CHAP. XXXVIII.

Aduertisements for Fauourites and Councellers of State.

THe Aduertisements for Fauourites are these, the first, That they doe not priuar too much, who pretend their Kings fa∣uour, and that they doe not beare them∣selues too high thereupon, nor suffer themselues to bee attended with a great traine of followers, thereby to make pub∣like demonstration of their greatnesse. Boast not thy selfe too much, nor seeme thou ouer vaine, saith the holy Ghost to the Fauourite,* Ne gloriosus appareas coram Rege: Put not forth thy selfe in the presence of the King. For there is neither that State, nor Prince, of that dull patience, that doth not in the Page  460 〈1 page duplicate〉 Page  461 〈1 page duplicate〉 Page  462 end grow iealous, and fearefull of the great power and au∣thoritie of Fauourites, and more especially if they once be∣gin to waxe insolent, and abuse this their greatnesse. For Kings are Companions, and fellow-seruants with vs in their affections, and naturall passions; nay (by their leaue bee it spoken) more subiect then we are vnto them; saue that they suppresse them more in outward shew, and make not that exteriour demonstration of them, in regard of that diuinitie, which they pretend, and represent. And all of them will be Masters of their entire will and absolute power. And that Fa∣uourite is fouly deceiued, and in a strange kinde of errour, who in Court, by his secret plots, and close conueyance, pre∣tendeth to possesse his Kings heart, if hee conceiue by this course to be the more secure. For very dangerous is that fa∣uour and place, which is built vpon such a foundation; and very ticklish the state of a Fauourite, when a King carries such respect vnto him. And the reason of this danger is drawne from mans nature it selfe (which cannot, but in Kings, be of farre greater force and strength) for there is not that man liuing, which doth not hate and abhorre subiecti∣on. And this is so certaine a truth, that I perswade my selfe, that I may truly giue this censure, and that I am no whit mistaken therein; that the reason, why Kings doe more wil∣lingly make and raise vp men vnto honour and greatnesse for their owne proper guste and appetire, then for seruices and deserts, is, for that in the former, they shew themselues to be powefull, and to be owners of their owne cloath, which they may cut out to more, or lesse, as it pleaseth them; But to the second, they are debtors, a thing that is hatefull euen to the best nature and disposition. And Fauourites likewise on their part, are not to haue men, like swarmes of Bees, to hiue themselues in their portalls, and to hang about them in clu∣sters, lest when that day shall come (as come it will) where∣in they shall fall, the world take notice that it was his fauour, and not his person that they followed. There are few Ephe∣stions, Page  463 but may Crateri, in Court; many that will follow Alexanders fortune, but few his particular person.

Let Fauourites likewise receiue this aduice and counsell from the hand of the Euangelist Saint Iohn, which was one of the greatest Courtiers and Fauourites, which the King of heauen had. The thing that I shall recommend to their consideration, is this; That when Iohn fell downe to wor∣ship, before the feet of the Angell, which had opened great mysteries vnto him, and showne him the things which were shortly to be fulfilled,* the Angell said vnto him, Vide •e fece∣ris, conseru•s enim tuus sum, & fratrum t•orum: See thou doe it not, for I am thy fellow seruant, and the fellow-seruant of thy brethren, &c. Let euery Fauourite apply this counsell to himselfe, and make vse thereof; so shall he be in grace with King and people, and when men shall go about as it were to adore him, and to make him a little God almighty, in doing him worship and honour, let him by no meanes giue way thereunto, but meekly acknowledge that he is but a creature, as they are, and preuent them with that answer of the Angell, Vide ne fec•ris, conseruus tu•s sum: Doe not offer it, for I am your fellow-seruant. And great is that obligation which they haue, which are raised to great place, to know them∣selues, and not to shew themselues strangers to those that haue beene their associates and companions in their meaner fortunes, and with whom they haue held priuate familiarity and friendship. And not to be like vnto Pharaohs Cup-bea∣rer, who when he saw himselfe in that fauour and priuacie, which his fellow-prisoner Ioseph had foretold, and progno∣sticated vnto him, neuer thought no more of it, but quite for∣got both in and him, as if there had beene no such matter, or man. It argues extreame lightnesse, and a naughty nature, that a man should hoyse saile and be gone, when he hath a faire winde, and not take him along with him, that hath ruune through all perills and dangers with him, and indured all brunts and stormes whatsoeuer. How shamefull a thing then Page  464 is it for them, who seeing themselues in prosperitie, turne away their face from him, who ranne along with them in their aduerser fortune. Especially considering they are not certaine, how long this calme will endure, and what a com∣fort it is in a storme, to haue a true friend to sticke close vnto him. For it is a vsuall thing, to see him lowermost to day, that yesterday stood vppermost in Fortunes wheele. And the Moone, when it is at full, fore-tells a wane; and therefore that which importeth them most, is, That they carry themselues in a gentile fashion towards all men, and that their dealing be plaine, and dis-interessed; whereby they shall not onely keepe their old friends, but gaine new, and may very well hope to be holpen by them, when they shall haue occasion to vse them. For