Ambitious and Great men we must yeeld all the Honour they can desire of vs making shew as if we much respected and esteem'd them but to those who are temperate and modest wee must beare our selues without any affectation we must not listen to the Enuiâ—uâ— or Malitious and yet wee must demeane our selues so as that we make them confident we repute them not for such to those that beare vs much good will and affection we must he alwaies readie and willing to our vtmost power to yeeld and afford them reciprocall testimonies of our inuiolable friendship 16 Wee must seeke aad frequent those that are Ofâ—ciouâ— if they can steed or pleasure vs and withall we must auoid the company of the â—â—officiouâ— to those that are inâ—ag'd to vs weâ— must beare our selues discrâ—etly in that which concernes their interest and not rashly or suddenly beleeue all that proceeds from them and contrariwise to those who are not obliged or ingaged to vs wee must adde more credit and beliefe Thus haue yee the forme how wee must demeane and beare our selues according to the difference of persons CHAP. XXIX 1 The eighth head of this Booke discoursing of matters whose subiects are infinite 2 Seuerall differences of affaires drawne from causes which examine and consider them 3 By meanes Possible or Impossible necessary or not easie or difficult Profitable or Preiudiciall 4 The difference of mens actions seruing to iudge of Possibilitie or Impossibilitie 5 Of Power and Will requisite in the Production of Actions 6 Considerations vpon this Power 7 8 Considerations vpon this Will. 9 10 Considerations vpon the means and differences 11 The Circumstances of Place in things moueable 12 The Circumstance of Time 13 Considerations vpon The diuersitie of hinderances 14 Â The facâ—ltie of a businesse 15 Â The necessitie thereof 16 Absolute 17 Conditionall 1 WE E will proceede to the difference of affaires whereof the subiects being infinite and the confluence of particularities which may transforme and alter them numberlesse I will content my selfe thereby to stirre vp Iuâ—gement and Courtship to prefixe some common anâ— ordinarie circumstances whereof we may draw vse and profit in their examination 2 Affaires are chiefely examined by the causes that gaue them their first â—otion and Essence and which ought conduct them to their end as by the meanes which we may obserue and practise to that effect by the end why and wherfore we vndertook it and by the effect or issue that may redound to vs thereby 13 The examinaton of the cause and meanes will informe vs whether it bee possible or impossible necessarie or not and will shew vs the facilitie or difficultie in the execution thereof In the ende and effect wee must consider Good or Euill neere or farre from vs and both in the cause meanes end and effect we must consider the Iustice thereof 4 But of mens Actions some are produced by one onely cause and others need meete with many and this coniunction and commixture is performed either successiuely by a dependance and certaine order deuoluing one after another or by a concurrence of all together and at one and the same time and in this concurrence of many causes wee must bee carefull to destinguish those that are principall from those that are but seconds and assistants and likewise those that are absolutely necessarie from those that are not except for greater facilitie or pro fit 5 The chiefe causes of affaires or actions residing in persons in whom for the perfection of an action it is requisite according to the order of discourse and reason that Power and Will meete and con curre together in the same point and time and power hauing manie degrees and being composde of manie sorts wee must research and seeke if this sort which is requisite and fit for our businesse in question is or may bee found in him that must mannage and effect it 6 For a pooâ—e fellow although he be Incapable in other matters may sometimes performe more in a busines of another nature then those who are more eminent and rich they being often times hindred and withheld either through shame respect dissidence or suspition or by some other such like consideration 7 So our Power must be proportioned according to the qualitie of the businesse and not measur'd according to the priuiledges and aduantages of fauour reputation or greatnesse if they serue not for that businesse which is in question 8 As for our Will it may be knowne by the qualitie of the ende and by the opinion a man conceiues thereof for wee presume he desires that which is profitable either for himselfe or his or for that he esteemes it iust and reasonable and his opinion may bee knowne by his words councels speeches actions gestures and exâ—eâ—iour compliments and demonstrations as well present as past I say past for the execution of the like businesse as well as the experience and example to haue formerly vnprofitably attempted and enterpris'd it may make vs iudge not only of the opinion who can help and assist vs but also of the possibilitie or impossibilitie that is now proffered entering into the comparison of the meanes time place occasion and other circumstances aswell of the execution as hindrance thereof 9 And these considerations of Power and Wâ—ll must not only be had or conceiued of him who hath the chiefe managing and conduction of the businesse but of all others that directly or indirectly may preuent or crosse it 10 We must next examine the necessary meanes and instruments with their quantitie and qualitie proportionable to the action As that which must goe before follow after or accompany it the beginning middle and end thereof and in all these we must still haue a watchfull and yigilant eye to Place and Time 11 For considering that in passing from one place to another we thinke not only of the place where we are but from whence we came where wee must trauell whither we would goe and where wee must recide and stay so whether it be for the managing and conduction of a businesse that we our selues vndertake or for the vertues and perfection of any one that may steed or serue vs herein still pondering and considering that euery particularitie in this exchanging of place may either bring aduantage or disaduantage to the businesse we haue in hand 12 In the Time wee must consider when our businesse may be treated of or finished how long wee must imploy therein since when we began it if it haue been neglected or deferred if too soone or too late or if after before or at the instant of some other 13 Which performd wee must by the same meanes and wayes examine the causes of the hindrances that may concurre and meete in the execution whether they arise from the persons qualitie quantitie dependance or order or from the meanes or other circumstances to preuent which hindrances wee must seeke the fittest and most pertinent remedies to facilitate and
