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computing with ourselves, that from every action we receive 

 some advantage more or less, and by no means suffering the 

 mind to despond or be astonished when we fail of our prin 

 cipal end. For there is nothing more contrary to political 

 prudence than to be wholly intent upon any single thing, 

 as he who is so must lose numberless opportunities which 

 come sidewise in business, and which perhaps would be 

 more favorable and conducive to the things that shall turn 

 up hereafter, than to those that were before pursued. Let 

 men therefore well understand the rule &quot;These things 

 should be done, but those should not be omitted.&quot; 



The sixth precept is, that we do not too peremptorily 

 oblige ourselves to anything, though it seem at first sight 

 not liable to contingency; but always reserve a window 

 open to fly out, or some secret back-door for retreat. 



A seventh precept is, that old one of Bias, provided it 

 be not used treacherously, but only by way of caution and 

 moderation &quot;Love your friend as if he were to become an 

 enemy, and hate your enemy as if he were to become your 

 friend&quot;; 98 for it surprisingly betrays and corrupts all sorts 

 of utility, to plunge one s self too far in unhappy friend 

 ships, vexations, and turbulent quarrels or childish and 

 empty emulations. And so much, by way of example, 

 upon the doctrine or art of rising in life. 



We are well aware that good fortune may be had upon 

 easier conditions than are here laid down; for it falls almost 

 spontaneously upon some men, while others procure it only 

 by diligence and assiduity, without much art, though still 

 with some caution. But as Cicero, when he draws the per 

 fect orator, does not mean that every pleader either could 

 or should be like him; and as in describing the prince or 

 the politician, which some have undertaken, the model is 



95 Which is inculcated by ancient as well as modern wisdom. Epic. Enchir. 

 and Matt. xx. 23, and Luke xi. 42. Ed. 



96 Arist. Rhet. ri. 13, 4; and cf. Cic. Lsel. xvi. Canning, in one of his 

 speeches, condemns this principle as unworthy of an honorable mind. But it 

 undoubtedly contains much wisdom, when it is restricted to the moderation 

 of the affections. Ed, 