they must thinke, that the skie will not al∣wayes bee cleare, clouds may arise, the Sunne withdraw his light (for Kings wills and affections, like other mens, are ambulatorie) and then in what a poore case is a Fauourite, if he be left, like a single proposition, alone to himselfe: He can∣not (if he be wise) but make this account with himselfe, that the greatest power stirreth vp the greatest enuie; and if many combine against him (be he the greatest Fauourite that euer was, or can bee supposed) they will shrewdly put him to his trumpes, and if they be of as noble courage and wit, as they are nobly descended, they will heaue him out of the saddle, when he thinkes he sits surest. For concealed hatred is worse then open enmitie. And therefore let him gaine new friends, keepe his old, and not loose any one, of those he hath gotten. For being left single, and alone, he shall bee like vnto that white Crow in the Fable, whom the crowes would not come neare, because of his colour; nor the pigeons keepe him company, in regard of his greatnesse; so that all will flie from him, and in the time of his greatest need hee shall be left all alone. Vae soli: Woe bee to him that is alone. And the holy Ghost seemeth to take pittie of him that is alone, for that if he fall, he hath no body to helpe him vp.

Let Fauourites likewise consider, that they are not, for Page  465 that their King hath exprest his affection vnto them, and profest himselfe to bee their friend, to thinke, that (like a dogge in a slip) they may leade him whither and which way they list. For there are many things to be done, which hee is to doe without them. For (as Cicero saith) that friendship which admitteth not exception in some cases, is not so much Amicitia, as Coniuratio; Amitie, as conspiracie. It is obser∣ued by the learned Saint Ambrose, That true friendship is grounded vpon that which is iust and honest; and is so limit∣ed, that if it 〈◊〉 those bounds, it doth not onely loose it's name, but affoords iust cause for a man to forgoe his friend. Friendship is to be held, but alwayes with this prouiso, that the Lawes of Iustice and Charitie bee duely obserued; and when ought, contrary thereunto, is pretended, it is not lon∣ger said to bee friendship; though vowes and protestations haue past, for the better strengthening and confirming of it. For if a King shall sweare amisse, and contrary to the rules of charitie, he is not bound to cumply with his oath, nor is there any reason for it in the world, why hee should in such sort make deliuery and reason of his heart to his Fauourite, and let him haue so much the hand of him, as to promise to sticke vnto him, or to stand his friend in those things that are vnlawfull and vniust. As those Kings. Assuerus and Tiberius proceeded with Haman and Seianus; who, out of the fauour that they bore vnto them, gaue them leaue to reuenge them∣selues of their enemies, and to execute all the tyrannies and cruelties which they could deuise or imagine, to satisfie their malice. A fault which deserued rather (and afterwards drew on) their speedier and greater fall. And well doth that Fauou∣rite deserue to be ruined, that shall presume to pretend hazer raga (as they say) con suamo. To stand iust in the same streake or line with his Master. For if God, who surpasseth in glory, and from whom it is impossible to take the least atome there∣of, and is able to turne all that he hath created into dust, will not admit of a companion in matter of adoration and wor∣ship; Page  466 How much more will Kings of the earth bee offended, and how ill must they take it, that any Subiect should equall his shoulder, or share with him in his greatnesse, being his honour is so shortned, and his power so limited? For, if out of their loue to the person of the Fauourite, they beare with him for a while, either for to shew themselues thankfull for his good seruices, or haply to make him the instrument to worke their reuenge on others; Yet these affections and proofes (which I speake of) being once passed ouer, there enters presently in the place thereof, a natural••• are and iea∣lousie of their authority and greatnesse; which doth much more sway with them, then the loue and affection which they beare to the Fauourites person. Enuie likewise she comes in, and playes her part (which is a neare neighbour, and still ready at hand in Princes Courts and Pallaces) as if she were Attorney generall of all those great places, and •omes forth her venome, secretly lying in waite, and watching her time to doe mischiefe, stabbing suddenly, deaths wound being gi∣uen before it be dream't on; and great is the hurt which this so neare a neighbour to the Kings elbow, doth; and out of an in-bredspleene) aymeth at nothing more, then the down∣fall of Fauourites. Complaints and grieuances, they also make their appearance in Court, being the maine witnesses that Enuie and Passion bring into the Court, to make good their plea. Next after these, comes in the respect (not to say the feare) of those that are discontented in all states; for no King will be willing, that their Subiects vpon this ground should build their rebellion, and cause an alteration in the kingdome; and will be as loath to bee ball'd on, by grieued and discontented persons, vpon iustly pretended complaints; nor will he be so vnwise (for feare of other claps) to fauour one, to offend many. All of them being shrewd blowes, for to allay, if not quell the courage of the most passionate King towards his dearest Fauourite; and are such fierce and terri∣ble conflicts, that they tosse his iudgement to and fro, with Page  467 farre greater violence, then a strong raging winde doth the waues of the Sea.

