The philosophie, commonlie called, the morals vvritten by the learned philosopher Plutarch of Chæronea. Translated out of Greeke into English, and conferred with the Latine translations and the French, by Philemon Holland of Coventrie, Doctor in Physicke. VVhereunto are annexed the summaries necessary to be read before every treatise

INSTRVCTIONS FOR THEM THAT MANAGE AFFAIRES OF STATE.

The Summarie. [ 40]

TYrannie in any publike government, be it of prince, seignourie or people, as it is dange∣rous and detestable; so we are no lesse to feare anarchie, and the horrible confusion of those States where every one is a lord & master. The wise man said very wel: That a people or citie destitute of government, is neere to ruine; and publike affaires prosper well, when there be store of good counsellers. And on the other side, ex∣perience sheweth, that humane societie can not stand without magistrates, the mainteiners of lawes & good order, which be the nerves or sinewes, the cords and props of our life and conversation one with an∣other. But if there be any way in the world slipperie, it is that of the management of State affaires, by [ 50] reason of the leawdnesse of some, whom I may call Sage fooles, who runne by heaps after publike offices, not suffering men of honour to enter into them, as fearing to be afterwards ranged and ordered by rea∣son. Since then that ambition is a mortall plague in the mind and understanding of him who would ad∣vance himselfe by crooked and indirect meanes, it behooveth on the contrary side, that those who have a sincere affection to serve in publike place, take heed that they be not discouraged, although other∣whiles they be kept under and put downe by such persons as by good right ought to serve, and not com∣mand. To holde therefore some meane in this case, betweene mounting up unto vain-glory, and falling

into cowardise, Plutarch for to content and satisfie a friend of his, giveth good instructions to every man that entreth into the managing of State affaires: and in the first place he requireth at his hands a good will, free from vanitie and lightnesse, void of avarice, and delivered from ambition and envie: afterwards, his advice is, that he endevour to know those well, whom he must governe, for to acquit him well in his owne dutie, in case he be inducted unto any high degree, in reforming himselfe, and being furnished with a good conscience, knowledge & eloquence, proper instruments for to go thorow all diffi∣culties. This done, he teacheth a States-man to manage well his owne words, also what way he ought to take for the entrance into the conduct of his weightie affaires; what friends he is to chuse, and how he is to demeane himselfe as well with them as his enemies: afterwards, he discusseth and handleth this question, to wit, Whether such a person as he whom he hath represented, ought to intermeddle and [ 10] deale in all offices, and resolveth that he ought to manage none but that which is of greatest impor∣tance. From this he proceedeth to speake of that discretion which is requisit for the ranging and brin∣ging into order of slanderers and enemies; and withall, with what maner of affaires a politician should busic and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 himselfe, and whereto his spirit and minde is to tend; wishing above all, that he should enterteine the amitie of other lords and rulers, who are able to further and advance the publike good; and in the meane time to be well advised that he doe not goe about to save, or ruinate rather, his owne countrey by forren meanes. Heereupon he discourseth of those maladies whereunto common-wealths be subject, and holdeth this: That if there doe arise any mischiefe, it ought to be repressed, ketp downe and cured at home. Consequently, he sheweth unto a magistrate the maner of conversing with his col∣legues or companions in office: and after he had commended those who walke singly, & goroundly and [ 20] plainly to worke, hee entreth very pretily into a discourse arising from the precedents, namely, as tou∣ching policte and good government, declaring wherein it doth consist: and so toucheth in a word, the duetie of good subjects in a statewell ruled. Which done, he returneth to his former purpose, and ma∣keth mention of certeine cases, wherin a magistrate may accommodate and frame himselfe to his owne people: also what persons he ought to use & employ for assistance in the execution of important affaires, and from what vices he is to keepe himselfe pure and cleane; how he ought to esteeme and regard true honour, standing upon two points: the one, that he do trust and relie upon himselfe: the other, that he be well beloved of the people, unto whom he ought to shew himselfe liberall. To this abovesaid, there is joined a certeine discretion to be used in the largesses of magistrates to their subjects (a thing much practised in olde time, and in these dates turned cleane against the haire) proposing all in one traine, the [ 30] true and most expedite way how to gaine the hearts of men, to which no prince nor governour shall ever attaine unlesse he be such an one as our authour doth describe: and representing on the other side, the ridiculous and unhappie condition of ambitious persons, and other such as thirst after shamefull glo∣rie, whose name serveth for nought els but to play with the least peties in a common-wealth. And for a finall conclusion, he treateth of seditions and civill warres; namely, how a good magistrate ought to cary himselfe therein; what a care he should have to quench with all speed such fire, and keepe his sub∣jects in good unitie and concord, and how he should easily come thereto, which is the very closing up of the booke, inriched with notable arguments, sentences, similitudes and examples, for those especially, who have the command of others, and yet are besides, to appeare before the throne of their sovereigne, the examination, triall and fearefull judgement of whom, they can not avoid. [ 40]

INSTRVCTIONS FOR THEM that manage affaires of State.

IF there be any speech in the world, sir Menemachus, unto which a man may properly apply these verses of the Poet Homer:

Of all the Greekes there is no man, [ 50] Who blame these words or gainesay can; But yet forsooth you say not all, Nor come are to the finiall.

certes, it is in the case of those Philosophers, who exhort sufficient∣ly in generall tearmes, to undertake the affaires of State and publike government: but they teach us not how, nor give us precepts and directions thereto; who (me thinks) may wel be resembled to those, who snuffe and draw out the wicke of a lampe, but they powre no oyle into it. Seeing then that

you have upon verie good reason deliberated and resolved to meddle in the State affaires of your countrey, and desire according to the nobilitie of your house and native countrey, from whence you are descended,

To frame your speech with seemely grace, And deeds performe, meet for your place.

and considering that you are not yet come to that maturitie of yeeres, as to have seene evident∣ly the life of a wise man and true Philosopher in matters of government, or viewed his carriage and demeanor in State affaires; ne yet to bee a spectator of worthie and goodly examples pra∣ctised in deed and effect, and not discoursed upon in word onely; in which regards you have re∣quested me earnestly to give unto you certaine rules, precepts, and advertisements for your bet∣ter [ 10] knowledge & instruction, how you ought to behave your selfe in this behalfe; me thought I I could not with any honestie denie your request: but my desire & wish rather is, that whatsoever I have collected to this purpose, may be answerable both to the ardent zeale of your intention, and also to the willing forwardnes of mine affection; and verily to gratifie your minde, I have accompanied these precepts with many faire and beautifull examples.

First and formost therefore, let this be laid for a sure ground & strong foundation, That who∣soever mindeth to be a States man, and to mannage affaires of policie, bring with him a good intent, mooved by reason and judgement, and in no wise arising upon any blind passion, or de∣sire of vaine-glorie, or jealousie and emulation of another, or finally upon default of other occu∣pations: for like as there be some who spend most of their time in the common-hall or market [ 20] place, although they have nothing there to do, because they have no good thing at home to be emploied about; even so, you shall have diverse men that thrust themselves into civill and pub∣like affaires, for that they have no private busines of their owne, worth tending, and so they use policie as a course of life, or rather a pastime and recreation. Others there be againe, who being by some fortune or chance arrived, or rather cast upon the management of common-weale, and having thereof enough & (as it were) their bellies full, can not with any ease withdraw and retire themselves, when they are once in, resembling those for all the world, who being embarked in some vessel take the sea, only for to be rocked & shaken therin a little for their exercise; but after they be caried by a gale of winde into the deepe, when their heads once begin to turne, and their stomacks sicke and readie to cast, they looke out backe toward the land, but for all that, forced [ 30] they be to tarrie still on ship-boord, and to frame themselves to their present fortune.

Their lovely joies and pleasures are then gon, To walke upon the hatches gaily dight, With rowers seats in foist or gallion, Whiles sea is calme and weather faire and light: Which yeelds prospect most pleasant to their sight, And hearts content, to cut the waves aright.

And these are they, who as much as any, or rather most of all, discredit the thing, in that they re∣pent and be much discontented with their choise; namely, when in stead of glorie which they promised themselves, they fall into infamie, and whereas they looked to be feared of others by [ 40] the meanes of their great credit and authoritie, they bee carried into a world of affaires full of troubles and dangers. But he who commeth to the government of weale publike, and beginneth to enter upon it by sound judgement and true discourse of reason, as a most honest vocation in it selfe, and most agreeable to his estate and qualitie, will no whit be discouraged or dismaied at any of these accidents, nor ever change his resolution. For a man is not to take upon him the managent of State affaires, with intent to negotiate and trafficke there, or to make a gainefull trade and occupation thereof to himselfe, like as in times past at Athens, Stratocles and Dromo∣clidas, with those about them, for to go unto their golden harvest (for so by way of jest and mer∣rie speech they called the Tribunall seat, and publike pulpit where orations were made unto the people) no nor upon any fit of a sudden passion that commeth upon him, as Cajus Gracchus did [ 50] at Rome sometime, who at the verie time when his brothers troubles were hot, and his death fresh and new, retired for a while out of the way, and betooke himselfe to a private course of life, farre remote from the common-wealth affaires; but afterwardes, being sudden∣ly enkindled and inflamed againe with choler, upon certaine outragious dealings and op∣probrious wordes given him by some, would needes in all the haste upon a spleene, rush into the government of State, and quickly had his handes full of businesses, and his ambitious hu∣mour was soone fed and satisfied: but then when as he would with all his heart have withdra∣wen

himselfe, changed his life, and taken his repose, he could not by any meanes lay downe his authoritie and puissance (to such greatnes it was growen) but was killed before he could bring that about. As for these who compasse and dresse themselves as plaiers for to act upon the scaf∣fold in some great Theater, and champions to contend with other concurrents, or else aime at vaine-glorie; it can not be, but they must needs repent of that which they have done, especially when they once see that they must serve those whom they thought they were woorthie to rule, or that they can not chuse but displease them, whom they were desirous to gratifie and con∣tent. And verily this is my conceit of such, that they runne headlong upon policie and State matters, like unto those who by some misadventure, and sooner than they looked for, be fallen into a pit; for it can not otherwise be, but they be woonderously disquieted, seeing the depth [ 10] thereof, and wish they had never come there, but were out againe, whereas they, who conside∣rately, and upon good deliberation goe downe into the said pit, carrie themselves soberly with quietnes and contentment of spirit, they are vexed, offended and dismaied at nothing, as who at their first entrie, put on a resolute minde, proposing unto themselves vertue and their dutie one∣ly, and intending no other thing for to be the scope and end of all their actions.

Thus when as men have well grounded their choise in themselves, untill it be so surely set∣led & confirmed, that unneth or hardly it can be altered or changed; then they ought to bend all their wits to the consideration and knowledge of the nature, of their citizens and subjects, whose charge they have undertaken, or at leastwise of that disposition, which being compounded (as it were) of them all, appeereth most and carrieth greatest sway among them. For at the verie first [ 20] and all at once, to goe about a change and to order and to reforme the nature of a whole com∣minaltie, were an enterprise, neither easie to be effected nor safe to bee practised: as being a thing that requireth long time and great authoritie and power. But doe they must as wine doth in our bodies; which at the beginning is moistned (as it were) and overcome by the nature of him who drunke it, but afterwards by gentle warming his stomacke, and by little and little en∣tring into his veines, it becommeth of strength to affect the drinker, and make a change and al∣teration in him; semblably, a wise politician and governor, untill such time as he hath wonne by the confidence reposed in him, and the good reputation that he hath gotten, so much authority among the people, that he is not able to rule and lead them at his pleasure, will accommodate and apply himselfe to their manners and fashions such as he findeth them, and thereby conjec∣ture [ 30] and consider their humors, untill he know wherein they take pleasure, whereto they are in∣clined, and what it is, wherewith they will soonest be lead and carried away. As for example, the Athenians as they are given to be hastie and cholericke; so they be as soone turned to pitie and mercy; more willing to entertaine a suspition quickly, than to have patience and at leasure to be enformed, and take certaine knowledge of a thing; and as they be more enclined and readie to succour base persons and of low condition; so they love, embrace and esteeme merrie words and pleasant conceits, delivered in game and laughter, more than sage and serious sentences; they are best pleased when they heare themselves praised, and least offended againe with those that flout and mocke them; terrible they are and dread, to their verie rulers and magistrates, and yet courteous and milde enough, even to the pardoning of their professed enemies. The na∣ture [ 40] of the Carthaginian people is farre otherwise, bitter, fell, fierce, sterne and full of revenge; obsequious to their betters and superiours; churlish and imperious over their inferiours and underlings; in feare most base and cowardly; in anger most cruell; firme and constant in their resolution, and where they have taken a pitch; hard to be mooved with any sports, pastimes, and jolitie; and in one word, rough & untractable. You should not have seene these fellowes, if Cleon had requested them sitting in counsell (forasmuch as he had sacrificed unto the gods, and was minded to feast some strangers that were his friends, and come to visit him) to put off their assembly to another day; to arise laughing and clapping their hands for joy; nor, if whiles Al∣cibiades was a making unto them a solemne oration, a quaile should have escaped from under his gowne and gotten away, would they have runne after her away to catch her, and given her to [ 50] him againe? nay they would have fallen all upon him; they would have killed them both in the place, as if they had contemned them and made fooles of them: considering that the banished captaine Hanno, because in the campe and armie when he marched, he used a lion as a sumpter horse to carrie some of his baggage; saying, that this savoured strongly of a man that affected tyrannie. Neither do I thinke that the Thebanes could ever have contained themselves, but have opened the letters of their enemies, if they had come into their hands: like as the Athenians did, who having surprized king Philips posts and curriers would never suffer one of their let∣ters

missive to be broke open, which had the superscription to Queene Olympias my wife; nor discover the love-secrets and merrie conceits passing from an husband being absent in another countrey, and writing to his wife. Neither doe I thinke, that the Athenians on the other side, would have endured and borne with patience the proude spirit and scornefull contempt of Epa∣minondas, who would not make answere to an imputation charged against him, before the bodie of the people of Thebes, but arose out of the Theater where the people was assembled, and tho∣row them all went his way, and departed into the place of publike exercises. The Lacedae∣monians likewise would never have put up the insolent behaviour and mockerie of Stratocles, who having perswaded the Athenians to sacrifice unto the gods, in token of thankesgiving for a victorie, as if they had beene conquerours, and afterwards upon the certaine newes of a defea∣ture [ 10] and overthrow received, when he saw the people highly offended and displeased with him, demaunded of them what injurie he had done them, if by his meanes they had beene merrie and feasted three daies together?

As for the flatterers that belong to Princes courts, they play by their-lords and masters, as those fowlers do, who catch their birds by a pipe counterfeiting their voices; for even so they, to winde and insinuate themselves into the favour of kings and princes, doe resemble them for all the world, and by this devise entrap and deceive them. But for a good governour of a State, it is not meet and convenient that he should imitate the nature and the manners of the people under his government; but to know them and to make use of those meanes to every par∣ticular person, by which he knoweth that he may best win and gaine them to him: for the igno∣rance [ 20] and want of skill in this behalfe, namely, how to handle men according to their humours, bringeth with it all disorders, and is the cause of irregular enormities, as well in popular govern∣ments, as among minnions and favorites of princes. Now after that a ruler hath gotten autho∣ritie and credit once among the people, then ought he to strive and labour, for to reforme their nature and conditions if they be faultie; then is he by little and little to lead them gently (as it were) by hand unto that which is better: for a most painefull and difficult thing it is to change and alter a multitude all at once: and to bring this about the better, he ought first to begin with himselfe, and to amend the misdemeanours and disorders in his owne life and manners, know∣ing that he is to live from thence foorth (as it were) in open Theater, where he may be seene and viewed on everie side. Now if haply it be an hard matter for a man to free his owne mind from [ 30] all sorts of vices at once, yet at least wise he is to cut-off, and put away those that bee most appa∣rent and notorious to the eies of the world. For you have heard (I am sure) how Themisto∣cles when hee minded to enter upon the mannaging of State-matters, weaned himselfe from such companie wherein hee did nothing but drinke, daunce, revell and make good cheere; and when he fell to sitting up late and watching at his booke, to fasting and studying hard, hee was woont to say to his familiars, that the Tropheae of Miltiades would not suffer him to sleepe and take his rest. Pericles in like case altered his fashions in the whole course and maner of his life, in his person, in his sober and grave going, in his affable and courteous speech, shewing al∣waies a staied and setled countenance, holding his hand ever-more under his robe, and never putting it foorth, and not going abroad to any place in the citie, but onely to the tribunall and [ 40] pulpit for publike orations, or els to the counsell house. For it is not an easie matter to weld and manage a multitude of people, neither are they to be caught of every one, and taken with their safetie in the catching; but a gracious and gainfull piece of worke it were, if a man may bring it thus much about, that like unto suspicious & craftie wilde beasts, they be not affrighted nor set a madding at that which they heare and see, but gently suffer themselves to be handled, and be apt to receive instruction; and therefore this would not in any wise be neglected, neither are such to have a small regard to their owne life and maners, but they ought to studie and labor as much as possibly they can, that the same be without all touch and reproch: for that they who take in hand the government of publike affaires, are not to give account, nor to answere for that onely which they either say or doe in publike, but they are searched narrowly into, and manie a [ 50] curious eie there is upon them at their boord; much listening after that which passeth in their beds; great sifting and scanning of their marriages and their behaviour in wedlocke, and in one word all that ever they doe privately, whether it be in jest or in good earnest. For what need we write of Alcibiades, who being a man of action and execution, as famous and renowmed a cap∣taine as any one in his time, and having borne himselfe alwaies invincible and inferiour to none in the managing of the publike State, yet notwithstanding ended his daies wretchedly, by meanes of his dissolute loosenes and outragious demeanour, in his private life and conversation

at home, insomuch as he bereft his owne countrey of the benefit they might have had by his other good parts and commendable qualities, even by his intemperance and sumptuous super∣fluitie in expence? Those of Athens found fault with Cimon, because he had a care to have good wine: and the Romaines finding no other thing in Scipio to reproove, blamed him for that hee loved his bed too well: the ill-willers of Pompey the Great, having observed in him that other∣whiles he scratched his head with one finger, reprochedhim for it. For like as a little freckle, mole or pendant-wert in the face of man or woman is more offensive, than blacke and blew marks, than scars or maimes in all the rest of the bodie; even so, small and light faults otherwise of themselves, shew great in the lives of Princes, and those who have the government of the weale-publike in their hands, and that in regard of an opinion imprinted in the minds of men [ 10] touching the estate of governours and magistrates, esteeming it a great thing, and that it ought to be pure and cleere from all faults and imperfections. And therefore deserved Julius Drusus, a noble Senatour and great ruler in Rome to be highly praised, in that, when one of his workemen promised him (if he so would) to devise and contrive his house so, that whereas his neighbours overlooked him, and saw into many parts thereof, they should have no place therein exposed to their view and discoverie, and that this translating and alteration thereof should cost him but five talents: Nay (quoth he) thou shalt have ten talents, and make mine house so, that it may bee seene into on everie side, to the end that all the citie may both see and know how I live; for in trueth he was a grave, wise, honest, and comely personage. But peradventure it is not so neces∣sarie that a house lie so open as to be looked into on all sides: for the people have eies to pierce [ 20] and enter into the verie bottom of governours manners, of their counsels, actions, and lives, which a man would thinke to be most covert & secret, & no lesse quick-sighted are they in their private carriage, as in that which they see them doe, and heare them speake in publike; loving some with a kinde of admiration, and hating others in disdainfull and contemptuous manner. What? will some one say, do not some cities otherwhiles love to be ruled by governors, whom they know to be dissolute and disordinate in their manner of life? Yes, I beleeve it verie well. And so forsooth, we see some women when they are with childe, long many times to eate grit of stones, and they who are stomacke-sicke, and have a peevish appetite, desire salt-fish, and such other naughtie meates; but within a while after, when the fit is once past, they reject, refuse and lothe the same; even so many States and Comminalties often-times upon an insolencie, wan∣tonnesse [ 30] and disordinate desire, or for default of better governours, be served with those that come first, and they care not with whom, notwithstanding they have them in contempt and de∣testation, but afterwards they are very well content when such speeches goe of them, as Plato a comicall Poet in one of his Comedies inferreth to be spoken by the people themselves:

Take me by hand, take holde and that right soone, Agyrrius els I'll captaine chuse anon.

