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. III. (Book 3)

The Argument.

Divers wayes to be notified to the Prince,

TO be made known and be approved to the Prince the wayes are divers also, according to the diversity both of the Suitors at Court, and of the Times. There are some which render themselves known by some action (notably ei∣ther usefull or glorious) or else by their (more then vulgar) vertue and honesty. To some, ano∣ther mans recommendation hath opened the way to the Prince, and this way is more usuall then the rest.

2. Princes act in place so eminent above o∣thers, and they are hedged about with such a nu∣merous troop of Noble and deserving Courtiers that a Novice or new commer can scarce presse through such a thicket of obstacles unlesse there be some which may lead him by the hand and even force his entrance through them, or else that he himself can (by some unusual action) draw the eyes of all men and consequently of the Prince towards him.

3. Memorable is the fact of a certain Architect whom some call D••mocrates, others Stacicrates who desiring to be known to Alexander the great, when all the great Ones refused to bring him to the King, consults and resolves with himself to offer himself to the Kings view, naked, and not annoin∣ted

with oyl, his head invironed with a Crown of Popler; a Lyons skin cast over his right should∣er, and holding in his right hand a wharle-Bat or clubb. And forthwith in this Attire he approaches the presence of Alexander sitting on the Tribunal: the novelty hereof drew the eyes of all, and of Alexander also, so that he commanded him to be brought unto him. And although the King he approved not the Project, yet he ordered he should be inrolled, and took him as one of his Family at Court.

4. We have brought this Example not to per∣swade any man that by such a Nugament or tri∣fle he may insinuate into the Princes favour, but to shew that such (who are at a distance) unlesse they be assisted by some flourishing in Authority, are not fit to break through such a troop of men who compasse the Prince about, unlesse by some notable exploit or unusual accident they seem to merit; and, as the Poet saith, To be pointed at with the finger; and that it be said of him, (That's the man••)