nature more violent in the return; doctrine and discourse, 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
      prevailings. And at the first let him practise with helps, as swimmers do
      with bladders or rushes; but after a time let him practise with
      disadvantages, 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:
    </p>
<pre xml:space="preserve">
     Optimus ille animi vindex laedentia pectus
     Vincula qui rupit, dedoluitque semel.
</pre>
    <p>
      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 extreme 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 demurely 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 perceived in privateness, for there
      is no affectation; in passion, for that putteth a man out of his precepts;
      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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Custom And Education
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 accustomed. 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 fierceness of any man's nature,
      or his resolute undertakings; 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 resolution, is
      made equipollent to custom, even in matter of blood. In other things, the
      predominancy of custom is everywhere visible; insomuch as a man would
      wonder, to hear men profess, protest, engage, 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 husbands. The lads of Sparta, of ancient time, were wont to be
      scourged upon the altar of Diana, without so much as queching. I remember,
      in the beginning 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 penance, 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 endeavor, 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; except 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 custom 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
      societies well ordained and disciplined. For commonwealths, 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Fortune
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 robur corporis et animi fuit, ut quocunque loco natus
      esset, fortunam sibi facturus videretur) falleth upon that, that he had
      versatile ingenium. Therefore 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 giving light
      together. So are there a number of little, and scarce discerned virtues,
      or rather faculties 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 fortune 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 infortunate. 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 fortune, in respect of that of Agesilaus or Epaminondas. And
      that this should be, no doubt it is much, in a man's self.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Usury
    </h2>
    <p>
      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;
    </p>
<pre xml:space="preserve">
     Ignavum fucos pecus a praesepibus arcent.
</pre>
    <p>
      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 concessum 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      The discommodities of usury are, First, that it makes fewer merchants. For
      were it not for this lazy trade of usury, money would not be still, but
      would in great part be employed upon merchandizing; 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 uncertainties, 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 employment of money, is chiefly either
      merchandizing or purchasing; and usury waylays both. The sixth, that it
      doth dull and damp all industries, improvements, 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      On the other side, the commodities of usury are, first, that howsoever
      usury in some respect hindereth 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 necessities would draw upon them a most sudden
      undoing; 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 without 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
      borrowing 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      To speak now of the reformation, and reiglement, of usury; how the
      discommodities of it may be best avoided, and the commodities retained. It
      appears, by the balance of commodities and discommodities of usury, two
      things are to be reconciled. 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
      quickening of trade. This cannot be done, except you introduce 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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
      profitable improvements; because many will rather venture in that kind,
      than take five in the hundred, 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
      following. Let the rate be, even with the merchant himself, somewhat more
      easy than that he used formerly to pay; for by that means, all borrowers,
      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 mislike 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 restrained 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      If it be objected that this doth in a sort authorize usury, which before,
      was in some places but permissive; the answer is, that it is better to
      mitigate usury, by declaration, than to suffer it to rage, by connivance.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Youth And Age
    </h2>
    <p>
      A MAN that is young in years, may be old in hours, if he have lost no
      time. But that happeneth 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 emperor, 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 experience of age, in things that fall within the compass of it,
      directeth them; but in new things, abuseth them.
    </p>
    <p>
      The errors of young men, are the ruin of business; 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 consideration
      of the means and degrees; pursue some few principles, which they have
      chanced upon absurdly; care not to innovate, which draws unknown
      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 Hermogenes the rhetorician, whose books are
      exceeding 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Beauty
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 persons are otherwise of great virtue; as if
      nature were rather busy, not to err, than in labor to produce excellency.
      And therefore they prove accomplished, 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 geometrical 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, certainly 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 certainly again, if it light well, it
      maketh virtue shine, and vices blush.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Deformity
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 altero. 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 inclination are sometimes obscured, by the sun of
      discipline 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 exposed to scorn; but in
      process of time, by a general habit. Also it stirreth in them industry,
      and especially of this kind, to watch and observe the weakness 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 believing 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 present 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
      whisperers, 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 themselves 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Building
    </h2>
    <p>
      HOUSES are built to live in, and not to look on; therefore let use be
      preferred before uniformity, 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 unwholesome; 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?
    </p>
    <p>
      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 therefore 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 banquet, 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 divided 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 servants' 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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
      quarters 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 cannot 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      Beyond this court, let there be an inward court, of the same square and
      height; which is to be environed 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 garden; 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, antecamera, 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 likewise, an open
      gallery, upon pillars, to take the prospect and freshness of the garden.
      At both corners 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 distance, with some low galleries, to pass from
      them to the palace itself.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Gardens
    </h2>
    <p>
      GOD 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
      vernus, both the yellow and the grey; primroses, anemones; the early
      tulippa; hyacinthus orientalis; 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
      blossom; the cornelian-tree in blossom; sweet-briar. In April follow the
      double white violet; the wallflower; the stock-gilliflower; the cowslip;
      flowerdelices, and lilies of all natures; rosemary-flowers; the tulippa;
      the double peony; the pale daffodil; the French honeysuckle; the
      cherry-tree in blossom; 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 blushpink; 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; vineflowers; 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;
      cornelians; wardens; quinces. In October and the beginning of November
      come services; medlars; bullaces; roses cut or removed to come late;
      hollyhocks; 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      And because the breath of flowers is far sweeter in the air (where it
      comes and goes like the warbling 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 honeysuckles, so they be somewhat afar off. Of
      beanflowers 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, wildthyme, and
      watermints. Therefore you are to set whole alleys of them, to have the
      pleasure when you walk or tread.