Gouernours and such as sit at the sterne of a Common∣wealth, and such, vnto whom Kings haue deliuered vp the keyes of their heart, and hold the rudder of the Monarchie in their hands, to steare and shape their course, as they will themselues, there is no question to bee made of it, but that they are in great danger vpon euery storme th•t shall arise; for looke what misfortune shall befall the Commonwealth, the blame shall be laid vpon them, and the fault imputed ei∣ther to their ill counsell, or their ignorance, or their passion: For ordinarily (nay I may say continually) the misfortunes and ill successes of Kings, and kingdomes, I say the cause of them is attributed to those that are nearest and dearest about the Kings person, and possesse the highest places. And euery one running along with the common opinion (and few are they which haue not a smacke or taste thereof) laboureth to lay the fault on his neighbour, though he be of his owne pro∣per flesh and bloud. And this is an inheritance which wee haue from our father Adam. And no man is ashamed there∣of: for we are all of vs his heires; and therefore ought to en∣deuour (as much as in them lies) that the peace and quiet of the kingdome bee not disturbed or troubled in the time of their gouernment. As well for their glorie and reputation, to haue in all their proceedings carried themselues in such sort, that no ill accident hath betided them, or any maine dis∣grace; as also for the not subiecting of themselues to the vn∣certaine chances of fortune, which are ordinary vpon euery alteration, and may serue to worke their ruine and perdition. Let therefore those haue an eye (I say it, and say it againe) that are Priuie-Councellours to their King, and more parti∣cularly the Fauourite, to whom hee shall haue deliuered vp the possession of his heart, that the aduice and counsell which they shall giue vnto him, bee good, pure, and cleare water, issuing from forth a pure, cleane, and disinteressed bosome. Page  466 〈1 page duplicate〉 Page  467 〈1 page duplicate〉 Page  468 Such is the water (saith Aristotle) as is the earth, through which it passeth; if through mynes of brimstone, it scaldes and burnes, if through craggy rocks, it cooles and stupefies; and if through salt-pits, it is brinish and brackish. The like iudgement may wee make of counsell; if it proceed from a breast and heart that is foule and filthy, it teacheth filthi∣nesse; if from a pure, and cleane, honestie, and cleannesse; if from a libe••ll, it doth good vnto all; if from a couetous, it aduiseth nothing but gripping and wring ng of the Subiect. So that counsell is figured forth vnto vs in water: which in it's softnesse, sauour, colour, and sent, is perfectly knowne, whether the myne be good or bad, through which it passeth. And such is their opinion, and that which they aduise, as is the humour that is predominant in their stomacke. Euerie one casts his eye vpon his owne particular, approuing and accounting that for iust which tends to his profit, and con∣demning the contrary. God deliuer Kings from such Coun∣cellours, and let them take heed that they doe not erre in their aduise, and in those medicines and remedies, which •hey prescribe vnto their Kings, for it is as it were a remedi∣••• •nd irrecouerable errour; and theirs must bee the fault, and many times the punishment, but alwayes the note and infamie of their Kings erring. Nor let those that haue the Kings eare, make a mockerie of my words, for it is a very dangerous and ticklish place that they possesse. Where, to erre, is an easie thing; but to hit right, hard; and euen then, when they least thinke of it, their preciousest Iewells, their richest Mettalls, and their greatest treasures are turned into coales, and the like trash, like those moneyes of your Hob∣goblins, Fairies, and Robin good-fellowes. It is an old thred-bare saying, That ill counsell turnes to the Councellours owne hurt. Consilium malum, consultori pessimum (saith Plu∣tarch.)