And againe in another place, he bringeth in the people calling for a bason and a feather for to provoke vomit, saying thus:

At my tribunall seat most eminent, Herselfe to me Mantile doth present. [ 40]

And a little after,

Astinking head it keepes and feedeth now, Amaladie most foule, I do avow.

And the people of Rome, at what time as Carbo avouched a thing, and bound it by a great oath, yea, and the same with a curse and execration, if it were not so; yet for all that all with one voice sware aloud to the contrary, and protested that they would not beleeve him. Also at Lacedaemon, when one Demosthenes, a wicked and dissolute person, had delivered his opinion and advice, ve∣rie well fitting and behoovefull to the matter in question, the people rejected it; but the Ephori having chosen one of their Ancients and honourable counsellers of Estate, willed him to speake to the same point and the like effect; which was as much as if they had taken it out of one foule [ 50] and filthie vessell, and put the same into another that was faire and cleane, and all to please and content the people and multitude so effectuall is for the government of an Estate, the assured perswasion of the honestie of a personage, and as forcible likewise is the contrarie. I write not thus to this end, that we should neglect the grace of eloquence and the powerfull skill of well∣speaking, as if all should lie upon vertue, and nothing els, but that we are to thinke, that Rheto∣ricall speech and brave utterance is not the thing alone which perswadeth the people, but that it

is a good helpe, and doth cooperate in perswasion, so that we may in some sort correct and a∣mend that sentence of Menander:

The honest life of him that speakes in place, And not his tongue, doth credit win and grace.

For life and language both ought to concurre, unlesse haply one would say, That it is the pilot onely that governeth the ship, and not the helme; and the rider alone turneth the horse head, and not the reines or bridle; semblably, that the science of policie and government of weale∣publike useth maners and not eloquence, as an helme or bridle, to manage, direct and governe a whole citie, which is (according to Plato) a creature (as one would say) most easie to be turned, so that it be conducted and guided, as it were, in the poope: for seeing that those great kings, [ 10] the sonnes of Jupiter (as Homer calleth them) set out and puffe up their magnificent part, with long robes of purple, with scepters in their hands, with a guard of squires and pensioners about their persons, with whom they were environed on everie side, yea, and with the oracles of the gods in their favour, subjecting unto their obeisance (by this outward venerable shew) the com∣mon sort, and imprinting an opinion that they are in greater state than men; and yet for all this, were desirous to learne how to speake wisely, and not carelesse and negligent to winne grace by good speech,

And eloquence, whereby more perfect they In warlike feats might be another day.

not recommending themselves to Jupiter onely the Counseller, nor to bloodie Mars and war∣like [ 20] Minerva, but invocating the Muse Calliope,

Who doth upon great kings attend, And makes them ay more reverend.

with her perswasive grace and vertue dulcing and appeasing the violent mood and fiercenesse of the people. Seeing (I say) that mightie princes be furnished with so many helps and meanes; is it possible that a private person, with a simple robe and popular habit, taking upon him to weld and rule a whole citie or State, should ever be able to effect his purpose, namely, to tame and range into order an unruly multitude, unlesse he have eloquence to aide him in this businesse, for to perswade and bring them to the bent of his bow? for mine owne part, I thinke No. As for the masters and captaines of gallies and other ships, they have other officers under them, as [ 30] their boat-swaines, to give knowledge what they would have to be done; but a good governour of State ought to have within himselfe the skill and knowledge of the steeres-man to sit at sterne and guide the helme, and besides that, good speech also to make knowen his will and pleasure, to the end that he need not at all the voice of another, nor be forced to say as Iphicrates did when he was overcome and braved out by the eloquent words of Aristophon: My adversaries plaier acteth better than mine, but surely my play is much better than theirs: and that he have not need often-times to have in his mouth these verses of Euripides:

Would God the seed and race of mortall men Were speechlesse cleane, or could not speake words ten.

As also of these: [ 40]

Oh God, that mens affaires and causes all Required no words, and for no speech did call, That oratours, whose tongues do plead so hard, Were not emploied, nor in so good regard.

For these sentences perhaps might give leave to some Alcamenes, Nesiots, and Ictines, or such maner of people, who live by their handy-worke, get their living by the sweat of their browes, and are past all hope to atteine unto any perfection of eloquence, to flie there-fro: as it is repor∣ted of two Architects or great Masons at Athens sometimes, who came in question for their skill, whether of the twaine was more sufficient to make a great fabricke and publike piece of worke; the one, who could speake very well and expresse his minde with varietie and elegancie [ 50] of words, pronounced a premeditate oration as touching the frame and building thereof; which he did so well, that he moved the whole assembly therewith; the other, who was more skilfull in Architecture, & the better workman by far, but one that could not deliver his mind so eloquent∣ly, when he came before the people, said no more but thus: My masters of Athens, that which this man here hath said, I will do. And verily such good fellowes as these, acknowledge no other goddesse or patronesse than Minerva the artisan, surnamed Ergane, and who as Sophocles saith:

Upon the massive anvile tame, With weightie strokes of hammer strong, A livelesse barre of yron, and frame Obeisant to their labours long.

But the minister or prophet to Minerva Polias, that is to say, the protectresse of cities, and to Themis or Justice the protectresse of counsell:

Who of mens counsels president, Dissolves, or holds them resident.

he (I say) having but one instrument to use and occupie, which is his speech, by forming and fashioning some things to his owne mould, and others which he findeth untoward and not pli∣able [ 10] to the desseine of his worke (as if they were knurres and knots in timber, or flawes and ri∣sings in yron) by softning, polishing and making plaine and smoothe, embelisheth in the end a whole citie. By this meanes the Common-wealth of Pericles, in name and outward appea∣rance being popular, was in trueth and effect a principality and regall State, governed by one man the principall person of the citie: and what was it that did the deed? surely the force and power of his eloquence: for at the same time there lived Cimon, a good man, Ephialtes also and Thucydides, who being one day demanded by Archidamus the king of the Lacedaemonians, whether hee or Pericles wrestled better: That were (quoth hee) very hard to say; for when in wrestling I beare him downe to the ground, he is by his words able to perswade the standers by and beholders, that he is not fallen, and so goeth cleere away with it. And verily, this gift of [ 20] his brought not onely to him honour & glorie, but also safetie to the whole citie; which being by him ruled and perswaded, preserved and mainteined full well the wealth and estate which it had of her owne, and forbare to desire the conquest of any other: whereas poore Nicias, al∣though hee had the same good meaning and intention, yet because he wanted that perswasive facultie with his smooth tongue and eloquent speech, like unto a gentle bit, when he went a∣bout to bridle & restraine the covetous desire of the people, could not compasse it, but mauger and in spight of his heart was overswaied, caried away, and haled by the very necke into Sicilie; such was the violence of the people. An olde said saw it is, and a true proverbe: That it is not good holding of a wolfe by the eares; but surely of a city or State, a man must principally take hold by the eares; and not as some doe, who are not sufficiently exercised nor well seene in the [ 30] feat of eloquence, search other absurd and foolish handles to catch hold by, for to win and draw the people unto them: for divers you shall have, who thinke to draw and leade the multitude by the belly, in making great feasts and banqueting them; others by the purse, in giving them lar∣gesses of silver; some by the eie, in exhibiting unto them goodly sights of plaies, games, war∣like dances and combats of fencers at the utterance; which devices are not to draw and leade the people gently, but to catch them rather cunningly: for the drawing or leading of a multitude, is properly to perswade them by force of eloquence; whereas the other allurements and entice∣ments resemble very well the baits that are laied for to take brute and wilde beasts, or the fodder that herd-men use to feed them with. Since then it is so, that the chiefe instrument of a wise and sage governour, is his speech, this principall care would be had, that the same be not too much [ 40] painted and set out, as if he were some yoong gallant that desired to shew his eloquence in a Theater and frequent assembly of a great faire or market, composing his oration as a chaplet of flowers with the most beautifull, sweet and pleasant phrases or tearmes that he can chuse; nei∣ther ought the same to be so painfully studied and premeditated as that oration of Demosthenes was, which Pytheas said (by way of reproch) that it smelled of lamp-oile; nor full of over-much sophisticall curiositie of enthymemes and arguments too witty and subtile; nor yet with clauses and periods exactly measured to the rule and compasse. But like as Musicians are desirous that in touching and stroke of their strings there should appeare a sweet and kinde affection, and not a rude beating; even so in the speech of a sage ruler, whether it be in giving counsell or decree∣ing any thing, there ought not to be seene the artificiall cunning of an Oratour, nor any curious [ 50] affection; neither must it in any wise tend to his owne praise, as if he had spoken learnedly, for∣mally, subtilly, wittily and with precise respect and distinctions: let it be full rather of naturall af∣fection without arte, of true heart and magnanimitie, of franke and fatherly remonstrance, as may become the father of his countrey, full of forecast and providence, of a good mind and un∣derstanding, carefull of the common-weale, having together with honest and comely dignitie a lovely grace that is attractive, consisting of grave tearmes, pertinent reasons, and proper sen∣tences, and the same significant and perswasive. For in trueth the oration and stile of a States∣man

and governour admitteth in comparison of a lawier or advocate pleading at the barre in court, more sententious speeches, histories, fables and metaphors, which do then move and af∣fect the multitude most, when the speaker knoweth how to use them with measure, in time and place convenient; like as he did, who said: My masters, see that you make not Greece one-eied: (speaking of the citie of Athens, when they were about to destroy it) and according as Demades also did, when he said, that he sat at sterne to governe, not a ship, but the shipwracke of a citie and Commonwealth: Semblably Archilochus in saying,

Let not the stone of Tantalus This isle alwaies hang ouer thus.

Likewise Pericles when he gaue advice and commanded to take away that eie-sore of the haven [ 10] Pirean, meaning thereby the little isle Aegina. In the same maner Phocion speaking of the victorie atchieved by Generall Leosthenes, said thus; The stadium or short race of this warre is good, but I feare (quoth he) the dolichus thereof; that is to say, the afterclaps and length there∣of. In summe, a speech standing somewhat of hautinesse, grauitie, and greatnesse, is more be∣sitting a gouernour of State: and for example heereof, go no further than to the orations of Demosthenes penned against king Philip, and among other speeches, set downe by Thucydides, that which was delivered by the Ephorus Sthenelaidas: also that of king Archidamus, in the ci∣tie Plataeae: likewise the oration of Pericles after that great pestilence at Athens. As for those long sermons, cariyng a great traine of sentences and continued periods after them, which Theopompus, Ephorus and Anaximenes, bring in to be pronounced by captaines unto their [ 20] soldiours when they be armed and stand arranged in battell-ray, a man may say of such as the Poet did:

What fooles would speake thus many words, So neere to edge and dint of swords.

Over and besides; true it is that a man of government may otherwhiles give a taunt and nip∣ping seoffe, he may cast out also a merrie jest to moove laughter, and namely, if it be to rebuke, chastise, yea and to quippe one and take him vp for his good, after a modest maner, and not to touch him too neere and wound him in honour and credite to his disgrace, with a kinde of scurrilitie. But aboue all it may beseeme him thus to doe when he is provoked thereunto, and is driven to replie and give one for another by way of exchange: for to begin first in that sort, [ 30] and to come prepared with such premeditate stuffe, is more befitting a pleasant or common jester, who would make the companie laugh, besides that, it carieth also an opinion of a malici∣ous and spitefull minde: and such are the biting frumpes and broad jests of Cicero and Cato the elder; likewise of one Euxitheus a familiar and disciple of Aristotle; for these many times be∣gan first to scoffe and taunt; but when a man never doth it but by way of reply or rejoinder, the sodaine occasion giveth him pardon to be revenged, and withall such requitals carie the greater grace with them. Thus dealt Demosthenes by one who was deepely suspected to be a theese: for when he would seeme to twit Demosthenes by his watching and sitting up all night at his booke for to endite and write: I wot well (quoth Demosthenes) that I trouble and hinder thee very much with keeping my candle or lampe burning all night long. Also when he answe∣red [ 40] Demades, who cried out aloud: Demosthenes would correct me (as much to say forsoorth) as if according to the common proverbe, the sow should teach Minerva: Minerva (quoth he, ta∣king that word out of his mouth) what's that you say? Minerva was surprized not long since in adulterie. Semblably it was with no ill grace that Xenetus answered his country-men and fellow citizens, who cast in his teeth and upbraided him, for that being their leader and captaine he fled out of the field: With you (quoth he) my loving and deere friends, I ran away for compa∣nie. But great regard and heed would be taken, that in this kinde he overpasse not himselfe, nor go beyond the bonds of mediocritie in such ridiculous jests, for feare that either he offend and displease the hearers unseasonably, or debase and abject himselfe too grosly, by giving out such ridiculous speeches: which was the fault of one Democrates, who mounting one day up into the [ 50] pulpit or publicke place of audience, said openly to the people there assembled; That himselfe was like unto their citie, for that he had small force, and yet was puft up with much winde. Ano∣ther time also, and namely when the great field was lost before Chaeronea, he presented himselfe to speake unto the people in this maner: I would not for any thing that the common wealth were driven to such calamitie and so hard an exigent, that you should have patience to heare me, and neede to take counsell at my hands: for as in the one he shewed himselfe a base and vile person, so in the other he plaied the brain-sicke foole and sencelesse asse: but for a man of

State, neither is the one nor the other decent and agreeable. Furthermore, Phocion is had in admiration for his brevitie of speech, insomuch as Polyeuctus giving his judgement of him, said: Demosthenes indeed is the greatest Oratour, and the most famous Rhetorician, but Pho∣cion beleeve me, is the best speaker; for that his pithie speech was so couched, that in few words it coutained much substance and good matter. And even Demosthenes himselfe, howsoever he made no reckoning of all other orators in his time, yet if Phocion rose up to deliver a speech af∣ter him, would say: Lo heere standeth up now the hatchet or pruning knife of my words. Well then, endevour you as much as possibly you can, when you are to make a speech before the multitude to speake considerately and with great circumspection, directing your words so, as they may tend to safetie and securitie, and not in any case to vse vaine and frivolous language: [ 10] knowing well that Pericles himselfe, that great governour, was woont to make his praier un∣to the gods before hee entred into his oration in publicke audience: That he might let fall no word out of his mouth impertinent to the matter which he was to handle; and yet for all this, you must be well exercised neverthelesse, and practised in the knowledge how to be able to answere and replie readily; for many occasions passe in a moment, and bring with them as many sudden cases and occurrences, especially in matters of government. In which re∣gard, Demosthenes was (by report) reputed inferior to many others in his time, for that other∣whiles he would withdraw himselfe and not be seene when occasion was offered, if he had not well premeditated and studied aforehand of that which he had to say. Theophrastus also writeth of Alcibiades, that being desirous to speake, not onely that which was convenient, but also in [ 20] maner and forme as it was meet; many a time in the mids of his oration would make a stay, and be at a nonplus, whiles he sought and studied for some proper tearmes, and laboured to couch and compose them sitting for his purpose: but he who taketh occasion to stand up for to make a speech of sudden occurrences, and respective to the occasions and times presented unto him, such a one I say of all others doth most moove and astonish a multitude, he I say is able to leade them as he list and dispose of them at his pleasure. After this maner plaied Leon the Bi∣zantine, who was sent upon a time from those of Constantinople vnto the Athenians, being at civill debate and dissention among themselves, for to make remonstrances unto them of paci∣fication and agreement: for a very little man was he of stature, and when the people sawe him mounted up into the place of audience, everie one began to teigh, tittre, and laugh at him; [ 30] which he perceiving well enough: And what would you do and say then (quoth he) if you sawe my wife, whose crowne of hir head will hardly reach up so high as my knee? At which word, they tooke up a greater fit of laughter then before throughout the whole assembly: And yet (quoth he againe) as little as we both be, if we chance to be at variance and debate one with ano∣ther, the whole citie of Constantinople is not big enough for us, nor able to holde us twaine. Pytheas likewise, the Orator, at what time as he spake against the honors which were decreed for king Alexander, when one said unto him: How now sir, dare you presume to speake of so great matters, being as you are, so yoong a man? And why not (quoth he) for Alexander whom you make a god among you by your decrees, is yoonger than my selfe.

