observe wherin and how they have degenerate[1]; but yet aske Counsell of both Times; Of the Ancient Time, what is best, and of the Latter Time, what is fittest. Seeke to make thy Course Regular[2], that Men may know before hand what they may expect; But be not too positive[3] and peremptorie; And expresse thy selfe well[4], when thou digressest from thy Rule. Preserve the Right of thy Place; but stirre not questions of Jurisdiction: And rather assume thy Right in Silence and de facto[5] then voice it[6] with Claimes and Challenges. Preserve likewise the Rights of Inferiour Places; And thinke it more Honour to direct in chiefe then to be busie in all. Embrace and invite Helps and Advices touching the Execution of thy Place[7]; And doe not drive away such as bring thee Information as Medlers, but accept of them in good part.
The vices of Authoritie are chiefly foure: Delaies; Corruption; Roughnesse; and Facilitie[8]. For[9] Delaies, Give easie Accesse; Keepe times appointed; Goe through with that which is in hand; And interlace not businesse[10] but[11] of necessitie. For[9] Corruption, Doe not onely binde thine owne Hands, or thy Servants hands, from taking, but binde the hands of Sutours also from offring. For Integritie used[12] doth the one; but Integritie professed, and with a manifest detestation of Bribery, doth the other. And avoid not onely the Fault, but the Suspicion. Whosoever is found variable, and changeth manifestly without manifest Cause, giveth Suspicion of Corruption. Therefore, alwayes, when thou changest thine Opinion or Course, professe it plainly, and declare it, together with the Reasons that move thee to change; And doe not thinke to steale it[13]. A Servant, or a Favorite, if hee be inward[14], and no other apparent Cause of Esteeme, is commonly thought but a By-way to
