126 BACON'S ESSAYS 



factions do many times, when the faction subdivideth, 

 prove principals ; but many times also they prove cyphers 

 and cashiered ; for many a man's strength is in opposition ; 

 and when that faileth he groweth out of use. 



It is commonly seen that men once placed take in with 

 the contrary faction to that by which they enter : thinking 

 belike that they have the first sure, and now are ready for 

 a new purchase. The traitor in faction lightly goeth away 

 with it ; for when matters have stuck long in balancing, 

 the winning of some one man casteth them, and he getteth 

 all the thanks. The even carriage between two factions 

 proceedeth not always of moderation, but of a trueness to 

 a man's self, with end to make use of both. Certainly in 

 Italy they hold it a little suspect in popes, when they have 

 often in their mouth Padre commune : and take it to be a 

 sign of one that meaneth to refer all to the greatness of 

 his own house. Kings had need beware how they side 

 themselves, and make themselves as of a faction or party ; 

 for leagues within the state are ever pernicious to 

 monarchies : for they raise an obligation paramount to 

 obligation of sovereignty, and make the king tanquam unus 

 ex nobis' y as was to be seen in the League of France. 

 When factions are carried too high and too violently, it is 

 a sign of weakness in princes ; and much to the prejudice 

 both of their authority and business. The motions of 

 factions under kings ought to be like the motions (as the 

 astronomers speak) of the inferior orbs, which may have 

 their proper motions, but yet still are quietly carried by 

 the higher motion of primum mobile. 



LII 

 OF CEREMONIES AND RESPECTS 



HE that is only real, had need have exceeding great parts 

 of virtue ; as the stone had need to be rich that is set 

 without foil. But if a man mark it well, it is in praise and 

 commendation of men as it is in gettings and gains : for 



