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Unit 3: Francis Bacon—Of Studies: Detailed Study and Critical Analysis

away with it; for when matters have stuck long in balancing, the winning of some one man casteth Notes
them, and he getteth all the thanks. The even carriage between two factions, proceedeth not
always of moderation, but of a trueness to a man’s self, with end to make use of both. Certainly in
Italy, they hold it a little suspect in popes, when they have often in their mouth Padre commune:
and take it to be a sign of one, that meaneth to refer all to the greatness of his own house. Kings
had need beware, how they side themselves, and make themselves as of a faction or party; for
leagues within the state, are ever pernicious to monarchies: for they raise an obligation, paramount
to obligation of sovereignty, and make the king tanquam unus ex nobis; as was to be seen in the
League of France. When factions are carried too high and too violently, it is a sign of weakness in
princes; and much to the prejudice, both of their authority and business. The motions of factions
under kings ought to be, like the motions (as the astronomers speak) of the inferior orbs, which
may have their proper motions, but yet still are quietly carried, by the higher motion of primum
mobile.

Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find
talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider.

He that is only real, had need have exceeding great parts of virtue; as the stone had need to be rich,
that is set without foil. But if a man mark it well, it is, in praise and commendation of men, as it
is in gettings and gains: for the proverb is true, That light gains make heavy purses; for light gains
come thick, whereas great, come but now and then. So it is true, that small matters win great
commendation, because they are continually in use and in note: whereas the occasion of any great
virtue, cometh but on festivals. Therefore it doth much add to a man’s reputation, and is (as Queen
Isabella said) like perpetual letters commendatory, to have good forms. To attain them, it almost
sufficeth not to despise them; for so shall a man observe them in others; and let him trust himself
with the rest. For if he labor too much to express them, he shall lose their grace; which is to be
natural and unaffected. Some men’s behavior is like a verse, wherein every syllable is measured;
how can a man comprehend great matters, that breaketh his mind too much, to small observations?
Not to use ceremonies at all, is to teach others not to use them again; and so diminisheth respect
to himself; especially they be not to be omitted, to strangers and formal natures; but the dwelling
upon them, and exalting them above the moon, is not only tedious, but doth diminish the faith
and credit of him that speaks. And certainly, there is a kind of conveying, of effectual and imprinting
passages amongst compliments, which is of singular use, if a man can hit upon it. Amongst a
man’s peers, a man shall be sure of familiarity; and therefore it is good, a little to keep state.
Amongst a man’s inferiors one shall be sure of reverence; and therefore it is good, a little to be
familiar. He that is too much in anything, so that he giveth another occasion of satiety, maketh
himself cheap. To apply one’s self to others, is good; so it be with demonstration, that a man doth
it upon regard, and not upon facility. It is a good precept generally, in seconding another, yet to
add somewhat of one’s own: as if you will grant his opinion, let it be with some distinction; if you
will follow his motion, let it be with condition; if you allow his counsel, let it be with alleging
further reason. Men had need beware, how they be too perfect in compliments; for be they never
so sufficient otherwise, their enviers will be sure to give them that attribute, to the disadvantage
of their greater virtues. It is loss also in business, to be too full of respects, or to be curious, in
observing times and opportunities. Solomon saith, He that considereth the wind, shall not sow,
and he that looketh to the clouds, shall not reap. A wise man will make more opportunities, than
he finds. Men’s behavior should be, like their apparel, not too strait or point device, but free for
exercise or motion.

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