Arcana aulica, or, Walsingham's manual of prudential maxims for the states-man and the courtier

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

fit for the person, and suitable with the times, consistant also with the dignity, and emolu∣ment of the Prince; and lastly, such as you know have been formerly obtained by others. If the Prince grants it, we must let him see we take it as a great favor done unto our selves; if he refuse, we must take heed that he do not perceive we are offended.

That is also to be observed here, which we have touched upon before, That we must never vainly make show of the Princes favor, nor give it out, That he is governed by us; for we have told you before, how ill that suc∣ceeded with some. Princes whatsoever they do, desire to be thought to do it of them∣selves, without the help and authority of any others, especially their Subjects.

If the Prince shall lay any weighty com∣mand upon us, we endeavor to have it in writing, and as clearly interpreted unto us, as is possible: We must not omit to represent unto him, such difficulties before we under∣take the business, as we apprehend will oc∣cur unto us in the execution. If it be a thing committed to us in secresie, and unfit to be written, we are to repeat the Commands over and over (yet without absurdity) in the Princes presence, to the end we may better understand the intention of him that gives them, and also that he may not forget what orders he gave us.

We must also show our selves ready for the meanest imployments the Prince will cast upon us; for many times a small matter is the occasion of a great fortune; and Princes would have their commands to be weighed not by the importance of the affair, but by the greatness and dignity of him the giver; being no less incensed at our refusal of sleight enterpises, then our declining of great and hazardous undertakings, when imposed by him upon us. When we are attending upon the Prince, we ought to watch dili∣gently, that we be not surprised nor over∣whelmed with sudden commands; And to that end, always as much as may be, we ought to ruminate before hand all things then a∣foot, and to prepare our minde and under∣standing for whatever may come in agitation. We must likewise take heed, that we im∣portune not the Prince with unseasonable nor impertinent discourses, but onely with what we both know to be certain, and judge to be fit for him to hear. When the Prince speaks, we must appear attentive, not as if we thought of something else; not sad, not musing, least we should seem either to sleight, or dislike what he says.

If any one disgusted, or injured by the Prince, shall come and make his complaint to us, we must let him see we are sorry for his misfortune; perswading him to patience, and

silence, and encouraging him to hope well; lessening the injury, and excusing the Prince. But with such as these, we must deal wari∣ly, for there are those that counterfeit wrongs and discontents, to see if they can draw any testimony of an ill will to the Prince out of us, that thence they may take an occasion to undo us: Others are injured indeed, but yet are weak and imprudent, not being able to conceal what is out of friendship commu∣nicated to them in secret.

If our condition be such, that we keep a train of servants, we are to take great care that none of them speak licentiously, either of the Prince, or his Favorites; for many times the servants fault is cast upon the Master, from whom his words and acti∣ons are often thought to proceed. Amongst the principal rules of a Courtiers Prudence, this is one, To discover and smell out betimes, the change and diminution of the Princes af∣fection towards us, to the end, that the knot of love between you, may rather be gently untied, then cut in sunder. For so many times the cause of our distaste being removed, or worn away, there is sometimes an easie return for us unto our former favor, especially, if we seem, either not to remember, or not to have understood the injury.