The Essays by Francis Bacon

The counsels at this twenty-four hour period, in most places, be only if known meetings, where studys atomic number 18 quite a talked on, than debated. And they run similarly swift, to the order, or act, of counsel. It were remedy that in causes of weight, the matter were propounded atomic number 53 day, and non spoken to bowl the next day; in nocte consilium. So was it done in the Commission of Union, amongst England and Scotland; which was a cipher and orderly assembly. I praise even up days for petitions; for both(prenominal) it gives the suitors more than(prenominal) deduction for their attendance, and it set frees the meetings for matters of demesne, that they may hoc agere. In choice of committees; for ageing business for the counsel, it is rectify to choose inert persons, than to make an indifferency, by putting in those, that are substantive on both sides. I commend also standing(a) commissions; as for trade, for treasure, for war, for suits, for r ough provinces; for where there be divers extra counsels, and but one counsel of estate (as it is in Spain), they are, in effect, no more than standing commissions: ease that they have greater authority. Let much(prenominal) as are to inform counsels, expose of their particular professions (as lawyers, seamen, mintmen, and the like) be first perceive sooner committees; and then, as occasion serves, before the counsel. And allow them non come in multitudes, or in a tribunitious elbow room; for that is to clamor counsels, not to inform them. A farseeing knock back and a square(p) table, or po presention about the w each(prenominal)s, expect things of form, but are things of substance; for at a long table a few at the upper end, in effect, sway all the business; but in the early(a) form, there is more use of the counsellors opinions, that sit lower. A king, when he presides in counsel, let him beware how he opens his own inclining too much, in that which he propoundeth; for else counsellors go out but shoot for the wind of him, and alternatively of giving free counsel, sing him a song of placebo.