The way to honour in three parts : first part of councils and councellors, second part of the well qualified courtier, third part of martial prowess and learning : illustrated and adorn'd by many famous examples, as well ancient as modern / by B.B.

CHAP. I. The Definition and Nature of a Council.

A Council, says the Philosopher, is a cer∣tain, investigation or search of those things, by which we can easily come to the end, which we have propos'd to our selves.

But because in this place we are to speak of the Council of a Prince, we call the same a Lawful Assembly of selected Men, to give Advice to their Prince, in the administrati∣on of Affairs, either in Peace or War; by whose help he minds things by-past, beholds those which are present, provides for the future, obtains the happy success of his enterprises, shuns misfortunes, or if that be not possible, finds a way whereby they may become supportable.

This Council may be considered in three re∣spects, the Persons therein, to wit, the Coun∣cellor who giveth Council, and the Prince who asketh the same; next, the things which are handled in the Council, and lastly the end thereof. Three things are to be regarded, says Quintilian, in Perswasions and Councils: what it is, who they are, and to what end.