ADVICE TO SIR GEORGE VILLIF.RS. 423 



zabeth, in whose time I had the happiness to be born 

 and to live many years, was not so much observed 

 for having a numerous as a wise council. 



6. The duty of a privy-counsellor to a king, I 

 conceive, is not only to attend the council-board at 

 the times appointed, and there to consult of what 

 shall be propounded ; but also to study those things 

 which may advance the king s honour and safety, 

 and the good of the kingdom, and to communicate 

 the same to the king, or to his fellow-counsellors, as 

 there shall be occasion. And this, Sir, will concern 

 you more than others, by how much you have a 

 larger share in his affections. 



7. And one thing I shall be bold to desire you 

 to recommend to his majesty : that when any new 

 thing shall be propounded to be taken into consider 

 ation, that no counsellor should suddenly deliver any 

 positive opinion thereof: it is not so easy with all 

 men to retract their opinions, although there shall be 

 cause for it : but only to hear it, and at the most but 

 to break it, at first, that it may be the better under 

 stood against the next meeting. 



8. When any matter of weight hath been de 

 bated, and seemeth to be ready for a resolution ; I 

 wish it may riot be at that sitting concluded, unless 

 the necessity of the time press it, lest upon second 

 cogitations there should be cause to alter ; which is 

 not for the gravity and honour of that board. 



9. I wish also that the king would be pleased 

 sometimes to be present at that board ; it adds a 

 majesty to it: and yet not to be too frequently 