* And the holy Ghost, That the first, with whom ill counsell meets,* is it's Authour. Facienti nequissimum consili∣um, super eum deuoluitur. For as he that casteth a stone on Page  469 high, it shall fall vpon his owne head; And as hee, that smi∣teth with guile, woundeth himselfe; And whoso diggeth a pit, shall fall therein; And he that layeth a stone in his neigh∣bours way, shall stumble thereon: And he that layeth a snare for another, shall be taken in it himselfe; so, whoso giueth a wicked noysome counsell, it shall come vpon himselfe, and he shall not know from whence. Wicked counsell is like a whirlwinde, which turnes against himselfe, causing a very dangerous tempest against that very place from whence it came. And therefore he that giues counsell, it importeth him much, that he giue good and sound aduice; for if it bee not good, God doth permit, that it maketh for their owne great hurt and perdition. As it succeeded with those Princes of Ba∣bylon, who so ill aduised their King against iust Daniel; God so ordering the businesse, that the same ill that they intended against him, fell vpon themselues, their wiues, and their chil∣dren. When God is willing to put his armes athwart, and to crosse wicked purposes, little will auaile all the ill counsell in the world, be the pate, that hatcheth it, as wise and as subtill as Achitophels. As it fared with that great Fauourite of king Assuerus, in that deuillish and malitious plot of his, which he had imagined, and contriued against poore honest Mar∣dochee. But this was to him, elsuenno del perro (as it is in the Fable) like to the dogges dreame. There was a dogge that did dreame, that he was eating a good morsell of flesh, and as he was chopping of it vp, vttered some broken notes in his lan∣guage, of the great content that he tooke therein. His Master seeing him in this manner, takes vp a good cudgell, and soundly lamm's him; the dogge awakes, findes himselfe de∣ceiued, and runnes whining away. Haman, carried away with the like conceit, prepares a gallowes for Mardochee, fiftie cubits high, thinking thereon to hang him the next day; but it was his ill lucke to supply the place himselfe. Consilia enim (saith Saint Basil) quae contra bonos mores dantur,* in propria capita eorum, qui consulunt, redundant: Those counsels that Page  470 are giuen contrary to good manners, light vpon their heads, that gaue them. And therefore let Councellours bee well ad∣uised, what counsell they giue. Aelian reporteth that there was a very ancient Law, and duely kept in the kingdome of Persia, that if any should aduise the King to any thing that was not beneficiall to his person, and the commonwealth, presently by the common Cryer, his ill counsell was publish∣ed, and himselfe taken and stript, and openly whipt vp and downe the streets. And if there were such a Law in force here with vs, and as duely obserued, I assure my selfe, that neither Kings would be so often deceiued, as now they are; nor would there be so many vndertakers and proiectors, who impudently presume to put into their heads, things that are so pernicious to their owne conscience, and the publike good.

Supreme authoritie, Kings neither ought to giue, nor Fa∣uourites take it. Let them (as much as they can) conceale from the world, that great grace and fauour wherein they stand with their King; but if there shall bee an impossibilitie in that, yet there is none in this, to let pretenders know, that all consisteth in the Prince; and to referre the conferring of all benefits, fauours, and graces vnto him; and to let him haue all the thankes, in matter of pensions, offices, or rewards; and to attribute vnto him, all those successes, that fall out well and happily, and all other good and prudent resolu∣tions; and to free him from the blame of those that shall otherwise succeed. To treate him with much reuerence and respect; to beare him exceeding great loue; And together with these, to be wonderfull solicitous and carefull in all that shall concerne his seruice. All of them being notable and ne∣cessarie qualities, for to conserue Fauourites in their Kings grace and good opinion, and to wedge their affection vnto them. For loue must bee the doore, by which the grace of a Prince is to enter. For hee must loue, that will bee beloued. And hauing gained it by this meanes, he must keepe and pre∣serue Page  471 it, by reuerence and humilitie in his carriage, and by being faithfull and diligent in his seruice. All which will be lost by doing the contrary. And not onely ought they to carry themselues thus towards their Kings, but are also to esteeme and honour all, of all estates, in a fitting proportion, according to euery mans qualitie and condition. Shewing himselfe liberall, solicitous, peaceable, patient, louing, kinde, and courteous towards all. All of them qualities that con∣serue a Kings fauour, and gaine the peoples good will. A Fa∣uourite must be modest, affable, and affoord a courteous hea∣ring vnto all men. Besides, it