852 ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 



XVII. The first in his own cause is just; then comes the other party, and 

 inquires into him 23 



The first information in any cause, if it dwell a little 

 with the judge, takes root, tinges, and possesses him so, as 

 hardly to be removed again, unless some manifest falsity 

 be found in the matter itself, or some artifice be discovered 

 in delivering it. For a naked and simple defence, though 

 just and prevalent, can scarce balance the prejudice of a 

 prior information, or of itself reduce to an equilibrium the 

 scale of justice that has once inclined. It is, therefore, 

 safest for the judge to hear nothing as to the merits of a 

 cause, before both parties are convened; and best for the 

 defendant, if he perceive the judge prepossessed, to en 

 deavor, as far as ever the case will allow, principally 

 to detect some artifice, or trick, made use of by the plaintiff 

 to abuse the judge. 



XVIII. He who brings up his servant delicately, shall find him stubborn 



in the end 24 



Princes and masters are, by the advice of Solomon, to 

 observe moderation in conferring grace and favor upon their 

 servants. This moderation consists in three things. 1. In 

 promoting them gradually, not by sudden starts. 2. In ac 

 customing them sometimes to denial. And 3, as is well 

 observed by Machiavel, in letting them always have some 

 thing further to hope for. And unless these particulars be 

 observed, princes, in the end, will doubtless find from their 

 servants disrespect and obstinacy, instead of gratitude and 

 duty. For from sudden promotion arises insolence; from 

 a perpetual obtaining one s desires, impatience of denial; 

 and if there be nothing further to wish, there s an end of 

 alacrity and industry. 



XIX. A man diligent in his business shall stand before kings, and not be 

 ranked among the vulgar 25 



Of all the virtues which kings chiefly regard and require 

 in the choice of servants, that of expedition and resolution 



23 Prov. xvii. 1*7 ; but the sense is different. 24 Prov. xxix. 21. 



25 p rOV xxii. 29. Franklin cited this aphorism as exemplified in his person. 



