第20章：Of Counsel 论谏议（中英对照）

培根散文随笔集中英对照，通过阅读文学名著学语言，是掌握英语的绝佳方法。既可接触原汁原味的英语，又能享受文学之美，一举两得，何乐不为？
20 of counsel 论谏议
the greatest trust between man and man is the trust of giving counsel. for in other confidences, men commit the parts of life; their lands, their goods, their children, their credit, some particular affair, but to such as they make their counsellors they commit the whole: by how much the more, they are obliged to all faith and integrity.
人与人之间最大的信任就是关于进言的信任。因为在别的信托之中人们不过是把生活底一部分委托于人，如田地、产业、子女、信用，某项个别事务是也；但是对那些他们认为是言官或诤友的人，他们是把生活底全部都委托了；由此可见这些有言责的人是更应当如何严守信实与坚贞也。

the wisest princes need not think it any diminution to their greatness, or derogation to their sufficiency, to rely upon counsel. god himself is not without: but hath made it one of the great names of his blessed son; the counsellor. solomon hath pronounced, that in counsel is stability. things will have their first or second agitation; if they be not tossed upon the arguments of counsel they will be tossed upon the waves of fortune; and be full of inconstancy, doing, and undoing, like the reeling of a drunken man. solomon's son found the force of counsel as his father saw the necessity of it
人君中极聪明者也不必以为借助于言论就有损于他们底伟大或有伤于他们底能名。连上帝自己也是不能少它的，他并且把进言这件事定为他底圣嗣底尊号之一：就是“进言者”或“规劝者”。所罗门曾经说过：“安全是在忠言之中的”。凡事必有初动与次动；若不在言论底辩驳上颠簸，必将在幸运底波涛上颠簸，并且要有始无终，成败不定，好象一个醉人底蹒跚一样。所罗门底儿子发见了言论底力量，就如同他父亲发见了言论底必要一样。

for the beloved kingdom of god was first rent and broken by ill counsel; upon which counsel there are set, for our instruction, the two marks, whereby bad counsel is for ever best discerned: that it was young counsel for the persons;and violent counsel for the matter.
因为上帝所最宠爱的那个国家是最先由邪说分裂破坏的；这邪说有两个特点，这两个特点可说是天意特赋予它，以教训世人如何可以永远看出邪恶的言论来的；就是，这种言论，在人底方面，是年青人底言论；在事底方面，是主张暴力的言论。
the ancient times do set forth in figure both the incorporation and inseparable conjunction of counsel with kings; and the wise and politic use of counsel by kings: the one, in that they say, jupiter did many metis, which signifieth counsel: whereby they intend, that sovereignty is married to counsel: the other, in that which followeth, which was thus: they say after jupiter was married to metis, she conceived by him, and was with child; but jupiter suffered her not to stay till she brought forth, but ate her up; whereby he became himself with child, and was delivered of pallas armed, out of his head. which monstrous fable contained! a secret of empire; how kings are to make use of their counsel of state.
帝王与言论之一体相关而不可分离以及帝王当如何善用言论之道，这二者都由古人以譬喻说出了。其一，古人说久辟特曾娶米娣司，这位米娣司就是言论，古人借这个寓言表示君权是与言论一体的。其二就是这故事底下文，古人说久辟特娶了米娣司之后，她怀了孕。但是久辟特不肯让她等到生产的时候，反之，他把她吞入腹内，因此他自己竟怀孕在身，后来就由头中产生了全身披挂的帕拉斯。这个荒唐的故事暗寓君道底秘密；是说人君应当如何利用朝议的。

that first, they ought to refer matters unto them, which is the first begetting or impregnation; but when they are elaborate, moulded, and shaped, in the womb of their counsel, and grow ripe, and ready to be brought forth; that then, they suffer not their counsel 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 themselves) from their head, and device.
第一，为帝王者应当把事务交付朝议，这就好象授胎使孕一样；但是当这些事务在议论底腹中已受?营，捏搓，造形之后，那时为帝王者就不让朝议去决断并支配这些事务，好象非仗着他们不可似的；反之，却要把事务拿回到自己底手里，并且要使世人看来那号令及最后的决断（这些号令及决断，因为它们发出的时候是审慎而且有力的，因此就可譬全副武装的帕拉斯）是从他们自己出的，并且不仅是从他们底威权，而且是从他们底脑筋及智谋而来的（这样就更可以增加他们自己底名望了）。

