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MANY have an Opinion not Wise; that for a Prince to govern his Estate, or for a great Per∣son to govern his Proceedings, according to the re∣spect of Factions, is a principal part of Policy; where∣as contrariwise, the chiefest Wisdom is, either in or∣dering those things which are General, and wherein Men of several Factions do nevertheless agree; or in dealing with correspondence to particular persons one by one.
But I say not, that the consideration of Factions is to be neglected. Mean Men in their rising must adhere, but great Men that have strength in themselves, were better to maintain themselves indifferent and Neutral: Yet even in beginners to adhere so moderately, as he be a Man of the one Faction, which is most passable with the other, commonly giveth best way. The lo∣wer and weaker Faction is the firmer in Conjunction: and it is often seen, that a few that are stiff, do tire out a great number that are more moderate. When one of the Factions is extinguished, the remaining sub∣divideth: As the Faction between Lucullus, and the rest of the Nobles of the Senate (which they called Optimates) held out a while against the Faction of Pom∣pey and Caesar; but when the Senates Authority was pulled down, Caesar and Pompey soon after brake. The Faction or Party of Antonius, and Octavianus Caesar, a∣gainst Brutus and Cassius, held out likewise for a time: But when Brutus and Cassius were overthrown, then soon after Antonius and Octavianus brake and subdivi∣ded. These examples are of Wars, but the same hol∣deth in private Factions: And therefore those that are Seconds in Factions, do many times, when the Faction subdivideth, prove Principals; but many times also they prove Cyphers and cashier'd. For many a Man's strength is in opposition, and when that faileth, he groweth out of use. It is commonly seen, that Men once placed, take in with the contrary Faction to that, by which they enter, thinking belike that they have their first sure, and now are ready for a new Pur∣chase. The Traitor in Faction lightly goeth away with it; for when matters have stuck long in Bal∣lancing, the winning of some one Man casteth them, and he getteth all the thanks. The even carriage be∣tween two Factions, proceedeth not always of mode∣ration, but of a trueness to a Man's self, with end to make use of both. Certainly in Italy, they hold it a little suspect in Popes, when they have often in their
mouth padre commune, and take it to be a Sign of one that meaneth to refer all to the greatness of his own House. Kings had need beware, how they side them∣selves, and make themselves as of a Faction or Party; for Leagues within the State are ever pernicious to Monarchies; for they raise an Obligation, Paramount to Obligation of Soveraignty, and make the King, Tanquam unus ex nobis; as was to be seen in the League of France. When Factions are carried too high, and too violently, it is a sign of weakness in Princes, and much to the prejudice both of their Authority and Bu∣siness. The motions of Factions under Kings, ought to be like the motions (as the Astronomers speak) of the Inferior Orbs, which may have their proper motions, but yet still are quietly carried by the higher motion of Primum Mobile.