finish the action 14 But a businesse is held easie when it may bee performed and finished with small labour charge and time and that to bring it to its absolute perfection we need not imploy mâ—ny persons or meanes which we cannot easily procure or who depend not of vs. 15 Another consideration which must bee had in the cause of actions is that of Necessiâ—ie whereunto most commonly all others yeeld and giue way for of actions some proceede from our selues others from others in those that come from our selues and that are in our owne power to performe wee must performe them with as much iudgement as possibly wee can thereby to obtaine and arriue to the ende and felicitie of our desires and to storme and bee cholerick at those which proceede not from vs yet with a future reseruation and intention to direct and shape our course that way againe when the winds of Choller of either side shall be ouer-past and blowne away 16 But if this Choller and Uiolence proceede from Fortune that is to say of a certaine affluence or concurrence of circumstances which we could not foresee or from a certaine forme or necessarie dependance of things we cannot auoide we must accordingly thereunto order and accommodate our behauiours 17 But the chiefest discourse and effect of our Iudgement depends not so much on absolute as on conditionall necessitie which tends to the end whereat we aime and to the necessarie meanes to obtaine it CHAP. XXX 1 The meanes to purchase a Kings fauour 2 Considerations in procuring it 3 4 5 The Order and Meanes wee must obserue therein 6 Consideration of the Benefit or Domage that may thereby accrue vnto us 7 Consideration of the Honour 8 Profit and how it is to be considered 9 Pleasure and Profits it brings with it 1 WE say then that to obtaine the fauour of our Prince we must make our selues knowne to some one neere him and in this sort of conditionall necessitie wee must consider two things the one the consequence and importance of the end why we betake and reduce our selues to this necessitie 2 For if this Necessitie whereunto wee tie and ingage our seluos bring vs more preiudice and domage then the end whereunto our desires and hopes ayme doth aduantage and profit it will be then descreetly done of vs to desist from our former purpose and to diuert our designes another way 3 In which respect wee must poize and ballance by the comparison of more or lesse the profit of the end by the disaduantage of the meanes to obtaine it 4 The other is to consider if there are many meanes tending to this end all which wee must likewise weigh and compare one with another and so choose the surest and least doubtfull yea the speediest and most honourable 5 For although in all actions Honour should march first and take the chiefest place neuerthelesse in those which are necessary and when there are choise of meanes to obtaine it the first and chiefest consideration is Assurance and Security then Facility and then Honour after which we may adde the consideration of Profit because in such actions wee chiefly seeke to withdraw our selves from necessitie which according to the old prouerbe hath â—o law and the end of the action being Honourable the very name thereof amends and bettereth the forme that wee haue obserued in attaining thereunto being otherwise of it selfe excused by necessitie 6 Hauing made vse of these considerations both vpon the Cause and Meanes we must consider in the End and Effect the Good or Euill that remains therin which we must not examine according to the particular opinions of Philosophers but according to the vulgar or according to the opinions of those who must either contribute or participate in this action All that is Good aymes at Honour Profit or Pleasure 7 Honor consists either in the opinions we conceiue of a mans perfections merits or in the ceremonies of respect and reuerence wherwith we honour him who is our superiour in power authoritie reputation wealth or in some other remarkeable aduantage the which in respect of the Honour that is vnited and fixed to it is desired of all men by which contrary reason all things that haue â—â— themselues or in their dependancy any Dishonor or Infamy is iustly reputed and held as Euill 8 Pâ—ofit taken in the lâ—â—gest sence is considered in two things that is to say In the particular or publike assurance or in the gaine which not onely consists in the purchase of wealth which we want but also in the conseruation of that we haue yea to sile repell and diminish the present Euill and to diuert and put off the future 9 As for Pleasure it is in some sence found in all sorts of things which are good for Honour and Profit â—ngender Pleasure neuerthelesse wee chiesly attribute to Pleasure those good things that cannot be attributed to Profit and Hoâ—our which are dâ—lightfull and pleasing vnto vs not only for the feeling we haue of their presence and through a voluntary enioying thereof not constrâ—ined for constraint i in all things distastfull but also by the remembrance thereof which is past and by the desire and hope which is yet to come It is in this respect the like in Euill which is not onely such bâ— its presence as wee haue formerly mentioned but also afflicts vs through feare and apprehension which as futurely to befalls vs as fore past faults doe through repentance CHAP. XXXI 1 Of the Equitie and Iustice of a matter 2 Rules of this Iustice in two sorts vniuersall 3 Truth is a dependant of vniuersall Iustice. 