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CHAP. 36.
How to manage and dispense the Princes favor, advices, and comforts in ad∣versity, with other rules.
BUt as it is a great content and help in ad∣versity, to have communicated your prospe∣rity freely and generously to many, in using the favor of the Prince, to their assistance and advantage; so our Courtier is to be warn∣ed, That he warily and industriously di∣spence these benefits; for it is certain, That whatsoever the Prince shall at our intreaty do for any man, a great part of it is by him imputed, as done to us. Wherefore, unless the Princes favor towards us, be very large, we must not be too prodigal of sharing it amongst others: And very seldom must we introduce or commend any unto the Prince, who are not in some measure known unto him, as well as to our selves, whose deserts we ought first carefully to look into, observing that saying of Horace.
Till thou art certain what his vertues be, In no mans praises be thou over-free; Least he transgress, and purchase shame to thee.
Moreover, let those favors also, which you demand for any body from the Prince, be