Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/189

 Rh To be willing to Hear out any Proposal relating to Publick Advantage. To overlook no Bodies Merit, or Misbehaviour. To understand the Critical Seasons, and Circumstances for Rigour, or Remissness; when 'twas proper to take up, and when to slacken the Reins of Government. To have no He-Sweet-Hearts, and Boy-Favourites : Not to stand upon Points of State and Prerogative; but to leave his Nobility at perfect Liberty in their Visits, and Attendance : And when he was upon his Progress, no Man lost his Favour for not being at leisure to follow the Court. To debate matters nicely, and throughly at the Council-Board, and then to stand by what was Resolv'd on. To be constant to a Friend, without Tiring, or Fondness. To be always satisfied and chearful : To reach forward into the Future, and manage accordingly. Not to neglect the least Concerns, but all without Hurry, or being Embarrass'd. Farther, By observing his Methods and Administration, I had the opportunity of Learning, how much it was the part of a Prince to check the Excesses of Panegyrick, and Flattery. To have his Magazines and Exchequer well furnish'd. To be Frugal in his Favours and Expences, without minding being Lampoon'd for his pains. Not to Worship the Gods to Superstition, Rh