4 And also of Particular 5 Custome is more receiued and followed at Court then particular or vniuersal Iustice. 6 7 Examples hereon 8 Conclusion of the differences of Persons and Affayres 9 1 GOod or Euill may bee in the end or approch of an Action and it being once perfectly discerned and knowne wee must examine it by Iustice there being no man how wicked soeuer that desires not to giue this Iustre to his actions yea not onely in the End but also in the Cause and Meanes thereof 2 But the rules of Iustice are of two sorts the one vniuersall receiued by most men yea confessed by those which in other matters are of a contrary opinion and held for iust almost of all As to acknowledge a Diâ—iâ—itie to loue and obey our Parents to traine vp our children to receiue and acknowledge a good office done vs and by the same reason to chastice and reuenge an iniury offered vs. Neuerthelesse Policy hath found it more expedient to take away the reuenge of greatest iniuries from particular persons for feare they should beare themselues indiscreetly therein and hath therefore placed and imposed it in the hands of publike authoritie 3 Truth which likewise giues testimony what euery thing is may be termed dependancies of this Iustice as also Fidelitie and Faith being the cyment and foundation of
Of those who are subiect to Emulation 16 17. How Emulation is ingendered and of those that are not subiect to this motion 18. Of Iealousie and the causes thereof Fol. 84 CHAP. XXIII 1. The vse of the knowledge of Passions and the meanes to moderate them both in our selues and others 2. The benefit of moderating Passions in our selues liuing in Court 3. That they are moderated by faire meanes and by the power of Courage 4. By naturall Pleasantnesse 5. Or by that which wee procure or purchase 6. By our breeding 7. By experience 8. By discoursing of reason and how farre it extends 9. Diâ—eâ—â— considerations heerein Fol. 91 CHAP. XXIV 1. The fourth head of the first Booke three principall faults we commit in seeing good or euill 2. Their differency thereof being a remedie for the first fault 3. What Death iâ— 4 5. Time and delay is a remedy for the second fault 6 7 8 9 10. Considerations vpon these remedies 11. Disaduantages or Domages a remedie for the third fault 12. Examinations of the disaduantages of an obiect and examples thereon 13. Weaknesse Credulitie and Curiositie three defects from whom proceede the ill opinions we conceiue either of our selues or of others 14. Remedies for this weaknesse 15. For this Credulitie 16. For this Curiositio 17. The conclusion of this Chapter Fol. 95 CHAP. XXV 1 Consideration of our power to moderate our Passions 2. Wherein it consists 3. Why wee throw our selues on the Court. 4 5. To consider our abilities by the difficulties we meete withall 6. Fore-sight is a second meanes to moderate our Passions 7 8 9. The first effect of this Fore-sight is to prepare our selues against that woe fore-see must befall vs and to attend and expect it with a firme and constant resolution 11. The third effect of this Fore-sight is to change and diuert this euill being fallen vs another way or else to familiarize it to our selues in our Imaginations 12. Of the deuersion thereof the third meanes to moderate these Passions 13 14 15 16. Other meanes to diuert our Passionate Wit and conceits Fol. 104 CHAP. XXVI 1. The third vse of the knowledge of the motions of our Will and wherein it consists as in Affabilitie or agreeablenesse and how to vse it in Court which is the â—ist head of this first Booke 2. Of the â—â—â—â— and necessitie of this affabilitiâ— with examples thereon to that effect 2. Of affabilitâ—e in cur Choller 5 6 7. How to beare our selues in this Passion 8 9. In mildenesse and pleasanâ—nâ—sse and of their natures who are milde 10. In feare and of their natures who are fearefull 11. To accomodate our selues to this Passion 12. Of confidence and beleefe and how wee ought deâ—eane our selues to those who are adicted and subiect thereunto 13. Or shame and of their natures whâ—â—â—â—â— shâ—mâ—fâ—ced 14 15 16 17. How to beare our selues towards those who are subiect to this motion 18. Of hatred and malice with their remedies 19. Of Courtesâ—e 20. How to beare our selues to thâ—se who are Courteous 21. Of Affabilitie in Ingratitude and how to beare our selues to those who are ingratefull â—2 O Compassion and Pitie and of their natures as also how to beare our selues towards those who are subiect to this Passion 23. Of Indigration and of their nature who are prouoked to this Passion 24. That the malitious and enuious resemble those who are Passionate 25. How to beare our selue towards them 26 27 28 29. Of Sorrow and how to beare our selues towards those who are sorrowfull 30. Of Ioy and how to beare our selues towards those who are ioyfull 31 32. Aduise for Couâ—tiers how to beare themselues in their gestures and countenances according to the Examples of the Countries of Alexander and his Father Phillip 33. If it bee lawfull for Courtiers to imitate the Vices as well as the Vertues of those with whom they conuâ—rse Examples hereon 34 That those who haue flexible and changeabâ—e Wits are fit to be Courtiers 35. The Conclusion of the difference of persons proceeding from the difference of their interiour conditions and qualities Fol. 110 CHAP. XXVII 1. The difference of men by exteriour conditions according to their aâ—e being the â—euenth head of this first Bookâ— 2. Mans age deuided into many parts 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. The manners and complexions of yâ—uâ—g man 11 12 13 14. The manners humours and complexions