    </p>
    <p>
      For gardens (speaking of those which are indeed princelike, as we have
      done of buildings), the contents 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 garden 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
      pillars 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 turret, 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 colored 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      For fountains, they are a great beauty and refreshment; but pools mar all,
      and make the garden unwholesome, and full of flies and frogs. Fountains I
      intend to be of two natures: the one that sprinkleth or spouteth water;
      the other a fair receipt 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 fountain; 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 discharged 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 nature 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; sweetbriar; and
      such like. But these standards to be kept with cutting, that they grow not
      out of course.
    </p>
    <p>
      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, because of going wet. In many of
      these alleys, likewise, 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 enclosure
      breast high, to look abroad into the fields.
    </p>
    <p>
      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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 together; and sometimes add
      statuas and such things for state and magnificence, but nothing to the
      true pleasure of a garden.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Negotiating
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 expostulation,
      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 employed them; for that breeds confidence, and they will strive
      to maintain their prescription. It is better 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 performance 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 pretext. 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Followers And Friends
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 followers ought to challenge no higher conditions, than
      countenance, recommendation, and protection 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 intelligence, that we many
      times see between great personages. 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 likewise, 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
      commonly 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
      following, is to be followed as one, that apprehendeth to advance virtue,
      and desert, in all sorts of persons. And yet, where there is no eminent
      odds in sufficiency, it is better to take with the more passable, 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 countenance 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 immediately, 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 magnified. That that is, is between superior and inferior, whose
      fortunes may comprehend the one the other.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Suitors
    </h2>
    <p>
      MANY ill matters and projects are undertaken; and private suits do putrefy
      the public 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 effectually in them; but if
      they see there may be life in the matter, by some other mean, they will be
      content 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 occasion to cross some other; or to make an information, 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 challenging 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, advantage 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 otherwise, 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Studies
    </h2>
    <p>
      STUDIES serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability. Their chief use
      for delight, is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in
      discourse; and for ability, is in the judgment, and disposition of
      business. For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars,
      one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling 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
      experience. 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
      without 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
      discourse; 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 important arguments, and the meaner sort of
      books, else distilled books are like common distilled waters, flashy
      things. Reading maketh a full man; conference 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 wandering, 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 the lawyers' cases. So every defect
      of the mind, may have a special receipt.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Faction
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 nevertheless 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 moderately, 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 extinguished, 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 likewise for a time; but when Brutus
      and Cassius were overthrown, then soon after, Antonius and Octavianus
      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
      carriage 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 obligation 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Ceremonies, And Respects
    </h2>
    <p>
      HE THAT is only real, had need have exceeding 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 commendation 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 festivals. Therefore it doth much add to a man's reputation,
      and is (as Queen Isabella said) like perpetual letters commendatory, to
      have good forms. To attain 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 matters, 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
      diminisheth 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 certainly, 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 himself 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 somewhat 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 otherwise, their
      enviers will be sure to give them that attribute, to the disadvantage of
      their greater virtues. It is loss also in business, to be too full of
      respects, 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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Praise
    </h2>
    <p>
      PRAISE is the reflection of virtue; but it is as the glass or body, which
      giveth the reflection. If it be from the common people, it is commonly
      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 perceiving 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 common attributes, which may
      serve every man; if he be a cunning flatterer, he will follow the
      archflatterer, 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 flatterer, look wherein a man is conscious to himself, that he is
      most defective, and is most out of countenance 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 moderate praise, used with
      opportunity, and not vulgar, 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
      contradiction, 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 magnanimity.
