176 The Duchess of Newcastle 



VI 



Many in our late civil-warres, had more title then 

 power; for though they were generals, or chief com- 

 manders, yet their forces were more like a brigade, 

 then a well-formed army; and their actions were 

 accordingly, not set-battels, but petty skirmishes 

 between small parties ; for there were no great battels 

 fought, but by My Lord's army, his being the greatest 

 and best-formed army which His Majesty had. 



VII 



Although I have observed, that it is a usual custom 

 of the world, to glorifie the present power and good 

 fortune, and vilifie ill fortune and low conditions; yet 

 I never heard that my noble Lord was ever neglected 

 by the generality; but was on the contrary, alwayes 

 esteemed and praised by all ; for he is truly an honest 

 and honourable man, and one that may be relied upon 

 both for trust and truth. 



VIII 



I have observed, that many instead of great actions, 

 make onely a great noise, and like shallow fords, or 

 empty bladders, sound most when there is least in 

 them; which expresses a flattering partiality, rather 

 then honesty and truth; for truth and honesty Ive 

 at the bottom; and have more action then shew. 



IX 



I have observed, that good fortune adds fame to 

 mean actions, when as ill fortune darkens the splendor 

 of the most meritorious ; for mean persons plyed with 

 good fortune, are more famous then noble persons that 

 are shadowed or darkened with ill fortune; so that 

 fortune, for the most part, is fame's champion. 