Furthermore, over and besides a ready tongue and well exercised, he ought to bring with him [ 40] a strong voice, a good breast and a long breath, to this combat of State government; which I assure you, is not lightly to be accounted of, but wherein the champion is to be provided for all feats of masteries or fight; for feare lest if it chance that his voice faile or be wearie and faint, he be overcome and supplanted by some one

Catchpoll, Crier, and of that ranke, Wide-mouth'd Jugler or mount-banke.

And yet Cato the yoonger, when he suspected that either the Senate or the people were fore∣stalled by graces, laboring for voices and such like prevention, so as he had no hope to perswade and compasse such matters as he went about, would rise up and holde them all a day long with an oration; which he did to drive away the time, that at least-wise upon such a day there should be [ 50] nothing done or passe against his mind. But as touching the speech of a governor, how power∣full and effectuall it is, and how it ought to be prepared, we have this already sufficiently treated, especially for such an one as is able of himselfe to devise all the rest, which consequently follow∣eth hereupon.

Moreover, two avennes (as it were) or waies there be to come unto the credit of govern∣ment; the one short and compendious, yeelding an honourable course to win glory and repu∣tation; but it is not without some danger; the other longer and more base and obscure, howbeit

alwaies safe and sure. For some there be, who making saile and setting their course (as a man would say) from some high rocke situate in the maine sea, have ventured at the first upon some great and worthy enterprise, which required valour and hardinesse, and so at the very beginning entred into the middes of State-affaires, supposing that the Poet Pindarus said true in these his verses:

A worthy worke who will begin, Must when he enters first therein, Set out a gay fore front to view Which may farre off the lustre shew.

For certeinly the multitude and common sort being satisfied and full already of those gover∣nours [ 10] whom they have bene used to a long time, receive more willingly all beginners and new∣commers, much-like as the spectatours and beholders of plaies or games have better affection a great deale to see a new champion entring fresh into the lists. And verily all those honours, dignities and powerfull authorities which have a sudden beginning and glorious encrease, doe ordinarily astonish and daunt all envie: for neither doth the fire (as Ariston saith) make a smoke which is quickly kindled; and made to burne out of a light flame; nor glorie breed envie when it is gotten at once and speedily; but such as grow up by little and little, at leisure, those be they that are caught therewith, some one way and some another. And this is the cause that before they come to flower (as it were) and grow to any credit of government, fade and become dead and withered about the publike place of audience. But whereas it falleth out according to the [ 20] Epigram of the courrier or runner Ladas,

No sooner came the sound of whip to eare, But he was at the end of his carreare, And then withall, in one and selfe-same trice He crowned was with laurell for his price.

that some one hath at first performed an ambassage honourably, rode in triumph gloriously, or conducted an armie valiantly, neither envious persons nor spightfull ill-willers have like power against such as against others. Thus came Aratus into credit the very first day, for that he had defaited and overthrowen the tyrant Nicocles. Thus Alcibiades woon the spurres, when he pra∣ctised and wrought the alliance betweene the Mantimeans and the Athenians against the Lace∣daemonians. [ 30] And when Pompey the great would have entred the citie of Rome in triumph, be∣fore he had shewed himselfe unto the Senate, and was withstood by Sylla, who meant to im∣peach him, he stucke not to say unto him: More men there be sir, who worship the Sun rising, than the Sun setting; which when Sylla heard, he gave place and yeelded unto him without one word replying to the contrary. And when as the people of Rome chose and declared Cornelius Scipio Consull all on a sudden, and that against the ordinary course of law, when as himselfe stood onely to be Aedile, it was not upon some vulgar beginning and ordinary entrance into af∣faires of State, but for the great admiration they had of his rare and singular prowesse, in that be∣ing but a very youth, he had mainteined single fight and combat hand to hand with his enemy in Spaine, and vanquished him; yea, and within a while after, in the necke of it, had atchieved many [ 40] worthy exploits against the Carthaginians, being but a militarie Tribune or Colonel of a thou∣sand foot: for which brave acts and services of his, Cato the elder as he returned out of the campe cried out with a loud voice of him:

Right wise and sage indeed alone is he, The rest to him but flitting shadowes be.

But now sir, seeing that the cities & States of Greece are brought to such tearmes, that they have no more armies to conduct, nor tyrants to be put downe, nor yet alliances to be treated and made, what noble and brave enterprise would you have a yoong gentleman performe at his be∣ginning and entrance into government? Mary, there are left for him publike causes to plead, ambassages to negotiate unto the Emperour or some sovereigne potentate; which occasions [ 50] do ordinarily require a man of action, hardy and ardent at the first enterprise, wise and warie in the finall execution. Besides, there be many good and honest customes of ancient time, either for-let or growen out of kinde by negligence, which may be set on foot, renewed and reformed againe: many abuses also by ill custome are crept into cities, where they have taken deepe root, and beene setled, to the great dishonour and damage of the common-wealth: which may be re∣dressed by his meanes. It falleth out many times, that a great controversie judged and decided aright; the triall likewise and proofe of faithfull trust and diligence in a poore mans cause main∣teined

and defended frankly and boldly against the oppression of some great and mightie adver∣sarie; also a plaine and stout speech delivered in the behalfe of right and justice, against some grand Signiour who is unjust and injurious, have affoorded honorable entries unto the manage∣ment of State affaires. And many there be, who have put foorth themselves, made their parts knowen, and come up, by enterteining quarrels and enmities with those personages, whose au∣thoritie was odious, envied and terrible to the people: for we alwaies see that presently the puis∣sance and power of him that is put downe and overthrowen, doth accrue unto him who had the upper hand, with greater reputation: which I speake not as if I did approve and thought it good for one to oppose himselfe by way of envie unto a man of honour and good respect, and who by his vertue holdeth the chiefe place of credit in his countrey, thereby to undermine his estate, [ 10] like as Simmias dealt by Pericles, Alcmaeon by Themistocles, Clodius by Pompeius, and Meneclides the Oratour by Epaminondas; for this course is neither good nor honourable, and besides, lesse gainefull and profitable: for say that the people in a sudden fit of furious choler commit some outrage and abuse upon a man of worth; afterwards, when they repent at leasure (being coole) that which they did hastily in their heat of blood, they thinke there is no readier nor juster means to excuse themselves to him, than to deface, yea, and undoe the said partie who first moved and induced them to those proceedings. And verily, to set upon a wicked person, who either by his audacious and inconsiderate rashnesse, or by his fine & cautelous devices hath gotten the head over a whole citie, or brought a state to his devotion, such as were in olde time Cleon and Clito∣phon at Athens; to set upon those (I say) for to bring them under, yea, and utterly to destroy [ 20] them out of the way, were a notable preamble (as it were) to the Comedy for him that is moun∣ted upon the stage of a common-wealth, and newly entred into the government thereof. I am not ignorant likewise, that some by clipping the wings, or paring the nailes (as a man would say) of an imperious Senate and lordly Seignoury, taking upon them too much, and try nnizing by vertue of their absolute sovereigntie, which was the practise of one Ephialtes at Athens; and ano∣ther in the citie Elis, whose name was Phormio, have acquired honour and reputation in their countrey: but I holde this to be a dangerous beginning for to be enterprised by them that would come to the managing of State-affaires. And it seemeth that Solon made choise of a bet∣ter entrance than so, for the citie of Athens being divided into three parts or regions; the first of those that did inhabit the hill; the second of them who dwelt upon the plaine; and the third [ 30] of such as kept by the water-side; he would not seeme to side with any one of these three parts, but caried himselfe indifferent unto them all, saying & doing what he could to reconcile and re∣unite them together: by which meanes chosen he was, by the generall consent of them all, the lord Reformer, to draw new lawes and conditions of pacification among them; and by this practise he established and confirmed the State of Athens. Thus you see how a man may enter into the government of the common-wealth by honourable and glorious commencements: and this may suffice for the former avenne of the twaine aforesaid unto the affaires of State.

As for the other way, which as it giveth more sure accesse, so it is not so expedite and short; there have beene many notable men who in old time made choise thereof, and loved it better: and by name, Aristides, Phocion, Pammenes the Theban, Lucullus in Rome, Cato and Agesilaus [ 40] at Lacedaemon: for like as the ivie windeth about trees stronger than it selfe, and riseth up aloft together with them; even so each one of these before-named, being yet yoong novices and un∣knowen, joining and coupling themselves with other ancient personages who were already in credit by rising leasurely under the wing and shadow of others, and growing with them, groun∣ded themselves and tooke good root against the time that they undertooke the government of State. Thus Clisthenes raised Aristides; Chabrias advanced Phocion; by Sylla, Lucullus rose; Ca∣to by Fab. Maximus; Epaminondas came up by Pammenes; and Agesilaus by Lysander; but this man named last, upon a certeine inordinate ambition and importune jealousie did wrong unto his owne reputation, by casting and rejecting behind him a worthy personage, who guided and directed him in all his actions: but all the rest wisely and honestly reverenced, acknowledged, [ 50] yea, and aided with all their power, even to the very end, the authors of their rising and advance∣ment; much like unto those bodies which are opposed full against the Sunne, in returning and sending backe the light that shineth upon them, doe augment and illustrate the same so much the more. Thus when evill tongued persons, who envied and maligned the glory of Scipio, gave out that he was but the plaier and actour onely of those woorthy feats of armes which he execu∣ted; for the authour thereof was Laelius his familiar friend: yet Laelius for all these speeches was never mooved nor altered in his purpose, but continued still the same man to promote and se∣cond

the glory and vertue of Scipio. As for Afranius the friend of Pompeius, notwithstanding he was but of base and low degree, yet being upon tearmes to be chosen Consull, when he under∣stood that Pompeius fauoured others, gave over his sute, and let fall the possibilitie that he had; saying withal: That it would not be so honourable unto him for to be promoted unto that digni∣tie of Consulate, as grievous and troublesome, to obteine the same against the good will, and without the favour and assistance of Pompeius; and so in deferring and putting off the matter but one yeere longer, he had not the repulse when the time came, and therewith he kept his friend still, and enjoied his favour. And by this meanes it commeth to passe, that those who are thus led by the hand of others, and trained to the way of preferment and glorie, in gratifying one, do gratisie many withall; and besides, if any inconvenience chance to ensue, the lesse odious they [ 10] be and hatefull for it: which was the reason that Philip king of Macedonie earnestly exhorted and admonished his sonne Alexander that he should provide himselfe of many friends and servi∣tours whiles he might, and had leasure, even during the reigne of another, namely, by conver∣sing and conferring graciously with every one, and by cheerefull behaviour and affabilitie to all, for to winne their love and favour; but when he was once invested in the kingdome, to chuse for his guide and conductour in the managing of State-affaires, not simply him who is of most credit and greatest reputation, but rather the man who is such an one by his desert and vertue: for like as every tree will not admit a vine to wind about the trunke & body thereof; for some there be that do choke & utterly marre the growth of it; even so in the government of cities & States, those who are not truely honest and lovers of vertue, but ambitious and desirous of honour and [ 20] sovereignty onely, affoord not unto yong men the meanes and occasions of worthy enterprises and noble acts, but upon envie and jealousie holde them under and put them backe as farre as they can, and thus make them to consume and languish, as if they deteined from them their glo∣rie, and cut them short of that which is their onely food and nourishment. Thus did Marius in Afrike first, and afterwards in Galatia by Sylla, by whose meanes hee had performed much good service; and in the end would not use him at all, but cast him off; for that in trueth, hee was vexed at the heart to see him growe up as hee did, and to winne so great reputation under him, howsoever hee would have seemed to colour the matter, and make the signet in the colet of his ring which he sealed withall, the pretense and cloake thereof. For Sylla being treasurer in Africke, vnder Marius the lord General, was sent by him unto king Bocchus, and brought with [ 30] him Jugurtha prisoner; and being a yoong gentleman as he was, and beginning to taste the sweetenesse of glorie, he could not carrie himselfe modestly in this good fortune of his, but must needs weare vpon his finger a faire seale ring, wherein he caused to be engrauen the histo∣rie of this exploit, and namely how Bocchus delivered into his hands Jugurtha prisoner: heere∣at Sylla tooke exceptions, laid this to his charge, and made it a colourable occasion of rejecting and putting him out of his place: but he joining himselfe with Catulus and Metellus, good men both, and adversaries of Marius; soone after chased Marius and turned him out of all in a civill war, which was well neere the ruine and overthrow of the Romaine empire. Sylla dealt not so with Pompeius, for he evermore advaunced & graced him from his very youth, he would arise out of his chaire, and vaile bonet vnto him when hee came in place: semblably hee caried [ 40] himselfe toward other yong gentlemen and gallants of Rome, imparting unto some the meanes of doing the exploits of captaines and commanders: yea quickning and putting others for∣ward who were unwilling of themselves; and in so doing he filled all his armies with zeale, emu∣lation, and desire of honor, striving who should doe better, and by this meanes became him∣selfe superior evermore, and ruled all; at length desirous to be not the onely man, but the first and the greatest among many that were likewise great. These be the men therefore with whom a yoong States man ought to joine; to these he ought to cleave, & in them as it were to be incor∣porate: not as that cockatrice or Basilisk in Aesops fables, who being carried aloft on the shoul∣ders of the eagle, no sooner came neere to the sunne beames, but suddenly tooke his flight, and came to the place before the eagle: and after that maner to rob them of their honour, and se∣cretly [ 50] to catch their glorie from them; but contrariwise to receiue it of them with their consent and good favour, and to give them to understand that they had never knowne how to rule un∣lesse they had learned first of them to obey well, as Plato saith.

Next after this followeth the election and choise that they ought to make of their friends: In which point, they are not to take example either by Themistocles or Cleon: As for Cleon when he knew that he was to undertake the government upon him, assembled all his friends to∣gether, and declared unto them that he renounced all their amitie, saying; That friendship was

oftentimes a cause that disabled men, and withdrew them from their right intention in affaires of State; but it had beene farre better done of him to have exiled and chased out of his minde all avarice and contentious humors, to have clensed his heart from envie and malice: for the government of cities hath not need of those who are friendlesse and destitute of familiar com∣panions, but of such as be wise and honest: but when he had banished and put away his friends, he entertained round about him a sort of flatterers, who daily stroked and licked him, as the co∣micall poets use to say. He became rough and severe to good and civill men, but in stead there∣of he debased himselfe to court, flatter, and please the multitude, doing and saying all things to content them, and taking rewards at every mans hand, combining and sorting himselfe with the woorst and most leaud people in the whole citie, by their meanes to make head, and set against [ 10] the best and most honorable persons. Themistocles yet tooke another course, who when one said unto him; You shall do the part of a good ruler and magistrate, in case you make your selfe equall unto every one alike; answered thus; I pray God I may never sit in such a throne or seate, wherein my friends may not prevaile more with me, than they that are not my friends. But here∣in he did not well, no more than the other, thus to promise any part and authoritie of his go∣vernment unto those with whom he had amitie, and to submit the publicke affaires unto his private and particular affections: howbeit, for all this, he answered very well unto Simonides, re∣questing somewhat at his hand that was not just: Neither were he a good musician or poet, (quoth he) who should sing against measures: nor the magistrate righteous who in favour of a∣ny person doth ought against the lawes. For in truth a shamefull thing it were and a great indig∣nitie; [ 20] that in a ship the master or owner thereof should giue order to be provided of a good pi∣lot and steresman; that the pilot also should chuse good bote-swaines and other mariners,

Who can the helme rule in the sterne below, And hoise up saile above, when windes do blow.

