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. XIX. (Book 19)

The Argument.

Concerning Envy, and by what meanes it may be over∣come.

1, OUr speech must now be framed, and apply∣ed to Envy, which is so great an evill that it needs much happiness and fortitude, to conquer and overcome it, as that which will not be satis∣fied but with the participation and enjoyment of that thing, which it denieth to another; but every one being tenacious of, and holding fast his owne good, is willing to labour and take paines for himselfe, and not for others.

2. This is superable, and may be overcome; though very hardly, nor to this is the communi∣cation of that good thing, we hunt after, simply needfull. It sufficeth sometimes to shew the en∣vious, that the good thing which they desire, if it remaine in our power, may be done to their pro∣fit and reputation.

3. To this end, it behooveth us to get into their friendship and familiarity; and to demon∣strate to them, That although they be manifestly envious, yet we do well affect them; affirming that we will all things as they will them, nor go we about any thing whatever but that thereby we may be the fitter to serve our friends, and them∣selves amongst them. In brief; we must so act, that they may conceive hopes of increasing their owne fortunes, by the augments and amplifyings of our wealth and substance.

4. All haughtiness of mind, too great exceedings in costliness, unreasonable feasts & banquettings; and lastly, all boasting and bragging, are chiefly to be shunned by such, who will be cautious of being Envyed.

5. Especially by such as are raised from a mean place and office, unlesse the will of the Prince or the dignity of Office require the contrary: for then some Magnificence and sumptuous provision will not be unbeseeming, so that he manifest that he is not at such cost for his owne pleasure, but in obedience to the Princes Command.

6. By such prudence and moderation, began Cardinall Ximenes in a principall City: he was borne in an obscure and unknowne place, and t'was uncertaine whether noble, or not; although his fortune afterwards found those, who would affirme him noble. When he was but meane, he became a Monk; afterwards for his Endowment of mind, made confessor to Isabella Queen of Casti∣lia, upon the recommendation of Cardinall Men∣doza, and lastly Arch-Bishop of Toledo, which Arch-Bishoprick (when Mendoza was dead)

Isabella having obtained from the Pope) he see∣ing himselfe unfit for envy, would not accept.

7. In refusing whereof he was so pertinacious, and head-strong, that though Isabella had submit∣ted and subjected all the Court-Nobles he would scarce suffer himselfe to be intreated to accept of, and undertake the charge and office. And after he had consented and accepted, there was need againe of other intreaties, by which he might be induced to more ample charges and offices, and such splendor as befitted his dignity. And so re∣tentive was he of his former way of life, that he was no otherwise wrought upon, to any altera∣tion, then by the Authority even of the Pope himselfe. This modesty wrought well for him, and he appeased the Envy which otherwise was certainly to be expected to one, who possessed dignity, environed with so many noble Spaniards, and wealth second onely to that of kings.

8. Lastly this way of acting, as it is a not able and excellent Amulet and preservative-Poman∣der against Envy, under the beginnings of digni∣ties: so it little advantageth those, who have once already carried themselves proudly; for such Moderation will seeme but feigned. An example whereof the history of Constantinople will afford. A certaine Metropolitane, by name Constantine, being expelled the Court of Isaciaus Angelus, and afterwards of Alexius, the Emperours, returned with Euphrosyne the Empresse, boasted of his dis∣daine of business, and a Court life, took upon him the function of a Deacon; by which to credit his dissimulation, and that he might the more instant∣ly be courted and intreated thereto. But, in briefe,

he so craftily played his Cards, that the Empe∣rour himselfe sent for him to Court, contrary to the ordinances of the Church, he being excluded from the Sacrament of Priest-hood, and prefer∣red him to great offices; and (not content with his owne dignity) he brought two brothers to be at the Emperours elbow, to supply his absence, if at any time by businesse of great moment he should be called aside. But because his former fortune had too much disclosed his insolency; therefore now, although seemingly modest, could he not long be credited, but afterwards being removed from Court, and never restored, he dyed.