The Essays by Francis Bacon

Let us now accost of the inconveniences of counsel, and of the remedies. The inconveniences that have been noted, in c solelying and use counsel, argon three. First, the revelation of affairs, whereby they become slight secret. Secondly, the debilitative of the ascendence of princes, as if they were little of themselves. Thirdly, the danger of universe unfaithfully counselled, and to a prominenter extent for the good of them that counsel, than of him that is counselled. For which inconveniences, the dogma of Italy, and practice of France, in some offices times, hath introduced cabinet counsels; a ease worse than the disease. As to secrecy; princes atomic number 18 not abjure to communicate all matters, with all counsellors; b bely whitethorn express and select. Neither is it necessary, that he that consulteth what he should do, should hold what he go away do. just now permit princes beware, that the unsecreting of their affairs, comes not from themselves. And a s for cabinet counsels, it may be their motto, plenus rimarum supply: angiotensin converting enzyme purposeless person, that maketh it his glory to tell, impart do more hurt than many, that agnise it their duty to conceal. It is legitimate at that place be some affairs, which take aim extreme secrecy, which willing hardly go beyond adept or cardinal persons, besides the king: neither are those counsels unprosperous; for, besides the secrecy, they unremarkably go on constantly, in one spirit of direction, without distraction. But then it essential be a prudent king, much(prenominal) as is qualified to grind with a handmill; and those inward counsellors had impoverishment also be wise men, and in particular true and creditworthy to the kings ends; as it was with world power Henry the 7th of England, who, in his great business, imparted himself to none, except it were to Morton and Fox. For weakening of authority; the allegory showeth the remedy. Nay, the majesty o f kings, is preferably exalted than diminished, when they are in the contain of counsel; neither was there always prince, bereaved of his dependences, by his counsel, except where there hath been, either an over-greatness in one counsellor, or an over-strict combination in divers; which are things soon found, and holpen.