of olde men 15 16. Of Virilitâ—e and of their humours who haue obtain'd this â—gâ— Fol. 124 CHAP. XXVIII 1. The difference of men according to the condiâ—â—oâ— of their Fortunes 2. The Profits and preiudices we â—ecâ—iue by fortune 3. That Nibilitie is the â—â—ist benefit thereoâ— and of the conditiâ—ns of Noble men â—â—â—â—â—hâ—t wealth iâ— the second benefit thereof and of â—â—e â—â—â—â— of Rich men 6 The difference 'twixt him that is of late growne rich and hee that hath beene a long time rich 7 8 9. The Conditions of Great men and of those that are in authoritie being the third benefit of Forâ—une 10. The conditions of him that that is fortunate being the fourth benefit 11. Other differences of men besides age and fortune and how to be considered in our behauiour and â—onuersation with eâ—ery one in particular 12. How to behaue our selues towards our Seruanâ—s Confidents and how towards Strâ—ngers 13. How towards Honest and Vpright men 14. How to those of a pleasant conuersation 15 How to those who are Prâ—ud Ambitious Modest. Malitious or of a Kinde nature 16. How to the Oâ—sieâ—â—â—s or Inofficious or towards those that are ingaged or not ingaged to vs. Fol. 131 CHAP XXIX 1. The eighth head of the first Booke discoursing of mâ—tters whose subiects are infinite 2. Generall differences of affaires drawne from causes which examine and consider them 3. By meanes possible or impossible necessary or not easie or difficult profitable or preiudiciall iust or vniust 4. The difference of mens actions seruing to iudge of possibilitie or impossibilitie 5. Or Power and Wiâ—l requisite in the production of actions 6 7. Considerations vpon this Power 8 9. Considerations vpon this Will 10. Considerations vpon the meanes and their differences 11. The circumstance of Place in things moueable 12. The circumstance of Time 13. Considerations vpon the diuersâ—tie of hinderances 14. Considerations vpon the facâ—liâ—ie or difficulty of a businesse 15. Considerations vpon the necessitie thereof 16. Absolute 17. Conditionall Fol. 137 CHAP. XXX 1. The meanâ—te purchaâ—e a Kings fauour 2 3 4. Considerations in Procuting it 5. The order and meanes we must obserue therein 6. Consideration of benefit or domage that may thereby accrue vnto vs. 7. Consideration of the honour 8. Consideration of the Profit and how it is to be considered 9. Considerations of the Pleasure and Profit it brings with it Fol. 143 CHAP XXXI 1. Of the equitie and Iustice of a matter 2. Rules of this Iustice in two scrts Vniueâ—sall 3. Truth is a dependant of
man may belieue that to tie himselfe to follow all the inclinations of Princes is to banish himselfe from the Court sith most commonly they at their pleasure exceed the termes of reason and of a well grounded Iudgement 3 Hee indeed who will liue an innocent lâ—fe and altogether estrange himselfe from the common garbe and custome of those who aâ—e faultie and subiect to their owne passions hee shall doe farre better not to throw hâ—mselfe on the Court which sometime or otâ—er coâ—â—upts the most chaste and vertuous 4 Let vs onely consider one or two examples of the Corruptions of the Court Festiâ—â—s the Fellow of Maximin vnder the Emperour Valentinian gouerned Asia with much repitation and happinesse blaming and condeâ—ming the cruelties which Maximin vsde towâ—rds the people thereby to aduance himselfe 5 But when he saw that by this meanes his felow was made General of the Pretorian Bards being the highest dignitie next to that of the Emperor he resolude to change his actions life and so from thenceforth committed many cruelties and iniustices 6 To which Example we may adde that of Iohn De Pntze of whom wee haue formerly spoken who sometime with much candeur and integritie managde the affaires and treasure vnder the Emperour Emanuel the performance whereof was the cause that his pride and insolent proceedings were more silently and peacefully tollerated and supported but in the end as Nicet as affirmeth he resolued to inrich himselfe and to doe as others had done before him enuiting his friends to doe the like and that which these did by corruption others more honest haue been constrain'd to giue way to do the like for feare of ruining themselues in striuing to preuent and hinder them 7 Aristides iust both in effect and surname being appointed to be superintendant of the Exchequer of Athens did at first beare himselfe honestly and preuented and hindred those from stealing who were vnder him but by his enemies he was shortly accused to be the greatest Extortioner and Thiefe that had euer executed that charge and with much difficultie could he free himselfe from being condemned of this accusation and crime but in the end being aquited and discharged thereof he resolu'd to beare himself as others had formerly done before him permitting those to steale who were accustomed so to doe and then by all mens reports hee was againe held and reputed an honest and iust dealing man 8 The like it is in most Princes Courts where through their malice who gouerne them not able to indure to see honester men then them themselues or else through the carelesnesse and stupiditie of the Prince himselfe it is difficult for an honest man long to remaine so 9 Neuerthelesse he who is driuen to this profession of a Courtier either through the necessitie of his qualitie through the greatnesse of his bloud or by the dignitie of his office or called thereunto by his Prince or through a desire hee hath to serue his Country or his Friends although he be a true honest man he in my iudgement may patiently liue and remaine there for a time and according to occasions and accidents not only benefit himselfe but pleasure others 10 I say in the Courts of those Princes who are cholerick and humorous it being farre easier to liue in the Court of a wise Prince who makes great estimation of iudgement sufficiency and capacitie 11 And as many haue heretofore councelled honest men to follow the managing of publike Offices and