Also that an architect or master builder, knoweth how to chuse those workemen and laborers under him, who will in no case hurt his worke, but set it forward, and take paines with him for his best behoofe: and a States-man or governour, who as Pindarus saith well,

Of justice, is the architect, And policy ought to direct.

not know at the very first to chuse friends of the same zeale and affection that he is himselfe, to [ 30] second and assist him in his enterprises, and to be as it were the spirits to inspire him with a de∣sire of well doing; but to suffer himselfe to be bent and made pliable unjustly and violentlie; now to gratifie the will of one; and anon, to serve the turne and appetite of another: For such a man resembleth properly a carpenter or mason, who by error, ignorance, and want of experi∣ence, useth his squires, his plumbs, levels and rules so, that they make his worke to rise crooked and out of square in the end. For certeinly frends be the very lively tooles, and sensible instru∣ments of governors; and in case they doe amisse and worke without the right line, the rulers themselves are not to slip and go awry with them for companie, but to have a carefull eie unto this, that unwitting to them they doe not erre and commit a fault. For this it was that wrought Solon dishonor, and caused him to be reproched and accused by his owne citizens, for that ha∣ving [ 40] an intention to ease mens greevous debts, and to bring in that which at Athens they called Sisachthia, as if one would say, an aleviation of some heavie burden which was a pleasing and plausible name, importing a generall striking out of all debts, and a cancelling of bonds; he imparted this desseigne and purpose of his to some of his friens, who did him a shrewd turne, and most unjustly wrought him much mischiefe; for upon this inkling given unto them, they made haste to take up and borrow all the money they could, as farre as their credite would ex∣tend: not long after when this edict or proclamation aforesaid concerning the annulling of all debts was come foorth and brought to light; these frends of his were found to have purchased goodly houses, and faire lands, with the monies which they had levied. Thus Solon was charged with the imputation of doing this wrong, together with them, when as himselfe indeede was [ 50] wronged and abnused by them. Agesilaus also shewed himselfe in the occasions and sutes of his frends most weake and feeble minded, more iwis than in any thing else, resembling the horse Pegasus in Euripides,

Who shrunke full low and yeelded what he could, His backe to mount, more than the rider would.

and helping his familiar frends in all their distresses more affectionatly and willingly than was meet and reason: for whensoever they were called into question in justice for any transgressions,

he would seeme to be privie and partie with them in the same. Thus hee saved one Phaebidas, who was accused to have surprised secretly the castle of Thebes called Ladmia, without commissi∣on and warrant, alledging in his defence, that such enterprises ought to be executed by his owne proper motive, without attending any other commandement. Moreover, he wrought so with his countenance and favour, that one Ephodrias, who was attaint for an unlawfull and heinous act, and namely, for entring by force and armes with a power into the countrey of Attica, what time as the Athenians were allied and confederate in amitie with the Lacedaemonians, escaped judgement, and was found unguiltie; which he did, being wrought thereto and mollified (as it were) by the amourous praiers of his sonne. Likewise, there is a missive of his found, and goeth abroad to be seene, which he wrote unto a certaine great lord or potentate in these tearmes: If [ 10] Nicias have not trespassed, deliver him for justice sake; if he have transgressed, deliver him for my sake; but howsoever it be, deliver him and let him go. But Phocion contrariwise would not so much as assist in judgement Charillus his own sonne in law, who had married his daughter, when he was called into question and indited for corruption & taking money of Harpalis, but left him and departed, saying: In all causes just and reasonable I have made you my allie, and wil imbrace your affinitie; in other cases you shall pardon me. Timoleon also the Corinthian, after that he dealt what possibly he could with his brother by remonstrance, by praiers and intreaty to re∣claime and disswade him from being a tyrant; seeing that he could doe no good on him, turned the edge of his sword against him, and joined with those that murdered him in the end: for a ma∣gistrate ought to friend a man and stand with him not onely with this gage, as farre as to the al∣tar, [ 20] that is to say, untill it come to the point of being forsworne for him, according as Pericles one day answered to a friend of his, but also thus farre forth onely, as not to doe for his sake any thing contrary to the lawes, against right, or prejudicial to the common-weale: which rule be∣ing neglected and not precisely observed, is the cause that bringeth great losse and ruine to a state; as may appeare by the example of Phoebidas and Sphodrias, who being not punished ac∣cording to their deserts, were not the least causes that brought upon Sparta the unfortunate warre and battell at Leuctrae. True it is, that the office of a good ruler and administratour of the weale-publicke, doth not require precisely and force us to use everity and to punish every slight and small trespasse of our friends; but it permitteth us after we have looked to the main-chance and secured the State, then as it were of a surplussage to succour our friends, to assist and helpe [ 30] them in their affaires, and take part with them. Moreover, there be certeine favours which may be done without envie and offence; as namely, to stand with a friend rather than another, for the getting of a good office; to bring into his hand some honourable commission, or an ea∣sie and kinde ambaslage, as namely, to be sent unto a prince or potentate in the behalfe of a city or State, onely to salute him and doe him honour; or to give intelligence unto another city of important matters, in regard of amity, league and mutual societie; or in case there fall out some businesse of trouble, difficulty and great importance, when a magistrate hath taken upon him∣selfe first the principall charge thereof, he may chuse unto him for his adjunct or assistant in the commission some especiall frend, as Diomedes did in Homer:

To chuse mine owne companion, since that you will me let, [ 40] ulysses that renowmed knight, how can I then forget?

Ulysses likewise as kindly rendreth unto him the like praise againe:

These coursers brave, concerning which of me you do demand, O aged fire, arrived heere of late, from Thracian land Are hither come, and there were bred: their lord them lost in fight, [ 50] Whom valiant Diomedes slew by force of armes outright, And twelve friends more and doughtie knights, as ever horse did ride, Were with him slaine for companie, and lay dead by his side.

This modest kinde of yeelding and submission to gratifie and pleasure friends, is no lesse ho∣nourable

to the praisers than to the parties praised; whereas contrariwise, arrogancie and selfe∣love (as Plato saith) dwelleth with solitudes, which is as much to say, as it is forsaken and aban∣doned of all the world. Furthermore, in these honest favors and kinde courtesies which we may bestow upon some frends, we ought to associate other frends besides, that they may be in some sort interessed therein also; and to admonish those who receive such pleasures at our hands, for to praise and thanke them, yea, and to take themselves beholden unto them, as having bene the cause of their preferment, and those who counselled and perswaded thereto: but if peradventure they moove us in any undecent, dishonest and unreasonable sutes, we must flatly denie them; howbeit, not after a rude, bitter & churlish sort, but mildly and gently by way of remonstrance, and to comfort them withall, shewing unto them that such requests were not beseeming their [ 10] good reputation and the opinion of their vertue. And this could Epaminondas do of all men in the world best, and shift them off after the cleanliest maner; for when hee refused at the instant sute of Pelopidas, to deliver out of prison a certeine Tavernor, and within a while after, let the same partie goe at libertie at the request of his lemon or harlot whom he loved, he said unto him: Pelopidas, such graces and favours as these, we are to grant unto our paramours and concu∣bines, and not unto such great captaines as your selfe. But Cato after a more surly and boisle∣rous sort in the like case answered unto Catulus, one of his inward and most familiar friends. This Catulus being Censour, mooved Cato who then was but Questour or Treasurer, that for his sake he would dismisse and set free one of his clerks of the Finances under him, against whom he had commensed sute and entred processe in law: That were a great shame in deed (quoth he) [ 20] for you, who are the Censour, that is to say, the corrector and reformer of our maners, and who ought to schoole and instruct us that be of the yonger sort, thus to be put out of your course by our under officers and ministers: for he might well enough have denied to condescend unto his request in deed and effect, without such sharpe and biting words, and namely, by giving him to understand that this displeasure that he did him in refusing to doe the thing, was against his will, and that he could neither will nor chuse, being forced thereto by justice and the law.

Over and besides, a man in government hath good meanes with honesty and honor to helpe his poore friends, that they may advantage themselves and reape benefit by him from the com∣mon-wealth. Thus did Themistocles after the battell at Marathon: for seeing one of them that lay dead in the field to have hanging at his necke chaines, and collars, with other bracelets of [ 30] gold about his armes, passed by, and would not seeme for his owne part to meddle with them, but turning backe to a familiar friend of his, one of his folowers; Here (quoth he) off with these ornaments and take them to your selfe, for you are not yet come to be such an one as Themi∣stocles. Moreover the affaires and occurrences daily incident in the world, doe present vnto a magistrate and great ruler such like occasions, whereby he may be able to benefit and entich his friends: for all men cannot be wealthy nor like to you ô Menemachus. Give then unto one friend a good and just cause to plead unto and defend, which he may gaine well by and fill his purse; unto another, recommend the affaires and businesse of some great and rich personage, who hath neede of a man that knoweth how to manage and order the same better than himselfe; for ano∣ther, harken out where there is a good bargaine to be made, as namely, in the undertaking of [ 40] some publicke worke, or helpe him to the taking of a good farme at a reasonable rent, whereby he may be a gainer. Epaminondas would do more than thus; for upon a time he sent one of his friends who was but poore unto a rich burgesse of Thebes, to demaund a whole talent of money freely to be given unto him, and to say, that Epammondas commanded him to deliver so much; The burgesse woondring at such a message, came unto Epaminondas, to know the cause why hee should part with a talent of silver unto him; mary (quoth he) this is the reason; The man whom I sent is honest, but poore, and you by robbing the common-wealth are become rich. And by report of Xenophon, Agesilaus tooke no smal joy & glory in this, that he had enriched his friends, whiles himselfe made no account at all of money.

But forasmuch according to the saying of Simonides, as all larks ought to have a cap or crest [ 50] upon the head; so every government of State bringeth with it enmities, envies, and litigious jealousies; this is a point wherein a man of estate and affaires ought to be well enformed and instructed. To begin therefore to treat of this argument, many there be who highly praise The∣mistocles and Aristides, for that whensoever they were to goe out of the territorie of Attica, ei∣ther in embassage or to manage warres together; they had no sooner their charge and com∣mission, but they presently laid downe all the quarrels and enmitie betweene even in the very confines and frontiers of their countrey, and afterwards when they were returned, tooke up and

enterteined them againe. Some also there are who be wonderfull well pleased with the practise and fashion of Cretinas the Magnesian. This Cretinas had for his concurrent an adversary in the government of State, a noble man of the same citie named Hermias, who although he were not very rich, yet ambitious he was, and caried a brave and hautie minde: Cretinas in the time of the warre that Mithridates made for the conquest of Asia, seeing the citie in danger, went unto the said Hermias, and made an offer unto him to take the charge of captaine generall for the defence of the citie, and in the meane while himselfe would go foorth to retire to some other place; or otherwise, if he thought better that himselfe should take upon him the charge of the warre, then he would depart out of the citie into the countrey for the time, for feare lest if they taried both behinde and hindered one another as they were woont to doe by their ambitious [ 10] minds, they should vndoo the state of the citie: This motion liked Hermias very well, who con∣fessing that Cretinas was a more expert warrior than himselfe, departed with his wife and chil∣dren out of the citie: Now Cretinas made meanes to send him out before with a convoy, put∣ting into his hands his owne money, as being more profitable to them who were without their houses and fled abroad, than to such as lay besieged within the citie, which being at the point to be lost, was by this meanes preserved beyond al hope and expectation: for if this be a noble and generous speech proceeding from a magnanimous hart, to say thus with a loud voice:

My children well I loue, but of my hart, My native soile by farre hath greater part.

Why should not they have this speech readier in their mouthes, to say unto every one? I hate [ 20] this or that man, and willing I would be to doe him a displeasure; but my native countrey I love so much the more? For not to desire to be at variance and debate still with an enimie, in such causes as for which we ought to abandon and cast off our friend, were the part of a most fell, sa∣vage, and barbarous nature: yet did Phocion and Cato better in mine opinion, who enterteined not any enmitie with their citizens in regard of difference and variance betweene them about bearing rule and government; but became implacable and irreconcilable onely in pub∣like causes, when question was of abandoning or hurting the weale publike; for otherwise in private matters, they caried themselves kindly enough, without any ranckor or malice even to∣ward them, against whom they had contested in open place, as touching the State; for we ought not to esteeme or repute any citizen an enimie, unlesse such an one be bred amongst them as [ 30] Aristion, or Nabis, or Catiline, who are to be reckoned botches rather, and pestilent maladies of a citie than citizens; for all others if haply they be at a jarre or discord, a good magistrate ought to bring them into tune and good accord againe, by gently setting up and letting downe, as a skilfull Musician would doe by the strings of his instrument; and not in anger to come upon those that are delinquents, roughly and after an outragious maner, even to their detriment and disgrace; but after a more milde and civill sort, as Homer speaketh in one place:

Certes, faire friend, I would have held, That others for your wit you had exceld.

As also in another:

You know, if that you list (iwis) [ 40] To tell a better tale than this.

Yea, and when they shall either say or do that which is good and convenient, not to shew him∣selfe to grieve and grudge at their credit and reputation which they win thereby, nor to be spa∣rie in affoording them honourable words to their commendation and advantage: for in so do∣ing, thus much will be gained, that the blame which shall be laied upon them another time when they deserve it, will be better taken, and more credit given to it: and besides, by how much more we shall exalt their vertues, so much the more we may beat downe and depresse their vices when they do amisse, by making comparison of them both, and shewing how much the one is more worthy and beseeming than the other: for mine owne part, I holde it meet and good, that a man of government should give testimony in the behalfe of his adversaries in righteous & just [ 50] causes; also assist and helpe them out of troubles, in case they be brought into question by some leawd sycophants, yea, and discredit and disable the imputations charged upon them, namely, when he seeth that such matters for which they are molested, be farre from their intention and meaning. Thus Nero, a cruell tyrant though he was, a little before he put Thraseas to death, whom he hated and feared most of all men in the world, notwithstanding one laied to his charge before him that he had given a wrong dome or unjust sentence: I would (quoth he) that I could be assured that Thraseas loved me so well as I am sure he a is most upright and just Judge. Nei∣ther

were it amisse for the astonishing & daunting of others, who be of a naughty nature, when they doe commit any grosse faults, to make mention other-whiles of some adversarie of theirs who is of a more modest behaviour and civill carriage, by saying: Such an one (I warrant you) would never have said or done thus. Moreover, it were not impertinent to put some, who doe offend, in minde of their fathers and ancestours, that have bene good and honest, like as Ho∣mer did:

A sonne (iwis) sir Tydeus left behinde, Unlike himselfe, and much growen out of kinde.

And Appius Claudius being the concurrent to Scipio Africanus, when they stood both for one magistracie, said unto him as he met him in the street: O Paulus Aemilius, how deeply wouldest [ 10] thou sigh for griefe and sorow, in case thou wert advertised that one Philonicus a Publicane or Banker and no better, accompanied and guarded thy sonne thorow the city, going downe to∣ward the assembly of Cornices for to be chosen Censour? This maner of reprehension, as it ad∣monisheth the offender, so it doth honour unto the admonisher. Nestor likewise in a Tragedie of Sophocles, answereth as politickly unto Ajax, when he reproched him, saying:

I blame not you sir Ajax, for your speech, Naught though it be; your words are nothing liech.

Semblably, Cato who had contested against Pompey, for that being combined and in league with Julius Caesar, he assaulted and forced the citie of Rome, when as afterwards they were growen to open warre one against the other, opined and gave his advice to conferre the charge and regi∣ment [ 20] of the common-weale upon Pompeius, saying withall: That they who could doe most mischiefe, were the sittest men to stay the same: for thus a blame or reproose mingled with a praise and commendation, especially, if the same grow to no opprobrious tearmes, but be con∣tained within the compasse of a franke and free remonstrance, working not a spightfull sto∣macke, but a remorse of conscience and repentance, seemeth kinde and dutifull; whereas despi∣teousreproches are never seemely and decent in the mouth of a magistrate and man of honour. Marke the opprobrious termes and taunts that Demosthenes let flie against Aeschines, those also that Aeschenes gave him; likewise the bitter frumps which Hyperides wrote against Demades; and see if Solon ever delivered such, or if there came the like out of the mouth of Pericles, of Lycur∣gus the Lacedaemonian, or of Pittacus the Lesbian; and as for Demosthenes, he forbare such [ 30] sharpe and cutting tearmes otherwise, and never used them but in pleading against some crimi∣nall causes; for his orations against Philip are cleere and voide of all nips, flouts, and scoffes whatsoever: and in truth such maner of dealing diffameth the speaker more, than those against whom they bee spoken; they bring confusion in all affaires; they trouble assemblies both in counsell house and also in common hall; In which regard, Phocion yeelding upon a time to one that was given to raile, brake off his oration, held his peace for a while and came downe; but af∣ter, the other with much a doo held his tongue and gave over his foule language, he mounted up into the place of audience againe, and going on in his former speech which was interrupted and discontinued, said thus: Now that I have already my masters spoken sufficiently of horse∣men, men of armes, and soldiours heavily armed at all peeces, it remaineth to discourse of light [ 40] footemen, and targuatiers nimbly appointed.

But forasmuch as this is an hard matter unto many, to beare with such broad language, and to conteine, and oftentimes these taunting scoffers meete with their matches, and have their mouthes stopped, and are put to silence by some pretie replies; I would wish that the same were short, pithie, and delivered in very fewe words, not shewing any heate of anger and choler, but a kinde of sweete mildenesse, after the maner of a grave laughter, yet withall somewhat tart and biting; and such ordinarily be those that are returned fitly in the same kinde against them that first began: for like as those darts which are recharged upon them that flung them first, seeme to be driven with good will, and sent backe againe with great force and firme strength of him who was stroken with them; even so it seemeth that a sharpe and biting speech retorted against [ 50] him who first spake it, commeth forceable and with a power of wit and understanding from the partie who received it; such was the replie of Epaminondas unto Callistratus, who reproched and upbraided the Thebanes and Argives with the parents of Oedipus and Orestes, for that the one being borne in Thebes slew his owne father, and the other at Argos killed his mother: true in∣deed quoth Epaminondas, and therefore we banished them out of our cities, but you receive them into yours. Semb able was the answer of Antalcidas a Lacedaemonian unto an Athenian, who said unto him after a boasting and vaunting maner: We have driven you oftentimes from

the river Cephasus; but we (quoth he) never yet drave you frō the river Eurotas: In like sort replied Phocion pleasantly upon Demades when he cried aloud, The Athenians will put thee to death if they enter once into their raging fits: But they (quoth he) will doe the same by thee, if they were in their right wits: and Crassus the oratour whē Domitius demanded this question of him; When the lamprey which you kept and fed in your poole was dead, did you never weepe for it, and say true? came upon him quickly againe in this wise: And you sir when you had buried three of of your wives one after another, did you ever shed teare for the matter, & tell troth? And verilie these rules are not onely to be practised in matters of State-affairs, but they have their use also in other parts of mans life.

Moreover, some there be who will intrude and thrust themselves into all sorts of publike af∣faires, [ 10] as Cato did; and these are of opinion, that a good citizen should not refuse any charge or publike administration so farre foorth as his power will extend: who highly commend Epami∣nondas; for that when his adversaries and evill willers upon envie had caused him to be chosen a bailife and receiver of the citie revenues, thereby to doe him a spight and shrewd turne; hee did not despise & thinke basely of the said office; but saying, that not onely magistracie sheweth what maner of man one is, but also a man sheweth what the magistracie is, he brought that of∣fice into great dignitie and reputation, which before was in no credite and account at all, as ha∣ving the charge of nothing els but of keeping the streetes cleane, of gung-farming and carying dung foorth out of the narrow lanes and blinde allies, and turning water-courses. And even I Plutarch my selfe doubt not, but I make good sport and game unto many who passe through [ 20] our citie, when they see me in the open streetes otherwhiles busie and occupied about the like matters; but to meete with such, I might helpe my selfe with that which I have found written of Antisthenes; for when some there were that meruailed much at him for carrying openly in his hands through the market place a peece of salt fish, or stock-fish which he had bought: It is for mine own selfe (quoth he alowd) that I carie it; but cōtrariwise mine answer is to such, as reprove me when they finde me in proper person present, at the measuring and counting of bricks and tiles, or to see the stones, sand, and lime laid downe, which is brought into the citie; it is not for my selfe that I builde, but for the city and common-wealth, for many other things there be, which if a man exercise or manage in his owne person and for himselfe, hee may bee thought base minded and mechanical; but in case he do it for the common-wealth and the State, and for [ 30] the countrey and place where he liveth, it cannot be accounted a vile or ungentleman-like ser∣vice, but a great credite even to bee serviceable, ready and diligent to execute the meanest functions that be. Others there are, who thinke the fashion that Pericles used to be more starely, grave, and decent, and namely Critelaus the peripateticke among the rest, who was of this mind, that as the two great galiasses, to wit, Salaminia at Athens, and Paralos were not shot or lanched into the sea for every small matter, but onely upon urgent and necessarie occasions; even so a man of government should be emploied in the chiefe & greatest affaires, like as the soveraigne and king of the worlde, according to the poet Euripides,

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 For God himselfe doth manage and dispence things of most weight, by his sole government. [ 40] But matters high and of small consequence, he doth referre to fortunes regiment.