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.
现在且一谈言论底害处及其救济之道。求言与用言底害处其?人见及者有三。
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 me 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, haul introduced cabinet counsels; a remedy worse then the disease.
第一，事务为人所知，机密于是不固。第二，人君之威权减弱，好象他们作事不能全仗自己似的。第三是奸言底危险，所说的话于进言者比纳言者更为有利。因为这三种害处，所以意大利底理论和法兰西底实行（在某几位君王底时代）曾创密议或“内阁会议”之制；这是一种比疾病本身更坏的治疗术。

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 counsels, it may be their motto; plows 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 hardly go beyond one or two persons, besides the king: neither are those counsels unprosperous: for besides the secrecy, they commonly go on constantly in one spirit of direction, without distraction.
说到秘密，为人君者不必一定要把所有的事情通知所有的言事之臣；反之，他是可以选择的。并且，那问人他应当怎样办的人也不一定要宣布他将要怎么办。然而为人君者却须提防，不可使事机底泄露，出自他们本身。至于那些秘密会议，下面这句话可为它们底座右铭，就是“我满是漏洞”（plenusrimarumsum）。一个喋喋多言，以告人秘密为荣的人，其为害之烈，虽有许多懂得保密的责任的人也是挽救不过来的。有些事件需要极度的秘密，除了君主本人，不会有一两个以上的人知道的，这是真的；然而这一两个人底言论也不见得没有好处；因为，在保守秘密之外，这些言论还能继续依着同一方针进行而不受扰乱也。

but then it must be a prudent king, such as is able to grind with a hand-mill; and those inward counsellors had need also be wise men, and especially true and trusty to the king's ends; as it was with king henry the seventh of england, who in his greatest business imparted himself to none, except it were to morton, and fox.
可是要达到这种情形，那为帝王者就必须要是一位明主，一位自己有力量办事的人君；并且那些参与机密的议事官也须是有智之人，尤须是忠于君主底目的者才行；英王亨利第七，他在最重大的事件中从不把秘密告诉任何人，除非是摩吞和福克斯，这就是一个例子。
for weakening of authority; the fable showeth the remedy. nay, the majesty of kings is rather exalted, than diminished, when they are in the chair of counsel: neither was there ever prince bereaved of his dependencies by his counsel; except where there hath been, either an overgreatness in one counsellor, or an overstrict combination in divers; which are things soon found, and holpen.
至于威权之减弱，上述的寓言已经表明那补救之道了。不特如此，帝王底尊严与其说是因为他们参与议论而削减不如说是反而增高了；并且从来也没有过人君因为接受言论而失去臣仆的；惟有在某一个言事的人不次升擢或某几个言事的人组织过密的时候，那算是例外；但是这些情形是容易发觉并补救的。

for the last inconvenience, that men will counsel with an eye to themselves; certainly, non inveniet fidem super terrain, is meant of the nature of times, and not of all particular persons; there be, that are in nature faithful, and sincere, and plain, and direct; not crafty, and involved: let princes, above all, draw to themselves such natures. besides, counsellors are not commonly so united, but that one counsellor keepeth sentinel over another, so that if any do counsel out of faction, or private ends, it commonly comes to the king's ear. but the best remedy is, if princes know their counsellors, as well as their counsellors know them: principis est virtus maxima nosse suos.
再说那最后的一件害处，就是人们会存私心而进言。无疑地，“他在地面上将找不到忠诚”这句话底用意是形容一个时代而非指所有的个人的。有些人底天性是忠实、诚恳、质朴、爽直，而不是狡猾曲折的；为人君者当首先把有这样天性的人吸引到身边来。再者，言事之臣并非都是团结一致的，反之，他们常常是一个监视一个的；因此若有一个人底言论是为党争或私心而发的，这种情形多半是要传到君主底耳朵里来的。但是最好的救治之方就是人君要懂得言官，如言官之懂得人君：“人君之至德在乎知人”。

