i6            OF FOLLOWERS AND FRIENDS.

so it be with demonstration that a man does it upon
regard^ and not upon facility. It is a good precept
generally in seconding another, yet to add somewhat
of his own ; if you grant his opinion, let it be with
some distinction ; if you will follow his motion, let
it be with condition ; if you allow his counsel, let it
be with alleging farther reason.
 

IV,
 

OF FOLLOWERS AND FRLENDS.

Costly followers are not to be liked, least while a
man maketh his train longer he maketh his wings
shorter. I reckon to be costly not them alone which
charge the purse, but which are wearisome and im¬
portunate in suits. Ordinary followers ought to
challenge no higher conditions than countenance,
recommendation, and protection from wrong. Fac¬
tious followers are worse to be liked which follow
not upon  affection  to  him with whom   they range