For we cannot commend the excessive ambition, the aspiring and contentious spirit of Thea∣genes, who contented not himselfe to have gone through all the ordinary games with victory, and to have wonne the prizes in many other extraordinary mastries and feats of activity, to wit, not onely in that generall exercise Pancratton, wherein hand and foote both is put to the utter∣most at once, but also at buffets, & at running a course in the long race: Finally, being one day at a solemne anniversarie feast or yeeres-maund in the memorial of a certaine demi-god (as the manner was) when he was set, & the meat served up to the boord, he would needs rise from the [ 50] table for to performe another general Pancratium: as if forsooth it had belonged to no man in the world to atchieve the victorie in such feats but himselfe, if hee were present in place: by which profession he had gotten together as good as twelve hundred coronets, as prizes at such combats, of which the most part were of small or no valew at all; a man would say they had beene chaffe or such refuse and riffe raffe. Like unto him for all the world be those, who are rea∣die (as a man would say) at all howers to cast of all their clothes to their verie single wastcot or shirt, for to undertake all affaires that shall be presented; by which meanes, the people have

enough and too much of them; they become odious and yrkesome unto them; in such sort that if they chance to do well and prosper, they envie them; if they do otherwise than well and miscarrie, they rejoice and be glad at heart therefore. Againe, that which is admired in them at their first entrance into government, turneth in the end to a jest and meere mockerie, much af∣ter this order, Metiochus is the Generall captaine; Metiochus looketh to the high waies; Metiochus bakes our bread; Metiochus grinds our meale; Metiochus doth everie thing, and is all in all; finally, Metiochus shall pay for this one day, and crie woe is me in the end. Now was this Metiochus one of Pericles his followers and favorites, who making use of his authoritie out of measure and compasse, by the countenance thereof, would employ himselfe in all pub∣like charges and commissions whatsoever, untill at the last he became contemptible and despi∣sed. [ 10] For in truth a man of government ought so to carrie himselfe, as that the people should evermore have a longing appetite unto him, be in love with him, and alwaies dosirous to see him againe, if he be absent. This policie did Scipio Africanus praclife, who aboad the most part of the time in the countrey; by this meanes both easing himselfe of the heavie loade of envie, and also giving those the while, good leasure to take breath, who seemed to bee kept downe by his glorie. Timesias the Clazomenian, was otherwise a good man and a sufficient po∣lititian, howbeit little wist he, how he was envied in the citie, because he would seeme to do eve∣rie thing by himselfe, untill such time as there befell unto him such an accident as this. There chanced to be playing in the mids of a street as he passed by, a companie of boies, and their game was, who could draw with a cudgell a certaine cockall bone out of an hole. Some [ 20] boies there were who held, that the bone lay still within; but he who had smitten it, maintained the contrarie (and said withall) I would I had as well dashed out Timesias braines out of his head, as I am sure this bone was strucken out of the hole: Timesias ouerheard this word, and knowing thereby what envie and malice all the people bare unto him, returned home presently to his house, and told his wife the whole matter, commaunding her to trusse and packe up all both bag and baggage, and to follow after him; who immediately went out of doores, and departed for ever out of the citie Clazomene. It should seeme also that Themistocles was almost in the same plight, & wanted but a litle of the like shrewd turne from the Atheniūs, when he was driven thus to say unto them: Ah my good friends and neighbours, why are you wearie and thinke much to receive so great good at my hands? But as touching these persons above said, some words of [ 30] theirs were well placed, & others not. For a wise States-man, in care, affection & forecast, ought not to refuse any publik charge whatsoever, but to take paines in having an eie to all, & to under∣stand and know everie particular; and not to reserve himselfe close, as it were, some holy anchor or sacred tackling laid up in some secret cabin of a ship, and not to attend onely upon extremi∣ties, and to tarrie untill he be emploied upon occasions of great necessitie and utmost danger. But like as good patrons or masters of a ship, lay their own hands to some businesse, but others they performe sitting themselves a farre off by the meanes of their tooles and instruments, and by the hands of other servitors, turning about, stretching and winding up, or letting downe and slacking the ropes as they see canse, employing the mariners, some to row, others to attend and be occupied in the proo and foreship; and others againe to crie unto their fellowes to ply their [ 40] worke; and some of them they call many times into the poope, and putting the helme into their hands, set them to steere and guide the sterne; even so ought a wise governor of the com∣mon-wealth to yeeld now and then unto others the honor of commaund, and otherwhiles to call them after a gratious and courteous sort to the pulpit or publike place of audience, to make orations to the people, and not to moove all matters belonging to the State by his owne perso∣nall speeches nor by his decrees, sentences, and arts (and as it were) with his owne hands ex∣ecute everie thing; but to have about him faithfull and trustie persons to be his ministers, who might second and assist him; and those he should employ, some in this charge, and others in that, according as he seeth them to be sufficient meet and fit for employment. After this man∣ner did Pericles use Menippus for his expeditions and conduct of warre affaires: thus by the [ 50] meanes of Ephialtes he tooke downe and abridged the authoritie of the high court Areiopa∣gus. Charinus he employed in compassing and contriving the law or decree that passed against the Megarians; and Lampon he sent with a colonie for to people the citie of Thurii. And in this doing, he not onely diminished the envie of the people against himselfe, in that it seemed that his power and authoritie was thus divided and parted among manie; but also hee managed the affaires of the State better and more commodiously by far. For like as the division of the hand into fingers enfeebleth not the force of the whole hand, but maketh it more fit for use, to handle

all tooles and instruments, or to worke any thing more artificially; even so, he that in matters of government doth communicate part of the management of the publike affaires with his friends, causeth by this participation all things to be better done, and with more expedition: whereas that man, who upon an unsatiable desire to shew himselfe, to have credit, and to winne name and authoritie, laieth all the weight of the State upon his owne shoulders, and will bee doing of everie thing; undertaking oftentimes that charge, whereunto he is neither framed by nature, nor fitted by exercise; as Cleon did in leading an armie; Philopoemenes in conducting a navie; and Anniball in making orations to the people, maketh himselfe inexcusable, if happly ought fall out otherwise than well. To such an one may well be applied a verse out of Eu∣ripides: [ 10]

You worke not in timber, but in other matter Being your selfe but onely a Carpenter.

even so, you not able to deliver an eloquent speech, have undertaken an embassage; being idle and given to take your ease, you will needs have the charge of a steward and governe an house: not skilfull and readie in casting accounts, you will needs be a Treasurer or receiver, being aged and sickly, you are become a commaunder and generall of an armie. Pericles did farre better than so; for he parted the government with Cimon; and retaining to himselfe the whole power of ruling within the citie, he left unto Cimon full commission and authority to man the Armado, and in the meane while to make war upon the Barbarians, because he knew his owne selfe more fit for civill regiment at home, & the other more meet for warlike command abroad. In this re∣spect [ 20] Eubulus the Anaphlystian is highly commended, who, notwithstanding the people had a great affiance and trust in him, yea and gave him as much credit as no man more, yet could hee never be brought to deale in the forraine affaires of Greece, nor to take upon him the conduct of an armie; but resolving with himselfe ever frō the beginning to attend & be emploied in manie matters he mightily encreased the revenewes of the citie, and enriched the State exceedingly. But Iphicrates for exercising & practising to make declamations at home in his owne house in the presence of many others made a foole of himselfe, & was laughed to skorne for his labor: for say that he had prooved no bad orator, but a most excellent speaker; yet should he have stood contented with the reputation that he had woon of a good warrior, by feats of armes, and have left the schooles of Rhetoricke, for sophisters, orators, and such professors. [ 30]

But forasmuch as all common people are by nature malignant, especially to those who are in place of authoritie, taking pleasure to quarrell and finde fault with them; and suspecting ordina∣rily that many profitable acts and ordinances by them set downe, unlesse they be debated by fa∣ctions & with some contradiction, are contrived by secret intelligence under hand, & by way of conspiracie; even this is the thing that most of all bringeth the private amities and societies of States-men and governours into an ill name and obloquie: howbeit, for all this, we are not to admit or grant unto them any true enmitie in deed or discord, as did sometimes a popular man and a governour of Chios, named Onomademus, who after he had in a certeine seditious tumult gotten the upper hand of his adversaries, would not banish out of the citie all those who had ta∣ken part against him: For feare lest that (quoth he) we fall out with our friends, when we have [ 40] no more enemies: for surely this were meere follie. But whensoever the people shall supect any ordinance or act proposed which is of great consequence and tending to their good, it behoo∣veth not at such a time, that all (as it were) of one complot should deliver one and the same sen∣tence; but that two or three opposing themselves without violence, should contradict their friend, and afterwards being convinced and overweighed by sound reasons, change their minde and raunge themselves to his opinion; for by this meanes they draw the people with them, namely, when they seeme themselves to be brought thereto in regard of a publike benefit and cōmoditie. And verily in trifling matters & of no great importance, it were not amisse to suffer our very friends in good earnest to differ and disagree from us, and to let every one take his way and follow his owne minde, to the end that when some maine points and principall matters of [ 50] greatest moment shall come in question and be debated, it might not be thought that they have complotted together, and so growen to a point and accord about the best.

Moreover, we are thus to thinke: That a wise man and a politician is by nature alwaies the governour and chiefe magistrate of a citie, like as the king among the Bees: and upon this per∣swasion he ought to have evermore the reines in his hand, and to sway the affaires of State: howbeit he is not very often nor too hotly for to seeke after and pursue the offices and dignities which the people doe nominate and chuse by their free voices: for this office-managing, and

desire to be alwaies in place of authoritie, is neither venerable for his person, nor yet plausible to the people; and yet must not he reject the same, in case the people call him lawfully to it, and conferre the same upon him, but to accept thereof, although peradventure they be offices some∣what inferiour to the reputation that he hath already, yea, and to employ himselfe therein wil∣lingly and with good affection: for reason it is and equitie, that as we our selves have bene ho∣noured already by places of great dignitie, so reciprocally we should grace and countenance those which be of meaner qualitie; and whensoever we shall be chofen to supreame magistra∣cies, to wit, unto the estate of L. Governour and generall captaine in the citie of Athens, or the Prytanship in Rhodes, or Boeotarchie which is here in Boeotia, it may beseeme us very wel in mo∣destie to yeeld and rebate a little of the sovereigne power in our port, and with moderation to [ 10] exercise the same; but contrariwise unto meaner roomes to adde more dignity, and shew grea∣ter countenance, to the end that we be not envied in the one or despised in the other.

Now for a man that entreth newly into any office whatsoever it be, he ought not onely to call to remembrance, and use the speeches that Pericles made the first time that he tooke upon him the rule of State, and was to shew himselfe in open place: namely, Looke to thy selfe Peri∣cles, thou rulest free men and not bond-slaves; thou governest Greeks and not Barbarians; nay, thou art the head magistrate of the citizens of Athens; but also he is to reason and say thus to himselfe: Thou art a commander and yet a subject withall; thou art the ruler of a citie under Romane Proconsuls, or els the Procuratours, Lieutenants and Deputies of Caesar. Here are not the plaines (as he said) of Lydia, for to runne with the launce, nor the ancient city Sardeis, ne yet [ 20] the puissance of the Lydians which was in times past. The robe must not be made so large, it must be worne more straite; your eie must be alwaies from the Emperours pavilion unto the tribunall seat of justice; and you are not to take so great pride, nor trust so much unto a crowne standing upon the head, seeing how horned shoes of the Romane Senators are above the same: but herein you ought to imitate the actours and plaiers in Tragedies, who adde somewhat of their owne to the roll or written part that they do play, to wit, their passionate affection, gesture, accent and countenance which is fit and agreeable to the person that they do represent; and yet withall, they forget not to have an eie and eare both, to the prompters. This (I say) we must do, for feare lest we passe those bounds and exceed the measures of that libertie which is given us by those who have the power to command us, for I assure you, to goe beyond those precincts [ 30] and limits, bringeth with it danger; I say not to be hissed from off the stage, and to be laughed out of our coats; but many there have bene

Upon whose necks for punishment, The edge of trenchant axe and gleave Hath fallen, to end all their torment, And head from bodie soone did reave.

as it befell to Pardalus your countrey-man, with those about him, for stepping a little at one side without their limits. And such another also there was, who being confined into a certaine desert isle, became (as Solon saith)

A Sicinit an or Pholegandrian, [ 40] Who borne sometime was an Athenian.

We laugh hartily at little children, to see how otherwhiles they goe about to put their fathers shooes upon their owne feete, or to set crownes upon their heads in sport; and governors of ci∣ties relating foolishly oftentimes unto the people, the woorthie acts of their predecessors; their noble courage and brave minds, their notable enterprises atchieved, farre different and dispro∣portioned to the present times & proceedings in their daies, and exhorting them to follow the same, set the multitude aloft: but as they doe ridiculously, so afterwards (beleeve me) they suf∣fer not that which deserveth to be laughed at, unlesse haply they be so base minded, that for their basenesse there is no account made of them. For many other histories there bee of ancient Greece, which affoord examples to bee recounted unto men living in this age, for to instruct [ 50] and reforme their manners; as namely, those at Athens which put the people in remembrance, not of the prowesse of their ancestors in martial affaires, but for example to decree of that gene∣rall abolition and oblivion of all quarrels and matters past, which sometimes was concluded there, after that the citie was delivered and freed from their captivitie under the thirtie Tyrants, as also another act, by vertue whereof they condemned in a grievous fine the Poet Phrymchus, for that he represented in a Tragedie the winning and racing of the citie Miletus. Likewise, how by a publike ordinance, every man woare chaplets of flowers upon their heads, when they heard

say that Cassander reedified Thebes: and how, when intelligence came of the cruell execution and bloody massacre committed in Argos, wherein the Argives caused to be put to death 1500. of their owne citizens, they caused in a solemne procession and generall assembly of the whole citie, an expiatorie sacrifice to be carried about, that it might please the gods to avert and turne away such cruell thoughts from the harts of the Athenians; semblaby, how at what time as there was a generall search made throughout the citie in everie house for those who banded with Harpalus, they passed by one house onely of a man newly married, and would not suffer it to be searched. For in these precedents & such like, they might well enough in these daies imitate and resemble their ancient forefathers. But as for the battell of Marathon: the field fought neere the river Eurynedon, and the noble fight at Plateae, with other such examples which doe no∣thing else but blow and puffe up a multitude with vanitie, they should leave such stories for the [ 10] schooles of Sophisters and masters of Rhetorike.

Well, we ought not in our severall governments to have a due regard onely to mainteine our selves and our cities so wisely, that our sovereignes have no occasion to complaine; but we must take order also to have one great Seigniour or other, who hath most authoritie at Rome, and in the court of the emperour, to be our fast and speciall frend; who may serve us in steed of a rampier to backe us, and to defend all our actions and proceedings in the government of our countries: for such lords and great men of Rome stand ordinarily passing well affected to those affaires, which their dependants and favorits doe follow, and the fruit which may be rea∣ped by the amitie and favour of such grand-Seigniours, it were not good and honest to convert [ 20] into the advancement and enriching of our selves, and our particular private frends; but to im∣ploy the same as Polybius did sometime and Panaetius, who by the meanes of the good grace of Scipio wherein they stood, did benefit and advantage their countrey exceeding much: in which number may be ranged Arius, for when Caesar Augustus had forced the citie Alexandria, he entred into it, holding Arius by the hand, and devising with him alone of all his other friends what was to be done more: afterwards when the Alexandrians looked for no other but sackage and all extremities, and yet besought him to pardon them; I pardon you (quoth he) and receive you into my grace and favour, first in regard of the nobilitie and beautie of your city; secondly for Alexander the great his sake, the founder thereof; and thirdly for the love of this my friend Arius your citizen. May a man with any reason compare with this gracious favour, the most [ 30] large and gainfull commissions of ruling and governing provinces, which many make so great suit for at the court, and that with such abject servitude and base subjection, that some of them have even waxen old in giving attendance thereabout, at other mens gates; leaving in the meane while their owne home affaires at sixe and seven? were it not well to correct and amend a little the sentence in Euripides, singing and saying it thus? If it bee honest and lawfull to watch and make court at the gates of another, and to be subject to the sute of some great Seig∣niour: surely most commendable and behoovefull it were so to doe, for the love and benefit of a mans country, in all other cases to seeke and embrace amities, under just and equall con∣ditions.