is a part of Iustice so to doe, and a very necessarie meanes to come to the knowledge of all things, and to be the better prouided against whatsoeuer shall occurre. Whereas on the contrary, to looke to be intreated, and sued vnto, and not easie to bee spoken withall, argues a kinde of pride and statelinesse, which all abhorre. This is the doctrine of Tacitus, citing the example of Seianus, the Emperour Tiberius his great Fauourite; who being growne into grace with him, the better to conserue himselfe therein, forthwith endeauoured to fauour and pleasure all your prin∣cipall and noble persons in their pretensions. For in all occur∣rences, he conceiued, hee might expect more kindnesse from them, then from the baser and meaner sort of people; where∣by he came to bee loued of the one, and feared of the other; and by all of them, to be serued and obeyed. Insomuch that there was not any one who did not seeke vnto him to medi∣ate and make intercession for them, with Tiberius. And how∣beit he was not ignorant, that hee was superiour to them all, and inferiour to none, yet did he neuer grow neglectfull of his humble carriage, and reuerent respect to his Prince, and a due regard vnto all. Hitherto hee proceeded fairely, and went on well, and may serue for a patterne and example for Fauourites; but in the rest for a prouiso, and admonition for Kings. For after that ambition and couetousnesse entred into his heart, that consuming moath, and deuouring worme of all Page  472 goodnesse, he presently procured the charge or place of Prae∣fectus Praetorius, or Captainship of the Guard; and within a short time grew to be so absolute therein, that he became as it were Lord and Master of his Prince, and crusht all that stood in his way, or might be of any impediment to his pri∣uacie. He sought alwayes to bee with him, lest others might creepe in betwixt him and home, and possesse his place: still humbly beseeching him, that he would imploy him in busi∣nesses of greatest danger and trouble, and such as might re∣dound most to the benefit of the Emperours life and state. A maine point, wherewith to oblige his Prince vnto him, and to make him the more acceptable in his sight. For those that are nearest about Kings, and are in greatest fauour with him, ought in the greatest dangers to set their foot formost, and to be the forwardest aduenturers. He did seeke to ouercome Art, by Art, inducing Tiberius, to retire himselfe to places of plea∣sure, that were remote and farre from Court, to the end that whilest he was recreating himselfe abroad, he might dispose of him, as it pleased him. He told him, that solitude was the best and onely course for the resoluing of the graue and weighty affaires of the Empire, which otherwise by diuer∣sion might receiue the same hurt and hinderance, as they were wont to haue heretofore. And what with this, and with giuing him to vnderstand, that he would quit him of all the ordinarie cares and troubles of Court (most men vsually de∣siring to shunne trouble, and to take their ease and pleasure) hee perswaded him to go to Capri, that hee, in the meane while, might rule and gouerne all. And in the end grew to be so great and powerfull, and to take such state vpon him, that hee would not giue audience to any, reducing them to those tearmes, that they should speake and negociate by wri∣ting, to the end that nothing might bee treated or resolued of, without his priuie saying; That by reducing businesses to papers and memorialls, answer might bee giuen vnto them with more deliberation, and better consideration then by Page  473 word of mouth. A meere Artifice, & cunning trick of his own inuention, to make himselfe absolute Master of all, and (which is more) of the heart of his Prince. God deliuer vs from such ambitious, interessed, and couetous Ministers, whose maine care, is their owne particular, and to heape vp riches for him∣selfe, and his; and make it their whole study and onely end to keepe and continue themselues in their kings grace and fa∣uour; and to deale with their Prince, as the Ante doth with the corne, which that it may not grow againe, and that hee may the better and more conueniently make profit thereof, presently eates out the heart of it. God likewise free Kings, from this base subiection, and insensibilitie, and from men of that qualitie and condition, which desire to rule and com∣mand all. For the one cannot escape a storme; and the other must runne great hazard of being drowned therein.

