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. XXXIII. (Book 33)

The Argument.

Sometimes the fierce and untractable genius and d••sposition of the Prince, envying such as are de∣serving, is amongst the causes, why the Courtier is disfavoured and dis-esteemed by him. How such displeasure is to be handled and ordered.

VEry often, Courtiers, who think themselves guarded on all hands, happen upon a Prince, whose Genius is vain, distrustfull, envious, co∣vetous, cruell, or timidous, which proves to their inevitable ruine. These diseases, as planted in Nature, do mostly what delude the circumspecti∣on of the most prudent. Seneca, owing much to his liberty with Nero, but little to his service, al∣though prudent, and not uncrafty in Courtly Arts; yet being overcome, as it were, by the ma∣lice of the Prince's genius and disposition, yiel∣ded at last. He first incurs his envy by his elo∣quence and wealth; and afterwards falling under calumny and false accusations, was bereft of the Prince's favour, and his own life together.

2. The diffidence and envy of Princes, to∣wards some, hath be••n so formidable, that they had rather suffer a diminution and abatement of their own emoluments, and profits, then be highly active, with their Prince's envy and dis∣pleasure.

3. Publi••s Ven••id••us, fearing the Envy of Marc Antony, (by whose Authority he waged warr;) was content to have repelled the Parthians in three severall battells even to Media, yet would not prosecute the victory.

4. The same thing did Bellisarius, when Justinian was Emperour, as Agathias sayes; when in like manner he feared, least the greatnesse of the victory, and applause of the people, should stirre up the hatred of the Nobles and afterwards of the Prince.

5. Such as these, neither provide rightly for the utility and advantage of the Prince; nor their owne honours. But the fault neverthelesse is not in them so much, as in him that rules; and for this cause Mercoenas perswades Augustus, that he should neither impute sinister Events to his Mini∣sters▪ nor successefull to Himselfe. For (saies he) many of those who handle publique affaires, fear∣ing to be envyed by the Prince, have more neg∣ligently acted in their Imployment; chusing ra∣ther to run the hazard of Glory, then safety.

6. Their course notwithstanding, seems best in my approbation; who, to avoid Envy, whatsoever notable Enterprize they publish and set forth, at∣tribute the glory thereof to the Prince, though absent at the time of the action.

7. Agrippa the son in law of Augustus, per∣swadeth those who take in hand great matters, to attribute the thing accomplished to the Prince; and himselfe did often so. Thus Joab when he had besiged Rabbath and could have subdued it, would not before David himselfe was come; Cra∣erus when the warr was to be composed, with

Artacena; waited for the presence of Alexander▪ Julius Agricola, as Tacaus reports, never trium∣phed for any Actions to his owne fame and re∣nowne, but referred the fortune to the Author, and Generall, looking on himselfe, but as a Minister and instrument.

8. This same Envy and Emulation, (for the o∣thers though divers are heere the like in effect;) let it be that they are diseases, yet have they been common and familiar to the most generous Prin∣ces; such as were Philip, and Alexander; and do more strongly blast some, then others.

9. Theodosius the second of that name, had dele∣gated and appointed the care of those Seas, which flowed up to Constantinople, to Syrus to be im∣mured and walled in; which worke when he had effected in sixty dayes, this Celerity and speedy dispatch was so gratefull to the people; that they cryed out on all sides, that the City was built by Constantine, but renewed by Cyrus. This being heard of the Emperour, stirr'd up such Envy in him, that Cyrus to expiate it, was necessitated to put on the hood.

10. He that hath to do with such dispositions, may think that he walkes upon the hot imbers; and therefore ought with all diligence so to act, as that he may diligently search out their incli∣nations; that so he may guard himselfe against them, or if that may not be done; he may at least be conscious to himselfe, of having not omitted his duty and office.