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not perhaps, under the guise of friendship, usurp
the place of honest men. Let him observe those
near him and his servants, that they may not, on
account of their approaching him, oppress others.
He ought to be on his guard against the flattering-
tongued liars, who in the garb of friendship act the
part of real enemies, as disorders are occasioned by
their agency. Great personages, on account of
abundant occupations, have little, but these male-
factors have a great deal of leisure; therefore, from
all sides and quarters, precautions against the latter
are required. To cut short all prolixity, a gover-
nor ought to find men worthy of confidence, and
pay the greatest attention to the promotion of know-
ledge and industry, so that men of talent may not
fall off from their high station among men. He
ought besides to favor the good education of the old
families of the royal court.

The warlike requisites and arms of the soldiers
are by no means to be neglected. Further, the
expenses must always be less than the revenues:
this last is of the most essential concern, for it is
said: Whoever spends more than he receives is
a blockhead; he who equals his expense and in-
come is to be accounted neither wise nor stupid;
but he lays no foundation of any establishment;
he is always subject to service, expecting favor,
and dependant upon promises. A commander is