and on the other side, counsellors should not be too speculative into their sovereign's person. the true composition of a counsellor, is rather to be skilful in their master's business, than in his nature; for then he is like to advise him, and not to feed his humour. it is of singular use to princes, if they take the opinions of their counsel both separately and together.
在另一方面，言论之臣也不可过于喜欢察究他们底君主底为人。一个参与言论的人底真正应有的品性是要通晓他底主人底事务而不是熟悉他底性格；因为这样他就会劝导他而不至于迎合他底脾气了。为人君者假如在听取他底议事诸臣的意见时能听取个人私下的意见，又能听取当众的意见，那是特别有用的。
for private opinion is more free; but opinion before others is more reverend. in private, men are more bold in their own humours; and in consort, 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 consort, 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 me life of the execution of affairs resteth in the good choice of persons. neither is it enough to consult concerning persons, secundurn 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 judgement is shown, in the choice of individuals. it was truly said;optimi consiliarii maud; 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 me stage.
因为私下的意见是较为自由，而当众的意见是较为可重的。在私下，人们比较勇于表示自己底好恶；在公众中，人们较易受别人的好恶之影响，因此两种意见都采取是好的；并且在听取较为低级的人们底意见时，最好是在私下，为的是可以使他们畅所欲言；在听取较为尊贵的人们底意见时最好是在公众，为的是可以使他们出言慎重。为人君者若仅为事求言而不同样地为人求言，那末这种求言的举动就是空虚的；因为这样做，一切的事务就好象无生命的图象一般了，而办理事务的那种生气则全赖择人得宜也。要用人而征求意见时若仅依阶级为标准，以求其人品与性格，就好象在研究一种观念，或者一道数学题的时候分门别类的那种办法一样，那也是不够的；因为大错误之造成，或大识见之显出，都在用人得当与否也。古人说：“死了的人乃是最好的进言人”。这话说得不错：当活着的有言责者畏缩不敢言的时候，书籍是敢直言的。因此最好熟读书籍，尤其是那些曾经身历其境的人所作的书。

the counsels, 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 propounded one day, and not spoken to, till the next day; in nocte consilium. so was it done, in die 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 attendance; and it frees the meetings for matters of estate, that they may hoc agere. in choice of committees, for ripening business for the counsel, it is better to choose indifferent persons, than to make an indifference, 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 counsels, and but one counsel 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 counsels, out of their particular professions (as lawyers, seamen, mintmen, and the like), be first heard before committees; and then, as occasion serves, before the counsel.
今日各处底议事机关大多数不过是一种平常的会议而已，在这种会议上诸种事务仅仅受谈论而未受辩论也。并且他们都是草草地由议事机关底命令或决议处理。在重大事件上，不如先一日提出其事而直至次日始讨论之为愈；“黑夜带来良言”。在英，苏合并问题议事会上就是如此做的：那是个慎重有序的会议机关。我主张应有一定的日期专议请愿之事；因为这种办法既可以使请愿者对于他们底请求能受注意的一事较有把握，又可以使会议机关有工夫来讨论国家之事，如此乃可以办理当前的急务也。在选任委员会，为总议事机关预备一切的时候，任用那些无成见的人们比任用正反两面成见甚深的人，而造成一种均衡中立之势的办法好。我也赞成永久委员会之制；例如关于贸易的，关于财政的，关于军事的，关于诉讼的，以及关于某项特别事务的皆是也；因为若有许多特殊的小议事机关而只有一个国家的议事机关（如在西班牙就是这样），那他们就实际上等于永久委员会，不过它们底权大些罢了。凡是由他们底特殊职业而对于议事机关有所报告或陈述的人们（如律师，海员，铸钱者等）应当先到各委员会报告，然后，看时机之宜否，再到议事机关面前。

and let them not come in multitudes, or in a tribunitious manner; for that is to clamour counsels, not to inform them. a long table, and a square table, or seats about the walls, seem things of form, but are things of substance; for at a long table, a few at the upper end, in effect, sway all the business; but in the other form, there is more use of the counsellors' opinions, that sit lower.
并且他们不可成群而来，或者带一种傲慢不逊的态度；因为那样就是对议事机关咆哮示威，而不是有所陈述了。一条长桌或是一张方桌或是依墙排列座位这都好象是形式上的事情而其实是实体的事情；因为在一条长桌之旁，在上端坐的少数人就可以实际上指挥一切；但是在别的坐法中，那坐在下位的议事人底意见就可以多受采纳了。
a king, when he presides in counsel, let him beware how he opens his own inclination too much, in that which he propounded!: for else counsellors will but take the wind of him; and instead of giving free counsel, sing him a song of placebo.
一位君主，当他主席会议的时候，应当注意，不可在他底言辞中过于泄露自己底意向；否则那些议事官就要看他底风转舵，不拿自由自主的意见给他，而要给他唱一曲“吾将愉悦我主”的歌了。

