Politique Reflection.
ALthough great men should more especially be informed with ••he truth of things, seeing their affairs which depend on it, are of greater importance then others, yet however the most part of them do not much love her, she seldome comes within their Courts but naked; and if perchance she appear in their pre∣sence, they turn about from her, as if they could not endure to see her. They desire things should be related to them as they would have them, not as they really are. It is very dangerous to find fault with any of their Actions, which they un∣dertake in confidence, that they are well-beseeming their greatness: If any one presume to debate their Designs, by discovering the naked Truth to them, he will presently be esteemed but an ill servant for his pains: whence it is, that the most part of their attendants unwilling to run the hazard of displeasing them, do not discourse to them of any their affairs, but so as they think may be acceptable to them; they find by the daylie experience of others, both past and present, that this complyance of theirs is the most assured supporter of their Fortunes, and a far greater prop to them then Truth her self. Those Princes who are of this humour, never well counsell'd, there being but a few who would willingly for their sakes renounce their Fortunes▪ especially seeing by telling truth they should get nothing. Such counsels as thwart their Passions, are either esteemed extravagant, or as pro∣ceeding from a naughty servant. They are for the most part like that unjust Judge who demanded of our Saviour what Truth was, but would not stay to be inform'd. Great and many are the inconveniencies which by this means happen to them: for those specious appearances of Truth with which they are deluded, are like to those Lamps set out on the tops of Rocks by Pirates, which insteed of a Harbour entice the vessels to their shipwrack, whereby they make a prey of their goods. An Ancient Author saith, That the greatest pleasure of the mind consisteth in the knowledge of Truth. But it ought to be understood of a soul free from Passi∣on; and which only prosecuteth the Laws of Justice. And the Rule of the Wise says, Happy is the Prince who is so disposed, and who knoweth how to esteem those who counsel him freely, without disguising the Truth, for they, and only they, are the real supporters of his State and greatness.