The life of the thrice noble, high and puissant prince William Cavendishe, Duke, Marquess and Earl of Newcastle ... written by the thrice noble, illustrious and excellent princess, Margaret, Duchess of Newcastle, his wife.

LXXX.

I observing that in the late Civil Warrs, many were desirous to be employed in States Affairs, and at the noise of Warr, endeavoured to be Comman∣ders, though but of small Parties, asked my Lord the rea∣son thereof, and what advantage they could make by their Employments? My Lord smilingly answer'd, That for the generality, he knew not what they could get, but danger, loss and labour for their pains. Then I ask'd him, Whether Generals of Great Armies were ever enriched by their Heroick Exploits, and great Victories? My Lord answer'd, That ordinary Commanders gained more, and were better reward∣ed then great Generals. To which I added, That I had observ'd the same in Histories, namely, That men of great Merit and Power, had not onely no Rewards, but were either found fault withall, or laid aside when they had no more business or employment for them; and that I could not conceive any reason for it, but that States were afraid of their Power: My Lord answer'd, The reason was, That it was far more easie to reward Under-Officers, then Great Commanders.