Of the advancement and proficience of learning; or, The partitions of sciences· Nine books. Written in Latin by the most eminent, illustrious, and famous Lord Francis Bacon Baron of Verulam, Vicount St. Alban, Councellor of Estate, and Lord Chancellor of England. Interpreted by Gilbert Watts.

THE EXPLICATION.

IT may seem strange, that Solomon in the description of men, made, as it were, and by nature fram'd to the ruine and destruction of a state, hath chosen the character; not of a proud and insolent man; not of a tyrannicall and cruell nature; not of a rash and violent man; not of an impious and wicked person; not of a seditious and turbulent spirit; not of an in continent and sensuall inclination; not of a foo∣lish and unable Person; but of a Scorner. But this is a judge∣ment, worthy the wisdome of that King, who best knew the grounds of the conservation, or eversion of a state. For there is not commonly a like Plague to Kingdomes and Commonwealths, than if Counsilors of Princes, or Sena∣tors, and such as sit at the helme of Goverment, are by na∣ture Scorners. For such persons, that they may win the re∣putation of undanted states-men, doe ever extenuate the greatnesse of dangers; and insult over those that valew dan∣gers, according to the true waight; as timorous and faint-hearted natures. They scoffe at all mature delayes, and me∣ditated debateings of matters by consultation, and delibera∣tion; as a thing too much tasting of an oratory-veine; and full of tediousnesse; and nothing conduceing to the summe and issues of Businesse. As for Fame, at which the counsils of Princes should especially levell, they contemne it, as the spittle of the vulgar, and a thing will quickly be blown over. The powre and Autority of Lawes, they respect no more, than as cobwebbs, which should not insnare matters of greater consequence: Counsils and Precautions, foreseeing events a farre off, they reject, as meere dreams and Melan∣choly apprehensions: men seriously wise, and well seen in the world, and of great resolution and Counsil, they defame

with gibes and jeasts: in a word, they doe at once prejudice, and weaken the whole foundation of Civile government; which is the more to be looked into, because the Action is performed by secret fraude, and not open force; and is a practise not so suspected, as it demerites.