li.] WISE cofrbter iiifcMttJFifib. 309 



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

 and inquires into him. 1 



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 pre 

 valent, can scarce balance the prejudice of a prior informa 

 tion, 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 per 

 ceive the judge prepossessed, to endeavour, as far as ever the 

 case will allow, principally to detect some artifice, or trick, 

 made use oi by the plaintiff to abuse the judge. 



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

 in the end.* 



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

 observe moderation in conferring grace and favour upon their 

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

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

 accustoming 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 * 



Of all the virtues which kings chiefly regard and require 

 in the choice of servants, that of expedition and resolution 

 in the despatch of business is the most acceptable. Men of 



1 Prov. xvii. 17; but the sense is different. a Prov. xxix. 21. 



b Prov. xxii. 29. Franklin cited this aphorism as exemplified in his 

 person. He was caressed by Louis XVI., feared by George III., and 

 lived on terms of easy friendship with the heads of other powers who 

 had combined against England His pre-eminence he attributed 

 tntirely to his industry. Ed. 



