ensueth that ill intelligence[1] that we many times see between great personages. Likewise glorious[2] followers, who make themselves as trumpets of the commendation of those they follow, are full of inconvenience; for they taint business through want of secrecy; and they export honour from a man, and make him a return in envy. There is a kind of followers likewise which are dangerous, being indeed espials; which inquire the secrets of the house, and bear tales of them to others. Yet such men, many times, are in great favour; for they are officious,[3] and commonly exchange tales. The following by certain estates[4] of men, answerable to that which a great person himself professeth, (as of soldiers to him that hath been employed in the wars, and the like,) hath ever been a thing civil,[5] and well taken even in monarchies; so it be without too much pomp or popularity.[6] But the most honorable kind of following is to be followed as one that apprehendeth[7] to advance virtue and desert in all sorts of persons. And yet, where there is no eminent odds in sufficiency, it is better to take with the more passable, than with the more able. And besides, to speak truth, in base times active
- ↑ Intelligence. A relation or footing between persons or parties; a good (or other) understanding 'between' or 'with.'
- ↑ Glorious. Boastful; vainglorious.
- ↑ Officious. Active er zealous in doing one's duty; dutiful; useful.
"Come, come, be every one officious
To make this banquet."
Shakspere. Titus Andronicus. v. 2.
- ↑ Estates of men. Order of men.
- ↑ Civil. Decorous; proper.
- ↑ Popularity. Active in sense, a desire to obtain favor with the people.
- ↑ Apprehend. To anticipate; to expect.