培根散文随笔集中英对照，通过阅读文学名著学语言，是掌握英语的绝佳方法。既可接触原汁原味的英语，又能享受文学之美，一举两得，何乐不为？
20 of counsel 论谏议
人与人之间最大的信任就是关于进言的信任。因为在别的信托之中人们不过是把生活底一部分委托于人，如田地、产业、子女、信用，某项个别事务是也；但是对那些他们认为是言官或诤友的人，他们是把生活底全部都委托了；由此可见这些有言责的人是更应当如何严守信实与坚贞也。

人君中极聪明者也不必以为借助于言论就有损于他们底伟大或有伤于他们底能名。连上帝自己也是不能少它的，他并且把进言这件事定为他底圣嗣底尊号之一：就是“进言者”或“规劝者”。所罗门曾经说过：“安全是在忠言之中的”。凡事必有初动与次动；若不在言论底辩驳上颠簸，必将在幸运底波涛上颠簸，并且要有始无终，成败不定，好象一个醉人底蹒跚一样。所罗门底儿子发见了言论底力量，就如同他父亲发见了言论底必要一样。

因为上帝所最宠爱的那个国家是最先由邪说分裂破坏的；这邪说有两个特点，这两个特点可说是天意特赋予它，以教训世人如何可以永远看出邪恶的言论来的；就是，这种言论，在人底方面，是年青人底言论；在事底方面，是主张暴力的言论。
帝王与言论之一体相关而不可分离以及帝王当如何善用言论之道，这二者都由古人以譬喻说出了。其一，古人说久辟特曾娶米娣司，这位米娣司就是言论，古人借这个寓言表示君权是与言论一体的。其二就是这故事底下文，古人说久辟特娶了米娣司之后，她怀了孕。但是久辟特不肯让她等到生产的时候，反之，他把她吞入腹内，因此他自己竟怀孕在身，后来就由头中产生了全身披挂的帕拉斯。这个荒唐的故事暗寓君道底秘密；是说人君应当如何利用朝议的。

第一，为帝王者应当把事务交付朝议，这就好象授胎使孕一样；但是当这些事务在议论底腹中已受?营，捏搓，造形之后，那时为帝王者就不让朝议去决断并支配这些事务，好象非仗着他们不可似的；反之，却要把事务拿回到自己底手里，并且要使世人看来那号令及最后的决断（这些号令及决断，因为它们发出的时候是审慎而且有力的，因此就可譬全副武装的帕拉斯）是从他们自己出的，并且不仅是从他们底威权，而且是从他们底脑筋及智谋而来的（这样就更可以增加他们自己底名望了）。

现在且一谈言论底害处及其救济之道。求言与用言底害处其?人见及者有三。
第一，事务为人所知，机密于是不固。第二，人君之威权减弱，好象他们作事不能全仗自己似的。第三是奸言底危险，所说的话于进言者比纳言者更为有利。因为这三种害处，所以意大利底理论和法兰西底实行（在某几位君王底时代）曾创密议或“内阁会议”之制；这是一种比疾病本身更坏的治疗术。

说到秘密，为人君者不必一定要把所有的事情通知所有的言事之臣；反之，他是可以选择的。并且，那问人他应当怎样办的人也不一定要宣布他将要怎么办。然而为人君者却须提防，不可使事机底泄露，出自他们本身。至于那些秘密会议，下面这句话可为它们底座右铭，就是“我满是漏洞”（plenusrimarumsum）。一个喋喋多言，以告人秘密为荣的人，其为害之烈，虽有许多懂得保密的责任的人也是挽救不过来的。有些事件需要极度的秘密，除了君主本人，不会有一两个以上的人知道的，这是真的；然而这一两个人底言论也不见得没有好处；因为，在保守秘密之外，这些言论还能继续依着同一方针进行而不受扰乱也。

可是要达到这种情形，那为帝王者就必须要是一位明主，一位自己有力量办事的人君；并且那些参与机密的议事官也须是有智之人，尤须是忠于君主底目的者才行；英王亨利第七，他在最重大的事件中从不把秘密告诉任何人，除非是摩吞和福克斯，这就是一个例子。
至于威权之减弱，上述的寓言已经表明那补救之道了。不特如此，帝王底尊严与其说是因为他们参与议论而削减不如说是反而增高了；并且从来也没有过人君因为接受言论而失去臣仆的；惟有在某一个言事的人不次升擢或某几个言事的人组织过密的时候，那算是例外；但是这些情形是容易发觉并补救的。

