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GReat Persons stand for Imitation, les∣ser for Observation: Man is led by nothing better then Example; and Examples of Great ones, are most effectuall; they have both a great influence on manners; and Men suppose there easiliest to finde a Reward,
where there is a con∣formity of carriage. Rewards ever beget proportionable endea∣vours; passing by de∣serts doth but extin∣guish them; feede a Lampe with competent Oyle, it will yeeld a sufficient light; deny it nourishment and it dyes; every one is not sufficiently satisfyed with the applause of his owne Conscience in doing well, but would looke for some exter∣nall advantage. What more honorable then to dye for ones Coun∣try?
yet I dare say the Decii themselves had thoughts of glory. What morall man did ever so extenuate wealth, and spoke so goodly sentences in com∣mendatiō of poverty as Seneca? yet his Admirer Lipsius can make Re∣port, what an estate he scrapt together un∣der his Scholer Nero: so powerfull are incou∣ragements over the endeavours of Men. Munificency conduceth much to the glory and greatnesse of Princes but should hold proportion
with their Treasuries, and the parties whom it falls upon; heaping too much upon one, (perhaps of meaner merits) while another that hath performed more singular services is passed by, is a way to banish vertue out of the VVorld, and introduce envy and factions into the Court.
There is no better meanes to discover the abilities of a Prince, then by his Ministers of State; it both shewes whether he know how
to pick them out, and whether he know how to make use of them, when hee hath chosen them. Lewes the eleventh of France was excellent in this, and would spare for no Reward (though hee were coveteous be∣low the decorum of a King) to one whom hee thought would prove a convenient instrument for his pur∣pose.
Some wisest Mo∣narchs have sedulously noted the deserts of their servants; no
doubt a wise course, and such a one as may keepe their hands stea∣dy in dispencing of their bounty.
Those who have many attendants, must not thinke to feede them by pecuniary lar∣gesses, which will be soone out of minde, and make the other still gaping after renewed liberty; but should be rather free of their countenance then purse, which as it cannot be inexhaustible; so if im∣moderatly drain'd must be supplyed by some