is like[1] to Advise him, and not to Feede his Humour. It is of singular[2] use to Princes, if they take the Opinions of their Counsell both Separately and Together. For Private Opinion is more free, but Opinion before others is more Reverend.[3] In private, Men are more bold in their owne Humours; And in Consort,[4] Men are more obnoxious to[5] others Humours; Therefore it is good to take both: And of the inferiour Sort rather in private, to preserve Freedome; Of the greater, rather in Consort, to preserve Respect. It is in vaine for Princes to take Counsel concerning Matters, if they take no Counsell likewise concerning Persons: For all Matters are as dead Images; And the Life of the Execution of Affaires resteth in[6] the good Choice of Persons. Neither is it enough to consult concerning Persons Secundum genera,[7] as in an Idea or Mathematicall Description, what the Kinde and Character of the Person should be;[8] For the greatest Errours are committed, and the most Iudgement is shewne, in the choice of Individuals. It was truly said, Optimi Consiliarij mortui;[9] Books will speake plaine, when Counsellors Blanch.[10] Therefore it is good to be conversant in them, Specially the Bookes of such as Themselves have been Actors upon the Stage.
The Counsels at this Day in most Places are but Familiar Meetings, where Matters are rather talked on then debated. And they run too swift to the Order or Act of Counsell. It were better that, in Causes of weight, the Matter were propounded one day, and not spoken to[11] till the next day; In Nocte Consilium.[12] So was it done in the Commission of Union between England and Scotland, which was a Grave and Orderly Assembly. I commend set Daies for Petitions; For both it gives the Suitors more certainty for their Attendance, And it frees the Meetings
