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CHAP. VI. A Continual Negotiation contributes much towards the good Success of Affairs.
STates receive such advantages by continual Ne∣gotiations, when they are manag'd with Pru∣dence, that it is almost incredible to any but those who have had the Experience of it.
I own that I had been imploy'd five or six years in the management of Affairs before I discover'd this Truth: But I am so certain of it at present, that I dare affirm boldly, that to Nagotiate continually, openly, or secretly, in all Places, altho no present benefit be received by it, and but little Prospect for the Future, is a thing absolutely Necessary for the good of States.
I may say with Truth, that in my Time, I have seen the Affairs of France and of Christendom quite alter'd, by having put that Principle into Practice, by the Kings Authority, which till then had been absolutely neglected in this Kingdom.
Among the Seeds of them some produce Fruit sooner than others; some are no sooner in the Ground but they sprout while others are a long while without producing the same Effect.
He who Negotiates finally finds out a proper mo∣ment to compass his Ends; and tho he should not find it, at least, it is certain, that he can lose nothing, and that by the means of his Negotiation, he is inform'd with what passes in the World, which is a thing of no small Consequence for the good of States.