they speak in haste or be extemporal. It therefore behoves the
giver of counsel to be circumspect; especially to beware of those
with whom he is not thoroughly acquainted, lest any spice of
rashness, folly, or self-love appear, which will be marked by new
persons and men of experience in affairs.

Modestia.--Parrhesia.--And to the prince, or his superior, to behave
himself modestly and with respect. Yet free from flattery or
empire. Not with insolence or precept; but as the prince were
already furnished with the parts he should have, especially in
affairs of state. For in other things they will more easily suffer
themselves to be taught or reprehended: they will not willingly
contend, but hear, with Alexander, the answer the musician gave him:
Absit, o rex, ut tu melius haec scias, quam ego. {17b}

Perspicuitas.--Elegantia.--A man should so deliver himself to the
nature of the subject whereof he speaks, that his hearer may take
knowledge of his discipline with some delight; and so apparel fair
and good matter, that the studious of elegancy be not defrauded;
redeem arts from their rough and braky seats, where they lay hid and
overgrown with thorns, to a pure, open, and flowery light, where
they may take the eye and be taken by the hand.

Natura non effaeta.--I cannot think Nature is so spent and decayed
that she can bring forth nothing worth her former years. She is
always the same, like herself; and when she collects her strength is
abler still. Men are decayed, and studies: she is not.

Non nimium credendum antiquitati.--I know nothing can conduce more
to letters than to examine the writings of the ancients, and not to