dignities not onely to procure the good of the Countrie but to preuent that the wicked enioy them not so I belieue that for the same considerations they should desire to be neere either a Tyrant or a voluptuous Prince and as much as in them lies to depresse and beate downe his wicked and pernitious designes if not directly and publikely at least indirectly and vnderhand whether it be in deferring or opposing difficulties therunto or in inuenting some other sweeter and more plausible expediments and remedies 12 Burrus and Soneca two wise Courtiers who according to that time were reputed and held for very honest men being ordained to traine vp Nero in his youth and knowing that his peruerse nature could not bee brought to perfection but was wholly inclined to lust and lasciuiousnesse and in danger to occasion in the Noblest Families of Rome many scandals and adulteries they resolued to quench this his intemperate lust and desire by giuing him a free Woman who indeed for a time appeasde his youthfull furie couering these his affections vnder the culler of making a Friend of Seneca's named Annaus Serenus to research and seeke her vnder the vayle and pretext of whose name Nero gaue many presents and familiarisd with this Woman 13 So an honest Seruant and Courtier being not able to hinder the vices disorders and wicked designes of the Prince his Master hee must neately and pleasingly diuert them another way where they may commit lesse danger and preiudice as well to others as to his reputation CHAP. VI. 1 Not to oppose our selues vnprositably against tho will and plâ—asâ—ye of our Prince and not to subiect our selues to any base seâ—â—â—â—de 2 Examples on the â—â—â—â—â—ereâ—f 3 That an honest man is sitter to serue a Prince then any other 4 Aduice for Princes rather to take honest then wicked seruants and that the Court participateth more of euill then of good 5 Why vicious mea are fauoured of some Princes 6 Examples hercon 7 That we seeme honester in being compared with a wicked man the example of Augustus and Tiberius 8 Aduice that we speake not too freely and liberally of Princes 9 Examples hercon 1 BVt some will say it verie seldome falles out that a vitious Prince or Tyrant draws neare him an honest man it is indeed rare if he make this choyce yet there are few Princes Courts so abandoned and forsaken but we meet with som honest men for if he be not called by the Prince hee may be prouoked and enuited through a desire to serue or steed honest men and to counterpoyse and weigh downe the power of the wicked assisting himselfe by those who are least wicked or else being vnited and linckt in affection familiaritie or conuersation with some great man he may be entertaind in not opposing against the violent inclination of the Prince and yet not so stopping or subiecting himselfe to any base slauerie or seruitude that hee either adhere or participate of his wickednesse or tyrannies imitating herein Lepidus vnder Tiborius whom â—acitus represents both for an honest Man and a wise Courtier 2 The same Tacitus likewise makes great osteeme and account of two others Labeo and Capito of whom the first discreetely maintainde his libertie in Court and was commended and applauded of all men and the last made himselfe agreeable and pleasing to his Prince by his obedience and humilitie 3 I affirme that an honest man shall haue more labour and trouble herein then a wicked man but hee
25 Through which folly of his hee became so familiar with the Emperour that neither the place where his Concubines were pent vp nor his owne Closet were shut to him But in fine being enriched and made Senator by the Prince his Master hee aduancâ—d and lifted vp his hopes higher and so most vngratefully and treacherously vndertooke to murther him and to seat himselfe in his throne the which hee first discouered to those whom hee knew hated the Emperour giuing them great rewards and promises who approued and adhaered to his designes and who ingaged themselues to assist and ayde him and to those who disliked his proiect hee highly praised them shewing them that what he had propos'd them was but to try and sound their sidelities towards the Emperour whom hee would not fayle to acquaint therewith and likewise exhorted them to perseuere in this their loyaltie and dutie 26 So managing his businesse in this manner he was along time vndiscouered of either parties and those of his faction assured themselues that his plot would take effect which if one of his confederates had not reuealed it and caused him to bee watch'd and taken with the manner hauing his sword readie in his hand to strike his Prince he had indeed perpetrated and finished his treason when being surprisde and taken the Emperour caused some of his adherents to be punished and contented himselfe onely to banish Boylas I should be very prolixious heere to relate all the Examples of Great men who haue suffred shipwracke at Court not only for the like enterprises but for iealousie and suspicion of conceiuing the like I will therefore at present content my selfe with those few I haue already alleag'd 27 And will conclude this point that in what sort soeuer a Courtier shewes his Pride against his Prince either in Ambition Presumption Reproches Ill-speeches Superfluious pompe or Extraordinary traine he assuredly runnes an immenent danger and hazard to ruine and ouerthrow both his fortunes and himselfe CHAP. XVI 1 The tenth diuision of this Booke containing the causes of disgrace neere the Prince 2 The first cause is of boasting and reproaching our seruices done with Examples hereon 3 4 The second cause is to reprouâ— or complaine of the Prince his actions 5 The third cause is to reueale aâ—d abuse sâ—cresie and to desire to make knowne we gouerne the Prince Example of Thurinus a seller of smoake vnder the Emperour Heliogabalus 6 The fourth cause is not to contend with Nobles or Great men either through Pride or Vanitie example hereon of Plantianus 7 Example of Enguerrand