178 The Duchess of Newcastle 



XIV 



I have observed, that many old proverbs are very 

 true, and amongst the rest, this : it is better to be at 

 the latter end of a feast, then at the beginning of a 

 fray ; for most commonly, those that are in the begin- 

 ning of a fray, get but little of the feast, and those 

 that have undergone the greatest dangers, have least 

 of the spoils. 



XV 



I have observed, that favours of great princes make 

 men often thought meritorious; whereas without 

 them they would be esteemed but as ordinary persons. 



XVI 



I observe, that in other kingdoms or countries, to 

 be the chief governour of a province, is not onely a 

 place of honour, but much profit; for they have a 

 great revenue to themselves; whereas in England, 

 the lieutenancy of a county is barely a title of honour, 

 without profit ; except it be the lieutenancy or govern- 

 ment of the kingdom of Ireland ; especially since the 

 late Earl of Staftord enjoyed that dignity, who setled 

 that kingdom very wisely both for militia and trade. 



XVII 



I have observed, that those that meddle least in 

 wars, whether civil or foreign, are not onely most safe 

 and free from danger, but most secure from losses; 

 and though heroick persons esteem fame before life, 

 yet many there are, that think the wisest way is to 

 be a spectator, rather then an actor, unless they be 

 necessitated to it ; for it is better, say they, to sit on 

 the stool of quiet, then in the chair of troublesome 

 business. 



