but the same holdeth in private factions. And therefore those that are seconds in factions do many times, when the faction subdivideth, prove principals; but many times also they prove cyphers and cashiered;[1] for many a man's strength is in opposition; and when that faileth he groweth out of use. It is commonly seen that men once placed take in with the contrary faction to that by which they enter: thinking belike[2] that they have the first sure, and now are ready for a new purchase. The traitor in faction lightly goeth away with it; for when matters have stuck long in balancing, the winning of some one man casteth them, and he getteth all the thanks. The even carriage between two factions proceedeth not always of moderation, but of a trueness to a man's self, with end to make use of both. Certainly in Italy they hold it a little suspect[3] in popes, when they have often in their mouth Padre commune:[4] and take it to be a sign of one that meaneth to refer all to the greatness of his own house. Kings had need beware how they side[5] themselves, and make themselves as of a faction or party; for leagues within the state are ever pernicious to monarchies: for they raise an obligation
- ↑ Cashiered. To be 'cashiered,' discarded, deposed, that is, of no account, "cyphers."
- ↑ Belike. 'By what is likely,' that is, not unlikely; possibly.
"Things that I know not of belike to thee are dear."
Wordsworth. The Pet Lamb. Line 51.
- ↑ Suspect. Suspicious.
"Suspecious was the diffame of this man,
Suspect his face, suspect his word also."
Chaucer. The Clerk's Tale. ll. 540–541.
- ↑ Common Father.
- ↑ Side. To take or choose a side.
