1 94 The Advancement of Learning 



in the whole course of their Hfe to be more close, retired, and 

 reserved: as we see in Tiberius, who was never seen at a 

 play, and came not into the Senate in twelve of his last 

 years; whereas Augustus Caesar Uved ever in men's eyes, 

 which Tacitus observeth, alia Tiberio morum via} 



26. Secondly, to consider how their nature sorteth with 

 professions and courses of hfe, and accordingly to make 

 election, if they be free; and, if engaged, to make the 

 departure at the first opportunity : as we see was done by 

 Duke Valentine,* that was designed by his father to a 

 sacerdotal profession, but quitted it soon after in regard of 

 his parts and inclination; being such, nevertheless, as a 

 man cannot tell well whether they were worse for a prince 

 or for a priest. 



27. Thirdly, to consider how they sort with those whom they 

 are like to have competitors and concurrents; and to take 

 that course wherein there is most soUtude, and themselves 

 like to be most eminent: as Caesar Julius did, who at first 

 was an orator or pleader; but when he saw the excellency 

 of Cicero, Hortensius, Catulus, and others, for eloquence, 

 and saw there was no man of reputation for the wars but 

 Pompeius, upon whom the state was forced to rely, he 

 forsook his course begun towards a civil and popular great- 

 ness and transferred his designs to a martial greatness. 



28. Fourthly, in the choice of their friends and dependences, 

 to proceed according to the composition of their own nature : 

 as we may see in Caesar; all whose friends and followers 

 were men active and effectual, but not solemn, or of 

 reputation. 



29. Fifthly, to take special heed how they guide themselves 

 by examples, in thinking they can do as they see others do ; 

 whereas perhaps their natures and carriages are far differing. 

 In which error it seemeth Pompey was, of whom Cicero 

 saith, that he was wont often to say, Sylla potuit — ego non 

 potero ? ^ Wherein he was much abused, the natures and 

 proceedings of himself and his example being the unlikest 

 in the world ; the one being fierce, violent, and pressing the 

 fact; the other solemn, and full of majesty and circum- 

 stance, and therefore the less effectual. 



' Tac. Ann. i. 54. 



» Sc. Caesax Borgia, son of Alexander VI. See Guicciardini. vi. 3. 



* Cic. ad Att. ix. 10. 



