Generall[1], and wherein Men of Severall[2] Factions doe nevertheless agree[3]; Or in dealing with Correspondence to Particular Persons, one by one[4]. But I say not that the consideration of Factions is to be Neglected. Meane Men, in their Rising, must adhere[5]; But Great Men, that have Strength in themselves, were better to maintaine themselves Indifferent[6] and Neutrall. Yet even in beginners, to adhere so moderately as hee bee a Man of the one Faction, which is most Passable with the other, commonly giveth best Way[7]. The Lower and Weaker Faction is the firmer in Conjunction[8]: And it is often scene that a few, that are Stiffe[9], doe tire out a greater Number, that are more Moderate. When One of the Factions is Extinguished, the Remaining Subdivideth: As the Faction betweene Lucullus and the Rest of the Nobles of the Senate (which they called Optimates] held out a while against the Faction of Pompey and Caesar: But when the Senate's Authority was pulled Downe, Cæsar and Pompey soone after brake. The Faction or Partie of Antonius and Octavianus Caesar, against Brutus and Cassius, held out likewise for a time: But when Brutus and Cassius were overthrowne, then soone after Antonius and Octavianus brake and Subdivided. These Examples are of Warres, but the same holdeth in Private Factions. And therefore, those that are Seconds[10] in Factions doe many times, when the Faction Subdivideth, prove Principals: But many times also they prove Ciphars and Casheer'd[11]: For many a Man's Strength is in opposition; And when that faileth[12], he groweth out of use. It is commonly scene that Men once Placed[13] take in with[14] the
- ↑ which concern everybody
- ↑ different
- ↑ i.e. agree in spite of their belonging to different parties
- ↑ in dealing with particular persons in a manner which is suitable to each case
- ↑ Men of low station must attach themselves to a party while they are rising
- ↑ impartial
- ↑ For a novice to be so temperate an adherent of his party that he is on an excellent footing with the other side opens up the road to promotion most effectually.
- ↑ holds together best
- ↑ pertinacious
- ↑ occupy a subordinate position
- ↑ are got rid of
- ↑ ceases
- ↑ once appointed to office
- ↑ take up with, go over to