再说那最后的一件害处，就是人们会存私心而进言。无疑地，“他在地面上将找不到忠诚”这句话底用意是形容一个时代而非指所有的个人的。有些人底天性是忠实、诚恳、质朴、爽直，而不是狡猾曲折的；为人君者当首先把有这样天性的人吸引到身边来。再者，言事之臣并非都是团结一致的，反之，他们常常是一个监视一个的；因此若有一个人底言论是为党争或私心而发的，这种情形多半是要传到君主底耳朵里来的。但是最好的救治之方就是人君要懂得言官，如言官之懂得人君：“人君之至德在乎知人”。

在另一方面，言论之臣也不可过于喜欢察究他们底君主底为人。一个参与言论的人底真正应有的品性是要通晓他底主人底事务而不是熟悉他底性格；因为这样他就会劝导他而不至于迎合他底脾气了。为人君者假如在听取他底议事诸臣的意见时能听取个人私下的意见，又能听取当众的意见，那是特别有用的。
因为私下的意见是较为自由，而当众的意见是较为可重的。在私下，人们比较勇于表示自己底好恶；在公众中，人们较易受别人的好恶之影响，因此两种意见都采取是好的；并且在听取较为低级的人们底意见时，最好是在私下，为的是可以使他们畅所欲言；在听取较为尊贵的人们底意见时最好是在公众，为的是可以使他们出言慎重。为人君者若仅为事求言而不同样地为人求言，那末这种求言的举动就是空虚的；因为这样做，一切的事务就好象无生命的图象一般了，而办理事务的那种生气则全赖择人得宜也。要用人而征求意见时若仅依阶级为标准，以求其人品与性格，就好象在研究一种观念，或者一道数学题的时候分门别类的那种办法一样，那也是不够的；因为大错误之造成，或大识见之显出，都在用人得当与否也。古人说：“死了的人乃是最好的进言人”。这话说得不错：当活着的有言责者畏缩不敢言的时候，书籍是敢直言的。因此最好熟读书籍，尤其是那些曾经身历其境的人所作的书。

今日各处底议事机关大多数不过是一种平常的会议而已，在这种会议上诸种事务仅仅受谈论而未受辩论也。并且他们都是草草地由议事机关底命令或决议处理。在重大事件上，不如先一日提出其事而直至次日始讨论之为愈；“黑夜带来良言”。在英，苏合并问题议事会上就是如此做的：那是个慎重有序的会议机关。我主张应有一定的日期专议请愿之事；因为这种办法既可以使请愿者对于他们底请求能受注意的一事较有把握，又可以使会议机关有工夫来讨论国家之事，如此乃可以办理当前的急务也。在选任委员会，为总议事机关预备一切的时候，任用那些无成见的人们比任用正反两面成见甚深的人，而造成一种均衡中立之势的办法好。我也赞成永久委员会之制；例如关于贸易的，关于财政的，关于军事的，关于诉讼的，以及关于某项特别事务的皆是也；因为若有许多特殊的小议事机关而只有一个国家的议事机关（如在西班牙就是这样），那他们就实际上等于永久委员会，不过它们底权大些罢了。凡是由他们底特殊职业而对于议事机关有所报告或陈述的人们（如律师，海员，铸钱者等）应当先到各委员会报告，然后，看时机之宜否，再到议事机关面前。

并且他们不可成群而来，或者带一种傲慢不逊的态度；因为那样就是对议事机关咆哮示威，而不是有所陈述了。一条长桌或是一张方桌或是依墙排列座位这都好象是形式上的事情而其实是实体的事情；因为在一条长桌之旁，在上端坐的少数人就可以实际上指挥一切；但是在别的坐法中，那坐在下位的议事人底意见就可以多受采纳了。
一位君主，当他主席会议的时候，应当注意，不可在他底言辞中过于泄露自己底意向；否则那些议事官就要看他底风转舵，不拿自由自主的意见给他，而要给他唱一曲“吾将愉悦我主”的歌了。

