146 The Life of William, Duke of Newcastle 



XIII 



I have observed, that it is more easy to talk than to act ; 

 to forget than to remember ; to punish than to reward ; and 

 more common to prefer flattery before truth, interest before 

 justice, and present service before past. 



xiv 



I have observed, that many old proverbs are very true, and 

 amongst the rest, this : ' It is better to be at the latter end 

 of a feast than at the beginning of a fray ' ; for most commonly, 

 those that are in the beginning of a fray get but little of the 

 feast ; and those that have undergone the greatest dangers 

 have least of the spoils. 



xv 



I have observed, that favours of great princes make men 

 often thought meritorious ; whereas without them, they 

 would be esteemed but as ordinary persons. 



XVI 



I observe, that in other kingdoms or countries, to be the 

 chief governor of a province is not only a place of honour, 

 but much profit ; for they have a great revenue to them- 

 selves ; whereas in England, the lieutenancy of a county is 

 barely a title of honour, without profit ; except it be the 

 lieutenancy or government of the kingdom of Ireland ; espe- 

 cially since the late Earl of Strafford enjoyed that dignity, 

 who settled that kingdom very wisely both for militia and 

 trade. 



XVII 



I have observed, that those that meddle least in wars, 

 whether civil or foreign, are not only most safe and free from 

 danger, but most secure from losses ; and though heroic per- 

 sons esteem fame before life, yet many there are, that think 



