272 BACON 



may contentedly take up with the second, or even the third. 

 But if we can fix on no part of our prospect, then we should 

 direct the pains we have been at to some other end ; so, as if 

 we receive no benefit for the present, yet at least to gain some- 

 what of future advantage. But if we can obtain no solid good 

 from our endeavors neither in present nor in future, let us 

 endeavor at least to gain a reputation by it, or some one thing 

 or other; always 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 principal 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 sideways 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 " These things should be 

 done, but those should not be omitted." 



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 

 " Love your friend as if he were to become an enemy, and 

 hate your enemy as if he were to become your friend:" for 

 it surprisingly betrays and corrupts all sorts of utility, to plunge 

 one's self too far in unhappy friendships, vexations, and turbu- 

 lent 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 spon- 

 taneously upon some men, whilst others procure it only by dili- 

 gence and assiduity, without much art, though still with some 

 caution. But as Cicero, when he draws the perfect 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 formed to the perfect rules of art, 

 and not according to common life the same method is ob- 

 served by us in this sketch of the self-politician. 



It must be observed that the precepts we have laid down 

 upon this subject are all of them lawful, and not such immoral 