of Marigny 8 The fifth cause is to be an Instrument of Deuision among the Nobles with an Example thereon 1 PHilotas and Clytus ouerthrew themselues vnder Alexander for boasting and reproching their seruices And Craterns was not so welcome nor beheld with so gracious an eye as formerly he had beene for not containing himselfe within the tearmes and bounds of a Generous Modestie 2 It is recorded that Sylius tuined himselfe in this manner vnder Tiborius and that syllas Generall of King Aggrippas troupes as reporteth Iosephus for reproaching his Master lost the fruit of all his former seruices Antonius Primus likewise ouerthrew his Fortune and Reputation through the same Uanitie 3 For Princes beleeue that thereby wee deminish some part of their happinesse which they hold is vnited to their persons and not to the valour sufficiency or merit of their subiects 4 It is Indiscretion proceeding from Arrogancy either to reproue the actions of our Prince or to complaine too boldly to him Eumenes complaining to Alexander that Hephâ—stion with his rabble of Fooles and Iesters tooke vp the houses that should be giuen to Souldiours and speaking too freely heerein went neere to haue beene disgraced and discarded 5 Likewise to abuse the priuate will and inclination of a Prince and to delight to shew that we wholly order and dispose his affaires still sauoureth of Pride although some do it through Vanitie and others through Couetousnesse as Zoticus vnder that monster Heliogabalus who yet had better fortune then Thurinus vnder Alexander the sonne of Mammea as a Sergeant reported who was present and assisted at his execution His Historie is thus He made all the Court beleeue that he gouerned his Master vainly attributing all affaires which the Emperour vndertooke or enterprised to his owne aduise and counsell and selling liberalities yea those in the pursute and purchase whereof he had neither share nor interest 6 But to come to that sort of Pride which is aim'd and leuelled to Princes and great Nobles who are subiects to Soueraignes one of the most remarkable examples for Audacitie Vanitie and Insidelitie is that of Plantianus whose impudent boldnesse was so great and with all so sottish as he sleighted and maligned Bassianus the Empâ—rour his Masters sonne who had raised him to that greatnesse wherein he liued yea such was his Vanitie that passing the Citie not only none dared come neere him but also he sent some of his people before to make those retire from the places and streetes where he should passe and withall defending that none should be so bold to looke him in the face But in the ende this vainc blindnesse brought him to Infidelitie which made him conspire against the Emperour his Master for which treason he lost his life 7 Wee likewise know what danger and disgrace Enguerâ—and of Marigny fell into during his Greatnesse vnder his Master King Philip the faire for contending and opposing himselfe against Charles of Uallois 8 Neither must we make our selues Instruments and Incendiaries to sowe sedition or set fire betwixt Princes who alwaies agree at the proper cost and charge of those who made them Enemies and among other examples we reade one in the Historie of Bauaria of Otho Crondofer the Fauorite of Raoul Count Palatine of Rhyne who hauing stirred vp contention betwixâ— his Master and the Lady his Mother they afterwards agreeing in recompence of his Villany caused his tongue to be torne off and his eyes to be put out CHAP. XXIII 1 That wee must not contend with those who are more fauored in Court then our selues 2 The Councell of Germanicus to Aggripina hereon 3 A Courtier must know in what degree of fauour be is with his Prince 4 The Courtier who is lincked to the will of his Prince is better beloued then he who is wedded to his Interest Dignitie or Reputation Example hereof in the quarell of Craterus and Hephestion and the wisedome of Alexander iâ— reconciling them 5 Considerations vpon the degrees of fauour which the Courtier hath in his Prince 6 Our contempt of Fauorites is more reueng'd them towards the Prince 7 The Reason of this consideration yeelded by Dion the Historiographer 1 BVt it is not enough for vs not to contend or contest with Great Noble men but we must also take heed not to offer it to those who are more in Fauour at Court then our selues neither to taxe
the sight of purer beauties which may make them change their affection others haue vsed dissembling and practised faigned refusals and some more bold and impudent knowing that they are as it were lincked and tyed to them haue rebuked and check'd them 3 It was an artificiall tricke which Poppaea vsed towards Nero after she had allured him to loue her when she feign'd to retire and liue with her husband Otho to whom she said she was ingaged and bound aswell for mariage as merit and preferred him before Nâ—ro who quoth shee forgat and debased himselfâ— so much as to vse and entertaine poore Chamber-Maides And againe after thus Nâ—ro defer'd to put away Octauia for feare least Agrippina should distast it and in mocking him should call him Pupill which was not only not to be Emperour but also not to be a freeman 4 Of this humour there are many Princes who by such like subtilties and fetches are rather wonne and retain'd then by daliance and facilitie in enioying that which they desire and seeke all which notwithstanding their vaine conceit of pleasure and chiefly their inconstancy and leuitie many times carries them away to others 5 The fauour which proceeds from good Offices and seruices already perform'd to our Prince should seeme to be more lasting and durable then any other as being purchased by the best title and againe which may stirre vp many others to be zealous in his seruice 6 But contrariwise we see none of lesse continuance and it fals out very often that great seruices which cannot be rewarded or recompensed doe rather purchase vs contempt then fauouâ— from our Prince 7 It is the custome of Princes to desire to