adust,[1] and thereby malign and venomous. So ambitious men, if they find the way open for their rising, and still get forward, they are rather busy than dangerous; but if they be cheeked in their desires, they become secretly discontent,[2] and look upon men, and matters with an evil eye, and are best pleased when things go backward; which is the worst property in a servant of a prince or state. Therefore it is good for princes, if they use ambitious men, to handle it so as they be still progressive and not retrograde; which because it cannot be without inconvenience, it is good not to use such natures at all. For if they rise not with their service, they will take order[3] to make their service fall with them. But since we have said it were good not to use men of ambitious natures, except it be upon necessity, it is fit we speak in what cases they are of necessity. Good commanders in the wars must be taken, be they never so ambitious; for the use of their service dispenseth[4] with the rest; and to take a soldier without ambition is to pull off his spurs. There is also great use of ambitious men in being screens to princes in matters of danger and envy; for no man
- ↑ Adust. Parched; fiery.
"High in front advanc't,
The brandisht sword of God before them blaz'd
Fierce as a comet; which with torrid heat,
And vapour as the Libyan air adust,
Began to parch that temperate clime."
Milton. Paradise Lost. XII. 632–636.
- ↑ Discontent. Discontented.
- ↑ Take order. To take measures or steps; to make arrangements.
"Now will we take some order in the town,
Placing therein some expert officers."
Shakspere. I. King Henry VI. iii. 2.
- ↑ Dispense with. To excuse.