the greatest trust between man and man is the trust of giving counsel. for in other confidences, men commit the parts of life; their lands, their goods, their children, their credit, some particular affair, but to such as they make their counsellors they commit the whole: by how much the more, they are obliged to all faith and integrity.
the wisest princes need not think it any diminution to their greatness, or derogation to their sufficiency, to rely upon counsel. god himself is not without: but hath made it one of the great names of his blessed son; the counsellor. solomon hath pronounced, that in counsel is stability. things will have their first or second agitation; if they be not tossed upon the arguments of counsel they will be tossed upon the waves of fortune; and be full of inconstancy, doing, and undoing, like the reeling of a drunken man. solomon's son found the force of counsel as his father saw the necessity of it
for the beloved kingdom of god was first rent and broken by ill counsel; upon which counsel there are set, for our instruction, the two marks, whereby bad counsel is for ever best discerned: that it was young counsel for the persons;and violent counsel for the matter.
the ancient times do set forth in figure both the incorporation and inseparable conjunction of counsel with kings; and the wise and politic use of counsel by kings: the one, in that they say, jupiter did many metis, which signifieth counsel: whereby they intend, that sovereignty is married to counsel: the other, in that which followeth, which was thus: they say after jupiter was married to metis, she conceived by him, and was with child; but jupiter suffered her not to stay till she brought forth, but ate her up; whereby he became himself with child, and was delivered of pallas armed, out of his head. which monstrous fable contained! a secret of empire; how kings are to make use of their counsel of state.
that first, they ought to refer matters unto them, which is the first begetting or impregnation; but when they are elaborate, moulded, and shaped, in the womb of their counsel, and grow ripe, and ready to be brought forth; that then, they suffer not their counsel 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 themselves) 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 me 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, haul introduced cabinet counsels; a remedy worse then 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 counsels, it may be their motto; plows 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 hardly go beyond one or two persons, besides the king: neither are those counsels unprosperous: for besides the secrecy, they commonly go on constantly in one spirit of direction, without distraction.
but then it must be a prudent king, such as is able to grind with a hand-mill; and those inward counsellors had need also be wise men, and especially true and trusty to the king's ends; as it was with king henry the seventh of england, who in his greatest business imparted himself to none, except it were to morton, and fox.
for weakening of authority; the fable showeth the remedy. nay, the majesty of kings is rather exalted, than diminished, when they are in the chair of counsel: neither was there ever prince bereaved of his dependencies by his counsel; except where there hath been, either an overgreatness in one counsellor, or an overstrict combination in divers; which are things soon found, and holpen.
for the last inconvenience, that men will counsel with an eye to themselves; certainly, non inveniet fidem super terrain, is meant of the nature of times, and not of all particular persons; there be, that are in nature faithful, and sincere, and plain, and direct; not crafty, and involved: let princes, above all, draw to themselves such natures. besides, counsellors are not commonly so united, but that one counsellor keepeth sentinel over another, so that if any do counsel out of faction, or private ends, it commonly comes to the king's ear. but the best remedy is, if princes know their counsellors, as well as their counsellors know them: principis est virtus maxima nosse suos.
and on the other side, counsellors should not be too speculative into their sovereign's person. the true composition of a counsellor, is rather to be skilful in their master's business, than in his nature; for then he is like to advise him, and not to feed his humour. it is of singular use to princes, if they take the opinions of their counsel both separately and together.
for private opinion is more free; but opinion before others is more reverend. in private, men are more bold in their own humours; and in consort, 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 consort, 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 me life of the execution of affairs resteth in the good choice of persons. neither is it enough to consult concerning persons, secundurn 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 judgement is shown, in the choice of individuals. it was truly said;optimi consiliarii maud; 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 me stage.
the counsels, 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 propounded one day, and not spoken to, till the next day; in nocte consilium. so was it done, in die 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 attendance; and it frees the meetings for matters of estate, that they may hoc agere. in choice of committees, for ripening business for the counsel, it is better to choose indifferent persons, than to make an indifference, 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 counsels, and but one counsel 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 counsels, out of their particular professions (as lawyers, seamen, mintmen, and the like), be first heard before committees; and then, as occasion serves, before the counsel.
and let them not come in multitudes, or in a tribunitious manner; for that is to clamour counsels, not to inform them. a long table, and a square table, or seats about the walls, seem things of form, but are things of substance; for at a long table, a few at the upper end, in effect, sway all the business; but in the other form, there is more use of the counsellors' opinions, that sit lower.
a king, when he presides in counsel, let him beware how he opens his own inclination too much, in that which he propounded!: for else counsellors will but take the wind of him; and instead of giving free counsel, sing him a song of placebo.