be discharg'd of all debts for this burthen is still ircksome and troublesome to them but it more sencibly angers them when they beleeue they are indebted to one of their subiects for some speciall or singular seruice done them yea they then apprehend to see them thinking that their meeting will reproach them of shame and ingratitude and commonly there are none so hindred and I speake with griefe so vnfortunate as these sort of seruants for respecting their honour they will not as soone as they haue done the Prince seruice expect to be rewarded for feare they should be held rather to sell their seruice then to performe it liberally and freely whereas contrariwise the most part of Princes are forgetfull and carelesse to recompense these their Seruants and although some acknowledge they ought to doe it yet they deferre it to other times and occasions that thereby these seruices may waxe old in the memories of those who are witnesses thereof and so by little and little at last absolutely forget them 8 Which occasioneth some to strike whiles the Iron is hot and foreseeing that they must be necessarily imployed in a businesse willing to take aduantage and to husband this occasion they before they were sought vnto haue receiued and drawne some profit and benefit from the Prince The Hope of a Seruant being more powerfull in Princes then the fruit of a seruice receiued and many are of opinion as I lately noted that it were better for vs to be bound to our Prince then our Prince to vs the Prince alwaies regarding those with a more gratious eye whom he hath oblig'd as beleeuing they haue more cause to affect him then those to whom hee hath done small or no good and that they hauing deserued a reward and not receiued it hee knowes they haue small cause to affect him and this indeede saith Philip De Commines was the opinion of Lewes XI 9 The fauour of those likewise who second the Prince in his inclinations and passions should seeme to last and continue long as commonly it doth at least as long as the Prince possesseth and retaines the same passions but as he fals from one Passion to another so hee changeth his Instruments and Fauorites and sometimes turning himselfe towards the dutie of his charge he begins to distast the passions which oppose it and so hates and malignes those who haue serued him 10 Neuerthelesse as Passions are more durable one then another so those who serue him continue longer in fauour one then another according to the Passion which they obserue and subiect themselues to CHAP. XXXIX 1 Of the exorbitant pleasures of Princes and of three sorts of excesse whereinto they runne 2 The first is Loue and of those who serue them in their loues 3 The second is crueltie The Enuie of Cruelties return'd and throwne on his head who caused them to bee executed Example of Caesar Borgia 4 Considerations on this Example and that those who make themselues the instruments and actors of Princes cruelties doe it not long because they are quickly ruined 5 Example of Nero. 6 Of the Couetousnesse of a Prince and the effects thereof the fauour of those who serue and second Princes in this excesse is durable prouided that they moderate their carriage and actions and not excessibly enrich themselues 7 Consideration vpon the carriage and demeanour of such seruants 8 Examples drawne from our France as of Peter de la Berche in the â—iâ—â— of Philippe the faire of Enguerrand de Marigny Mons. de Gyac and others 9 10 The Authour his aduise vpon such Seruants and Courtiers and how our Courtier must beare hiâ—seâ—fe that he serue not vnprofitably in his charge and place but rather in great honour and reputation 1 I Will not here speake of many pleasures whereunto Priâ—ces are often subiect and addicted because they very seldome serue for a firme foundation whereon to erect and build a great Fortune only I will mention those three excesses whereunto they often permit themselues to be transported and caryed away as Loue Crueltie Couetousnesse 2 As for Loue the more violent the lesse permanent it is and although this passion may surprise a Prince yet it continues not long in one and the same obiect Neuerthelesse many Courtiers haue built the foundation of their fauour with their Prince hereon yea so farre as to prostitute their owne wiues So did Otho and yet hee fedg'd not well with Nero for that was the proper and efficient cause that hee was estraungâ—d by him thereby to free himselfe from his Iealousie 3 Others haue beleeu'd that they may obliege their Prince to maintaine them in his Grace and Fauour in making themselues companions witnesses and Actors of a thousand vices and impudicities as did Tigâ—lâ—nus without considering that the Prince is alwaies enough powerfull to defend himselfe from the Hatred and Enuie which such actions may stirre vp and procure him in abandoning and sacrificing them to the Common-weale which in this cause may bee practised as well as Caesar Borgia made vse thereof to free himselfe from the Crueltie which he had caused Remiro de Orco to commit whom hee put to death and so relected all those faults and crimes on him 4 But what is one Example to teach vs that the fauours of
