The works of Francis Bacon, lord chancellor of England.

66 ESSAYS CIVIL AND MORAL.
nobis;" as was to be seen in the league of France. will be sure to give them that attribute, to the disWhen factions are carried too high and too advantage of their greater virtues. It is loss also
violently, it is a sign of weakness in princes, and in business to be too full of respects, or to be too
much to the prejudice both of their authority and curious in observing times and opportunities. Sobusiness. The motions of factions under kings, lomon saith, ", He that considereth the wind shall
ought to be like the motions, (as the astronomers not sow, and he that looketh to the clouds shall
speak,) of the inferior orbs, which may have their not reap." A wise man will make more opporproper motions, but yet still are quietly carried by tunities than he finds. Men's behaviour should
the higher motion of "1 primum mobile." be like their apparel, not too strait or point device, but free for exercise or motion.
LII. OF CEREMONIES AND RESPECTS.
HE that is only real, had need of exceeding great LIII. OF PRAISE.
parts of virtue; as the stone hath need to be rich PRAISE is the reflection of virtue, but it is as
that is set without foil; but if a man mark it well, the glass, or body, which giveth the reflection;
it is in praise and commendation of men, as it is if it be from the common people, it is commonly
in gettings and gains; for the proverb is true false and nought, and rather followeth vain per"' That light gains make heavy purses;" for light sons than virtuous: for the common people undergains come thick, whereas great come but now stand not many excellent virtues: the lowest virand then: so it is true, that small matters win tues draw praise from them, the middle virtues
great commendation, because they are continually work in them astonishment or admiration; but of
in use and in note: whereas the occasion of any the highest virtues they have no sense or perceivgreat virtue cometh but on festivals; therefore it ing at all; but shows and ", species tirtutibus
doth much add to a man's reputation, and is (as similes," serve best with them. Certainly, fame
Queen Isabella said) like perpetual letters com- is like a river, that beareth up things light and
mendatory, to have good forms; to attain them, swollen, and drowns things weighty and solid;
it almost sufficeth not to despise them; for so shall but if persons of quality and judgment concur,
a man observe them in others; and let him trust then it is, (as the Scripture saith,) "Nomen
himself with the rest; for if he labour too much bonum instar unguenti fragrantis;" it filleth all
to express them, he shall loose their grace; which round about, and will not easily away; for the
is to be natural and unaffected. Some men's be- odours of ointments are more durable than those
haviour is like a verse, wherein every syllable is of flowers. There be so many false points of
measured; how can a man comprehend great praise, that a man may justly hold it a suspect.
matters, that breaketh his mind too much to small Some praises proceed merely of flattery; and if
observations. Not to use ceremonies at all, is to he be an ordinary flatterer, he will have certain
teach others not to use them again; and so di- common attributes, which may serve every man;
minish respect to himself; especially they be not if he be a cunning flatterer, he will follow the
to be omitted to strangers and formal natures; but arch-flatterer, which is a man's self, and wherein
the dwelling upon them, and exalting them above a man thinketh best of himself, therein the flatthe moon, is not only tedious, but doth diminish the terer will uphold him most: but if he be an imfaith and credit of him that speaks; and, certainly, pudent flatterer, look wherein a man is conscious
there is a kind of conveying of effectual and im- to himself that he is most defective, and is most
printing passages amongst compliments, which is out of countenance in himself, that will the flatof singular use, ifa man can hit upon it. Amongst terer entitle him to, perforce, " spretf conscientia'."
a man's peers, a man shall be sure of familiarity; Some praises come of good wishes and respects,
and therefore it is good a little to keep state; which is a form due in civility to kings and great
amongst a man's inferiors, one shall be sure of persons,,,laudando precipere;" when by telling
reverence; and therefore it is good a little to be men what they are, they represent to them what
familiar. He that is too much in any thing, so they should be: some men are praised maliciously
that he giveth another occasion of society, maketh to their hurt, thereby to stir envy and jealousy
himself cheap. To apply one's self to others, is towards them; 6"pessimum genus inimicornm
good; so it be with demonstration, that a man laudantium;" insomuch as it was a proverb
doth it upon regard, and not upon facility. It is amongst the Grecians, that, " he that was praised
a good precept, generally in seconding another, to his hurt, should have a push rise upon his
yet to add somewhat of one's own: as if you will nose;" as we say, that a blister will rise upon
grant his opinion, let it be with some distinction; one's tongue that tells a lie; certainly, moderate
if you will follow his motion, let it be with con- praise, used with opportunity, and not vulgar, is
dition; if you allow his counsel, let it be with that which doth the good. Solomon saith, l Hie
alleging further reason. Men had need beware that praiseth his friend aloud, rising early, it shall
how they be too perfect in compliments; for be be to him no better than a curse." Too much
esy,_ne~ver so sufficient otherwise, their enviers magnifying of man or matter doth irritate contra