Let us now speak of the inconveniences of counsel, and of the remedies. The inconveniences that have been noted in calling and using counsel, are three. First, the revealing of affairs, whereby they become less secret. Secondly, the weakening of the authority of princes, as if they were less of themselves. Thirdly, the danger of being unfaithfully counselled, and more for the good of them that counsel than of him that is counselled. For which in conveniences, the doctrine of Italy, the practice of France, in some kings' times, hath introduced cabinet counsels; a remedy worse than the disease.
As to secrecy; princes are not bound to communicate all matters with all counsellors; but may extract and select. Neither is it necessary that he that consulteth what he should do, should declare what he will do. But let princes beware that the unsecreting[1] of their affairs comes not from themselves. And as for cabinet counsels, it may be their motto, plenus rimarum sum:[2] one futile[3] person that maketh it his glory to tell, will do more hurt than many that know it their duty to conceal. It is true there be some affairs which require extreme secrecy, which will hardly go beyond one or two persons besides the king: neither are those counsels unprosperous; for, besides the secrecy, they commonly go on constantly in one spirit of direction, without distraction. But
- ↑ Unsecreting. Disclosing.
- ↑ I am full of chinks; that is, I can keep nothing to myself. Terence. Eunuchus. I. ii. 25.
- ↑ Futile. Untrustworthy, of no weight. From the use of this word in the same connection in the Essay, Of Simulation and Dissimulation, it would appear that 'talkative' was the ordinary meaning of 'futile' to Bacon.
