50 BACON'S ESSAYS 



conceived by him and was with child, but Jupiter suffered 

 her not to stay till she brought forth, but eat her up ; 

 whereby he became himself with child, and was delivered 

 of Pallas armed, out of his head. Which monstrous fable 

 containeth a secret of empire ; how kings are to make use 

 of their Council of State. That first they ought to refer 

 matters unto them, which is the first begetting or impreg- 

 nation ; but when they are elaborate, moulded, and shaped 

 in the womb of their council, and grow ripe and ready to 

 be brought forth, that then they suffer not their council to 

 go through with the resolution and direction, as if it 

 depended on them ; but take the matter back into their 

 own hands, and make it appear to the world that the 

 decrees and final directions (which, because they come 

 forth with prudence and power, are resembled to Pallas 

 armed) proceeded from themselves ; and not only from 

 their authority, but (the more to add reputation to them- 

 selves) from their head and device. 



Let us now speak of the inconveniences of counsel, and 

 of the remedies. The inconveniences that have been noted 

 in calling and using counsel, are three. First, the revealing 

 of affairs, whereby they become less secret. Secondly, the 

 weakening of the authority of princes, as if they were less 

 of themselves. Thirdly, the danger of being unfaithfully 

 counselled, and more for the good of them that counsel 

 than of him that is counselled. For which inconveniences, 

 the doctrine of Italy, and practice of France, in some kings' 

 times, hath introduced cabinet councils ; a remedy worse 

 than the disease. 



As to Secrecy; princes are not bound to communicate 

 all matters with all counsellors ; but may extract and 

 select. Neither is it necessary that he that consulteth what 

 he should do, should declare what he will do. But let 

 princes beware that the unsecreting of their affairs comes 

 not from themselves. And as for cabinet councils, it may 

 be their motto, plenus rimarum sum : one futile person that 

 maketh it his glory to tell, will do more hurt than many 

 that know it their duty to conceal. It is true there be 

 some affairs which require extreme secrecy, which will 



