The accomplish'd courtier consisting of institutions and examples, by which courtiers and officers of state may square their transactions prudently, and in good order and method / by H.W. Gent.

CHAP. VIII. (Book 8)

The Argument.

How, and after what sort, the Counsels of Princes are to be handled and ordered by a Courtier.

LEt a Courtier likewise beware that he inter∣meddle not with the Counsels of his Prince although called thereto, and so cannot honestly, avoid it. For such Princes do for the most part aske Counsell with the same mind that Xerres did, when he went about the Warre of Greece. He convocated the Princes of Asia as if he would deliberate with them about the businesse of the Warre. I have call'd you (saith he) my Nobles to Counsell, lest I should seem to act after my own list without your advice; But yet remem∣ber that your obedience to us in these things is rather required from you, than a carefull and doubtfull deliberation. Cambyses, the Predecessor of Xerxes, desiring to marry his Sister, inquired of his Counsellors whether any Law of the Per∣sians did forbid such a Marriage. They observing that the King inquired, not so much about this

out of a desire to have the question absolved and his doubt cleered, but that he might have a plain∣er discovery of their minds, answered that no Law indeed allowed what the King required, but that there was a kind of law which avouched that Kings might do what them liked. So that a man may judge, whether credit or obedience be to be given to him when he asketh our advice, even from the inclination and disposition of the Prince, and the nature of the businesse.

2. You have already had Examples of Kings I will give you another of a man who although he bore not the name and title of a King, yet sup∣plyed the office of one formerly in Spain. Ferdi∣nando being dead, the Pope of Rome and the Em∣perour Maximilian exhort Charles De Austria, (then Agent in Flanders) to take upon him the ti∣tle of King of Spain, although his Mother Joan the Daughter of Ferdinando was alive, and by reason of sicknesse unfit for government. The Nobles are convened in Parliament, before whom Cardinal Ximenes eloquently setteth forth rea∣ons to excuse the Novelty of the businesse. The Nobles being more observant of an ancient Cus∣tome and of the Queen, then was meet obstinately vote against the King who soon after was to suc∣ceed. Ximenes leaping from his seat, and being moved, shews that the businesse in agitation, was not to be doubted on, nor needed their counsels or advice, and that Kings in their entrance to a Kingdom are not to expect the Consent of Subjects. That they which were convened were not called thither by necessity, but that they might have occasion by the promptitude, and rea∣dinesse

of their suffrages, to ingratiate themselves with the Prince; and that they might seem to act out of duty, what was to be done out of fa∣vour. Not expecting therefore their approba∣tion, he affirmed that Charls would proclaime himself King at Madrid, whose example other Citties afterwards followed.

3. Such reason of their Actions do Princes use, not only in like, but in most Cases. Scarce a∣ny thing is advised for other end then this only, that their designes may receive approbation by the many suffrages, and votes they have for them; or else to take an inspection of the mind and bent of such as they advise with. Such was the fetch of Tiberius, as Tacitus witnesseth.

4. A Courtier therefore must carefully search out the mind of the Prince, lest he accidentally perswade to any thing that may prove offen∣sive.

5. The Princes will, being dubious, let him feigne somewhat to shake off the businesse pro∣pounded, and (having brought arguments on both sides) let him leave the free election and choice to the Prince; if he conceive not throughly the businesse, hearing the reasons on the contrary, if he be wise, let him alter his opinion.

6. Nor shall that shame and blushing (for truly it is a shamefull although familiar evill with great ones, that they blush to be inferior to such whose advice they follow) disorder the Prince, when you remit the liberty of conclu∣ding to his own prudence. And you shall also avoid the Perill which is imminent to Counsellors

when the things they advise the Prince to, contra∣ry to their expectation.

7. If following his first designes the Prince shall not obtain successe, he will at least acknowledge the Courtiers prudence, who foresaw a future evill while it was yet evitable and to be eschew∣ed.

8. If you be urged to give your opinion con∣cerning a thing altogether unlawfull, you ought to find out some pretext of delay, or to intreat that a third man be called, for the more diligent examining thereof; whereby the thing being more maturely waighed, it may appeare whether any thing in it concerne the Princes dignity or safety.

9. By the former way Burrhus inhibited Ne∣rses first attempt to kill his mother, himself pro∣mising to execute her if she were found guilty of the offence, and that that should make her defence no not her parents. In the interim while the ob∣jections are preparing to be published, Neroes rage is abated, fears are asswages, and the cogi∣tation and thought of the fact, although not al∣together abandoned and cast out of his mind, yet was deferred till another time.

But this way doth not often nor in all busi∣nesse take place, but chiefly in ambiguous and doubtfull matters; yet before one under take such a businesse, a man ought to look into the ingeny and disposition of the Prince and whether he can bear such protractions and delayings or not; for there are some so impatient of loyterings and de∣layes, that whoever useth them, shall certainly incurre their displeasure.