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THe King well knew, that the disgraces of a grand Minister are as dis-advanta∣gious to a State, as his services have been profitable, and that in it a Prince receives as much blame, as he had once gotten glory in drawing him neer to Person. An excellent Workman never uses to throw away his Instruments where∣with
he is accustomed to make rare pieces of his Art; and a King doth much recede from a great Conduct, if he doth drive from the Government of his State-affairs, such a Minister whose admirable Genius is the principal instrument of his glory. Undoubtedly the Counter-blow of such a stroke, might rebound against his Au∣thority. He ought to know, that it is easie to blame those who govern, and to lament their Conduct, and that many more find it very perfect and compleat, see∣ing it doth not give them leave to do whatever they would in their own particular, and that the Estate of Publick Affairs ought not to be judged by those of their own houses. There need no more but to consult with experience, to evince, that it is very difficult to find a great Genius, on whose Prudence they may confidently re∣ly; for that two or three whole ages do hardly bring forth one only such. How many Kings have been constrained to leave both their Courages and States as unuse∣full, for that their Country produc'd none such in their times? He who is so hap∣py, as to meet with one, ought to preserve him with as much care, as the most as∣sured foundation of his Kingdomes happinesse: How frequent are the misfortunes which happen in Battels, for the only losse of an expert great Captain.
And how many confusions arrive to States by the loss of one grand Minister, his only conservation, is of greater importance then that. I will not say of Towns, but of whole Provinces; for he is not only capable of regaining them, but conquering new ones; whereas the losse of him is irrepairable, for that hardly many ages pro∣duce one that doth resemble him.