Let the last aduertisement bee the example of a great Fa∣uourite, whose name is Aurelius Cassidorus, borne in the Prouince of Calabria, and highly aduanced in Magistracies, and Gouernments of both Empires, Rome and Constanti∣nople; who being renowned for his cheualrie, and noble feates of armes, defended the Islands of Sicily and Calabria from many, and those very powerfull enemies. In his younger yeares, he attained to all the liberall arts, in that perfection, that hee made the present and succeeding times, to admire him. And for his great parts and abilities, was entertained by Theodoricus, King of the Ostro-Gothes; hee was receiued into his seruice, and grew so farre into his fauour, by reason of his vnderstanding, wisedome, and dextrousnesse, in treating businesses, that he first of all made him his Secretarie; in which Office, he behaued himselfe so well, that by degrees, he went climbing vp to the high Offices and dignities in the State; which in those dayes were not conferred out of fauour, but meere desert. From being Secretary, he came to bee Lord Chancellour, and Senatour in the Citie of Rauenna, being honoured besides with diuerse offices in the Kings Court. Page  474 Afterwards he was made Viceroy of the Prouinces of Sicilia and Calabria; and for addition of honour, had the title of Patritius giuen him, which in those dayes was in great e∣steeme. Hee was Lord Treasurer, and Master of the Palace; which was as it were a superintendent ouer the Palatines, be∣ing an order of Knights and Gentlemen, that had Offices, and other preheminences in Court. He held the dignitie of Praefectus Praetorius, being as it were the second person of the King; to whom, the weightiest businesses of peace and warre were remitted: and what therein he determined and re∣solued vpon, was receiued as an oracle that could not erre. Though now adayes, little credit is giuen to the words of great persons and powerfull Ministers, and not without cause; for that many of them say, and do not; promise much, and performe little. And your Fauourites, which haue great both place and power about their Kings, are in such good opinion and credit likewise with the world, that they present∣ly beleeue whatsoeuer they say; and see what they professe, is approued by them, as if it were a sentence pronounced from the mouth of a most iust Iudge: And therefore they ought well and wisely to consider what they speake, and not to inlarge themselues in words, putting those that are pre∣tenders in great good hopes. Which if they shall not after∣wards take effect, will proue to bee no other then that faire and beautifull fruite, whose sight pleaseth the eye; but whose taste killeth the body. In conclusion, this Fauourite, by round after round, clambred vp to all the honourablest offices, and greatest dignities of the kingdome. He came to bee Consull, which charge hee administred with extraordinary integritie and vertue. All the Magistracies, Offices, and Gouernments which he held, were but as so many steps one to the other; which the Princes, vnder whom he serued, went still increa∣sing and augmenting. For he carried himselfe so wisely and discreetly in them, that there was not that office that hee bore, which did not make him the meritour and deseruer of Page  475 another farre greater and better then it. And all did acknow∣ledge and confesse, that his merits and deserts were farre grea∣ter then all the offices put together which hee enioyed and administred. In those whom he represented and recommend∣ed to his King, to the end that his Maiestie might conferre some one fauour or another vpon them, he euermore had an eye to the necessitie of the office, and the qualitie of the per∣son. Things wherein Fauourites ought to bee very carefull, when they imploy their fauour in furthering any man; as whether they be moued thereunto vpon a iust or ill affection, or by the sole vertue and merit of the person, &c. And not to thinke with themselues, that because they are in great grace and fauour with their King, that it is lawfull for them to vio∣late the Law of Iustice, which ought to bee equall to all, (which in eyes, not blinded with passion and couetousnesse, she her selfe makes it plainly appeare) and to thrust the better deseruer besides that dignitie and office which is due vnto him. Which is a Law that obligeth all, for that it is a naturall obligation, and hath all the Lawes of reason on it's side, which are more powerfull then either the will of Kings, or their Fauourites. The not keeping whereof, is but a large and swift running fountaine of complaints and distasts. The one, to see themselues reiected, and excluded from publike honours: The other, to see them put forward, whom nature hath not adopted, nor learning, nor vertue, but either good or bad diligences. And that these shall haue preferments, and get the start of other men, it is because either loue or interest makes them to be held more worth; when as the other, one∣ly for that they are not in the like fauour, or not so fit for their ends (for Fauourites fauour few, saue such as will bee instru∣ments of their wills) though otherwise they bee of better parts, better qualified, and of stronger abilities, are left vn∣rewarded, and are quite forgotten. And these that are thus made vp in haste, and so suddenly raised from that nothing, which they were, to that greatnesse wherein they are, must Page  476 of force sometimes with the same haste and speedinesse (though fore against their wills) for the auoiding of incon∣ueniences, bee pulled downe from this their high seate, and placed in some other, that may seeme to sute better with them, wherein the like suspition may iustly bee conceiued of their insufficiencie.

