Arcana aulica, or, Walsingham's manual of prudential maxims for the states-man and courtier : to which is added Fragmenta regalia, or, Observations on Queen Elizabeth, her times and favorites / by Sir Robert Naunton.

CHAP. VII.

Whom, When, and How we ought to Flat∣ter; the Nature of a free and tolerable Flattery, and the necessity of it in Court.

THough it be Inconsistent with the strictest rules of Morality and Vertue, yet of Necessity, if you live in Court, you must sometimes so Flatter the Prince, as may gain him unto you. But all manner of Flattery is not Tolerable, a Base and Ser∣vile one was displeasing even to Tiberius himself, of whom it is written by Tacitus, Annal. 3. that going out of the Senate, he was once heard to say of those Flattering Senators in Greek; O Men born to slavery. There are circumstances wherein Flattery used, is as prejudicial, as when it is wholly omitted; For it happens often, that be whom we Flatter too grosly, suspects de∣ceipt. It is requisite still that Flattery have something of truth, and some show of liberty mixed with it, (it is the opinion of Aeschines and Plutarch) whereby we may perswade not onely the Prince, that we speak heartily, and as we think, but others also, and so preserve our Credit.

Croesus, who whilest he was a King him∣self, had learnt well the humor of Kings, and what would either please or displease them: When upon a time Cambyses, King of the Per∣sians, demanded of those that were about him, What they thought of him in Comparison of his Father Cyrus: They all affirmed, That he was greater than Cyrus, as who unto his Fa∣thers Kingdoms had added Aegypt, and the dominion of the Sea. When Croesus (then a Captive) came to speak, he affirmed, That he was much inferiour to his Father, by reason that he had as yet begotten none equal to himself. This answer had some taste of freedom, and therefore was more pleasing to Cambyses's-vanity, than all the rest had said.

That Flattery is very notable of Valerius Messalla, recorded by Tacitus Annal. 1. Messa∣la Valerius added, That it was convenient the Oath of Allegiance should every year be renewed in Tiberius's name; who being demanded by Ti∣berius, whether he had any commandment from him to give that advice, he answered, That he spoke it of his own accord; and that in what concern'd the Common-wealth, he would use no man's advice but his own, whatever the offence or danger were: Which was a wonderful un∣practised kind of Flattery.

Like unto this, is that which the same Author relates of Ateius Capito, Annal. 3. Lu∣cius Ennius, a Gentleman of Rome, was accused

of Treason for melting the Image of the Prince, and making it into Plate; Caesar commanded he should not be prosecuted for it: Ateius Ca∣pito openly complained with a seeming liberty, that the power of determining in such a case ought not to be taken from the Senate, nor so great a Crime pass unpunished; and that he was slow in resenting his own, least he should also punish an injury done to the Common-wealth. It were easie to bring more examples of this kind, but these are sufficient to in∣struct those upon whom there is imposed a necessity of Flattering, that they may take heed, lest their Flattery bring upon them∣selves, or others, any Private or Publick damage; it is sufficient that it be such as may sometimes satisfie the Prince's va∣nity.