ADVICE TO SIR GEORGE VILLIERS. 425 



I advise this, let them be set in those places for which 

 they are probably the most fit. 



14. But in the quality of the persons, I conceive 

 it will be most convenient to have some of every sort, 

 as in the time of queen Elizabeth it was : one bishop 

 at the least, in respect of questions touching religion 

 or Church government ; one or more skilled in the 

 laws ; some for martial affairs ; and some for foreign 

 affairs : by this mixture one will help another in all 

 things that shall there happen to be moved. But if 

 that should fail, it will be a safe way, to consult with 

 some other able persons well versed in that point 

 which is the subject of their consultation; which yet 

 may be done so warily, as may not discover the 

 main end therein. 



IV. IN the next place, I shall put you in mind of 

 foreign negociations, and embassies to or with fo 

 reign princes or states ; wherein I shall be little able 

 to serve you. 



1. Only, I will tell you what was the course in 

 the happy days of queen Elizabeth, whom it will be 

 no dis-reputation to follow : she did vary, according 

 to the nature of the employment, the quality of the 

 persons she employed ; which is a good rule to 

 go by. 



2. If it were an embassy of gratulation or cere 

 mony, which must not be neglected, choice was made 

 of some noble person eminent in place and able in 

 purse ; and he would take it as a mark of favour, 