This great Fauourite had likewise so good a Head-peece, and knew so well how to gouerne vpon all occasions, and all the accidents of that age, as well the good, as bad, the for∣tunate and vnfortunate successes of those times, that howbe∣it many were the changes of those Kings, yet was he still in the same height of esteeme, was superiour vnto fortune, being in all those alterations, her Lord and Master. All the Kings of the Gothes, whom hee serued, did him very particular fa∣uours. And although King Theodoricus was a very fortunate and valiant Prince, yet did a great part of his happinesse and felicitie consist in this, in hauing his Fauourite Cassiodorus alwayes at his elbow, and in receiuing his good proiects, and sound aduice which (when occasion offered) were neuer wanting vnto him.* That being (according vnto Seneca) the best part of counsell, which comes in it's due time and season; Whereas that comes too late, and without any fruit, which is not ready at hand. For occasion (whereunto wee must oc∣curre) oftentimes betakes her selfe to her wings, and flies out of our reach, if we be not quicke and nimble in laying hold on her foretop. So that all the while that this Cassiodorus was in their seruice, their kingdome and Signorie continued in a most flourishing estate. So much can a man of such cou∣rage and counsell doe in a commonwealth. For with such a Ministers presence, all things stand vpright, and go well and handsomely on; but in his absence, and when he is wanting, all things go backward. For, being that all these things de∣pend next after God, on the worth and wisedome of him that hath the managing of them; by his death or absence, they runne a great hazard of miscarrying, or suffer some Page  477 great hurt or detriment; as was to be seene in those successes of the Grecian Empire; which (no sooner was that great go∣uernour Alexander dead, vnder whose protection it went increasing, and liued in so much peace and securitie) but it vanished like so much froath. For of how much the more price and esteeme peace is, by so much the more is it hazard∣ed in the losse of those that maintaine and vphold it. Now this so excellent and worthy a Minister, when as nothing was wanting vnto him, saue the putting on of a Kings Crowne, refused it, became a Friar, and tooke vpon him the habite of the order of San Benito. And did so exercise himselfe in continuall prayer and contemplation, that euen whilest he liued here vpon earth, they held him for a Saint. And if he were so worthy a man in that age, seruing the Kings of the earth, with so much punctualitie and sinceritie; it is not to be doubted, but that hee was as precise in his sanctitie and holi∣nesse of life, when he rendred himselfe a slaue, and seruant to his Lord and Master the King of heauen. For your excellent wits, which know how to make aduantage of all things, and that nothing comes amisse vnto them, when they are once resolued to serue God, they do truly humble themselues, and with a strong determination, tread and trample the world vnder their feet, and whatsoeuer therein is, and imbrace and take hold on Christ. And being thus occupied in holy exer∣cises, laden with yeares, hee departed out of this life, to that which was eternall, hauing inioyed some yeares of that quie∣tude and abundance of peace, wherewith he did essay to die well, (which being so dangerous, so difficult, and darke a passage, too little care is commonly had therein) hee passed from this short stride betwixt life and death, to the eternitie of such an estate, as we yet know not what it shall be, the ex∣treames being (as we see) so farre distant.

All that hath beene hitherto said both in generall and par∣ticular, concerning a Monarchie, and kingdome, shall not be fruitlesse, nor the time lost, that hath beene spent in the wri∣ting, Page  478 or shall be spent in the reading of this Treatise, if it be well and truly considered. For by the perusall thereof, Kings and Princes may come to know a thousand seuerall semblan∣ces of Ministers, and disguised countenances of hypocriticall Courtiers, and the diuers dispositions and humours, as well of the ambitious as the couetous; their affections, conditions, and naturall inclinations, whether they be by nature of great and vnruly spirits, or whether they bee by fortune put into great places. For this, without doubt, changeth man from his first estate, and apparrelleth him with other particular affections; And in the true knowledge of these, consisteth the augmentation, conseruation, and good gubernation of kingdomes, and commonwealths: as also the reputation, credit, opinion, and authoritie of Kings. In a word, they may out of these doctrines, and aduertisements, collect and know how at one time the naturall dispositions, customes, and man∣ners of the vulgar, stand affected, and how at another time those that are not so vulgar, and of so low a ranke, and how at all times to make vse of this knowledge, for the better in∣creasing and inlarging of their power and greatnesse; and how, and in what manner, they are to carry themselues to∣wards them; as also those other, that are to aide and assist in gouernment. For there is not any thing of more price, or more to be valued by Kings, then this knowledge of the affections, as well for the discerning those of others, as the moderating of their owne. And as it were to make a iudgement, and to prognosticate by them, the end of the actions of those that 〈◊〉 about, and where they intend to make their stop, and set vp their rest, be they foes, or friends. And by the actions of those that are present (be they Confederates, Ministers, and dependents) their ends, designes, and pre•ensions. And par∣ticularly in those who cleaue closer to their Kings fortune, then his person. Points, whereon doth hang the hinge, and wherein are included and shut