248 BACON 



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 in- 

 clined. 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 

 endeavor, 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. 



Aphorism 18 



He who brings up his servant delicately, shall find him stub- 

 born in the end y 



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

 serve moderation in conferring grace and favor upon their 

 servants. This moderation consists in three things : I. In pro- 

 moting them gradually, not by sudden starts. 2. In accus- 

 toming them sometimes to denial. And 3. as is well observed 

 by Machiavel, in letting them always have something 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. 



Aphorism 19 



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

 be ranked among the vulgar z 



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 depth are 

 held suspected by princes, as inspecting them too close, and be- 

 ing able by their strength of capacity, as by a machine, to turn 

 and wind them against their will and without their knowledge. 

 Popular men are hated, as standing in the light of kings, and 

 drawing the eyes of the multitude upon themselves. Men of 

 courage are generally esteemed turbulent and too enterprising. 

 Honest and just men are accounted morose, and not compliable 



