334 ADVANCEMENT OP LEARNINO. [bOOK VIIL 



less versed in making their fortune, is the want of time from 

 their other studies to gain a knowledge of particulars, wait 

 tor opportunities, and project their own rising. We see in 

 the courts of princes the most effectual men in making their 

 own fortunes, and invading the fortunes of others, are such 

 as have no public employ, but are continually plotting their 

 own rise and advantage. 



A fifth precept is, that we in some measure imitate nature, 

 which does nothing in vain ; and this is not very difficult, if 

 we skilfully mix and interlace our affairs of all kinds : for in 

 every action the mind is to be so instructed and prepared, 

 and our intentions to be so dependent upon and subordinate 

 to each other, that if we cannot gain the highest step, we 

 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 

 somewhat of future advantage. But if we can obtain no 

 solid good from our endeavours neither in present nor in 

 future, let us endeavour 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 bo 

 wholly intent upon any single thing, as he who is so must 

 lose numberless opportunities which come sideways in busi- 

 ness, and which perhaps would be more favourable and con- 

 ducive 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 



•» Which is inculcated by ancient as well as modem wisdom. Epio, 

 Bnchir. and Matt. xx. 23, and Luke xi. 42. M. 



