It is a way that some men have, to glaunce and dart at[1] Others, by Justifying themselves by Negatives; As to say, This I doe not: As Tigillinus did towards Burrhus; Se non diversas spes, sed Incolumitatem Imperatoris simplicitèr spectare.[2]
Some have in readinesse so many Tales and Stories, as[3] there is Nothing they would[4] insinuate, but they can wrap it into a Tale; which serveth both to keepe themselves more in Guard,[5] and to make others carry it,[6] with more Pleasure.
It is a good Point of Cunning for a Man to shape the Answer he would have in his owne Words and Propositions; For it makes the other Party sticke[7] the lesse.
It is strange how long some Men will lie in wait to speake somewhat they desire to say; And how farre about they will fetch;[8] And how many other Matters they will beat over to come neare it. It is a Thing of great Patience, but yet of much Use.
A sudden, bold, and unexpected Question doth many times surprise a Man, and lay him open. Like to him that, having changed his Name, and walking in Paul's, Another suddenly came behind him and called him by his true Name, whereat straightwaies he looked backe.
But these Small Wares and Petty Points of Cunning are infinite: And it were a good deed, to make a List of them: For that[9] nothing doth more hurt in a State then that Cunning Men passe for Wise.
But certainly, some there are that know the Resorts and Falls[10] of Businesse that cannot sinke into the Maine of it;[11] Like a House that hath convenient Staires and Entries, but never a faire Roome. Therfore, you shall see them finde out pretty Looses[12] in the Conclusion, but are no waies
- ↑ to cast reflexions
- ↑ He had no divergent aims in view (as Burrus had), but looked solely to the emperor's safety.
- ↑ that
- ↑ would like to
- ↑ to protect themselves from injurious consequences
- ↑ spread it abroad
- ↑ hesitate
- ↑ how they will go round and round the subject
- ↑ since
- ↑ vicissitudes
- ↑ cannot grasp its essential principles
- ↑ find out ingenious means of escaping difficulty