Moreover, a governour in yeelding and reducing his country unto the obedience of migh∣tie [ 40] sovereignes abroad, ought to take good heed that he bring it not into servile subjection, lest when it is once tied by the legge, he suffer it to be bound also by the necke: for some there be who reporting all things both little and great unto these potentates, make this their servi∣tude reprochable; or to speake more truely, they deprive their country of all policie and forme of government, making it so fearefull, timorous, and fit for no authoritie and command at all; and like as they who use themselves to live so physically, that they can neither dine nor suppe, nor yet bath without their physitian, have not so much benefit of health as nature it selfe doth affoord them; even so those cities and States which for every decree and resolution of their counsell, for all grace and favour, yea and for the smallest administration of publike affaires, must needs adjoigne the consent, judgement, and good liking of those Seigniours and good [ 50] masters of theirs, they even compell the said great lords to be more powerfull and absolute over them than they would themselves. The causes hereof commonly be these; to wit, the avarice, jealousie, and emulation of the chiefe and principall citizens in a State; for that being desirous otherwhiles to oppresse and keepe under those who be their inferiors, they constraine them to abandon their owne cities, or else being at some debate and difference with other citizens their equals, and unwilling to take the foile one at anothers hand in their owne citie; they have re∣course unto other superior lords, and so bring in forreiners who are their betters. Heereupon

it commeth to passe, that Senate, people, judiciall courts, and all that little authoritie and power which they had is utterly lost. A good governour therefore ought to remedy this mis∣chiefe, by appeasing such burgesses as be private and meane citizens, by equalitie, and those who are great and mightie, by reciprocall yeelding one to another; and so by this course to keepe all affaires within the compasse of the citie, to compose all quarrels, and determine all controversies at home, curing and healing such inconveniences as secret maladies of a com∣mon-wealth, with a civill and politicke medicine; that is to say, to chuse rather for his owne part for to be vanquished and overthrowen among fellow-citizens, than to vanquish & win the victorie by forren power, & not to offer wrong unto his natural country, and be a cause to over∣throw the rights and priviledges thereof; as for all others, he is to beseech them, yea and to per∣swade [ 10] with them particularly one by another, by good reasons and demonslrances, of how ma∣nie calamities peevish obstinacie is the cause; and now because they would not ech one in his turne & course frame and accommodate themselves at home to their fellow-citizens, who ma∣nie times be of one minde and linage to their neighbours and companions in charges and of∣fices, and that with honour and good favour; they are come to this passe, as to detect and lay open the secret dissentions and debates of their owne citie, at the gates of their advocates, and to put their causes into the hands of pragmaticall lawyers (at Rome) with no lesse shame and ignominie, than losse and damage.

Physicians are wont when they cannot expell and fully exclude out of the bodie inwardlie some kinde of maladies, to turne and drive the same without forth to the superficiall parts; but [ 20] contrariwise, a man of government, if he be not able to keepe a citie altogether in peace & con∣cord, but that some troubles will arise, yet at leastwise he must endevour to conteine that within the citie which is the cause thereof, and nurceth the sedition, and in keeping it close to la∣bour for to heale and remedie it; to this end, that if it be possible he have no need either of phy∣sician or physicke from forren parts; for the intentions of a man of State and government ought to be these, namely, to proceed in his affaires surely, and to flie the violent and furious motions of vaine-glorie, as hath beene said alreadie, howbeit in his resolution,

A courage bold and full of confidence Undaunted heart, and fearlesse be must have Which will not quatle for any consequence, [ 30] But see the end: much like to sculdiors brave In field themselves who manly do behave, And hazard lims and life for to defend Their countrey deere, and enemies to off end.

and not onely to oppose himselfe against enemies, but also to be armed against perilous trou∣bles and dangerous tumults, that he may be readie to resist and make head: for he ought not in any case himselfe to moove tempests and raise commotions, no nor when he seeth boisterous stormes comming, forsake and leave his countrey in time of need. He must nor (I say) drive his citie under his charge upon apparent danger, but so soone as ever it once begin to be tossed, and to float in jeopardie, than is it his part to come to succor, by casting out from himselfe (as [ 40] it were) a sacred Anchor, that is to say, to use his boldnesse and libertie of speech, considering that now the maine point of all lieth a bleeding, even the safetie of his countrey. Such were the dangers that hapned unto Pergamus in Neroes time, and of late daies to the Rhodians, during the Empire of Domitian, as also before unto the Thessalians, while Augustus was Emperour, by occasion that they had burned Petraeus quick. In these and such like occurrences, a man of State and government, especially if he be woorthie of that name:

Never shall you see Sleepie for to bee.

nor drawing his foote backe for feare, no nor to blame and lay the fault of others, ne yet to make shift for one, and put himselfe out of the medley of danger, but either going in embassage, or [ 50] embarked in some ship at sea; or else readie to speake first, and to say not onely thus

We we Apollo, have this murder don From these our coasts, avert this plague anon.

but although himselfe be not culpable at all with the multitude, yet will he put his person into danger for them. For surely this is an act right honest, and besides the honestie in it selfe, it hap∣neth divers times; that the vertue and noble courage of such a man hath beene so highly admi∣red, that it hath daunted the anger conceived against a whole multitude, and dispatched all the

fiercenesse and furie of a bitter menace: like as it befell unto a King of Persia in regard of Bulis and Sperthis two gentlemen of Sparta: and as it was seene in Pompey to his host and friend Sthe∣non: for when he was fully determined to chastice the Mamertines sharpely, and to proceede against them in all rigor, for that they had rebelled, the said Sthenon stept unto him, and thus frankly spake: That he should do neither well nor justly, in case he did to death a number of in∣nocents, for one man who alone was faultie; for it is I my selfe (quoth he) who caused the whole citie to revolt and take armes, inducing my friends for love, and forcing mine enemies for feare. These words of his went so neere unto the heart of Pompey, that he pardoned the citie, and most courteously entreated Sthenon; semblaby, the host of Sylla, having shewed the like valour and vertue, although it were not to the like person, died a noble death: for when Sylla had woon [ 10] the citie Praenesle by assault, he meant to put all the inhabitants thereof to the sword, excepting onely one host of his, whom in regard of old hospitalite he spared and pardoned: but this host & friend said flatly unto him, that he would never remaine alive to see that bloudy massacre, not hold his life by the murtherer of his countrey; and so cast himselfe into the troupe of his fellow∣citizens in the heate of execution, and was killed with them. Well, pray unto the gods we ought to preserve and keepe us that we fall not into such calamities and troublesome times; to hope also and looke for better daies.

Moreover, we are to esteeme of everie publike magistracie, and of him who exerciseth it, as of a great and sacred thing, and in that regard to honour the same above all. Now the honour which is due unto authoritie, is the mutuall accord and love of those who are set in place to exer∣cise [ 20] the same together: and verily this honor is much more worth, than either all those crownes and diademes which they beare upon their heads, or their stately mantles and roabes of purple, wherewith they be arraied. Howbeit, they that laid the first ground and beginning of amitie; their service in warres, when they were fellow-souldiors, or the passing of their youthfull yeeres together; and contrariwise, take this a cause now of enmitie, that they either are joined captaines in commission for the conduct of an armie, or have the charge of the Common-weale toge∣ther, it can not be avoided, but that they must incur one of these three mischiefes. For either if they esteem their fellowes and companions in government to be their equals, they begin them∣selves first to grow into tearmes of dissention; or if they take them to be their betters, they fall to be envious; or else in case they hold them to be inferiour unto them in good parts, they de∣spise, & contemne them. Whereas they should indeed make court unto the greater, honor and [ 30] adorne their equals, and advance their inferiors, and in one word to love and embrace all, as ha∣ving an amitie and love engendred among themselves, not because they have eaten at one table, drunke of the same cup, or met together at one feast, but by a certaine common band and pub∣like obligation, as having in some sort a certaine fatherly benevolence, contracted and growen upon the common affection unto their countrey. Certes, one reason why Scipio was not so well thought of at Rome was this; that having invited all his friends to a solemne feast at the dedica∣tion of his temple to Hercules, he left out Mummius his colleague or fellow in office: for say that otherwise they tooke not one another for so good friends; yet so it is that at such a time and upon such occasions, they ought to have honored and made much one of the other, by reason [ 40] of their common magistracie. If then Scipio, a noble personage otherwise, and a man of woon∣derfull regard, incurred the imputation and note of insolencie and presumption, because he for∣gat or omitted so small a demonstration and token of humanitie: how can it be, that he who go∣eth about to impaire the dignitie and credit of his companions in government, or discrediteth and digraceth him in those actions, especially which proceed from honour and bountie, or up∣on an arrogant humour of his owne, will seeme to do all, and attribute the whole to himselfe alone, how can such an one (I say) be reputed, either modest or reasonable? I remember my selfe, that when I was but of yoong yeres, I was sent with another, in embassage to the Proconsul; and for that my companion staid about (I wot not what behind) I went alone and did that which we had in commission to do together: after my returne, when I was to give an account unto the [ 50] State, and to report the effect of my charge & message back againe; my father arose, and taking me apart, willed me in no wise to speak in the singular number, & say, I departed or went, but We departed; Item, not I said, or (quoth I) but We said; & in the whole recitall of the rest to joine al∣waies my companion, as if he had been associat & at one hand with me in that which I did alone. And verily this is not onely decent, convenient, and civill, but that which more is, it taketh from glorie that which is offensive, to wit envie, which is the cause that great captaines attribute and ascribe their noble acts to fortune and their good angell, as did Timoleon, even he who overthrew

the Tyrannies established in Sicilie; who founded and erected a temple to Good-Fortune. Py∣thou also when he was highly praised and commended at Athens for having slaine king Cotys with his owne hand; It was God (quoth he) who for to doe the deed used my hand. And Theo∣pompus king of the Lacedemonians, when one said unto him that Sparta was saved and stood vp∣right, for that their kings know how to rule well; Nay rather (quoth he) because the people know how to obey well: and to say a truth, both these depend one upon the other; howbeit, most men are of this opinion, and so they give out; that the better part of policie or knowledge belonging to civill government lieth in this, to fit men, and frame them meete to be well ruled and commanded; for in every citie there is alwaies a greater number of subjects than rulers, and ech one in his turne (especially in a popular state) is governour but a while, and for it, afterwards [ 10] continueth governed all the rest of his life, in such sort, that it is a most honest and profitable apprentiship (as it were) to learne for to obey those who have authoritie to command, although haply they have meaner parts otherwise, and be of lesse credite and power than our selves: for a meer absurditie it were, that (wheras a principall or excellent actour in a Tragedie, such as Theo∣dorus was or Potus, for hire waiteth oftentimes upon another mercenarie plaier who hath not above three words in his part to say, and speaketh unto him in all humilitie and reverence, be∣cause peradventure he hath the roiall band of a diademe about his head, and a scepter in his hand) in the true and unfained actions of our life, and in case of policie and government, a rich and mightie person should despise and set light by a magistrate for that he is a simple man o∣therwise, and peradventure poore and of meane estate, yea and proceede to wrong, violate and [ 20] impaire the publike dignitie wherein he is placed, yea and to offer violence thereby unto the authoritie of a State; whereas he ought rather with his owne credite and puissance, helpe out the defect and weakenesse of such a man, and by his greatnesse, countenance, his authoritie: for thus in the citie of Lacedemon, the kings were woont to rise up out of their thrones before the Ephori, and whosoever els was summoned & called by them, came not an ordinary foot-pace, or faire and softly, but running in great haste, in token of obedience, and to shew unto other citi∣zens how obeisant they were, taking a great joy and glorie in this, that they honour their ma∣gistrates, not as some vaine-glorious and ungracious sots, voide of all civilitie and manners, wanting judgement and discretion, who to shewe forsooth their exceeding power upon which they stande much and pride themselves, will not let to offer abuse unto the judges and wardens [ 30] of the publike games, combats, and pastimes, or to give reprochfull termes to those that leade the dance, or set out the plaies in the Bacchanale feast, yea and mocke captaines, and laught at the presidents & wardens of the publik exercises for youth, who have not the wit to know; That to give honour is oftentimes more honorable than to be honored: for surely to an honourable person who beareth a great sway, & carieth a mightie port with him in a citie, it is a greater orna∣ment & grace to accompany a magistrate, and as it were to guard and squire him, than if the said magistrate should put him before or seeme to waite upon him in his traine; and to say a truth, as this were the way to worke him displeasure and procure him envie from the hearts of as ma∣nie as see it; so the other would win him true glorie which proceedeth of love and benevolence: And verily when such a man is seene otherwhiles in the magistrates house, when he saluteth or [ 40] greeteth him first, and either giveth him the upper-hand, or the middle place as they walke to∣gether, he addeth an ornament to the dignirie of the citie, and looseth thereby none of his own, Moreover, it is a popular thing, and that which gaineth the hearts of the multitude, if such a per∣son can beare patiently the hard tearmes of a magistrates whiles he is in place, and endure his cholericke fits; for then he may with Diomedes in Homer say thus to himselfe:

How ever now I little do say, It will be mine honor another day.

Or as one said of Demosthenes; Well, he is not now Demosthenes onely, but he is a law-giver, he is a president of the sacred plaies and solemne games, and a crowne he hath upon his head, &c. and therefore it is good to put up all nowe, and to deferre vengeance untill another time; for [ 50] either we shall come upon him when he is out of his office, or at least wise wee shall gaine thus much by delay, that choler will be well cooled and allaied by that time.

Moreover, in any government or magistracie whatsoever, a good subject ought to strive (as it were) a vie with the rulers, especially if they be persons of good sort and gracious behaviour, in diligence, care, and fore-cast for the benefit of the State; namely, in going to them, to give notice and intelligence of whatsoever is meet to be done, in putting into their hands for to be executed that which he hath with mature deliberation rightly resolved upon, in giving meanes

unto them for to win themselves honour, and that by the benefit of the common-weale: But if such persons they be, as either for feare & false heart, or upon a froward peevishnesse & disposi∣tion give no eare to such motions, and are not willing to put that in execution which is presen∣ted unto them; then it is his part himselfe in person to go and declare the same in publike place to the body of the people, and in no wise to neglect, disanull, or passe with connivence any thing that concerneth the weale-publike, and never to pretend any colourable excuse, by say∣ing, it appertained unto none other but the head magistrate, thus to deale curiously and be busi∣sie occupied in medling with the affaires of State; for a general law there is which giveth alwaies the first and principall place of rule in a common-wealth unto him who dealeth justly, practiseth righteousnesse, and knoweth what is expedient and profitable, as we may see by the example of [ 10] Xenophon, who in one place writeth thus of himselfe: There was in the armie (quoth he) one na∣med Xenophon, who was neither Lord Generall, nor Lieutenant; but for skill and knowledge of that which was to be done, and for resolution to enterprize and execute the same, put himselfe forward and gave charge unto others, wherein he so behaved himselfe that he saved the Greeks. And the most glorious feate of armes that ever Philopaemen atchived was this, that when hee heard newes how king Agis had surprized the citie of Messene, and that the generall of the Achaeans would not go with aide and rescue, but drew backe for feare; he with a troupe of the most forward and resolute gallants, without warrant or commission from the State, delivered the said citie from out of the hands of Agis: which I write not as if I allowed innovations or such newe enterprizes and extraordinary attempts upon every small and light occasion, but [ 20] onely either in time of need and extremitie, as Philopaemen did then, or for honest occasions, as Epaminondas, who continued in his Beotarchie fower moneths longer than was ordinary by the lawes of the countrey, during which time he put on armes, and entred into Laconia, reedified Messene, and peopled it, to the end that if afterwards there should ensue any complaint or im∣putation, we may answer with credit, and either alledge for excuse, necessitie, or set against it the perill to which we exposed our selves, the bravenesse of the exploit, and the service so well per∣formed, to make amends and recompence.

There is reported a sentence of Jason who long since was the Tyrant or Monarch of Sictlie, which he had often in his mouth, and alwaies repeated so often as he did violence or outrages to any of his subjects, that they cannot choose but commit unjustice in smal matters, who would [ 30] do justice in great causes; as if a man would say, that necessarie it is for him to offer wrong in detaile who mindeth to do right in the grosse. But as touching this sentence, a man may soone perceive at the first sight, that it is a speech meet for him that intendeth to make himselfe an ab∣solute lord, and to usurpe tyrannie. Yet is this rule more civill and politike, that a governour to gratifie the peole, is to passe by small matters, and to winke at them, that hee may in greater things stand against them, and stay them from breaking out to farre. For he that in everie thing will be peering and looking too narrowly without any yeelding or relaxation, but is alwaies se∣vere rigorous and inexorable, doth by his example traine and accustome the people likewise to be quarrelsome and contentious with him, yea and to be readie upon all occasions to take of∣fence and discontentment: [ 40]

But softly for to strike the saile Or slacke the helme doth much availe With violence when billowes great Arise and on the ship do beat.

