Page:Characteristicks of men, manners, opinions, times Vol 1.djvu/224

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ADVICE to an Author.

PART II.

SECT. I.

As usual as it is with Mankind to act absolutely by Will and Pleasure, without regard to Counsel, or the rigid Method of Rule and Precept; it must be acknowledg'd nevertheless, that the good and laudable Custom of asking Advice, is still upheld, and kept in fashion, as a matter of fair Repute, and honourable Appearance: Insomuch that even Monarchs, and absolute Princes themselves, disdain not, we see, to make profession of the Practice.

'Tis, I presume, on this account, that the Royal Persons are pleas'd, on publick Occasions, to make use of the noted Style of WE and US. Not that they are suppos'd to have any Converse with Themselves, as being endow'd with the Privilege of becoming Plural, and enlarging their Capacity, in the manner above describ'd. Single and absolute Persons in Government,

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