The works of Francis Bacon, lord chancellor of England.

542 OF T-11 Il NEW COMPANY.
sunshine so long as things go well, and as soon most, and is provided for but a temporary and
as they meet with any storm or cloud, they leave weak remedy) is supposed would be presently at
trade, and go back to shopkeeping. Whereas an end, upon the revivor of the old; in respect that
the old company were beaten traders, and having they are able men and united amongst themselves.
no other means of living but that trade, were fain Fifthly, In these cases, opinio est veritate mcjor.
to ride out all accidents and difficulties, which (be- and the very voice and expectation of revivor of
ing men of great ability) they were well able to do. the old company will comfort the clothiers, and
Secondly, These young men being the major encourage them not to lay down their looms.
part, and having a kind of dependence upon Sixthly, The very Flemings themselves (in
Alderman Cockaine, they carry things by plurali- regard of the pique they have against the new
ty of voices. And yet those few of the old com- company) are like to be more pliant and tractable
pany which are amongst them do drive almost towards his majesty's ends and desires.
three parts of the trade; and it is impossible Seventhly, Considering the business hath not
things should go well, where one part gives the gone on well; his majesty must either lay the
vote, and the other doth the work; so that the fault upon the matter itself, or upon the persons
execution of all things lies chiefly upon them that that have managed it; wherein the king shall best
never consented. which is merely motus violentus, acquit his honour, to lay it where it is indeed;
and cannot last. that is, upon the carriage and proceedings of the
Thirdly, The new company make continually new company, which have been full of uncertainsuch new springing demands, as the state can ty and abuse.
never be secure nor trust to them, neither doth it Lastly, The subjects of this kingdom generally
seem that they do much trust themselves. have an ill taste and conceit of the new company;
Fourthly, The present stand of cloth at Black- and therefore the putting of them down will dis.
well-hall (which is that that presseth the state charge the state of a great deal of envy.