and even so a governour ought in some things to yeeld, and not to bee so precise and straight laced himselfe, but to sport as it were and take his pastimes graciously with his people, as name∣ly to celebrate festivall sacrifices, beholde solemne plaies, games, and combats, and to sit in the theaters with them, partly in making semblant as though he neither saw nor heard many things, like as we are wont to doe by the faults at home of our little children; to the end that the autho∣ritie of reproving them roundly, and admonishing them frankely, like unto the vertue of a me∣dicine [ 50] not dull and enervate with much use, but remaining still in full vigor and strength, may be more effectuall, carie the greater credite, touch the quicke indeed, and sting in matters of greater consequence. Alexander the great, when he heard that his sister had beene too famili∣arly acquainted with a lustie yoong gentleman and a beautifull, was nothing displeased there∣with, but said; We must give her also a little leave to enjoy-somewhat the pleasure and preroga∣tive of a prince; which was neither well done of him to allow such things in her, nor yet with good respect of his owne honour and dignitie; for we ought not to thinke this the fruition, but

the ruine and dishonour rather of a princely State. And therefore a wise governour will not permit as much as possibly lieth in him, that the bodie of the people shall doe injurie to any particular inhabitants, as namely in confiscation of other mens goods, or in distribution and parting among themselves the money of the common stocke; but to resist such courses with all his power, and with remonstrances, perswasions, thereats, and menaces withstand the inordinat desires of a multitude: contrarie to the practise of Cleon and his followers at A∣thens, who feeding and fostering such foolish appetites and corrupt humors of the people, cau∣sed many drone bees (as Plato saith) to breed in the city, who did no other good but sting and pricke one or other. But if the people at any time take occasion by solemnising some festivall day, according to the custome of the countrey, or by the honour of some god or goddesse, to [ 10] set out any goodly shew, play or stately spectacle, or to distribute some small dole, or to exhi∣bit a pleasant gratuitie, honest courtesie, or publicke magnificence; lawfull it is and reasonable, that they should in such cases enjoy in some sort the fruit both of their libertie, and also of their wealth and prosperitie. For in the governments of Pericles and Demetrius Phalereus, there bee many examples extant of the like nature; as for Cimon he beautified the market place of Athens with rowes of palme trees, planted directly, and raunged by him, with pleasant walkes and faire allies. And Cato seeing about the time of Catilines conspiracie, that the commons of Rome were in a commotion and hurliburly by the faction of Julius Caesar; and growen in manner to these tearmes, for to bring in a change and alteration of the whole State; perswaded the Senate to ordeine, that there should be some pety dole of money given among the poore commoners; [ 20] which comming in so good and fit a time, appeased the tumult, and repressed the sedition and insurrection that was like to grow. For like as a learned and expert physician, after hee hath ta∣ken away a great quantitie of corrupt blood from his patient, giveth him anon some little nou∣rishment that is good and holsome; even so a discreet and well advised ruler of a popular State, when he hath put the people by some great matter which tended to their shame and losse, will againe by some light gratuitie and pleasure which he is content to graunt, cheere and recomfort them, yea and allay their moode when they bee readie to whine and complaine. And other∣whiles, good pollicie it is, of purpose to withdraw them from some foolerie, unto which with∣out all sense and reason their minde and affection standeth, to draw and leade them unto other things that be good and profitable; like as Demades his practise was, at what time as he had the [ 30] receit of all the revenues of the citie under his hands; for when the people of Athens were fully bent to send foorth certeing gallies, for to succour those who had taken armes and rebelled against Alexander the great, and to that effect commaunded him to disburse money for the charges, hee made this speech unto them; My masters, there is money ready for you, for I have provided so, that I purpose to deale among you at this feast of Bacchanales, that eve∣rie one of you may have halfe a Mua of silver now if you list to employ the fame money to the setting out of a fleet, you may doe what pleaseth you with your owne, use it, or abuse it at your pleasure, it is all one to mee: by this cunning device, having turned them from the rigging and manning of the armado which they purposed to set out, and all for feare they should lose the benefit of the foresaid dole or largesse which hee promised and pretended, [ 40] he staied them from offending king Alexander, that he had no cause to finde himselfe greeved with them. Many such fits and humors are the people given unto, both hurtfull and dammage∣able unto them; which it were impossible to breake them of, going directly to worke; but a man must go about with them, & by turnings & windings compasse them to his mind: like as Phoci∣on did upon a time when the Athenians would have had him in al haste to make a road & invade the countrey of Boeotia; for he caused incontinently proclamation to be made by sound of trum∣pet; That all citizens from fourteene yeeres of age upward unto threescore, should shew them∣selves in armes and follow him; upon which proclamation, when there arose a great noise and stirre among the elder sort, who began to mutine, for that he woulde force them at those yeeres to the warres: What a strange matter sirs is this (quoth he) I my selfe am fourescore yeeres of [ 50] age, and you shall have me with you for your captaine. By this meanes a politicke governour may put by and breake the ranke of many unseasonable and needlesse embassages; namely, by joining many of them in commission together, and those whom he seeth to be unfit altogether for such voiages; thus may he stay the enterprises of going in hand with many great buildings unnecessary and to no purpose, in commanding them at such times to contribute money there∣to out of their owne purses; also hinder the processe of many uncivill and undecent sures, name∣ly, by assigning one and the same time for apparance in court, and for to be emploied in sollici∣ting

causes abroad in forren parts: & for to bring these things about, he must draw and associate unto him those principall authors who have drawne out in writing any such bils to be proposed, or have incited the people and put those matters in their heads; and to them he shall intimate those crosse courses abovesaid; for either if they start backe and keepe out of the way, they shall seeme themselves to breake that which they proposed; or if they accept thereof and be present, they shall be sure to take part of the trouble and paines that is imposed upon them. Now when there shall be question of any exploit to be done of great consequence, and tending much to the good of the State, which requireth no small travell, industrie, and diligence; then have a spe∣ciall regard and endevour, I advise you, to chuse those friends of yours who are of most suffici∣encie, and of greatest authoritie, and those among the rest which are of the mildest and best na∣ture; [ 10] for such you may be sure will crosse you least, and assist you most; so long as they have wit at will, and be withall voide of jealousie and contention. And heerein it behooveth a man to know wel his owne nature, and finding that whereunto he is lesse apt than an other, to chuse for his adjuncts those rather whō he perceiveth to be better able to go through with the businesse in hand, than such as otherwise be like unto himselfe: for so Diomedes being deputed to go in espi∣all for to view the campe of the enimies, chose for his cōpanion the wariest & best advised per∣son of all the Greeks, & let passe the most valiant souldiours. By this meanes all actions shall be counterpoised best, & lesse jealousie and emulation will grow betweene them who are desirous to have their good parts & valor seeme indifferent in vertues & qualities. If you have a cause to plead, or be to go in embassage; chuse for your companion & assistant (if you find your selfe not [ 20] meet to speak) some man that is eloquent, like as Pelopidas in the like case chose Epaminondas. If you thinke your selfe unmeet to enterteine the common people with courtesie & affability, and of too high and loftie a minde for to debase your selfe and make court unto them, as Callicrati∣das the captaine of the Lacedemonians was; take one unto you who is gracious, and can skill to court it and give enterteinment. If your bodie be weake or feeble, and not able to endure much paines; have one with you who hath a stronger bodie, and who can away with travell, as Nicias did Lamachus. For this is the reason that Geryones was so woonderfull, because that having many legs, many armes, and many eies, yet hee with all them was ruled and governed by one soule. But wise governors if they accord and agree well, may conferre and lay together not onely their bodies and goods, but also their fortunes, their credits and their vertues, and make [ 30] use of them all in one affaire, in such sort that they shall compasse and execute fully whatsoever they enterprise, much better than any other whatsoever: and not as the Argonautes did, who af∣ter they had left Hercules, were constrained to have recourse unto the charmes, sorceries and enchantments of women for to save themselves, and to steale away the golden fleece.

Certeine temples there be, into which whosoever did enter, must leave without doores all the gold that they had about them; and as for iron they might not presume to goe withall into any one whatsoever. Considering therefore that the tribunall and judiciall seat of justice is the tem∣ple of Jupiter, surnamed the Counsellor and Patron of cities, of Themis also and Dice, that is to say, equitie and justice; before ever thou set foote to mount up into it, presently rid and cleere thy soule of all avarice and covetousnesse of monie, as if it were iron, and a very maladie full of [ 40] rust, and throw it farre from thee into the merchants hall, into the shops of tradesmen, occupi∣ers, banquers and usurers:

As for thy selfe, flie from such pelfe.

shun it I say as far off as you can, & make this reckoning, that whosoever enricheth himselfe by the managing of the common-weale, is a church-robber, committing sacrilege in the highest degree, robbing temples, stealing out of the sepulchers of the dead, picking the coffers of his friends: making himselfe rich by treachery, treason, & false-witnes: thinke him to be an untrusty and faithlesse counseller, a perjured judge, a corrupt magistrate, and full of briberie; in one word polluted and defiled with all wickednesse, and not cleere of any sinne whatsoever that may be committed; and therefore I shall not neede to speake more of this point. [ 50]

As for ambition, although it carrie with it a fairer shewe than avarice, yet neverthelesse it bringeth after it a traine of mischiefes and plagues, no lesse dangerous and pernitious unto the government of a common-wealth: for accompanied it is ordinarily with audatious rashnesse more than it; inasmuch as it useth not to breed in base mindes, or in natures feeble and idle, but principally in valiant, active, and vigorous spirits; and the voice of the people, who by their praises lift it up many times and drive it forward, maketh the violence thereof more hard to be restrained, managed, and ruled Like as therefore Plato writeth, that we ought to accustom yong

boies even from their verie infancie to have this sentence resounding in their eares: That it is not lawfull for them neither to carrie gold about their bodies as an outward ornament, nor so much as to have it in their purses, for that they have other golde as a proper coffer of their owne, and the same incorporate in their hearts: giving us to understand by these aenigmaticall and covert speeches (as I take it) the vertue derived from their auncestors, by descent and continuation of their race; even so wee may in some sort cure and remedie this desire of glorie, by making remonstrance unto ambitious spirits, that they have in themselves gold, that cannot corrupt, bee wasted or contaminated by envie, no nor by Momus himselfe the reproover of the gods, to wit Honour, the which we alwaies encrease and augment, the more we discourse, consider, meditate, and thinke upon those things which have beene perfor∣med [ 10] & accomplished by us in the government of the common-weale: and therefore they have no need of those other honours, which are either cast in moldes by founders, or cut and graven in brasse by mans hand, considering that all such glorie commeth from without foorth, and is rather in others than in them, for whom they were made. For the statue of a trumpeter which Polycletus made, as also that other of an halbarder are commended in regard of the maker, and not of those whom they do represent, and for whose sake they were made. Certes, Cato at what time as the citie of Rome began to be well replenished with images and statues, would not suffer any one to be made for himselfe saying: That he had rather men would aske, why there was no image set up for him, than why it was? For surely such things bring envie, and the com∣mon people thinke themselves indebted stil & beholden unto those, upon whom they have not [ 20] bestowed such vanities: and contrariwise, such as receive them at their hands are odious & trou∣blesom unto them, as if they had sought to have the publike affaires of the State in their hands, in hope to receive such a reward and salarie from them againe. Like as therefore he that hath sailed without danger along the gulfe Syrtis, if afterwards hee chaunce to bee cast away and drowned in the mouth of the haven, hath done no such doughty deed, nor performed any speci∣all matter of praise in his voyage and navigation; even so, hee that hath escaped the comon Treasurie, and done well enough and saved himselfe, from the publike revenewes, customes, and commodities of the State; that is to say, hath not defiled his hands, either with robbing the citie-money, or dealt underhand with the farmers and undertakers of the cities hands, reve∣newes, &c. and then shall suffer himselfe to be overtaken and surprised with a desire to be a pre∣sident [ 30] and sit highest, or to be the head man and chiefe in counsell of a citie, is runne in deed upon an high rocke that reacheth up a loft, but drenched hee is over the eares, and as like to sinke as the rest, neverthelesse. In best case he is therefore, who neither seeketh nor desireth any of these honours, but rejecteth and refuseth them altogether. Howbeit, if peradventure it bee no easie matter to put backe a grace and favour, or some token of love, that the people other∣whiles desire to shew unto them who are entred into combat, as it were in the field of govern∣ment, not in a game and maisterie for a silver prize, or rich presents, but in the game in deed which is holy and sacred, yea and woorthie to be crowned, it may suffice and content a man to have some honourable inscription or title, in a tablet, some publike act or decree, some branch of lawrell or the olive: like as Epymenides who received one branch of the sacred olive, grow∣ing in the castle of Athens, because he had cleansed and purified the citie: and Anaxagoras refu∣sing [ 40] all other honours which the people would have ordained for him, demaunded onely, that upon the day of his death the children might have leave to play, and not go to schoole all that day long. The seven gallant Gentlemen of Persia, who killed the Tyrants, called Magi, were honoured onely with this priviledge, that both they and their posteritie might weare the Persian pointed Cap or * 1.1 Turbant, bending forward on their heads: for this was the signall which they were agreed upon among themselves when they went to execute the said enterprise, Likewise the honor which Pittacus received, did shew some modesty & civilitie: for when his citizens had permitted & granted unto him to have and enjoy of those lands which he had con∣que red from the enemie, as much as he would himselfe; he stood contented with so much, & [ 50] no more as lay within one fling or shot of the javelin which he launced himselfe. And Cocles the Roman tooke so much ground onely as he in his owne person could eare with a plow in one day, being as he was a lame and maimed man. For a civill honour ought not to be in the nature of a salarie for a vertuous act performed, but a token rather and a memoriall that the remem∣brance thereof might continue long, as theirs did whom erewhiles we named: whereas in those three hundred statues of Demetrius Phalereus, there gathered not so much as rust, canker, or any ordure or filth whatsoever, but were all of them ere himselfe died, pulled downe and broken.

And as for the images of Demades, melted they were everie one, and of the mettall were made pispots and basins for close stooles: yea and many such honours have beene defaced, as be∣ing displeasant and odious to the world, not in regard onely of the wickednesse of the receiver, but also of the greatnesse and richnesse of the thing given and received: and therefore the good∣liest and surest safegard of honour, that it may endure and last longest, is, the least costlinesse and price bestowed thereupon: for such as bee excessive massie and immeasurall in greatnesse, may bee well compared unto huge colosses or statues not well ballaised and counterpoised, nor proportionably made, which soone fal downe to the ground of thēselves. And here in this place I cal Honors, these exterior things which the common people (so far forth as beseemeth them, according to the saying of Empedocles) so call. Howbeit I also affirme as wel as others, that a wise [ 10] governor & man of State ought not to despise true honor which consisteth in the benevolence & good affection of those who have in remēbrance the services and benefits that they have re∣ceivedneither ought he altogether to contemne glorie, as one who forbare to please his neigh∣bours among whō he liveth, as Democritus would have him: for neither ought horse-keepers or esquierries of the stable, reject the affection of their horses lovingly making toward them; nor hunters the sawning of their hounds & spaniels; but rather seeke to win & keepe the same, for that it is both a profitable, and also a pleasant thing, to be able for to imprint in those creatures who are familiar, & do live & converse with us such an affectiō to us as Lysimachus his dog she∣wed toward his master; & which the poet Homer reporteth that Achilles horses shewed to Patro∣clus. For mine own part I am of this mind, that Bees would be better entreated & escape better, [ 20] in case they would make much of those, & suffer them gētly to come toward them, who norish them and have the care and charge of them, rather than to sting and provoke them to anger as they do; whereas now, men are driven to punish them and chase them away with smoake: also to breake and tame their frampold and unruly horses with hard bits and bridles, yea and curst dogs which are given to run away, they are faine to lead perforce in collars, or tie up and ham∣per with clogs. But verily there is nothing in the world that maketh one man willingly obei∣sant and subject to another, more than the affiance that he hath in him for the love which hee beareth, and the opinion conceived of his goodnesse, honestie and justice; which is the rea∣son that Demosthenes said verie well: That free cities have no better meanes to keepe and pre∣serve themselves from tyrants, than to distrust them; for that part of the soule whereby we be∣leeve, [ 30] is it, which is most easie to be taken captive. Like as therefore the gift of prophesie which Cassandra had, stood her countrey-men and fellow-citizens in no steed, because they would ne∣ver give credit or beleefe unto her: for thus she speaketh of her selfe,

God would not have my voice propheticall When I for etell of things, to take effect, Nor do my countrey any good at all: Or why? alwaies they do my words reject, In their distresse and woes, they would correct Their folly past, then am I wise and sage: Before it come, they say I do but rage. [ 40]

even so, on the otherside, the trust and confidence that the citizens reposed in Archytas, the good will and benevolence which they bare unto Battus, served them in right good stead: for that they used and followed their counsell, by reason of the good opinion which they concei∣ved of them.

This is then the first and principall good which lieth in the reputation of States-men, and those who are in government, namely, the trust and confidence which is in them; for it ma∣keth an overture, and openeth the doore to the enterprise and execution of all good actions. The second, is the love and affection of the people, which to good governours is to them a buckler and armor of defence against envious and wicked persons:

Much like unto a mother kind who keepes away the flies [ 50] From tender babe whiles sweetly it a sleepe in cradell lies.

putting backe envie that might arise against them; and in regard of might and credit, making equall a man meanly borne & of base parentage, with those who are nobly descended, the poore with the rich, & the private person with the magistrates: and to be briefe, when vertue & verity are joined together with this popular benevolence, it is as mightie as a strong and steedy gale of

a forewind at the poope, and driveth men forward to the managing and effecting of all pub∣like affaires whatsoever. Consider now and see what contrarie effects the disposition of peoples hearts, doth produce and bring foorth by these examples following. For even they of Italie when they had in their hands the wife and children of Denys the Tyrant, after they had vila∣nously abused, and shamefully forced their bodies, did them to death, and when they had burnt them to ashes, threw and scattered the same out of a ship into the sea. Whereas one Menander who reigned graciously over the Bactrians, in the end, when he had lost his life in the warres was honorably enterred: for the cities under his obeisance joined altogether, and by a common ac∣cord solemnized his funerals and obsequies with great mourning and lamentation; but as tou∣ching the place where his reliques should be bestowed, they grew into a great strife and conten∣tion [ 10] one with another, which at the last with much adoo was pacified upon this condition and composition, that his ashes should be parted and divided equally among them all, and that eve∣rie citie should have one sepulcher and monument of him by it selfe. Againe, the Agrigentines after they were delivered from the Tyrant Phalaris, enacted an ordinance: That from thence foorth, it should not be lawfull for any person whatsoever to weare a roabe of blew colour, for that the Guard & Pensioners attending about the said Tyrant, had blew cassockes for their live∣ries. But the Persians tooke such a love to their Prince Cyrus, that because he was hauke-nosed, they ever after and even to this day, affect those who have such noses, and take them to be best favoured. And verily of all loves, this is the most divine, holy and puissant, which cities and States do beare unto a man for his vertue: as for other honors so falsely called, and bearing no [ 20] true ensignes in deed to testifie love, which the people bestow upon them, who have builded theaters and shew-places, given them largesses, congraires and other doles, or exhibited combats of Sword-fensers at the sharpe: these wrong entituled honors do resemble the glosing flatteries of harlots and strumpets, who smile upon their lovers, so long onely as they give them any thing or gratifie them in any pleasure; and such a glorie as this lasteth not long, but after a day or two passeth away and is gone.

