[235] The wicked Rehoboam, from whom the ten tribes of Israel revolted, and elected Jeroboam their king.—See 1 _Kings_ xii. [236] Hesiod, Theog. 886. [237] The political world has not been convinced of the truth of this doctrine of Lord Bacon; as cabinet councils are now held probably by every sovereign in Europe. [238] “I am full of outlets.”—_Ter. Eun._ I. ii. 25. [239] That is, without a complicated machinery of government. [240] Master of the Rolls and Privy Councillor under Henry VI., to whose cause he faithfully adhered. Edward IV. promoted him to the See of Ely, and made him Lord Chancellor. He was elevated to the See of Canterbury by Henry VII., and in 1493 received the Cardinal’s hat. [241] Privy Councillor and Keeper of the Privy Seal to Henry VII., and, after enjoying several bishoprics in succession, translated to the See of Winchester. He was an able statesman, and highly valued by Henry VII. On the accession of Henry VIII. his political influence was counteracted by Wolsey; on which he retired to his diocese, and devoted the rest of his life to acts of piety and munificence. [242] Before mentioned, relative to Jupiter and Metis. [243] Remedied. [244] “He shall not find faith upon the earth.” Lord Bacon probably alludes to the words of our Saviour, St. Luke xviii. 8: “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith upon the earth?” [245] He means to say, that this remark was only applicable to a particular time, namely, the coming of Christ. The period of the destruction of Jerusalem was probably referred to. [246] “’Tis the especial virtue of a prince to know his own men.” [247] In his disposition, or inclination. [248] Liable to opposition from. [249] “According to classes,” or, as we vulgarly say, “in the lump.” Lord Bacon means that princes are not, as a matter of course, to take counsellors merely on the presumption of talent, from their rank and station; but that, on the contrary, they are to select such as are tried men, and with regard to whom there can be no mistake. [250] “The best counsellors are the dead.” [251] “Are afraid” to open their mouths. [252] “Night-time for counsel.”—ἐν νυκτὶ βουλή. _Gaisf. Par. Gr._ B. 359. [253] On the accession of James the Sixth of Scotland to the throne of England in 1603. [254] A phrase much in use with the Romans, signifying, “to attend to the business in hand.” [255] A tribunitial or declamatory manner. [256] “I’ll follow the bent of your humor.” [257] The Sibyl alluded to here is the Cumæan, the most celebrated, who offered the Sibylline Books for sale to Tarquin the Proud.