52 BACON'S ESSAYS 



men are more obnoxious to others' humours ; therefore it 

 is good to take both; and of the inferior sort rather in 

 private, to preserve freedom ; of the greater rather in con- 

 sort, to preserve respect. It is in vain for princes to take 

 counsel concerning matters, if they take no counsel likewise 

 concerning persons ; for all matters are as dead images ; 

 and the life of the execution of affairs resteth in the good 

 choice of persons. Neither is it good enough to consult 

 concerning persons secundum genera, as in an idea, or 

 mathematical description, what the kind and character of 

 the person should be; for the greatest errors are committed, 

 and the most judgment is shewn, in the choice of indi- 

 viduals. It was truly said, optimi consiliarii mortui: books 

 will speak plain when counsellors blanch. Therefore it is 

 good to be conversant in them, specially the books of such 

 as themselves have been actors upon the stage. 



The councils at this day in most places are but familiar 

 meetings, where matters are rather talked on than debated. 

 And they run too swift to the order or act of counsel. It 

 were better that in causes of weight, the matter were pro- 

 pounded one day and not spoken to till the next day ; in 

 nocte consilium. So was it done in the Commission of 

 Union between England and Scotland ; which was a grave 

 and orderly assembly. I commend set days for petitions ; 

 for both it gives the suitors more certainty for their attend- 

 ance, and it frees the meetings for matters of estate, that 

 they may hoc agere. In choice of committees for ripening 

 business for the council, it is better to choose indifferent 

 persons, than to make an indifferency by putting in those 

 that are strong on both sides. I commend also standing 

 commissions; as for trade, for treasure, for war, for suits, for 

 some provinces; for where there be divers particular councils 

 and but one council of estate (as it is in Spain), they are, 

 in effect, no more than standing commissions : save that 

 they have greater authority. Let such as are to inform 

 councils out of their particular professions, (as lawyers, 

 seamen, mintmen, and the like,) be first heard before com- 

 mittees; and then, as occasion serves, before the council. 

 And let them not come in multitudes, or in a tribunitious 



