CHAP. II.
'Tis the part of a wise man sometimes to pretend himself a fool.
NO man was ever so commendable for his wisdom and prudence, as Iunius Brutus for counterfeiting the fool. For though Livy gives us but one reason why he did so, and that is, that under that contempt he might live quietly, and enjoy his patrimony in peace; yet it is probable by his ways of proceeding, that he did it, that thereby he might be less un∣der the observation of the Kings, and have fairer advantage of expelling them, and de∣livering his Country, when occasion should be offered. And that this was in his thoughts, may be presumed from his interpretation of the Oracle of Apollo, to which when the Tar∣quins repair'd to understand which of them should succeed in the Government, it being answered that the Government should come to him who first kissed his Mother, the Tar∣quins thought it not to be accomplished till they came to Rome; but Brutus pretending to slip, fell down upon the ground, and kissed it, as the common Mother of us all. And af∣terwards upon the death of Lucretia in the presence of her Father, and Husband, and Kindred, he was the first that drew the dagger out of the wound, and conjured all the slanders by, that for the future they should never suffer a King in Rome. This example may be followed by those who are disguisted with their Prince, but so as first to consider their own power exactly, and if they find it sufficient, they may profess themselves pub∣lickly, and declare open War; and it is the most safe, and most honourable way: but if their force be but small, and they find themselves that way too weak, they are with all industry to endeavour to insinuate with the Tyrant, serving him in his pleasures, applauding him in all his actions and words, and imitating him in every thing he does. By this means you shall be secure from danger, enjoy all the pleasures and delights of the Court, and be ready for any occasion of effecting your designs. Others are of opinion that you keep such a distance with the Prince, as that you be neither so near him as to be covered with his ruines, nor so remote, but that you may take the advantage of his destruction to advance yourself; and this middle way was certainly the best, if it were easie to be kept, but be∣cause I think it impossible, it is necessary to take to one of the other two, and either to re∣move your self quite, or get in as near him as you can; he who does otherwise, is in a great deal of danger, especially if he be a man of any Eminence and Estate: for it is not