170 The Duchess of Newcastle 



enriched by their heroick exploits, and great victories ? 

 My Lord answered, that ordinary commanders gained 

 more, and were better rewarded then great generals. 

 To which I added, that I had observed the same in 

 histories, namely, that men of great merit and power, 

 had not onely no rewards, but were either found fault 

 withall, or laid aside when they had no more business 

 or employment for them ; and that I could not con- 

 ceive any reason for it, but that states were afraid of 

 their power: My Lord answered, the reason was, 

 that it was far more easie to reward under-ofiicers, 

 then great commanders. 



LXXXI 



My Lord having since the return from his banish- 

 ment, set up a race of horses, instead of those he lost 

 by the warrs, uses often to ride through his park to 

 see his breed. One time it chanced when he went 

 thorough it, that he espied some labouring-men 

 sawing of woods that were blown down by the wind, 

 for some particular uses ; at which My Lord turning 

 to his attendants, said, that he had been at that work 

 a great part of his life. They not knowing what My 

 Lord meant, but thinking he jested; I speak very 

 seriously (added he) and not in jest ; for you see that 

 this tree which is blown down by the wind, although 

 it was sound and strong, yet it could not withstand 

 its force ; and now it is down, it must be cut in pieces, 

 and made serviceable for several uses ; whereof some 

 will serve for building, some for paling, some for 

 firing, etc. In the Uke manner, said he, have I been 

 cut down by the Lady Fortune ; and being not able 

 to resist so powerful a princess, I have been forced to 

 make the best use of my misfortunes, as the chips of 

 my estate. 



