134 The Life of William, Duke of Newcastle 



had and did still conquer all the armies of misfortunes that 

 ever seized upon him. 



LXV 



Also I have heard him say, that he was never beholding to 

 Lady Fortune; for he had suffered on both sides, although 

 he never was but on one side. 



LXVI 



I have heard him say, that his father one time, upon some 

 discourse of expenses, should tell him, it was but just that 

 every man should have his time. 



LXVII 



I have heard my Lord say, that bold soliciting and intruding 

 men shall gain more by their importunate petitions, than 

 modest honest men shall get by silence (as being loath to 

 offend or be too troublesome) both in the manner and matter 

 of their requests. The reason is, said he, that great princes 

 will rather grant sometimes an unreasonable suit, than be 

 tired with frequent petitions, and hindered from their ordinary 

 pleasures. And when I asked my Lord, whether the grants 

 of such importunate suits were fitly and properly placed ? 

 he answered, not so well as those that are placed upon due 

 consideration, and upon trial and proof. 



LXVIII 



I have heard my Lord say, that it is a great error and weak 

 policy in a state to advance their enemies, and endeavour to 

 make them friends, by bribing them with honours and offices, 

 saying ' they are shrewd men, and may do the state much 

 hurt ' : and on the other side, to neglect their friends, and 

 those that have done them great service, saying ' they are 

 honest men, and mean the state no harm \ For this kind 

 of policy comes from the heathen, who prayed to the devil, 

 and not to God, by reason they supposed God was good, and 

 would hurt no creature ; but the devil they nattered and 



