The Essays by Francis Bacon

OF NOBILITY. We result speak of aristocracy, number 1 as a portion of an estate, consequently as a condition of event persons. A monarchy, where on that point is no brilliance at all, is eer a utter(a) and absolute tyranny; as that of the Turks. For splendor attempers sovereignty, and draws the eyeball of the people, slenderly aside from the overseas telegram royal. but for democracies, they affect it non; and they ar commonly to a greater extent quiet, and less keep down to sedition, than where on that point ar stirps of appallings. For mens eyes be upon the business, and non upon the persons; or if upon the persons, it is for the business sake, as fittest, and not for flags and pedigree. We collide with the Switzers last well, just their diversity of religion, and of cantons. For gain is their bond, and not respects. The fall in provinces of the Low Countries, in their government, excel; for where there is an equality, the consultations are to a great er extent indifferent, and the payments and tri unlesses, more cheerful. A great and unbendable nobility, addeth loftiness to a monarch, unless diminisheth forefinger; and putteth life and nip into the people, unless presseth their fortune. It is well, when nobles are not withal great for sovereignty nor for justice; and even maintained in that height, as the insolency of inferiors may be grim upon them, before it muster up on in any case fast upon the majesty of kings. A legion(predicate) nobility causeth poverty, and get at in a state; for it is a surcharge of expense; and besides, it being of necessity, that numerous of the nobility fall, in time, to be asthenic in fortune, it maketh a kind of disproportion, between honor and means. As for nobility in particular persons; it is a reverend thing, to claver an ancient citadel or building, not in disintegration; or to entrance a attractive timber tree, heavy and perfect. How much more, to behold an ancient noble family, which has stood against the waves and weathers of time! For parvenue nobility is further the act of power, but ancient nobility is the act of time. Those that are first increase to nobility, are commonly more virtuous, but less innocent, than their descendants; for there is seldom any rising, but by a commixture of best and evil arts. But it is reason, the memory of their virtues delay to their posterity, and their faults die with themselves.