vp, all both the particular and generall passages of gouernment, and of that art, and science, Page  479 which they call by the common name of Reason of State. And although I know for certaine, that there will not such be wanting, that will laugh and scoffe at these my Politicall Aduertisements; some because they would be accounted the onely men seene in this Science, and would make themselues the onely admired men amongst the vulgar, and that there is not any one that is a professour in that Art, that vnderstan∣deth their plots and designes: Others, lesse malignant, as be∣ing ignorant of the secrets of this Science, iudging it to be an Art, full of impossibilities, will not trouble themselues there∣withall, nor looke into the Mysteries thereof, as if by the ef∣fects, they were not able to iudge of the causes of things; and by the carriage and successe of former businesses, to diuine of the ends and designes of those which are now on foot. And others, farre worse then these, who although they come to know this truth, deny the same, and seeke many colours both for the disgracing of it, and the Author; and for no other reason in the world, but because they are professed enemies, to whatsoeuer counsell, that is not of their owne hatching, fearing that it might quit something of the glory of their ambition. And for that they will haue nothing thought to be good, but what issues from forth their owne braine, they blas∣pheme (saith Saint Iames) and speake euill of that which they know not; and not onely not admit and receiue that good which is propounded vnto them; but (as that kingly Pro∣phet saith) because they will neither vnderstand nor heare it, like the Adder, they stop their eares with the taile of their ignorance, fearing lest they should be charmed by some supe∣riour wit, and better vnderstanding. Yet notwithstanding, fall backe, fall edge, come what will of it, I haue cumplyed with my desire, and (which is more) with my obligation. And if it shall proue to be of any vse, profit, and seruice, for King•, and for the great Councellours and Ministers of their: king∣domes (which haue most need thereof) to 〈…〉 goes especially directed, and perhaps may be 〈…〉 Page  480 which are not in that nature. And though haply it may not bee auaileable for amendment, yet may it serue for a desen∣ganno, and dis-deceiuing of those that are in an errour. And in case it shall not take this effect, there will be no harme done by committing it to the Presse, though it bee afterwards bu∣ried in the dust, as it hath befallen other farre better things then these; And Time, which couers what is past, and disco∣uers what is to come, will in it's time discouer this, and such other things, as are not yet come to light. And for this cause, they called Archimedes the Syracusan, The Inuenter of new Things, and the Register of old. And certaine it is, that amongst the Ancients, there was a great agreement and Ar∣tifice in the gouernment of some commonwealths, as was that of the Aegyptians, of the Athenians, of the Allmanes, and aboue all, of the Romane Commonwealth; Which Saint Austen did so much admire. And men looking no further then to that which is before them, haue, in a manner, quite forgotten that, and therefore it is fit that there should bee some Remembrancer, that by putting them in minde of that which is past, they may the better performe things for the present, and prouide for that which is to come. For (as Plato said, though in another sence) all our knowledge is but a Re∣cordation of things past; and therein he said well. For a great part of those nouelties, which are daily introduced, are but old things, that haue layen long in obliuion; and that which is done to day, we finde, is forgotten to morrow. And in the reuolution of time, comes (in after ages) to represent it selfe for new. And this (amongst many others) was the maine cause which moued me to write this Treatise, and which may incourage me to go on further, though I must confesse, that my penne hath out runne my intention, finding that I haue 〈◊〉 my foot deeper into the stirrop, then • thought to haue 〈◊〉; having made a volumne of that, which when I first 〈…〉, I purposed should haue ended in a short 〈…〉 But who can put a bridle vnto loue, or re∣straine Page  481 zeale? and more especially, when it is so naturall and proper, as that which all, and euery one, doth or ought to beare vnto his owne King and Lord Adding thereunto mine owne particular respect, in regard of my nearer reference to his Maiesties seruice? And no small spurre hereunto, was my honest true meaning heart, and the assurance of a good con∣science, whose whole studie and desire in this my labour hath beene, to hit as right as I could vpon that which might be most conuenient, for the augmentation, conseruation, re∣putation, authoritie, and greatnesse of Kings; as likewise, what I thought would bee most necessarie for the wellfare and good gouernment of kingdomes and particular Com∣monwealths. For this doth depend on that. Though I con∣ceiue there be few that thinke thereon. For most (I feare me) treate onely their owne businesse, making that the principall, and all the rest accidentall. Howbeit they will not sticke to say, and publish to the world, that they onely attend the conseruation of their Kings and Commonwealths, Would to God that it might not be said of them, which he himselfe said by the mouth of that his Prophet, and Prince of his people; They honour mee with their lip, Cer aute•〈◊〉 longè est à me: But their heart is farre from mee. God I be∣seech thee, of thy infinite mercy, that the hearts of Kings and their Ministers, may not be farre off from thee; nor thou from them; but that thou wilt vouchsafe to bee euermore neare at hand vnto them, and to fauour them, and direct them in all their wayes, to thy honour and glory. Amen.