thereof Fol. 77 CHAP. XVIII 1. Our first remedie against iniuries offered vs by great men is to conferre very respectiuely with them 2. The second to desemble patiently 3 4. Considerations hereon 5. Of those who are our enemies because wee haue formerly offended them 6 7. Aduice hereon with consideration and meanes how to beare our selues herein 8. That commonly feare rather then reuenge more violently exasperates our enemies against vs. 9. How to appease his passion and violence 10. Another way is to assist our enemies in their affaires that thereby they may become our friends Example of Agesilaus herein 11. A common subtiltie of Courtiers in this cause 12. Another fetch and subtiltie of Eutrapelus and what it was 13. Another fetch against our enemie is to second him in his euill intents thereby to ruine him 14. That wee must assist our enemy if wee cannot hinder or â—nnoy him 15. An excellent example hereon 16. Another example and expedient to preuent that hee wrong vs not 17. Another meanes for vs in plaguing our enemy is to oppose one that is a greater enemy to him then our selfe with a very pertinent example hereon to the same effect of Gerlac Archbishop and Elector of Mentz vpon the election of Adolphus Earle of Naslaw to the Empire Fol. 81 CHAP. XIX 1. Of enuious people the eighth part of this Booke and how to beare our selues towaâ—ds them 2 3. Remedies against enuie to make common that which is desired or enuied â— Another remedie to â—â—oyde vanitie and superstition and that which accompanieth it 5. Considerations thereon 6 7. To make our selues intreated to receiue that we wish and desire Example hereof in Cardinall X menes 8. Considerations vpon this example by another of Constantine the Mesopolitanâ— Fol. â—â— CHAP. XX. 1 Of Competitors or Emulators who are lesse malitious then the enuious 2. That they are wonne and purchased either through honour or vanitie 3 4. How to beare ourselues with them 5. Publike sutes are odious 6 7. Sure Councell and meanes on these sutes 8. Wee must not be an Emulator or Contendant with one more fauoured then ourselues Example of Lepidus and Seianus hereon 9. That Iustice vsually is of lesse power in Court then fauour Fol. 92 CHAP. XXI 1. The ninth deuision of this second Booke containing considerations vpon the examples of those who haue bin disgraced at Court 2. The causes of our fauour and of the deminishing of our repuâ—ation in Court 3. Of fauour proceeding from a Courtiers owne default 4. Enterprises attempted by Fauorites against their Prince being the true and first cause of their ruine 5. Aduice and precaution for a Fauorite to support himselfe 6. 7. The description of a Courtier in the Example of Seianus 8. The issue of Seianus his ambition 9 10. Considerations of hiâ— Ambition and of Tiberius his proceedings being more subtill then himselfe 11. Ambition is commonly rash and impudent 12. Tiberius founded the affections of his great ones before he enterprised any thing against Seianus 13 14. The subtiltie of Tiberius to intrappe Seianus 15. Those who stand betwixt hope and feare are more irresolute and easie to be surprisde 16 17 18. The policie of Tiberius to ruine Seianus 19 20. The downefall and ruine of Seianus 21 Another example of the downefall and ruine of Perrinis being fauorites to the Emperour Commodus 22. The designes and machynations of a subiect against his Prince very seldome take effect how cunningly soeuer compacted 23 24 25 26. The example of Boylas being fauorite to the Emperours of Constantinople and his designes c. 27. A subiects pride is alwaies odious to his Prince Fol. 96 CHAP. XXII 1. The tenth deuision of this Booke containing the causes of disgrace neare the Prince 2 3. The first cause is of boasting and reproaching our seruices done with Examples hereon 4. The second cause is to reproue or complaine of the Prince his Actions 5. The third cause is to reueale and abuse secrefie and to desire wee make knowne we gouerâ—e the Prince Example of Thurinus a seller of smoake vnder the Emperour Heliogabalus 6 The fourth cause is not to contend with Nobles or great men either through pride or vanitie Example hereon of Plan tianus 7. Example of Enguerrand of Marigny 8. The fifth cause is to be an Instrument of deuision among the Nobles with an example thereon Fol. 110 CHAP. XXIII 1. That we must not contend with those who are more fauoured in Court then ourselues 2. The councell of Germanicus to Aggrippina hereon 3. A Courtier must know in what degree of fauour hee is with hâ— Prince â— The Courtier who is lincked to the will of his Prince is better beloued then he who is wedded to his interest dignitie reputation Example hereof in the quarrell of Craterus and Hephestion and the wisdome of Alexander in reconciling them 5. Considerations vpon the degrees of fauor which the Courtier hath in his Prince 6. Our contempt of Fauorites is more reuenged then towards the Prince 7. The reason of this consideration yeelded by Dion the Historiographer Fol. 114 CHAP. XXIV 1. Bride in the execution of an Office is odious to a Prince who after punishâ—th it the Example of Aluaro de Luna hereon 2. The sixth cause of a Courtiers disgrace is the hatred of the Commons and the enuy of great men against him 3 4 5. The examples of vnfortunate Fauorites who haue been put to death 6. Infidelitie is the seuenth cause of a Courtiers disgrace 7. It is very difficult to know the secrets of a Prince 8. The censure of Phil lippides on those who reueale their Princes secrets 9 The opinion of Hieron Prince of Syracusa hereon Fol 11â— CHAP. XXV 1. Inteligence with his Masters enemies is the eighth cause of a Courtiers disgrace 2. Example of Cardinall Balue hereon his descent and aduancement 3. Example of Cardinall Du Prat and his subtiltie 4. Example of a Cardinall of the Emperour Frederick 5. Another example of Stilica Fol. 121 CHAP. XXVI 1. The ninth cause of a Courtiers disgrace is when hee is the Author of pernitious counsell 2. The examples of Stilica and Olympius 3. The Court Fauorite should rather councell Peace then Warre 4. Examples hereon and the subtiltie of Jouius to ingage his Master in Warre and yet to free himselfe from enuy Fol. 124 CHAP. XXVII 1. The eighth deuision of this Booke containing a Courtiers disgrace procured and occasioned three manner of waies by our Enemies Enuiers or Emulators 2. By absenting him whom we would disgrace which is effected many waies 3. To auoide quarrels without pretext of an honourable Commission Example on this pretext 4. To auoyde enuie and iealousie Example of Tiberius who withdrew himselfe to Rhodes 5. Or of our selues by the command of our Prince 6. Or when wee will withdraw one from an Office who is farre off 7 8. Examples hereon 9. To cause him to be sent farre off thereby more easily to callumniate