undervaluing the things we affect and aime at,
as below their Merits, yet sufficient for us to en∣terprize,
as not having equall Hopes with them
of greater.
3. If there be any feare that they should get
before us, they may be stopt by injecting a doubt,
which may be done, if (arguments being proposed
on both sides,) the greater species and shew be
added to those things, which are most apt to stop,
and retard their ambitious courses.
4. But of all courses, that were best, if we could
conceal our designes till the Emulous, or offen∣ded
parties have elapsed their time, wherein they
could have stopped and hindred us.
5: The suite of such as solicite too openly, is
often odious to those, who acting more modestly
take time to turne themselves in, and to consider
they also have a conflict with greater difficulties,
and are exposed to more Envy if they overcome;
but if otherwise, to more reproach.
6. Farr safer is it (as is said in number 4.) to
suppresse and conceale advisements, and like water∣men
rowing in a boat to turne the ••ack upon the
place they strive to land at.
7. They who have canvassed for the greatest
Empires, have steered this Course, nothing being
more usuall with them, than that (in Euripides
his Tragedy) example of Agamemnon, to boast
that his desires tended rather to peace, then hon∣ours.
And many have been sensible, that this hath
been the most wholesome remedy, and Antidote,
in turning aside the plots of adversaries, and avoid∣ing
the Infamy, which abides these frustrated, and
earnest Suitors. And at last they have attained