      The cardinals of Rome, which are theologues, and friars, and Schoolmen,
      have a phrase of notable contempt and scorn towards civil business: 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 catchpoles: though many times those
      under-sheriffries do more good, than their high speculations. St. Paul,
      when he boasts of himself, he doth oft interlace, I speak like a fool; but
      speaking of his calling, he saith, magnificabo apostolatum meum.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Vain-glory
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 effectual; 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 between 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 sharpeneth
      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 ostentation. Qui de contemnenda gloria libros scribunt, 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 nature, 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 attribute to Mucianus; Omnium quae dixerat feceratque 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 admiration of fools, the idols
      of parasites, and the slaves of their own vaunts.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Honor And Reputation
    </h2>
    <p>
      THE winning of honor, is but the revealing of a man's virtue and worth,
      without disadvantage. 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 his
      honor, that entereth into any action, the failing wherein may disgrace
      him, more than the carrying of it through, can honor him. Honor that is
      gained and broken upon another, hath the quickest reflection, like
      diamonds cut with facets. And therefore, let a man contend to excel any
      competitors 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      The true marshalling of the degrees of sovereign honor, are these: In the
      first place are conditores imperiorum, founders of states and
      commonwealths; such as were Romulus, Cyrus, Caesar, Ottoman, Ismael. In
      the second place are legislatores, lawgivers; which are also called second
      founders, or perpetui principes, because they govern by their ordinances
      after they are gone; such were Lycurgus, Solon, Justinian, Eadgar,
      Alphonsus of Castile, the Wise, that made the Siete Partidas. 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, Vespasianus, 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
      greatest 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 scantling, 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, likewise, which may be ranked amongst the
      greatest, which happeneth rarely; that is, of such as sacrifice themselves
      to death or danger for the good of their country; as was M. Regulus, and
      the two Decii.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Judicature
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 antiquity, 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 fountain. 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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, violent
      prosecution, cunning advantages taken, combination, 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 inferences; for there is no worse torture,
      than the torture 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 remember mercy; and to cast a severe eye
      upon the example, but a merciful eye upon the person.
    </p>
    <p>
      Secondly, for the advocates and counsel that plead. Patience and gravity
      of hearing, is an essential 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 pertinent. 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. Whatsoever is above these is too much; and proceedeth either of
      glory, and willingness to speak, or of impatience 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 presumptuous, 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
      overbold 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      Thirdly, for that that concerns clerks and ministers. 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; neither 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 common 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
      precedents, 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      Fourthly, for that which may concern the sovereign and estate. Judges
      ought above all to remember 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 deduced 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 people. 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 Solomon'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.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Anger
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 confined, 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      For the first; there is no other way but to meditate, 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;
    </p>
    <p>
      ... animasque in vulnere ponunt.
    </p>
    <p>
      Anger is certainly a kind of baseness; as it appears 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 circumstances 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 refrainings of anger, it is
      the best remedy to win time; and to make a man's self believe, that the
      opportunity 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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
      bitterness 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 contempt. 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 impression 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 misunderstanding, fear, passion, or what you will.
    </p>
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    <h2>
      Of Vicissitude Of Things
    </h2>
    <p>
      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 matter is in a perpetual
      flux, and never at a stay. The great winding-sheets, that bury all things
      in oblivion, 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 earthquake, 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 people, 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, likewise, or mountains, are far higher than
      those with us; whereby it seems, that the remnants of generation 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 appeared in the succession of
      Sabinian, who did revive the former antiquities.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 renewing 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, placing in the reign of heaven, or
      lasting, produceth what kind of effects.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 weathers 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,
      computing backwards, I have found some concurrence.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 religion 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
      concerning 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
      barbarous; you may doubt the springing up of a new sect; if then also,
      there should arise any extravagant and strange spirit, to make himself
      author thereof. All which points held, when Mahomet published his law. If
      a new sect have not two properties, fear it not; for it will not spread.
      The one is the supplanting, or the opposing, of authority established; 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 Arminians), though they work
      mightily upon men's wits, yet they do not produce any great alterations 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 persuasion; and by the sword. For
      martyrdoms, I reckon them amongst miracles; because they seem to exceed
      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 winning and
      advancing them, than to enrage them by violence and bitterness.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 western; 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 taking 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
      barbarous 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
      Tartary), 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 commonly
      such states are grown rich in the time of their degenerating; and so the
      prey inviteth, and their decay in valor, encourageth a war.
    </p>
    <p>
      As for the weapons, it hardly falleth under rule and observation: yet we
      see even they, have returns and vicissitudes. For certain it is, that
      ordnance 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
      ordnance do exceed all arietations and ancient inventions. The third is,
      the commodious use of them; as that they may serve in all weathers; that
      the carriage may be light and manageable; and the like.
    </p>
    <p>
      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 skilful in
      the ordering of their battles.
    </p>
    <p>
      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
      luxuriant 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      <a name="link2H_4_0059" id="link2H_4_0059">
      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
    </p>
    <div style="height: 4em;">
      <br /><br /><br /><br />
    </div>
    <h2>
      Of Fame
    </h2>
    <p>
      THE poets make Fame a monster. They describe 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      This is a flourish. There follow excellent parables; 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, thereupon
      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,
      masculine 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
      multiplied; 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; especially in the war.
      Mucianus undid Vitellius, by a fame that he scattered, that Vitellius had
      in purpose to remove the legions of Syria into Germany, and the legions of
      Germany into Syria; whereupon 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
      athwart 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.
    </p>
    <p>
      [This essay was not finished]
    </p>
    <p>
      <a name="link2H_4_0060" id="link2H_4_0060">
      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
    </p>
    <div style="height: 4em;">
      <br /><br /><br /><br />
    </div>
    <h2>
      A Glossary Of Archaic Words And Phrases
    </h2>
<pre xml:space="preserve">
     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
</pre>
    <p>
      <br /> <br />
    </p>
    <hr />
    <p>
      <br /> <br />
    </p>
<pre xml:space="preserve">





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