wise,[1] the chiefest wisdom is either in ordering those things which are general, and wherein men of several factions do nevertheless agree; or in dealing with correspondence to particular persons, one by one. But I say not that the consideration of factions is to be neglected. Mean men, in their rising, must adhere; but great men, that have strength in themselves, were better to maintain themselves indifferent and neutral. Yet even in beginners, to adhere so moderately, as he be a man of the one faction which is most passable[2] with the other, commonly giveth best way. The lower and weaker faction is the firmer in conjunction; and it is often seen that a few that are stiff do tire out a greater number that are more moderate. When one of the factions is extinguished, the remaining subdivideth; as the faction between Lucullus and the rest of the nobles of the senate (which they called Optimates)[3] held out awhile against the faction of Pompey and Cæsar; but when the senate's authority was pulled down, Cæsar and Pompey soon after brake. The faction or party of Antonius and Octavianus Cæsar against Brutus and Cassius,[4] held out likewise for a time; but when Brutus and Cassius were overthrown, then soon after Antonius and Octavianus brake and subdivided. These examples are of wars,
- ↑ Contrariwise. On the contrary.
- ↑ Passable. That may be passed; receivable; acceptable.
- ↑ Optimates. The adherents of 'the best' men, that is, in the Roman political sense, the aristocratic party, the aristocrats, in opposition to populares, the popular party.
- ↑ Caius Cassius Longinus, died near Philippi, Macedonia, 42 B.C., Roman general and politician. He was the leading conspirator against Caesar in 44 B.C., and was defeated, with Brutus, by Pompey at Philippi.