He whosoever he was, that said first: That he who began to give money by way of largesse unto the people, taught the verie high way to overthrow a popular state, knew verie well, that the people lose their authoritie, when they make themselves subject and inferiour by taking such gifts: and even they also who are the givers must know thus much: That they overthrow [ 30] themselves in buying their reputation so costly & at so high a price: & by that means they make the multitude more haughtie and arrogant, because thereby the people do presume, that it is in their power to give or take away so great a thing. I write not this, as though I would have a man of estate in his lawfull expenses and allowable liberalities, to shew himselfe too neere and me∣chanicall, especially when his State will beare and maintaine the same: for that, in truth, the people carrie a greater hatred to a rich man, who will not part with any of his goods among them, than a poore man who robbeth the common chest: for they suppose the one to proceed from pride and contempt of them, and the other from meere need and necessitie. I would wish therefore that first and principally these largesses should come by way of gratuitie and for no∣thing, for that in such a sort, they make the authors thereof better esteemed and admired, and [ 40] besides they binde and oblige the receivers so much the more. Secondly, I would that they were done upon a good, honest, and laudable occasion, as namely for the honour of some god; a thing that draweth on the people more and more to devotion and religion, because withall, it imprinteth in the hearts of the people a vehement opinion and strong apprehension that the majestie of the gods, must needs be a great and venerable thing, when they see those who honor them, and whom they repute for so woorthie and noble personages, so affectionate unto them, as for their service and worship to be at such cost and spend so liberally. Like as therefore Plato forbad yoong men who went to the Musicke schoole, that they should not learne either the Ly∣dian & Phrygian harmony; for that the one stirred up in our hearts all lamentable, dolefull, and dumpish affections, the other increased the inclination to pleasure, riot, and voluptuous sensua∣litie; [ 50] even so, as touching these largesses and publike expenses, banish and chase out of your citie as much as you can, those which provoke in our hearts beastly, barbarous, and bloody af∣fections, or such as feed loosenesse and scurrilie: or if you be not able to rid them out cleane, yet do your endevour at least wise to hold off and contest against the people, to your uttermost power, who cal upon you for such spectacles; & order the matter so alwaies, that the subject mat∣ter of your dispense may be honest and chast, the end and intention good and necessarie, or at least wise that the pleasure and mirth be without wrong and hurt to any person. But if peradven∣ture

your State be but meane, and that the center & circumference of your goods containe and comprehend no more than to serve and supply necessities, know well this: that it argueth nei∣ther a base mind nor an illiberall & ungentlemanlike heart to be knowen of your poverty, and so to give place unto other, who have wherewith to defray such ambitious expenses & liberalities, and in by endebting & engaging your selfe in the usurers books, to be a spectacle both to be pit∣tied & laughed at, for such publike ministeries: forasmuch as they whosoever they be that so do, cannot go to worke so secretly, but it will be thought and knowen how they enterprize above their abilitie, be driven to trouble and make bolde with their friends in borrowing of them, or els to statter and court usurers to take up money at interest, in such sort as that they shall win no ho∣nour and credit, but rather shame and contempt by such expenses; in which regard, good it [ 10] were in these cases to set alwaies before your eies the examples of Lamachus and Phocion. For Phocion one day when the Athenians at a solemne sacrifice called instantly upon him to con∣tribute some money toward the charges: I would be ashamed (quoth he) to give you any thing, and in the meane while not be able to keepe my credit, and paie that I owe to this man heere, and withall he pointed unto Callicles the userer unto whom he was then indebted. As for La∣machus in his accounts of charges whiles he was lord generall of an armie under the Athenians in any expedition, put in alwaies, Thus much for a paire of shoes or pantofles for himselfe; Item, so much for a garment. The Thessalians ordeined and allowed unto Hermon who refu∣sed to be their captaine generall, because he was poore, a flagon or little runlet of wine moneth∣ly, and a measure or bushell and halfe of meale every fower daies: whereby you see it is no [ 20] shame for a man to confesse his povertie; neither have poore men lesse meanes to winne cre∣dit and authoritie in the government of cities, than they who lay out and spend much in ma∣king feasts or exhibiting publike shewes and spectacles, for to gaine the good will and favour of the people; provided alwaies, that by their vertue they have gotten reputation and libertie to speake their mindes frankly and freely unto them. And therefore a good governour ought wisely to master and rule himselfe in these cases; he must not (I say) enter into the plaine and champion ground on foote for to encounter with horsemen; nor being poore, to be seene in the race and shew-place for to set out games, or upon the scaffold & theater to represent plaies, or in great hals full set with tables to make feasts, and all to contend with rich men about glorie and magnificence; but he is to studie how to manage the people by vertue, by gentlenesse, by [ 30] wit and understanding joyned alwaies with wise words, wherein there is not onely honestie and a venerable port, but also a kinde of grace more amiable, attractive, and desireable,

Than Craesus coine of silver and gold, Or all the money that can be told.

For to a good man it is not necessarie to have a surly, coy, and presumptuous looke; neither is it required that a wise and sober person should carie a sterne and rigorous countenance,

Who as he walks along the streets, in citie or in towne, Doth cast a sharpe and hideous eie, and on his neighbours frowne. [ 40]

But contrariwise, a good man is first and formost affable and lightsome of language, of easie ac∣cesse, and readie to be spoken withall whosoever comes, having his house open alwaies, (as it were) an haven or harbour of refuge, to as many as have occasion to use him. Neither is this debonairity and care of his, seene onely in the businesse and affaires of such as employ him, but also in this; that he will as well rejoice with them who have had any fortunate and happie suc∣cesse, as condole & greeve with those unto whom there is befallen any calamitie or misfortune; never will he be knowen to be troublesome, and looke for double diligence of a number of ser∣vitors and verlets to waite upon him to the baines or stouphes; nor to keepe a stir for taking up and keeping of places for him and his traine at the theaters where plaies and pastimes are to bee seene, ne yet desire to be conspicuous and of great marke above others in any outward signes of [ 50] excessive delights and sumptuous superfluities; but shew himselfe to be equall, like and sutable to others in apparell, in his fare and furniture at the table, in the education and nouriture of his children, in the keeping of his wife for her state and array, and in one word, be willing to carrie and demeane himselfe in all things, as an ordinary and plaine citizen, bearing no greater port and shew than others of the common multitude; moreover, at hand to give advise and counsell friendly to every man in his affaires, ready to enterteine, defend, & follow their causes as an ad∣vocate, freely, and without taking fee or any consideration whatsoever; to reconcile man and

wife when they be at ods, to make love-daies and peace betweene friends, not spending one lit∣tle peece of the day for a shew at the tribunall seat, or in the hall of audience for the common∣wealth, and then afterwards all the day & the rest of his life, drawing unto himselfe al dealings, all negotiations and affaires from everie side for his owne particular behoofe and profit, like unto the north-east winde Caecias, which evermore gathereth the clouds unto it; but continually ben∣ding his minde and occupying his head in carefull studie for the weale publike, and in effect making it appeere unto the world, that the life of a State-man and a governor, is not as the com∣mon sort thinke it, easie and idle, but a continuall action and publike function: by which fashi∣ons and semblable courses that he taketh, he gaineth and winneth unto him the hearts of the people, who in the end come to know, that all the flattering devises and entisements of others [ 10] be nothing else but false baits and bastard allurements, in comparison of his prudence and care∣full diligence. The flatterers about Demetrius vouchsafed not to call any other princes and po∣tentates of his time, Kings, but would have Seleucus to be named the Commander of the ele∣phants; Lysimachus the keeper of the treasurie; Ptolomeus the admirall of the sea; and Agatho∣cles the governour of the islands. But the people although peradventure at the first they reject a good wise and sage person among them; yet in the end after they have seene his truth, and knowen his disposition and kinde nature, they will repute him onely to bee popular, politike, and woorthie to be a magistrate indeed, and as for the rest, they wil both repute and call one, the warden and setter out of the plaies; another the great feaster; and a third, the president of games, combats, and publike exercises. Moreover, like as at the feasts and bankets that Callias or [ 20] Alcibiades were at the cost to make, none but Socrates was heard to speake, and all mens eies were cast upon Socrates; even so in cities and States governed aright, well may Ismenias deale larges∣ses; Lichas make feasts, and Niceratus defray the charges of plaies, but Epaminondas, Aristides, Lysander, and such as they, are those which beare the magistracie, they governe at home, they command and conduct armies abroad. Which being well and duly considered, there is no cause why you should be discouraged or dismaid at the reputation and credit that they win among the people, who have for them builded theaters, and erected shew-places, founded halles of great receit, and purchased for them common places of sepulture, for to burie their dead: all which glorie lasteth but a while, neither hath it any great matter, or venerable substance in it, but vanisheth away like smoke, and is gone even assoone as either the plaies in such theaters, or [ 30] games in shew-places are done and ended.

They that have skill and experience of keeping and feeding bees, doe hold opinion and saie, that those hives wherein the bees yeeld the biggest sound, make most humming and greatest stir within, like best, are most sound, healthfull, and yeeld most store of home: but he upon whom God hath laid the charge and care of the reasonable swarme (as I may say) and civill societie of men, will judge the happinesse and blessed state thereof most of all by the quietnesse and peace therein, and in all other things he will approove the ordinances and statutes of Solon, endevor∣ing to follow and observe the same to his full power; but doubt hee will and marvell what hee should meane by this, when he writeth, that he who in a civill sedition would not range himselfe to a side, and take part with one or other faction, was to bee noted with infamie: for in a natu∣rall [ 40] bodie that is sicke, the beginning of change toward the recoverie of health, commeth not from the diseased parts, but rather, when the temperature of the sound and healthie members is so puissant, that it chaseth and expelleth that which in the rest of the bodie was unkind & con∣trary to nature; even so in a citie or State where the people are up in a tumult & sedition, so it be not dangerous and mortall, but such as is like to be appeased and ended, there had need to be a farre greater part of those who are sound and not infected, for to remaine and cohabit still, for to it there commeth and hath recourse that which is natural and familiar, from the wise and dis∣creet within, and the same entreth into the other infected part and cureth it: but such cities as be in an universall uprore and hurly-burly, utterly perish and come to confusion, if they have not some constreint from without, and a chastisement which may force them to be wise and agree [ 50] among themselves. Neither is my meaning, that I would have you a politike person and States-man in such a sedition and civill discord to sit still, insensible and without any passion or feeling of the publike calamitie, to sing and chaunt your owne repose and tranquillitie of blessed and happie life, and whiles others be together by the eares, rejoice at their follie; for at such a time especially you are to put on the buskin of Theramenes, which served as well the one legge as the other; then are you to parley and common with both parties, without joyning your selfe to one more than to the other; by which meanes, neither you shall be thought an adversa∣rie,

because you are not ready to offend either part, but indifferent to both, in aiding as well the one as the other, and envie shall you incur none, as bearing part in their miserie, in case you seeme to have a fellow-feeling and compassion equally with them all: but the best way were to provide and forecast, that they never breake out to tearmes of open sedition; and this you are to thinke for to be the principall point, and the height of all pollicie and civill government; for evident it is, and you may easily see, that (of those greatest blessings which cities can desire, to wit, peace, libertie, and freedome, plentie and fertilitie, multitude of people, and unitie and con∣cord) as touching peace, cities have no great need in these daies of wise governors, for to pro∣cure or mainteine the same, for that all wars both against the Greekes and also the Barbarians are chased away and gone out of sight; as for libertie, the people hath as much as it pleaseth [ 10] their sovereignes and princes to give them, and peradventure if they had more it would be woorse for them; for the fertility of the earth, and the abundance of all fruits, the kind dispositi∣on and temperature of all seasons of the yeere,

That mothers in due time their babes into the world may beare, Resembling in all points their sires, to wit, their fathers deare.

and that children so borne may live and be live-like, every good and wise men, wil crave at Gods hands in the behalfe of his owne fellow citizens. Now there remaineth for a States-man and politike governour, of all those works proposed one onely, and that is nothing inferiour to the [ 20] rest of the blessings above-named, to wit, the unitie and concord of citizens that alwaies dwell together, and the banishing out of a citie of all quarrels, all jarres and malice, as the maner is in composing the differences and debates of friends; namely, by dealing first with those parties which seeme to be most offended, and to have taken the greatest wrong, in seeming to be inju∣ried as well as they, and to have no lesse cause of displeasure and discontent than they; afterwards by little and little to seeke for to pacifie and appease them, by declaring and giving them to un∣derstand, that they who can be content to strike saile a little, do ordinarily go beyond those who thinke to gaine all by force; surmount them I say not onely in mildenesse and good nature, but also in courage and magnanimitie, who in yeelding and giving place a little in small matters, are masters in the end and conquerors in the best and greatest; which done, his part is to make [ 30] remonstrance both particularly to every one, and generally to them all, declaring unto them the feeble and weake estate of Greece, and that it is very expedient for men of sound and good judg∣ment to enjoy the fruit and benefit which they may have in this weakenesse and imbecilitie of theirs, living in peace and concord one with another as they doe; considering that fortune hath not left them in the midst any prize to winne or to strive for. For what glorie, what au∣thoritie, what power or preeminence will remaine unto them that haply should have the better hand in the end, & be masters over their adversaries, but a proconfull with one commandement of his will be able to overthrow it, and transport it unto the other side, as often and whensoever it pleaseth him; but say that it should continue stil, yet is it not woorth all this labour and travell about it. But like as scare-fires many times begin not at stately temples and publike edifices, but [ 40] they may come by some candle in a private and little house, which was neglected or not well looked unto, and so fell downe and tooke hold thereof, or haply straw or rushes and such like stuffe might catch fire and suddenly flame, and so thereupon might ensue much losse, and a pub∣like wasting of many faire buildings; even so it is not alwaies by meanes of contention and va∣riance about affaires of State, that seditions in cities be kindled, but many times braules and riots arising upon particular causes, and so proceeding to a publike tumult and quarrell, have beene the overthrow and utter subversion of a whole citie. In regard whereof, it perteineth un∣to a politike man, as much as any one thing els, to foresee and prevent, or else to remedy the same, to see (I say) that such dissentions do not arise at al, or if they be on foot to keep them down from growing farther and taking head, or at leastwise that they touch not the State, but rest still [ 50] among whom it began: considering this with himselfe & giving others to understand, that pri∣vate debates are in the end causes of publike, and, small of great, when they be neglected at first, and no convenient remedies used at the verie beginining. Like as by report the greatest civill dissention that ever hapned in the citie of Delphos, arose by the meanes of one Crates, whose daughter Orgilaus the sonne of Phalis was at the point to wed: now it hapned by meere chance that the cup, out of which they were to make an essay or effusion of wine in the honour of the gods first, and then afterwards to drinke one to another, according to the nuptiall ceremonies

of that place, broke into peeces of it selfe, which Orgilaus taking to be an evill presage, forsooke his espoused bride, and went away with his father, without finishing the complements of marri∣age. Some few daies after, when they were sacrificing to the gods; Crates conveied covertly or underhand a certaine vessell of gold, one of those which were sacred and dedicated to the tem∣ple, unto them, and so made no more adoo, but caused Orgilaus and his brother, as manifell church-robbers, to be pitched downe headlong from the top of the rocke at Delphos, without any judgement or forme and processe of law: yea and more than that, killed some of their kins∣folke and friends, notwithstanding they entreated hard, and pleaded the liberties and immunitie of Minervaes temple, surnamed Provident, into which they were fled and there tooke sanctuarie. And thus after divers such murders committed, the Delphians in the end put Crates to death [ 10] and those his complices, who were the authors of this sedition, and of the money and goods of these excommunicate persons (for so they were called) seazed upon by way of confiscation, they built those chapples which stand beneath the citie. At Syracusae also, of two yoong men who were verie familiarly acquainted together, the one being to travell abroad out of his coun∣trey, left in the custodie of the other a concubine that he had, to keepe untill his returne home againe; but he in the absence of his friend abused her bodie: but when his companion upon his returne home knew thereof, he wrought so, that for to crie quittance with him he lay with his wife and made him cuckold: this matter came to hearing at the counsell table of the citie, and one of the ancient Senatours mooved the rest, that both twaine should be banished out of the citie, before there arose further mischiefe, and lest the citie by occasion of their deadly fewd [ 20] should be filled with parts taking of both sides, and so be in danger of utter destruction; which when he could not perswade and bring to passe, the people grew into an open sedition, and after many miserable calamities, ruinated and overthrew a most excellent State & government. You haue heard I am sure of domesticall examples, and namely the enmitie of Pardalus and Tyrrhe∣nus, who went within a verie little of overthrowing the citie of Sardis, and upon small and private causes, had brought the same into civill war and open rebellion by their factioins and particular quarrels. And therefore a man of government ought alwaies to be watchfull and vigilant, and not to neglect, no more than in a bodie naturall the beginnings of maladies, all little heart-bur∣nings and offences that quickly passe from one to another, but to stay their course, and reme∣die the same with all convenient speed. For by a heedfull eie and carefull prevention, as Cato [ 30] saith, that which was at first great, becommeth small, and that which was small commeth to no∣thing. Now to induce and perswade other men so to doe, there is not a more artificiall device, nor a better meanes, than for a man of government to shew himselfe exorable, inclined to par∣don, & easie to be reconciled in like cases; in principal matters of weight & greatest importance resolute and constant without any rankor or malice, and in none at all seeme to be selfe-willed, peevish, contentious, cholerike, or subject to any other passion which may breed a sharpnesse and bitternesse in necessarie controversies, and doubtfull cases which can not be avoided. For in those combats at buffets which champions performe for pleasure in manner of foiles; the manner is to binde about their fists certaine round muffles like bals, to the end that when they come to coping and to let drive one at another, they might take no harme, considering the [ 40] knocks and thumps that they give are so soft, and can not put them to any paine to speake of; even so in the sutes, processes and trials of law which passe betweene citizens of the same citie, the best way is to argue and plead by laying downe their allegatiions and reasons, simply and purely, and not to sharpen or envenime their matters like darts and arrowes, with poisoned taunts, railing tearmes, opprobrious speeches and spightfull threats, and so to make deepe wounds, and the same festured with venim, whereby the controversies may grow incurable, and augment still in such sort, that in the end they touch the State. He that can so cary himselfe in his owne affaires, as to avoid these foresaid mischiefs and dangers, shalbe able to com∣passe others in the like, and make them willing to be ruled by reason: so that after∣wards, when once the particular occasions of priuie grudges be taken a∣way, [ 50] the quarrels and discords which touch a common-wealth, are sooner pacified and composed, neither doe they ever bring any inconveniences hard to be cured or remedilesse.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Tiara