Use all due adroitness and knowledge of human nature, and
necessary firmness and majesty, in managing it; keep unruly and
mischievous people in their place, but do not be too anxious to
meddle--"let nature work;" and above all, though of course you want
money from it, do not let that appear as the chief or real cause of
calling it. Take the lead in legislation. Be ready with some interesting
or imposing points of reform, or policy, about which you ask your
Parliament to take counsel with you. Take care to "frame and have ready
some commonwealth bills, that may add respect to the King's government
and acknowledgment of his care; not _wooing_ bills to make the King and
his graces cheap, but good matter to set the Parliament on work, that an
empty stomach do not feed on humour." So from the first had Bacon always
thought; so he thought when he watched, as a spectator, James's blunders
with his first Parliament of 1604; so had he earnestly counselled James,
when admitted to his confidence, as to the Parliaments of 1614 and 1615;
so again, but in vain, as Chancellor, he advised him to meet the
Parliament of 1620.
Pages:
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208