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 PARABLE. XVI. If the Displeasure of a Great Man rise up against thee,* 1.1 forsake not thy Place; for pliant demeanure pacifies great Offences.

THE EXPLICATION.

THe Parable gives in Precept, how a man ought to de∣meane himselfe, having incurr'd the wrath and dis∣pleasure of his Prince. The Precept hath two bran∣ches. First that he relinquish not his place; Secondly, that with caution and diligence he attend the Cure, as in case of some dan∣gerous disease. For men are wont after they perceive their Princes displeasure against them, to retire themselves from the execution of their charge and office; partly put of an im∣patience of disgrace; partly lest they should revive the wound by beeing in the Presence; partly that Princes may see their sorrow and humility; nay sometimes to resigne up the Places and Dignities they held, into the hands of the Prince. But Solomon censures this way of Cure, as prejudi∣cious and hurtfull; and that upon a very good ground. For first this course doth too much noise abroad the disgrace it selfe; so as enimies and enviers become more confident to hurt, and friends more fearfull to help him. Secondly it comes to passe that the wrath of the Prince, which perchance if it had not bin publisht, would have died of it selfe, is now be∣come more fixt; and having once made way to his ruine, is carried on to his utter subversion. Lastly, this retiring tasts somewhat of a malignant humor, and of one fallen out with the times; which cumulates the evill of Jndignation, to the evill of

suspicion. Now the precepts for cure are these. First, above all things let him take heed that he seem not insensible, or not so affe∣cted, as in duty he ought to be, for the Princes displeasure, tho∣rough a stupidity or stubbornnesse of mind: that is, that he com∣pose his countenance, not to a sullen and contumacious sadnesse; but to a grave and modest pensivenesse; and in all matters of imployment, that he shew himselfe lesse plea∣sant, and cheerefull then he was wont to be; and it will pro∣mote his case to use the assistance and mediation of some friend, unto the Prince, which may seasonably insinuate, with what feeling griefe he is inwardly afflicted. Secondly let him carefully avoide all, even the least occasions whereby the matter that gave the first cause to the indignation, might be re∣viv'd; or the Prince take occasion to be againe displeased with him, or to rebuke him for any thing, before others. Thirdly, let him with all diligence seeke out all occasions wherein his service may be acceptable to his Prince; that he may shew both a prompt affection to redime his fore-past offence; and that his Prince may understand what a good servant he may chance to be deprived of, if he thus cast him off. Fourthly, that by a wise art of Policy, he either lay the fault it selfe upon others; or insinuate, that it was committed with no ill intention; or make remonstrance of their Malice, who accused him to the King, and aggravated the matter above demerit. Last of all, let him be every way circumspect and intent upon the Cure.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Eccles. X.